After a late breakfast on Saturday, our two guides (former
students of St Mary’s) took us by auto-rickshaw to the banks of the river
(Hoogley) and then a ferry down to Howrah and its gigantic bridge. The size and
crowds along and around the 15 platforms in Howrah rail station were amazing.
Then through the flower market and walked over Howrah Bridge – crowds
everywhere and many carrying large heavy loads on their heads. Took the local
bus (transport of the poor) to the city centre and Newmarket – Rs60 (1 Euro)
for the 10 of us. A quick lunch and then a Metro to the Home for the Dying
Destitute in Kalighat where we donated some medical equipment. Jim Maginnis
brought us to meet some of the patients (100). Most have no family connections
and were found alone dying/very ill on the streets or in the railway stations.
A moving visit. Darkness falling rapidly as we made our way through the rain
back to St Mary’s. The Kolkata experience is a shock to the system and provided
a foundation for our stint of work in Providence.
students of St Mary’s) took us by auto-rickshaw to the banks of the river
(Hoogley) and then a ferry down to Howrah and its gigantic bridge. The size and
crowds along and around the 15 platforms in Howrah rail station were amazing.
Then through the flower market and walked over Howrah Bridge – crowds
everywhere and many carrying large heavy loads on their heads. Took the local
bus (transport of the poor) to the city centre and Newmarket – Rs60 (1 Euro)
for the 10 of us. A quick lunch and then a Metro to the Home for the Dying
Destitute in Kalighat where we donated some medical equipment. Jim Maginnis
brought us to meet some of the patients (100). Most have no family connections
and were found alone dying/very ill on the streets or in the railway stations.
A moving visit. Darkness falling rapidly as we made our way through the rain
back to St Mary’s. The Kolkata experience is a shock to the system and provided
a foundation for our stint of work in Providence.
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