View from a Habitat Team Leader: Kanyakumari Day 9 to the end

View from a Habitat Team Leader: Kanyakumari Day 9 to the end: Day 9 Sunday Well that was an experience. Some of the group left the hotel after breakfast and headed for town on a walk about. Lead b...

Kanyakumari Day 9 to the end

Day 9 Sunday

Well that was an experience. Some of the group left the hotel after breakfast and headed for town on a walk about. Lead by their intrepid leader. It wasn't too long before we found the market. Unbelievable. The people the atmosphere, the beggars, the culture, again I am lost for words. I must admit I felt a bit like a teacher keeping his kids in line but it was so good. Just to be in the same place as all those wonderful people. We were a source of amusement for the locals, (white man in the jungle syndrome) they smiled at us  and laughed with us. We were welcomed.

After lunch at the hotel we boarded the bus for an R&R trip, that is except Geoffrey as he was not feeling to good (again) to Kanyakumari. First the boat ride accros to the island. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial (look it up if you are interested, it's worth it). 2000 people were on the rock when the tsunami hit. Standing there you could not, not feel for those who did not survive. Looking back at the coast you can imagine the devastation that must have taken place.  The wind farm survived, (the biggest in Asia) but 3500 homes have been rebuilt and renovated and repaired with the help of Habitat since that fateful day. 

From the rock to the next rock "Tiruvalluvar rock" a monument (not religious) to a poet. 1330 quotes consisting of 7 words each built on a 4 & 3 format around a 10 format piece equals 130 pieces and his monument is 130 ft high. Anal but I like statistics and figures.

We left the rock and visited "Bay Watch" no not Pamela Anderson and whoever  Haselhof. This was a little odd I thought, for an R&R visit. But this is Indian culture we are visiting.

It is an amusement park, of sorts. Wax works with 6 pieces, Ghandie and Mother Theresa of course. Then an aerial ride in a rusty thing running on a rustier rail about 15 ft off the ground.  H&S nightmare but I figured today was not the day for it to collapse. The Irish girls screamed at every opportunity. It was moving at a speed of at least 5 mph max. 2 at best. Then bumpy cars (bumper cars in UK) Why I asked do the locals find this fun, they drive on the road like that.  The team where having fun that's the main thing. 

Then it was off to see the sun set. Well that would have been good if the cloud cover had dispersed. But just to stand there where so many people had lost their lives to the tsunami. Watching the sun fade behind the cloud was so moving. The team seemed to separate and stand by themselves with their own thoughts, it was quite moving. The cool breeze and the smell of the ocean, the strange evening light made it so magical.

Following the walk back to the bus we headed for the Sea View hotel for dinner. I had arranged with Titus that we would provide a set meal again as it had worked well previously. Inadvertently he had said they could choose their own main dish. Wrong move. We arrived at the hotel and I had asked if we could eat outside. Tables were already set up overlooking the bay and the monument out on the rock. A stunning view point. The evening started well. Orders placed, and meals started to arrive and be served to the correct people, great I thought this is proving me wrong for once. Then it started to rain. We moved inside to a basement room quite large with just our tables in the centre. A bit like a wedding reception with only 9 guests. Meals stopped arriving, food was cold, the girls meals had to be re ordered and I gave up on mine. The noodles on my plate had been there for over 45 minutes. I cancelled my main dish. After checking the bill to make certain I only paid for the food delivered We left with me un-fed, but hey, I can hack it, I had lunch, what more do I need. 

On arriving back at our hotel I headed for the bar and the free snacks they serve with every beer. An end to a good day (except for the Sea View Hotel). The team appear to have enjoyed themselves and that is what R&R is all about.

Day 10 Monday.

Home number 2 has come to a standstill as it is waiting for shuttering now being used on house one. This is needed to complete the ring beam. (a concrete and re-bar  structure that goes all around the house and partition walls to secure it all together at lintel height, just above the door to the uninitiated) Smiley dude was happy because I put most of the team on shifting blocks and sand to his house number. 3. Smiley hadn't levelled the ground as I had asked so he got straight on it. The team where a little put out at having to hump blocks again but they did think it good that we where eventually able to start on number 3. This house was destroyed by fire and the villagers and the priest all chipped in to help raise the foundations and Habitat is helping with the build. This family need help, it must be so traumatic to loose everything even if you don't have much to begin with. Whatever you have, it's your life. 

It was cloudy and overcast for the best part of the day but so humid, everyone was soaked. Home number one was up to roof height by the end of the day. My height came in useful again for getting the blocks up to the mason working on the scaffold (laugh at this point, I said scaffold), just wait until you see the pictures.

Back at the hotel I believe the team hit the pool before the bar and I have a team meeting planned for 7:15. So tomorrow is another day and we head there gladly in the knowledge that these home owners are far ahead of schedule, with a little thanks to the hard work this team has put in.

Team meeting went well although I see a split in the group led by 2 members, they want to spend all their time on number 3 site. In fact I think one of them just wants to play with the kids. One member is a great lad but I really don't think he wants to be here. I get the impression it's a father son bonding trip. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be much bonding going on. He just wants to get home and get on with his life. I have had to constrain the enthusiasm of another member with regard to the cultural evening. I thought it was bad when in Sri Lanka. This lot are worse. Don't they know what culture means. I don't think I'm flavour of the month in this regard, look at the face is it bovered?.

Day 11 Tuesday.  

The team have worked really hard today, split between the two sites as per yesterday. House 2 is having the ring beam shuttered so still nothing on that site. Home 1 is having the shuttering put in place for the roof so nothing on that site except moving rock in from the road and sifting sand. All done without a single groan. Home 3 still moving blocks and sand. Rained a lot today and hard with it.

Early day, cut off after afternoon chi. Hotel, quick change and off to a temple for a bit of R&R. Good visit all happy. I now have to write my speech for the orphanage visit, oh joy. Unaccustomed as I am.

Day 12 Wednesday.

Today was a short working day, but it had to be the hardest day yet. Once we started to  put the concrete on the roof, it was continuous. We couldn't stop. The local guys mixed the equivalent of two cement mixer loads at a time by hand using nothing but 2 hoe's. (Indian shovels) There is nothing of these guys but they are so strong. 50kg bags of cement carried on their heads, At least the same weight in sand carried in large buckets made from old rubber tyres, again carried on their heads. 

Once they had mixed the concrete we formed a chain up to the roof and back again. The concrete was shovelled into the wok's (pans) and I passed the first one up to level one, he to level two, and he to the roof. Then along a chain to the guy laying it. The empty wok's came back along a different chain down to the girls who placed them on the ground for the shoveller to fill and me to lift. This was continuous from 10:30 to 2:30 but the roof was completed. The work so far on this house would take two to three weeks, we helped bring it in in one and a half weeks. The team are not surprisingly very pleased with their efforts.

To start with I organised the team with 2 girls loading sacs of stone from the road and one guy barrowing it in. The rest where to form the chain. Right at the point of starting, the first mix about 30 seconds from go, and two members decide to walk off and do their own thing. Quick reshuffle grab the barrow runner and bring him back to the chain and we are away. The two walkoffs did bring the stone from the road but after organising everything they screwed it up. Oh well the job was completed, everyone was totally shattered and the day ended early. We left site just after 3:30.

