The adventures of Charlie 2

An update from Charlie 2 by Anna and Alex

We are staying in the rural village, Netikal Hundi. First arriving we were blown away by how basic everything was; the doorways to the houses came up to our hips and the children’s playground consisted of one small concrete slide.

Above: Freddie using the slide as a place for tooth brushing (photo from Bianca)
Each morning the village awakes to the sound of the cockerel crowing at 5am, and the villagers slowly amble to the centre to collect their water for the day from the one communal pump. Yet despite how basic and challenging their lives seem to us, the locals are some of the happiest people we have ever met. They have been so incredibly welcoming and the children shriek with glee at the sight of a camera, running up to us with garlands of pink roses to wrap in our hair as we pose.
Above: Leti with the locals (photo from Nick)

In the evening we have been invited into their homes for tea and have been dressed up in beautiful saris and bangles. This has even inspired some of the guys to buy the local traditional clothing for men, lunghi’s, which due to their apparent comfort, they can’t seem to take off!
After a hard days digging in the field (our target is to dig 55 cubic metre holes to plant mango and amla trees in) we usually all rush to the shower, which has been an interesting experience; Mark said we would become close but we never expected seven girls to bond over showering in a tiny, dark, ant-infested room together! After this we settle down to play with the children and relax until dinner is ready.

Above: the teams digging

Besides digging, which whilst being extremely rewarding, has also been very tiring (so much that we eagerly await ‘fun time snack time with sexy lexi, anna bandana and dairylea marie!’), we have been painting the community centre in which we are staying, as it is to become an extension of the school next door.

But it has not been all work and no play. We were excited to discover a reservoir tucked between fields of vivid sunflowers and marigolds, in which the local women wash their clothes.

Above: a quick swim (photos by Amina and Bianca)

Above: a frolic in marigolds by Anna

A few days ago we took the afternoon off work and raced down to cool off in the water. It was so much fun to splash around and attempt to swim against the fast flowing current (though to no avail). It did not help that us girls were weighed down by having to wear shorts and t-shorts over our swimming costumes due to the Indian culture!

We have also ventured further afield on our days off, to the local town of Sargur, Bandipur national park and a Tibetan golden temple.

We are now coming to the end of our project and can't wait for the inaugeration ceremony but at the same time don't want to leave what has now become our home.