Being Saturday morning and with an
active week behind them, it was an occasion for a bit of a lie –in. Breakfast at
8.30. Everything moves early in Shillong starting at sunrise around 5 a.m. It
had been a cold night again but
not frosty.
Today was a day to recharge and take a
trip into the rural area above and beyond Shillong. Left at 9.30 accompanied by
some of the teachers and Br Steve. Sam’s tummy had been a bit unstable and
discretion dictated he undertakes a less demanding day.
The bus left at 9.30 and we headed off with some of the teachers.
After minutes of slow driving out of Shillong we came to the gate of the Indian
Army base, presented our passports and were allowed to continue on to Shillong
Peak. Here at the viewing point (1000 feet higher than Shillong itself) we had a
beautiful view and succeeded in picking out the roofs of St Edmunds and of
Providence far below.
We donned full Khasi festival gear
and availed of the full freedom to take photos. Little commercialisation at the
Peak. Each part of the dress is of significance, is very expensive and is left
with the family on death. The conker-like necklace is of gold and silver (ours
were mere imitations). Also a few local stores offered Khasi souvenirs at non-commercial prices. With the warm morning sunshine there was no big rush to move on.
We moved further on enjoying and soaking
in the local scene – agricultural, landscape and social. A short stop at the
local farmers market where the teachers picked up produce. Another brought us to
the beautiful picnic site of Khrdemkulia. Our final approach to the spot was
along a rough road by the river bed. He spot was more crowded than the teachers
expected. It was indeed a beautiful spot. We all headed off in different
directions to explore the locality – potato ridges, some small farm holdings,
original roads and a countryside without definite bounbaries. We picnicked down
by the stream’s edge before departing.
Our final stop was at Elephant
Falls, one of the many waterfalls in this part of India known as the ‘Scotland
of the East’. In places it reminded one of Kerry or Wicklow. The third fall
here provided a photo opportunity for the group. Only
20 km back to Providence but we ran into a traffic snarl-up on the edge
of the city and moved scarcely a mile in 40 minutes.
We arrived home at 4.45 suitably
refreshed. A beautiful and refreshing trip into the hinterland...all part of the
experience.
Before dinner tonight we met for some
Project business. An eventful day and enjoyed by all.
active week behind them, it was an occasion for a bit of a lie –in. Breakfast at
8.30. Everything moves early in Shillong starting at sunrise around 5 a.m. It
had been a cold night again but
not frosty.
Today was a day to recharge and take a
trip into the rural area above and beyond Shillong. Left at 9.30 accompanied by
some of the teachers and Br Steve. Sam’s tummy had been a bit unstable and
discretion dictated he undertakes a less demanding day.
The bus left at 9.30 and we headed off with some of the teachers.
After minutes of slow driving out of Shillong we came to the gate of the Indian
Army base, presented our passports and were allowed to continue on to Shillong
Peak. Here at the viewing point (1000 feet higher than Shillong itself) we had a
beautiful view and succeeded in picking out the roofs of St Edmunds and of
Providence far below.
We donned full Khasi festival gear
and availed of the full freedom to take photos. Little commercialisation at the
Peak. Each part of the dress is of significance, is very expensive and is left
with the family on death. The conker-like necklace is of gold and silver (ours
were mere imitations). Also a few local stores offered Khasi souvenirs at non-commercial prices. With the warm morning sunshine there was no big rush to move on.
We moved further on enjoying and soaking
in the local scene – agricultural, landscape and social. A short stop at the
local farmers market where the teachers picked up produce. Another brought us to
the beautiful picnic site of Khrdemkulia. Our final approach to the spot was
along a rough road by the river bed. He spot was more crowded than the teachers
expected. It was indeed a beautiful spot. We all headed off in different
directions to explore the locality – potato ridges, some small farm holdings,
original roads and a countryside without definite bounbaries. We picnicked down
by the stream’s edge before departing.
Our final stop was at Elephant
Falls, one of the many waterfalls in this part of India known as the ‘Scotland
of the East’. In places it reminded one of Kerry or Wicklow. The third fall
here provided a photo opportunity for the group. Only
20 km back to Providence but we ran into a traffic snarl-up on the edge
of the city and moved scarcely a mile in 40 minutes.
We arrived home at 4.45 suitably
refreshed. A beautiful and refreshing trip into the hinterland...all part of the
experience.
Before dinner tonight we met for some
Project business. An eventful day and enjoyed by all.
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