Back to the hotel, quick wash and change and off to the orphanage collecting Mr John on the way. The orphanage girls sang and danced for us and our team sang and did the hoky coky in return. The kids loved it. I had to make my speech which Titus was to have translated but Mr John hijacked it. I needn't have bothered because his translation bore no resemblance to my speech. This was confirmed latter by Titus. Mr John got off on his rant and used the opportunity to make his statement and make that chip on his shoulder a little bigger. I have told Titus that he must translate my closing speech to the village and home owners. If Mr John does it I will not proceed. That's my statement. For all of the political stuff, the kids were great, the orphanage was clean and the children appeared well looked after. It was not as heart wrenching as I had imagined. I had a real job to get everyone back on the bus, I think we could have stayed there all night. A quick head count to make sure we didn't have any extra's on board and we were off to the hotel for dinner. 

I arranged for this to be served in the restaurant so as to keep the beer content  down, (no alcohol in the restaurant)  this in return kept the noise down and the conversation relatively sensible. No tension in the team tonight, mind you that may be down to everyone being worn out after a very hard day.  I will do the same again on Thursday night.

Day 13 Thursday.

Just for a change it's raining. Stopped by the time we got to site. The daily paper is carrying stories of destruction and disruption to daily life caused by the excessive rain. The cost of bricks has gone up by 5 pairse (less than ½ p ). This is due to flooding of the brick factory. 

Today home 1 is a no go zone as the roof needs to set. Home 2 has 3 people and the rest on home 3. You have it, move stone and timber from the road to site. Again along hard day. I'm not flavour of the month with one team member because I had to reprimand her for her dress sense, totally inappropriate. Finished work a little early ( ½ hour ). Back to the hotel change and take the team out for a last minute shopping trip. Rejesh, Titus, Geoffrey and I went out earlier to by some music DVD's. 6 DVD's cost a knock down after bartering price of 240 iru = £2.  I love this place. 

Back to the hotel, collect the team and head for Top Shop again. I bought some more curry snacks from World Bakery next door. Supermarket and then dropped them of in the jewellery district. (Hatton Garden of Nagercoil). Rajesh, Titus and myself headed back to the hotel.

Dinner was restrained and pleasant as I had organised to have it in the restaurant again. 

Day 14 Friday, Last day.

Arrived on site to continue with home 2 and 3. Same task as yesterday. The team didn't want to come in today, they thought they should have the day off.  It was only a ½ day anyway. 12:30 we returned to the hotel and cleaned up, had lunch and at 15:30 headed back to site for the cultural event. 

The families and villagers were there to greet us with garlands and a dot of sandalwood for the forehead. This was to keep us safe. Loud music, dancing and a couple of speeches from the villagers. I think the older villagers found me quite strange, an old guy tapping his feet to theses great sounds whilst they thought the music was just too loud and only for the youngsters. As with Sri Lanka the old boys where younger than me in some cases.

Fortunately Mr John didn't arrive so my speech didn't get hijacked again. Titus translated and I got a round of applause after every sentence. A loud round of applause when I said that hopefully some of us would return in the future. 

The team did the hoky coky and the villagers laughed, the kids loved it. Lots of picture taking and hand shaking. We finally left and returned for the farewell dinner. Again Mr John did not appear so it was just the team along with Titus and Rajesh and myself. At the end of the meal I thanked the team and they thanked Rahesh and Titus and handed them a token of our thanks. 

I then asked for them to give their thoughts on their experience and whether it had fulfilled their expectations. As I expected there was a split feeling amongst the team. Those who had been on previous trips agreed it had been the hardest trip they had been on, but very worthwhile and satisfying.  (I agree with that statement). For the others I fear they should been somewhere else because they thought we where there to help the poor of the country and felt that the families we helped were not poor enough. How poor do these people have to be I asked. Those on the street begging? Those with no home and no job? Just who do you want to help?

They felt that they wanted to help the children in the orphanage and the beggars. In that case they should not have been on a Habitat trip. I explained that if Habitat just gave money away it wouldn't last for long, perhaps they should just give their money to Oxfam and let them squander it. 

I blame them for not knowing what they were getting into as Habitat is quite open and straight forward about it's policy and the objectives it is striving to achieve. I do feel however that had the applicants for the trip been interviewed before accepting them (as with my previous trips) these people would not have got through.

Member 1. Nice guy trying to bond with his son who really wasn't interested. Found the work load too hard and the climate not to his liking. I also felt that he was a little uneasy not being the leader. Although I found him a good ally at times.

Member 2. A coke head on rehab who doesn't really want to bond with his father and is here under duress. Didn't like the work or the heat but loved the music (as did I). A really nice guy. For some strange reason I got on better with him than any of the others, what does that say about me?

Member 3, What was she here for, Oh yes, herself. 44 years old acting like a petulant 18 year old. Dressed inappropriately on site. Not many women in my opinion can get away with wearing leggings ( I thought they went out of fashion 10 years ago except in Essex, Oh yes and Doncaster) This woman should never have even thought about wearing them. All she wanted to do was hand out gifts and got quite arsy with me because I wouldn't let her. At least she can go home and dine out on the fact that she has been to India and helped the poor. Well not so poor according to her, they had a house. If she could have come to India and stayed in a five star hotel with a well stocked bar and handed out gifts and money to every beggar and child in an orphanage I think she would have been happier. For all of that she did work hard on site, as did everyone.

Member 4. Good worker, great fun (when I could understand her) she thought I was a scaly because of my taste for dance anthems and what she called hard core rave.  Unfortunately she to thought she would be helping poorer people. But she is young so I forgive her. I believe in a few years time she may return, if not to India then another Habitat trip. I must introduce her to the Irish lad from Belfast who was on the Sri Lanka trip, he too is at Belfast Uni and if anyone can convince you of the benefits of working with Habitat, he can.

Member 5.  Another Irish lass who was a great joy to work with and again another that I couldn't understand half the time. She too worked her socks off without complaint. But she also wanted to help poorer people. 

Member 5.  What a guy, 64 but the hardest worker on the team. Not a first timer so no problems with Habitat policy. Got fed up with curry every day. I would have him on my team any day. (and subsequently have)

Member 6. A builder who is going home with a greater knowledge of how building can work without all the power tools and diggers. He worked hard and I believe he enjoyed himself. But again he wanted to help poorer people. (why didn't these people understand, is Habitat GB not giving the right information in their literature?) 

Member 7. Nice guy, a little strange. Business partner of member 6. Got a little stressed at times. Good worker who thought he wanted to help poorer people (do you see the common thread running through this team).  I feel that a seed has been planted by one and they nurtured it throughout the two weeks.

Member 8. Lovely lady, quiet, unassuming, worked hard. Would have her on another team without a doubt. 

