TO THE HILLS !!!!!!

OK. I started well on this blog but India has bombarded me with so much, that the brain has needed time to digest and regurgitate. So, I talked of my time at Baby Sarah's Orphanage in Pondicherry. I can't stress enough how lucky I feel to have been a small cog in this place. I am the first to admit that I enjoy the attention of others, a deep seated need in me to feel loved. In all of us no doubt but sometimes this need gets in the way of me living honestly. And that is what I experienced at Baby Sarah's Home, pure beautiful honesty. Yes I was sort of adored every time I walked into the building but I was also confronted with the worst hygiene I had ever seen and the thought to leave was at times strong. But the place was alive with laughter and the family of children just so happy to be in a safe place, with good food, shelter and a little love. And this is where I felt so at home. To give myself fully to these children was a great gift, not from me but from them because their longing to be touched, held, interacted with allowed me to loose myself and my needs and what a bloody joy that was !!!

Kai and I spent 3 weeks here, our duties, playing in the playground [we are ace swing pushers!], planting plants [replanting plants !], comforting the bed ridden, helping at times in the toiletry department, teaching them songs and a little bit of English. I could go on about this place. These children were remarkable. Especially the handicapped ones, many of them helping to keep the place running and doing such a brilliant job, from working in the kitchen and handing out medicines and always smiling. That is what really made me stop and think. These children were so strong. They had nothing yet seemed to be so happy. I know it is because they felt safe, safe from their past. Maybe it will haunt them in the future but for now there is some peace. If you could see their smiles, their longing to be held. Such a cruel fucking world that not every single one of those kids has a loving, nurturing mum and dad to tuck them up in bed and tell them how special they are. I really miss them. And of course I really want to make you laugh and talk about all the poo and pee stories but I just can't. That's my dark side and need to shock !! It would demean these beautiful, intelligent, kind spirited kids.

I made friends with a wonderful boy called Andaraj and if things were different I would adopt him in a heartbeat. He was the lad who had learnt how to administer medicines and treat the infections. He is only 14 and wants to be a doctor. He is physically disabled and as bright as a button. He's the man and I hope to be in his life for a long time.

Kai and I struggled at times but we both agreed that it was a major highlight of our trip. You could catch us after lunch, standing under a palm tree, looking slightly exhausted, smoking a fag but you would see in our eyes real contentment. We were known as Uncle and it was an honor to be so.

Karthi is the young man who runs the home and all I can say is that he is a legend. He grew up as an Orphan in the home, was bright and probably could have chosen any number of careers but he chose to stay with his extended family. There was no choice for him, his path was set and he has overseen the home grow from strength to strength. I have much respect for this man.

I must spend a little time talking of IVC, the organization that placed Kai and me. It is run by Mr. Arasu and his team, most of which wouldn't be out of place in a miss India competition. Sophia, who was to look after us was just stunning. I kid you not when I say that every single time we walked from the IVC home to catch a rickshaw, mens jaws would drop, work would come to a halt and every man would turn and stare. Sofia wouldn't bat an eyelid, clearly used to this mass adoration. Was atruly remarkable sight. I am surprised she wasn't considered a health risk and banished. Hate to think about all those broken hearts. Anyway, Kai and I stayed with the other volunteers and were introduced to Andrea, a lovely gal of 19 who had already been working in SA. She and I began to work closely at the remedial school on a play that was to be presented later in the month. The house was a lot of fun to be in. The days were hard but we would find ourselves most evenings hunting down the many recommended restaurants that are scattered across Pondicherry. Andrea mentioned the restaurant 'Hot and Cold'. We went, I ate chicken tikka masala and I got very sick. I mean very sick. Yes I am a man and we don't do sick well but you have to believe me when I tell you it was bad. Puking and the toilet stuff, no problem but the bloody muscle aches and spasms...good grief! Boy was I happy when that was over. So, not much else to tell about the house except we met a lot of lovely people and were very well looked after. There was even some love in the air, sadly none for me.