India Yankee 2's story so far

From IY2 (written by Abi Hopper 24^th October )

Shanubhoganahalli

India Yankee 2 has been made to feel very welcome by the people (and the animals) of Shanubhoganahalli. Our first initiation saw us adorned with bindis and flower garlands. 

Welcome ceremony

Work space on the roof of the accommodation

Sleeping quarters

We have since been guests at the first birthday of the village leader’s daughter where we were served a special mutton and chicken curry. Granted, I made the birthday girl cry and myself and Ross spent the next 2 days on the toilet, but the sentiment was there all the same.

First birthday celebrations

The Cappathi Challenge

Parents who expected waif-like shadows of their children to return, do not fear - we are averaging 4 chappathis a day, Yuna holding the current record at 7. (Yuna’s nickname is ‘Kulee’, Kannada for ‘small’) We eat 2 sizable meals of curry, rice and vegetable dishes at the cook’s house each day. Our favourite food so far being boiled eggs, which our team leader Rob especially appreciates – I never knew a boiled egg could bring so much joy to a man’s face. Our least favourite is a toss up between whole, deep fried chillis or a mushy, coconutty dessert which is like eating baby food ......with your hands. Still, none of us dislike anything as much as the Indians hate the porridge!!

“What is your problem tourists?”

Although we have been welcomed with open arms, that does not mean to say we have not been laughed at or drawn some odd stares. Us girls specifically get the feeling that the women of the village are concerned about our lack of femininity. Yesterday we were summoned for a makeover and coconut oil was combed through our dry Western hair which was plaited and decorated with flowers. Tiny Indian sized bangles were then forced on to our chubby Western wrists. Yuna was again given the full treatment and the rest of us were able to watch the village women dress her in a traditional sari. Even though we couldn’t understand each other it was just like having a girl’s night in at home, just with a severe lack of rose wine.

Down time with the children

Etta at the village mapping with a new friend!

Rob, Jack, Etta and Abi were also at the centre of attention when they went for a walk to the next village, Kuppe and found themselves sitting outside someone’s house while a small crowd them for about 10 minutes as one of the men tried to decipher why 4 lost-looking, sweaty white people were doing wandering through their village asking: “tourists – what is problem?”

Visiting other villages

In the words of our Team Leader Suni, despite the ridicule, the Delhi-bellies and crying children, India Yankee 2 have “no problems, no complaints” and we are looking forward to the next phase in our project and getting stuck into building some toilets in Shanubhoganahalli – home for the next 8 weeks.

From IY2