Member 9. Apparently wound everyone up with her higher than though attitude. (did I miss something?) I only saw one incident at the table when she spoke in a tone that everyone thought was unnecessary, especially number 6 who replied to it. (bygones). She worked at her pace without complaint and understood exactly why she was there. 

For me the evening ended at 9:30 as Titus and I had to go and sort out accounts. This took until 12:55 then I went back to my room to pack. 

Day 15 Saturday

Up at 04:00 to get everyone on the bus to the airport at 04:30. After or last goodbye to Titus and Rajesh we headed for departures and an uneventful flight home. I saw the last of my team at Heathrow as we said our goodbyes and headed back to our real world. Leaving behind our new found friends and families to continue their lives and complete their houses without those strange white folk who dropped in to touch their lives for such a short time. Hopefully they will remember us fondly.

For me, the people of Vellankodu have touched not only my life, but my heart as well. There are so many people in this world that need our help, and appreciate our help, however small our contribution, however short our time amongst them, I know we have helped them achieve something in their lives that we have always taken for granted in our own. And for that reason I will be back, different area or different country I will be back.

At this point I decided I would not lead another GB team. I approached HFH International again and expressed my feelings about the trip and explained why I wanted to work with them and not GB. Fortunately they understood and the rest as they say "is history". Tomorrow 29th December 2012 I fly to Delhi to lead a team to Rajasthan. My 14th trip and I have lost count now as to how many times I have been back to India. I must also say that one of the GB team who felt the people were not poor enough to help, became a Habitat GB team leader so the seed planted by the other team member did not take root thankfully.

View from a Habitat Team Leader: Kanyakumari Day's 3 to 8

View from a Habitat Team Leader: Kanyakumari Day's 3 to 8: Apologies for the delay in posting this, the next instalment. I have been busy sorting out the next chapter in my dads life. He is moving i...

Kanyakumari Day's 3 to 8

Apologies for the delay in posting this, the next instalment. I have been busy sorting out the next chapter in my dads life. He is moving into a care home as his dementia is getting worse. Also I have been busy getting ready for my next trip to India in a couple of weeks, I'm off to Rajasthan with a 19 strong team of volunteers. 

Day Three Monday.

Hard day today, Started by visiting the 3 homes under construction and meeting the families (home owners). The team is fired up and ready to start. Keep an eye on Mitchel a previous team leader who says he is happy to take a back seat this time, (I'm not so sure).

The whole team are working on one house, Shift and sift sand and transport (carry) concrete blocks from the road to the site. Calculated by steps to be 150 mtrs each way. Lost count of the number of trips I made. Because of the weight of the blocks, we divided the labour with the girls shifting and sifting and the guys hauling blocks. It was a hot, humid and hard day to say the least.

My main man Jim, Jim has worked with me on several more projects since this one and that's not a cigarette, it's a plastic holder he chewed as he was trying to give up smoking. 

Not a good start for the team actually as I would have liked to break them in gently but that was not to be. Plenty of water breaks and  lunch kept them going. The team did a superb job without a single complaint. Mitchell was not looking so good, I kept an eye on him to make sure he didn't over do it. The heat and work load was getting to him. His son is on the team and I wonder if he is trying to impress him, I hope not. Note to myself to keep an eye on him.

The bus journey to and from the site is something to behold. I sat sideways at the front next to the driver. The windscreen was 18" from my left shoulder. The driving condition and roads are appalling. You will just have to see the pictures to appreciate it. Risk assessment nightmare. Apparently last month it became a legal requirement to wear a crash helmet. Out of the hundreds of bikes vying for position on the road, I saw about 2 helmets. I am also told that they buy their licence not take the official test. It shows, I don't think anyone has ever taken a test.

The team were fine over dinner and drinks. Team meeting was OK. They thought the days work was a bit hard for the first day but realised it was work that needed to be done. Not much feedback at this time. I'm sure it will come.

Day 4 Tuesday

I have delegated team leadership to Mitchell for the morning as I have to go to the airport to collect Leslie. Up at 5:30 in reception to meet the taxi at 06:00 after much chasing and excuses it arrived at 06:45. I was told he was filling up with diesel which was a partial excuse for his lateness. When I got in he didn't even know what the job was and then we stopped to fill up with petrol. I told him that we were late and make it fast. He took me to my word, you would think James Bond had leapt into his cab and said airport quick as you can. We got to the airport in time, just, but a great drive, I wish I had had a video pointing out the front of the car.

Collected Leslie and took a slower drive back but no less exciting. Leslie who has never been outside Ireland and the UK sat with her mouth open all the way. Too scared to close her eyes. She is now safely deposited in her room and we shall meet for lunch before heading out to the site. She wants to get stuck in as soon as possible. Brave girl, or is that daft girl?

After lunch I took Leslie to the work site. Work had progressed well in my absence. Blocks had started to be laid at the first house. This perked the team up a bit, they were getting a little despondent with the work load. Throughout the afternoon things went well although I think I was quite tired having been up since 05:30.

At the hotel I had arranged for dinner to be served in a small section of the roof garden. This allowed those who wished to take their beer to the table to do so. This is not allowed in the family restaurant area. Again this pleased the team. I say this because I have a couple of members who I think are not to happy with what they have signed up for, even though one of them has attended a number of previous builds. I feel that the work is too hard for him and am therefore keeping a close eye on him. 

Day 5 Wednesday.

People are happier today because they can see the house coming together. All the hard work is paying off. Health and safety is no problem (yet) but we have had a few blisters to deal with. We have not started on the 3rd house as we are waiting on materials. The number 2 house is close to the road and attracts more attention from the children and the passers by. They have never seen the likes of us before. The woman find it strange that we have female team members working alongside men. Number one house is racing ahead although the work has been long and hard on this one you can really see it taking shape. Whilst I get my hands dirty and sweat as much as everyone else, I am flitting from one place to another to make sure we have enough material in the right place and enough work to keep everyone happy. Not an easy task. 

Titus is my HfH contact. He took over from Mcloud. Unfortunately his English is not that great. But we just about get by even if the first answer is yes followed by no or visa versa. The family of the first house are currently living with the wife's family and have one son.  I love this country, thought I'd just let you know that as it flashed into my head just at this moment. If I could work out here for six months a year I would do it like a shot.

In the evening we went shopping. Well maybe not so much shopping as one stop at a tranclimentarier shop (trinkets and junk for the mantle shelf) and then onto a supermarket. I must say that the "cake world" shop was great. I tasted most of the nibbles for want of a better word. Leaves deep fried in spices (bought some) curry coated cashew nuts (bought some) nuts with something else on them that tasted great (bought some) had to stop then or I would have had the lot.

Titus and I arranged for the team to eat in the restaurant above the supermarket. Whilst the team were shopping we went upstairs and ordered a set meal so that we didn't get the usual ordering problems when you have thirteen people at one table. It worked fairly well, we just kept on ordering replacements as the dishes became empty. The team thought it was great, except one who thought he should have been able to order his own.  I let them order individual sweets. Cock up, I rest my case. The bill was extortionate. 13 meals 3 courses plus extras. £20:00.(thats for the lot, not just one meal, amazing value) Suitably refreshed we headed back to the hotel.

Day 6 Thursday

The day started well, everyone on block laying, pointing and handing up blocks etc. The digging was over for now. Split the team into two between homes one and two. Still not on 3 yet although the home owner is there every hour to see when we are coming.

At lunch one of the team wanted to make a point that he thought the number one family were unappreciative of our attendance, they didn't smile and thought that they may have felt that we were a hindrance instead of a help. Although these guys are going flat out (not very fast by our standards but then this is India) to have the roof on by next Wednesday. That will be some achievement if we can do it. The dissenter was joined by another in complaining. In fact she really got of on one. She thought they were ungrateful and didn't want to go on another HFH trip if this was how we were treated by the home owners. The team from house 2 expressed the complete opposite. No problem, all in a days work. I had a chat with Titus and we then went and spoke to the home owner and the mason. Half an hour later and both dissenters were happy as Larry. Order restored. 

After the afternoon tea break Titus and I went to assess the third site as materials had arrived. Needless to say I will be the bad boy tomorrow when I tell the team that there is more shifting of blocks and sand to be carried out. I have already lined up two willing members so only need to find one more.

I have arranged dinner in the side bar tonight so drinks at the table, that should keep them happy. Team meeting at 7:15 that should be interesting.

As team leader I have not had the interaction with the families as much as I have on previous trips but from the time I have spent with them, They are such lovely people who are desperate to achieve. They are a proud people. The kids love having their picture taken as do the mothers. It really does make you reflect on the life we as westerners make for ourselves.

I don't think I have sweated or ached as much in my life, even digging that hole in Sri Lanka didn't compare to the work, heat and humidity here. But I love it. 

There is an Indian wedding going on in the hotel and the music sounds total Bollywood. Must try to get in and listen if I can.  Rajesh (bus driver) played a Bollywood DVD in the bus yesterday on the way home. I couldn't see it as I was in the front but it sounded great and the team loved it. 

Found that young Geoffrey and I have similar music tastes. Rajesh is going to procure some music dvd's for us. Cant wait, they are so camp it's brilliant.

Latest request from the team is an 05:30 start on Saturday so they can see the sunrise. Also 6 tuc tucs' for a trip around town. I will see what I can do. I'm off for the team meeting and dinner.  More to follow.

Day 7 Friday. 

What can I say, it rained. Everyone was in good spirits and worked through the rain. Needless to say we got soaked. We didn't get to work on smiley dudes place (home 3) as the rain had made it too dangerous to shift material over the distance required. He was not a smiley dude today. Perked up a bit when we said we would be back on Monday. The team split into two with one moving sand across to cover on the second home so that they did not loose it in the rain (expensive stuff, sand) The other half moved timber, blocks and rock down to the first home. Although it was raining we kept on smiling..

After lunch we called it a day and returned to the hotel. Back on the bus at 3:30 to visit the satellite (affiliate as was). We all sat in front of his desk like naughty school children in front of the headmaster. His English was better than Titus but he spoke so loud and fast I had a job to pick up on it all. Got most of it. He was an angry man with a gripe to air. Made a note to speak to Titus on the way back. After the pleasantries and many pictures taken with Mr John front and centre beaming, we headed back to the hotel.

On the way I questioned Titus,  It would appear, to cut a long story short, that Mr John has been demoted from an affiliate to a satellite. He used to arrange all the team visits and R&R. This is now done by the main Habitat office in India and Mr John is a little aggrieved at this, and boy did he let us know. Titus who works for the main office was cringing in his seat, but we had a good laugh about it on the way back. 

The weekend is here and we will be having a bit of R&R. Some are going to see the sun rise if there is one at 5:30 in the morning. I shall pass on that one.

                   

Day 8 Saturday.

I skipped the 05:30 sun rise. Apparently it did rise but with a little cloud cover, not worth the early start was the consensus. Good for people watching apparently there were hundreds there with music blaring. Somehow I wish I had gone just for that. (I love t he music) 

                                     This is what it should have looked like 

10:00am we met in the lobby and headed off in tuc tuc's that I had arranged earlier to the town. A little shopping, one store, not large by English standards, 330 staff. You purchase your item having been served by at least 4 staff and get a ticket, take it to the man over there who records the sale and gives you another ticket, you then take that to the other guy over there. He takes your money and gives you another ticket which you take the other guy who wraps your purchase for you. But for each other guy there are 4 guys and the item only cost £1.50.

Walked back to the hotel, Anna-bell stopped to do more deals on her phone replacement. Oh yes forgot to mention, Anna-bell dropped her phone down the toilet on site, not a pretty place. She proceeded to put her hand down the toilet to retrieve it. She managed to get it back along with a few things she didn't really want (too much information I know) but she has managed to get a new phone and transfer her sim card. But to watch her barter for the cost was something else. 

Time to catch up on paperwork for me, swim for others although I found out latter that the pool was not open. Lunch and then off on R&R to the palace and the hanging bridge. The palace (Padmanabhapuram Palace) look it up on wikipedia.org if you are interested, was just so good. Great guide, brilliant architecture such history. Also a festival day for the god with a face of the elephant (Ganesha). The music was blasting out wherever we went. The team are having a good time. 

Then we went to the hanging bridge, look it up if interested (worth it) built in 1969 a viaduct carrying water across the valley to villages on the other side. Such stunning views. The route to the bridge took us past a previously built Habitat house. Stopped briefly for pictures. 

See people do live in them after we leave. The villages we passed through on the way gave a real feel for the place. Words fail me, the culture, the poverty, the resilience of the people. Why are we so wrapped up in our own problems, our own world. Some of these people have never been further than the next village in their lives. They look at us white folk in amazement, the children have never seen a white face in their lives. It is such a picture I can't explain. 

Back to the hotel and dinner. Total vegetarian meal tonight at the request of the team. They loved it, bar one, best meal yet, may get some converts.

In the bar after the meal I was confronted by a disgruntled team member who thought we (Habitat) were not helping the really poor. Only helping the middle class poor. He has a lot to learn. I tried to explain the ethos of Habitat and how it works. How by getting the home owners to repay an interest free mortgage of 30% of the cost of their home, Habitat can afford to lend more money to more families to help them into decent homes. (revolving fund).

I don't think Mr John did us any favours with his little outburst yesterday.  I don't think he (disgruntled team member) could see the point. I feel he wanted to help the destitute which is not what we are here for. I tried my best to explain but I fear he missed the point and misunderstood the concept, sad really because he is one of the best workers on the team. I can only hope he survives the following week. I feel I could have done more, or explained better, I don't want to loose him as I believe his heart is in the right place.

If I let him go home with his current thoughts, he will not be a good ambassador for Habitat and I would have failed. I will have to bring this up at the next team meeting as he feels he is not alone in his thoughts and feelings. Just my cup of tea. I love dissension in the ranks. Lets see if I can send him home with a better understanding of what Habitat is about and why he is here. Money on it, he will be back. What an end to a good day. Not so for Geoffrey, he is not feeling to good again.

Kanyakumari 2007

Day One Saturday

Well the day started well, at 05:50 Phil was pulling up outside the studio to whisk me off to the station. All of 2 miles away. Although it wasn't cold, it was foggy. The mist lays in that valley at the best of times. Standing all alone on the platform by 06:05 it was like a ghost scene from some spooky film, the track disappearing into the fog. And then right on time it appeared like an apparition through the fog, first the lights and then the outline of the 06:18 to Charring Cross. As luck would have it the driver remembered to stop. Some years ago when friends where leaving from the same platform to go home to Tonbridge, the driver forgot to stop. You just can't get the staff nowadays. 

Arrived at Gatwick without delays and proceeded to the check in desk. I like Qatar Airways, as I approached the desk the security man spoke to the girl in charge and said, "get this man leg room" all the way through if you can do it I added. And she did. I also arranged to get the rest of the team seated together and then went through security (a little hold up but not too long). I soon took up position at the designated spot, Habitat shirt, Habitat hat, standing out like a beacon amongst the little folk.

I found 4 of the team already there and the rest followed soon after. Following the introductions and a short chat they all wanted to disappear in different directions for coffee and breakfast and shopping etc. Poor little Enya (18 year old Irish student) Not only did she not get her passport and Visa until just hours before she was due to fly out of Ireland bound for Gatwick (panic, panic) but she had to spend the night in Gatwick airport sleeping on a bench. I must say she looked fine on it (not the bench that is, you know what I mean). I arranged to meet them at the gate and I then shot off to the VIP lounge. (I kept that one a secret). 

After my VIP refreshments I met up with all bar two of the team at the gate. Everyone on board except Adrian & son Geoffrey so I waited. They eventually arrived but did not get through the check desk as it appeared that Geoffrey had lost his ticket. After a complete strip down of his hand luggage, the girl at the desk decided she actually had it in her hand, what did I say about can't get the staff nowadays. Panic over we were all on board and a pleasant and uneventful flight was had by all. 

I had a talker next to me (hell, just what you don't need) but he soon fell asleep as he had left Houston the previous day, woke up on landing, (a blessing). So here we are at Doha, it's 19:00 hrs UK time 21:00 

On stepping off the plane it was like being hit with the oven door and the fan blowing at full throttle. The team have dispersed around the airport which has changed dramatically since last year. It is about 10 times the size and very modern. And I told the team to expect a poky little place with no seating. What kind of leader am I? Oh yes and you guessed it, I'm in the VIP lounge. 4 hours on a leather sofa with free coffee and snacks and "wifi" to boot. That privilege card is worth every penny on these long haul flights. 

The flight out is at 00:30 and then about 4 hours to the destination. You thought I was going to spell it then, I can't even pronounce it let alone spell it. So I will just sit here and suffer the excellent service until the flight is due. 

Day Two Sunday

Arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport, Trhivanthrum for short. Met Mcloud as arranged and made the two hour journey by bus to the hotel. Oh yes I remember now what the driving was like in Sri Lanka. It certainly is no different here, in fact possibly worse as it is more densely populated. Risk assess the bus and weigh up the driver, that's OK but what about everyone else on the road.. 

We arrived safely as I new we would, and to a pleasant surprise. Air con and a swimming pool, Habitat are spoiling us this time.

Lunch, chill, in country orientation, dinner, crash out and catch up on lost sleep. We are 4 ½ hours ahead of UK time whatever that is. Sleep is calling.........................

Venture into Habitat GB 2007

As you know, I posted the last two trips out of order. So Costa Rica was my third trip as a team member. I already had Nicaragua and Portugal booked for 2008 because they were being lead by the inimitable Mr Terry (Matao) Mattson my very good friend. But at this point I wanted to lead my own team and try to extend the good work being done by other leaders within HfH.

To this end I approached HfH International in the USA and explained what I wanted to do. I was told that maybe I should approach HfH GB as I am based in the UK. Even after all the time I had spent on HfH projects and trawling through their web site. I did not know HfH GB existed. I had never heard of them in the UK. If you mention Habitat here, people immediately think of the furniture store of the same name.

So after locating the GB arm of HfH, I applied to become a team leader with them. Their mode of operandi is different to that of HfH International. They only have about 6 open trips a year, no team leader involvement in creating the team. The trip is sold as a package and the team leader is no more than a tour rep, with less responsibility. That said. They do a great job. The projects are the same as HfH I projects, the teams still work their socks off to complete the task. And they do a great job. For me, I preferred the International way. So much more involvement, not only in putting the team together but also choosing a destination, working with the in country affiliate to put the project together. So much more rewarding and I believe a better experience for the team members.

But that said, I did my training and became a team leader for HfH GB. I was initially offered a team to Ethiopia.  Great I thought, and accepted. As I started to get excited about Ethiopia and began researching the country, HfH GB changed their mind and offered me India. Ok so that's fine I thought and waited just in case they changed their mind again.

They didn't, and that is how I took my first trip into the depths of India. In doing so, I fell in love with the country and it's people.(for that I have to thank them) Not quite so the organisation of HfH GB. and that was the first and last trip I was involved in for them. To summarise, I was not sure some of the people who took part in the trip actually knew much about Habitat or it's ethos, or in one case why they were even there. But in every team there are a few people who shine through. One of these team members has returned on one of my Projects since, and is currently booked on another in 2013. He had previously been on another trip with HfH GB and certainly understood why he was there. A great guy and a pleasure to have on any of my trips. Another completely surprised me. At the time I thought he was quite disappointed with the trip but I now believe he and others were swept along on the misguided thoughts and opinions of one female member of the team. I was obviously wrong about him because he became a team leader for HfH GB  and continues to lead trips when they are offered. In fact it was only one team member who caused the problems that disrupted the team as a whole and maybe I was not yet experienced enough to deal with it. But I soon learnt. 

Upon returning from India, I approached HfH International and explained why I wanted to work with them and not GB. Fortunately  they understood my reasoning and my next stop was Chicago for team leader training International style. But I am jumping the gun a bit here. It is still 2007 and I am heading for Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu Southern India.

Stay tuned for Kanyakumari 2007

Sri Lanka part two (day 5 to 14)

Day Five

I have never worked so hard in such heat in my life. 100+ in the shade. And we were not in the shade. All morning Patrick and I sifted sand for the mortar. All afternoon we dug up earth to make the floor of the house. Back breaking to say the least. Patrick (an Irishman) was like the energiser bunny once he got a pick axe in his hand. A Hoe actually but he swung it like a pick. The family are still as hospitable as ever with tea and rice cakes (like rice pudding pressed into a cake) but you eat them with chilli. That wakes the taste buds up. 

The house is rising fast. It is only two rooms and will have a tin roof but compared to the conditions the family live in at the moment it's a palace. The current house is bamboo covered with baked mud and a roof of banana leaves. The roof needs replacing every year and the house every two to three depending on how it stands up to the monsoons. They have very little in the way of creature comforts. A mud floor with a mud stove. One bed and a tin wardrobe (a luxury). No electric or running water. They fill up a water but behind the house when the irrigation hoses are flowing. Failing that they have to go elsewhere and bring it back in containers. Not sure where they go to get it but it must be hard work carrying it back.

  

Lunch today was as good as ever. I had grilled fish with bread plant curry and I went back for more. I only had a slice of French toast for breakfast as I can't keep up with all the food on offer. 

Tonight when we walked back to the bus. The other group appeared from the other direction. when they got to the road we saw they were being escorted by at least twenty kids. Road races began and loads of picture taking. When you take the picture you have to show them the back of the camera so they can see it, wondrous. 

  

Got to go for the cooking demo now so will catch up later. The chef at the village is letting us into his kitchen to show us how it's done.

I'm back. Its 23.50 the cooking demo was good, not fantastic but good. More fun than instructive. The Americans don't have many East Indian restaurants, unlike the UK with one on every corner. I did manage to burn my hand on the curry the chef produced. I'm screaming it's hot and the others are saying "spicy" no HOT, is that the chillies in it, no it burns. even though I'm running cold water over my hands they still don't get it. . 

Dinner was good. I think I have already said I prefer the lunch menu. after Miriam (our leader) had done her meeting bit and bored the pants of everybody (it was funny though) we adjourned to the terrace. with the last bottle of beer gone we had to raid John's duty free scotch. 

Today's personality is Jennifer. American from Houston. She is 22. I have never ,met such an animated hyperactive person. When she talks its like a barrage from a Gatling gun. Every muscle in her face is twitching, her hands are gesticulating, her speech is sort of erratic. I can't begin to describe her, I may have to take a video clip at some time. For all that she is such fun and great to be around. She certainly keeps the spirits high. 

We finish work a bit early tomorrow so that we can visit each others project as they are not all in the same location. That will be interesting. 

For now It's sleep time. Made better by the fact that I put two mattresses on the bed. 

Day Six

Well here we are at the end of day six. Hope you didn't worry about the bomb news. It was big over here, even in the jungle. About 64 dead. We are so far into the jungle I don't know how our driver ever finds the work sites. So I'm sure we are safe.**

**This was when the Tamil Tigers blew up a bus and killed about 64 people. They also started to attack Colombo and the navy blew up one of the Tamil gun boats of Negumbo Beach. It was the start of the final uprising. All HfH projects stopped for a couple of years after this, only restarting in 2011.

Today I was a scaffolder and labourer. Scaffold consists of bamboo poles freshly cut from the jungle, stuck into holes I dug with a steel bar and a coconut shell. Then more bamboo tied with string and resting on the wall we had already build. 

  

We also went further into the jungle and to other houses to collect stone that was left from their build. I have a picture of the tractor (I use that word lightly) that we rode on. As a joke the driver ran us through the vegetation so that I got whipped by the branches. I was trying to snooze on the pile of stone we had collected at the time. He was only a school kid, they let anyone drive out here. Great kid though, we got on really well.

  

We left site early so as to visit other homes and families who are either in the scheme or about to enter it. They are currently living in mud huts as is the family Patrick and I are building for. I have pictures that you just would not believe. We are also ambassadors for Global Village as our presence enforces the commitment by HFH to work with these people. The more villagers that see us and see what we are doing, helps them believe in the project and more are joining the scheme all the time. It also gives them confidence in building their own homes with the support of HFH.

   

We also visited some homes that Habitat completed a few years ago. The families are so welcoming, so proud of their home. It is a great honour to be invited into a Sri Lanken home and they just loved to talk about how it had changed their lives (through an interpreter of course.) Some have even built extensions onto the original Habitat construction. It certainly has improved the quality of life of the owners of these properties.

  

The scheme Habitat run here is different to Portugal and every thing I have explained previously about the way they work. Here the families have to save in a scheme before they have the house built. That way there is no mortgage at the end because they already own the land, We build next to their mud homes on their farms. It takes about 4 years in the scheme before they have enough to pay for the house. With about twelve members in a group. Each family saves about 15 cents (USD) per day for six months. During this time , home-owners also collect rocks and sand both freely available throughout the countryside and make their own bricks. At the end of the six months, the group's savings are sufficient to build one house, consisting of a single room with an attached kitchen (not as you and I know the term) and bathroom (again nothing like you can imagine as there is no plumbing or electric). Within 27 months all twelve families complete their houses. If they choose to continue with the save and build program, the families can add an additional room to their house by beginning the savings and brick making process again.

The fact that we are here and visible in the community encourages other families to join the scheme and improve their lives. So we are not only builders of homes but are an encouragement to others, visible proof that the scheme works. 

We found an Internet cafe in the town. But there it is only dial up and I could not access an e-mail account that I could use. I didn't have my lap top with me as we only went in for beer. After speaking to the owner it would appear that I may be able to connect the lap top to the dial up network and send these emails.

Day Seven

Today we constructed the ring beam that ties the house together around the roof line. Sounds technical doesn't it. It's not, although in the UK it would be, as it would be over engineered and over priced. 

Here we used old timber, tie wire and bamboo, stuffing any gaps with mud or wet cement bag. Most of the day was spent mixing and pouring concrete (not as we know it) into the shuttering. 

Another hot humid and hard day. but at least tomorrow is an R & R day Sunday. Although we have to get up earlier than normal so as to get in everything the affiliate has planned. 

Whilst we are off having fun the new owners of the house will be trekking up to the mountains to cut timber for the roof trusses. You need a permit to cut timber here but they are sneaking in during the night to cut down a coconut tree.

Day Eight

R&R day today, early start as we needed to get to Sigrea before the crowds. An old temple with over a thousand three hundred steps to the top. The view was worth the effort and the guide was very good. Then lunch and on to the elephant safari. That was brilliant. 

Standing in the back of a Landrover ( 2 for the whole group) we set out through the national park in search of elephants. We eventually found them and took the obligatory photographs. On the way we came across water buffalo, eagles, tortoise and much more.

 We went further into the jungle to locate more elephants, which we did, after which we turned for home. On the way back we came out of a bend in the road to be confronted by a bull elephant. The driver headed off the road into the undergrowth thinking the whole pack was on the road, It wasn't, it was in front of us as we exited the bush. After some nifty manoeuvring we were back on the road home. 

A bit further down the track we rounded a bend (quite fast) to be confronted with another Land Rover bearing down on us from the opposite direction. Both drivers took evasive action and we nearly rolled over onto the bush. The front of our vehicle just clipped the rear side of the other one. Not too much damage done and no one hurt. We carried on and eventually made our way out of the jungle and home. 

Back to work tomorrow, must get this house finished for the dedication at the end of the week. 

Day Nine

I don't know where to start. The owner of the village in which we are staying arranged for us to be transported to the work sites by tuc tuc. This is the local 3 wheel vehicle that replaced the old rickshaw. It was manic. There was 6 tuc tuc's racing down an unmade road at break neck speed. We also took a look at one of the other builds, as yet we have not seen any other site. 

  

The morning was hot and hard. It's difficult to work when you are soaking wet from the minute you leave the air con of the room. The daughter in-law of the owner of the property Patrick and I are working on, also wife of Buddika the guy we are working with. Likes me in her country, This is a great honour, I think it's is because I save on scaffold costs. 

In the afternoon James joined us. A 21 year old army student from the USA. So far he has been very quiet. Eats a lot but seems very distant from the group. That is until after dinner when we played this game called MAFIA. Some people played it the other night ( I opted out, well you know me and games). Tonight I was drafted in to it. It was and is a great game, I only hope I can remember the rules. Any number of players. News years eve I have my game. 

I can't put into words the feelings I have about this trip. The country, the people, the culture. The friendships forged here will be with me for a long time. These people are so welcoming, humble and gracious that it makes the western world seem even more materialistic than I envisaged. 

As for today's personality, it has to be James. First impressions were that this guy was a bit of a mummies boy. 21 in military college, doesn't say much but eats for the USA. not a lot of him, fit kind of guy. Not a conversationalist. That was until he introduced us to "MAFIA" Now he is focused, vocal, in control and definitely officer material.

As for the work sit, we are nearly finished on this house. The only problem was a hornet attack after I disturbed their nest. This was not intentional. I just moved some of the roof covering so as to make an accessible path. They attacked in great numbers. We all ran for jungle cover. The funniest thing was to see Buddika try and hit the nest with a stick and run away, I wish I had a video running at the time. 

We eventually smoked them out so that we could carry on working, not without nearly burning down the original mud home that was to be the owners home for a few more days. 

Day Ten

This morning we visited the local village school. After a speech from the principal all the kids were assembled in the hall (space with a roof) and performed a couple of songs and dances for us. 

I remember when I was at school we had to go to assembly and listen to visiting dignitaries who were on the stage. Strange feeling being the one on stage. 

Then it was off to the work sites for the day. We are now up to roof height and are installing the timber that will support the tin sheets. James joined us on site again and helped Patrick dig the toilet. A hole 2 metres diameter by at least 2.5 metres deep. 

The timber for the roof was that cut down by Budikka and friends. A villager turned up with a chain saw and proceeded to cut the tree into lengths of 4 x 2 just by using the chain saw. Absolutely amazing. I'm surprised the guy has any toes left let alone legs. "Health and safety" I don't think so.

After dinner we went back to the site which had been prepared for a cultural exchange evening. Talk about feel like royalty. We all sat in specially built and decorated shelter whilst speeches and dances were performed. All the local dignitaries were there including the wise man. It was just so special. Music and dances carried on for some time. Again this was reality. not a tourist attraction. This is the real people doing what they do on special occasions. Just so moving.

  

I have had to download the pictures from the camera just to free up space. I can't believe I have taken so many. 

Tomorrow is another day on site and as it's now 1,30 am. Some of us stayed up for a drink when we got back to the village. I had better get some sleep. 

Day Eleven

Today started with the monsoon coming in. Certainly not cold but very wet. The rain stopped and started frequently. Every time it started the locals ran for shelter and put on hats and coats. It was hilarious. They couldn't understand why we carried on working. 

Patrick and James went back to their hole. They are so proud of it and rightly so. I did a little landscaping and clearing up of the front yard ready for the dedication tomorrow afternoon. Then it was down to fixing the roof and mixing concrete for the floor. The day just whizzed past. 

I am still amazed at the resilience of these people. They are so hospitable and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Today we had a disgusting looking green drink for morning tea break. And I mean green, bright green. But when I tasted it, it was fine. When I asked what it was they disappeared into the jungle and came back with a plant. Still don't know what it was but apparently it is good for the blood. 

The biggest shock of the day was to find out how old the old boy who I have been working with is. We placed him at about 65 to 70. He is 51. I think I started to get a little respect from him once he found out I was older than him. He still has my respect, if I had to work as hard as he has throughout his life I would probably look about 170. 

Night in tonight. I have just got washed and changed ready for dinner. We only have one more day here and then we move on to a tea plantation for Friday night. Saturday back to Negumbo / Colombo where we started this wonderful experience. 

I shall miss the people here, I feel that I have grown attached to them, far more than in Portugal. They are such genuine people, friendly and full of life, hard life, but life. They are a proud people and I am pleased to have known them and worked alongside them. 

Day Twelve

It's a sad day, it's our last on site. The people here have been just amazing. I spent my last morning down the hole. The house is finished and the family are getting it ready for dedication. There are the three of us finishing off the toilet. 8Ft deep and 6Ft diameter now. I spent two hours down there, sweat pouring off me but the determination to finish was great. 

  

At lunch time we went back to our village to wash up and change for the dedication in the afternoon. 

When we returned to the work village, emotions were running very close to the surface. There was a lot of tears from the home owners as well as some of the volunteers. We had built up such a bond with our respective owners that it was heart wrenching to say goodbye knowing that we would wake up in a hotel in the morning with a long homeward journey in front of us. The home owners would awake to their usual routine of hard work and little reward. 

During the dedication the monsoon struck again and we all had to rush into the house for protection from the storm. It was over in a short while but I was pleased we had completed the first part of the ceremony by cutting the ribbon on the door. The home owners had asked for the three of us to cut the ribbon, I can't explain how it felt to be given such an honour from such humble people. The memory will stay with me for ever. 

  

Buddika's wife ( I never did get to know her name) broke down in tears when it was time for us to leave. Such emotional scenes I will never forget. 

The evening was spent on our village over dinner and a local band drafted in by the director of the local affiliate. (not so hot) springs to mind when thinking of words to describe them. It was a little out of place and we were all drained from the days experience. But a lovely thought by the director who wanted to say thanks and throw a little party for us.

Tomorrow we leave for home via a nights stop over in Kandy (second capitol of Sri Lanka). I think I will sleep well tonight. 

Day Thirteen

Not much to say about today other than it has been hot and we have been travelling for hours. Found a great hotel for lunch, unfortunately it's not the one we are staying in tonight. Went back there for a drink this evening, real chill out time. Still missing the families and the work site. The group was very quiet today. 

Day Fourteen

Again we were travelling all day with a couple of stops for lunch and to visit an elephant prison, Sorry, orphanage. Chained up elephants is not my thing so a couple of us went and found a bar by the river. it was not long before the place was swarming with about 30 elephants of all sizes making their way into the river. Mostly unchained and free to roam, tame all the same. Even a three legged elephant (not sure about it's quality of life)

We finally made it to the hotel in Nagumbo from where I will leave for the airport tomorrow. We had final meeting to wrap up the trip and say a few goodbyes. Not only to each other as some are leaving early in the morning, but to our driver and Francis the local affiliate who has been marvellous in arranging everything from R&R to work on site. 

I would have to say that although I have enjoyed the company of the other team members, I have not spent enough time with some of them to get to know them as we were all on different builds. I did get to know a bit about Sue, who has lived for a year in Sri Lanka working at an orphanage (not elephants). It was she who found the bar when we were escaping the elephant orphanage. And of course Patrick.

Most of the team are down by the pool playing Mafia at the moment. But I have a stinking cold. I new I was in for this as soon as I arrived on site and worked with the mason who was obviously suffering at the time. I wasn't wrong. It has developed over the last few days. So a stuffed up early night is on the cards.

I have loved every minute of this trip. The people of the country are so warm and friendly. The poverty I have seen has been far in excess of anything I could have ever imagined. I WILL be back hopefully leading a team next year. For now the next stop is Costa Rica in November. No doubt I will feel the same about that country too. We are so Blessed (to use a Terryism) in the west, we just don't know it sometimes.

Sri Lanka 2006 part one

This post should have been before Costa Rica. But hey, I'm not perfect and the memory is getting a little slow. This was my second Habitat GV trip after Portugal and before Costa Rica. Again these ramblings are taken from emails sent to my then partner (little did I know, she didn't read them as she didn't really care where I was, what I was doing or why I was doing it. When asked if she wanted to look at the photographs from the trip, responded  "If you have seen one mud hut you have seen them all") Such is life, note: I did say "then partner" = "now ex partner".

So this is Sri Lanka 2006 part one.


Day One

Colombo Airport,. Located a taxi with no trouble, not quite Gatwick. Arrived at the hotel and was pleasantly surprised. Set right on the beach. Not what I was expecting. After checking in I took a walk along the beach fending off the traders along the way.

 

Met the group for dinner, great bunch, I'm the granddad of the team. Had few beers afterwards and off to bed.

Day Two

Day two started with breakfast and check out. Loaded all our luggage into a truck and thankfully we got to ride in an air-conditioned mini bus. The trip took 5 hours up to Dambulla. Stopping for lunch on the way. It's just one big game of chicken on the roads here. Bikes, motorbikes, buses, trucks all vying for the open space on the road. But we made it. Again a pleasant surprise. The MPS Village as it is known is a bunch of chalets as we would call them, set around the side of a lake.

Being the granddad of the team has its benefits, I get a room to myself. One of the Irish contingent got food poisoning before he was due to leave so couldn't make it.

I'm now back in my room under my mozzy net. This afternoon has been absolutely amazing. We went to the village where we will be working. The villagers put on a fantastic welcome for us, kids dancing and singing, speeches from the local dignitaries. The thing that made it for me was the fact that these are real people showing thanks and appreciation for the help we bring. Not just a bunch of people putting on a show for the tourists. I can't express exactly how I feel but it was very emotional.

 

From there we went to the town to stock up on beer as the place we are staying has no licence. (well you have to don't you) This little trip took over an hour due to the congestion on the roads. Yesterday and today are holidays because it's a full moon (any excuse)

 

Dinner was very western but we have been told from now on it is Sri Lanken food. The owner of this place used to live in the USA so western it was, with chips.

As the weeks pass I will tell you about the team. So far they appear to be a great bunch. John the 21 year old American is the group comedian. (and he's good at it) has us in stitches.

So after dinner the drinkers amongst us had few beers on the terrace and now it's bed time. I will catch up with you tomorrow.

Day Three

Day three, first full day working with the families. The group has split into three as there are three sites to work on. I am with Patrick the Irish Guy. We were left at a site with no translator (great fun). We soon managed to understand each other (that's the Sri Lankens not Patrick and I) I still can't understand Patrick.

We mixed mortar and laid blocks alongside the home owners. It took the morning for a relationship to build but when it did it was just something really special. Buddika (the son of the family for whom we are building a house) is great. his wife and mother made tea and cakes (not as we would know them). They also carry bricks and mix mortar, there is no sexism here, not at least when it comes to the work load.

Buddika and his wife

I have never seen or imagined the poverty that these people suffer. I say suffer but they are so happy. The children are not educated as they work on the family farm and education costs money. They live in mud houses with fires inside to cook on and all live in one room. The last time I saw something like this, it was in a book about the Saxons or stone age.

It gets a bit embarrassing when they offer us food as we believe we are taking food from their mouths. But they are so happy to make these offerings and so pleased when we accept. I suppose the only consolation is that their larder is growing all around them in the jungle. Pick it or pull it out of the ground, it will be fresh.

Today we had these cake like poppadoms and when asked how they were made we got a whole demonstration. Then they gave us a fruit called Baraka or Jack fruit as we have learnt it is also called. They had a little joke as when you touch this stuff before you eat it, your fingers stick together like supper glue. (very funny) then they explained how to eat it, Patrick and I decided that it tasted like every fruit we could name. But when you dip this stuff into salt water, wow, the taste just explodes in your mouth, unbelievable.

Aside from the eating, and drinking tea without milk, they are astounded we drink it without sugar but it tastes great, but then it should I suppose as this a great tea growing country. We did actually do some work. We raised the level of the house by 8 rows of blocks. I think they were impressed. Even the old granddad (I placed him at about 70 years old) who was building with us had a smile by late afternoon. (found out later he is 4 years younger than me). If I had spent my life living like this guy I would probably look about 170. (no comment from those of you who know me)

 The Mason

Lunch back at the village we are staying in was again superb. Fish curry and rice with potatoes curry and poppadoms and chutney. Tonight was another Sri Lanken dish (fish for me. They are looking after me already)

The personalities are really beginning to develop in the group, I haven't laughed so much in a long time. We have a teacher who brought games for us to play including crosswords. Well that was a conversation killer. Some of us slipped out for a beer. I don't think she was offended.

As I have a room to myself, I have put the mattress from the other bed on my bed to raise it above the foot board. I didn't sleep to well last night.

Day Four 

Still no Internet. But then I am working in the jungle, what did I expect. Today has been hot and hard-work. The house Patrick and I are working on is apparently the one that will be finished and dedicated by the time we leave. Once again the hospitality has been exceptional. We drank coconut milk directly from the coconut after Buddika hacked the top off. Every time someone came out of the jungle they had a new fruit for us to try. For some reason they dip most fruit in a salt solution but it certainly does something for the taste.

Unfortunately I cant remember the names of all these things. I should try to write it down but all day you are covered head to toe in red dust and dirt. Again building alongside the villagers has become so interesting, we communicate with sign language and a few words we have picked up in Sinhalese and a few they have learnt in English. We are teaching each other, (still can't understand Patrick). We sift sand, move bricks and make mortar. Lay bricks and keep the (old boy) never did get to know his name, such a shame, fed with bricks as he appears to be the mason on site. Buddika was running around organising things (I think).

The food at the hotel/village is wonderful. Lunch today was rice with devilled cuttlefish. Also a couple of veg curies to go with it. I'm sure I will put on weight.

We haven't had dinner yet as we are in town. I hopped I would find an Internet cafe but no such luck.

As it is Patrick and I are working together on one site, I am getting to know him quite well. We only come into contact with the others at lunch, breakfast and in the evening. But they still seem like a great bunch of people. So different from the Portugal team. Not better, just different.

James is a very quiet American military student of 21. In many ways he appears to be very reserved and not willing to open up, but I think given time we can work on him. He has been on loads of Habitat builds in the USA as they have a club within the college that organises week trips throughout the year. I will tell you more about him when I find out more.

I am under my mozzy net and ready to go to sleep. The battery is also going down on the laptop so I had better put it on charge............