HAPPENINGS AROUND DISTRICT 6170

Our GSE Team Reports!

January 16, 2010:

Hello Rotarians,

After getting off on a little rocky start with delays, and our flight being forced to turn back to Boston for a medical emergency on board, we did make it, however a day later than planned.

We have been making up for lost time ever since. We were all a little apprehensive about staying with complete strangers, in their homes and with their families, but are fast making Friends and thoroughly enjoying the experience. We are feeling a little run ragged though, many of the meetings we have been to don't start until 9pm and are lucky to be done by midnight. But on the other hand, their day doesn't generally start until 10am or after.  Our Host's have really been great in showing us around and seeing everything and trying to get month's of sights and things in a matter of days.

The food has been another experience in itself. Spicy, greasy, and lots of it and we are all feeling a little starved. Even the McDonald's was looking pretty good.  On Thursday, we found Subway and it was great. 

The other day, we were riding in a car and were all amazed at the traffic, I mean really bad, 6 lanes of cars in 4 lanes of road, and we were all talking about it and glad we didn't have to drive in it.  Jason was riding in the front seat and was pretty quiet the whole way.  When we arrived and got out, he said he thought sure he was going to die and was hoping not to have to ride up front again. 

District Conference starts here on Friday and looks to be really busy also. We all want to thank you again, for this opportunity, the adventure, and the experience that can only happen because of your contributions to Foundation.  Until next week, "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands"

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Jason and Thelton

January 23, 2010: 

Hello Again Rotarians,

The Rotary District 3291 Conference was super busy.  Great speakers and events, a real celebration of Rotary.  After our presentation we were presented flowers and a plaque, very nice, and introduced to the 2 outgoing GSE teams. One is going to Germany and the other of course to Arkansas in just a couple months. We did try to help them with some ole Arkansas slang, fetchin and y'all.  And when ask in Arkansas, are you fine with doing this or that, never use their own response of "I'm easy". We all much more appreciate the journey our international visitor's make when coming to the US and we are much more aware of some of the challenges we might be able to help them overcome better. 

Don't know if the spice has toned down a bit or just getting more accustom, but seems to be an increase in the quantity and number of times eating. Dinner parties start with appetizers including grilled chicken and so much other and then at 11:30pm, you sit down to dinner. As with many get togethers, you visit, snack, visit and eat dinner then leave. Different from our dinner and then spend the evening visiting and such.   

Our Hosts have been very well coordinated in all the tours and visits and have had no duplications on anything. The Calcutta Rowing Club, great breakfast, The Victoria Memorial, New Market shopping area experience with all the haggling and dickering, downtown area of Park Street, Piccadilly Square and the hospital that provides artificial legs and braces for children and adults at no charge.  Seeing one boy who had been bedridden his entire life take his first steps with the help of braces, and his excitement and wanting to shake everyone's hand.  It cost only $25 to provide a set of braces or artificial leg, what a major impact a small investment can make. A small village, approx 5000 pop, with a school project that is the only educational opportunity in the area.  Having only 50 students attending 3 days per week.  The many others that can't afford to have their children attend and need them in the fields helping provide for their families. 

Tuesday was a holiday, Saraswati Puja, worshiping the goddess of learning, Saraswati. Lots of kids dressing in their traditional clothing, predominately yellow, setting up idols all over town, prayers and rituals  in the morning and the kids leave their books in the temple areas for the day and a break from their studies. 

We are having too much fun!  All the thanks goes to you and your Foundation contributions.  Every Rotarian Every Year.  We are excited and looking forward to bring our trip to you and sharing the adventure.  As always "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands". Thank You.

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Thelton and Jason

January 31, 2010:

Hello Again Rotarians,

It is really going to be hard to bring this all to a 20 minute program.  We are doing and seeing so much and really getting into the culture, quite amazing.  We have been wanting to ride the train and the Indians have been really hesitant on doing that.  They said it is only the poor that ride and the trains are dirty.  We convinced them that we were really wanting to do that as a part of their culture and so we did. We also made a visit to the slums and the poverty is beyond anything we have experienced. While visiting in this village and the kids there, as well as the school, we are really considering as a team to start a fundraiser for those kids.  

We also had a great time at the Calcutta open air book fair. It is the 2nd world's largest book fair. We were also taken to an International Night in which they were serving food from around the world. The USA booth served a mutton burger with an Indian twist.  Very different to say the least. 

We are so welcome everywhere we go, their hospitality is un-surpassed. We even received some insight on their food and hospitality. Their belief is feed you so much food until you are stuffed and miserable, and they have been doing that.  Thank goodness there is only ten days left or none of our clothes will fit.

We are in full dress today, Friday, coats, ties and all.  We are being Hosted at the races by one of the Steward's of the Course, and are told that this is a really big deal, so are very excited and should be fun.  Then it is off to a floating hotel for tea, a fusion music concert and of course dinner at 10pm or after. 

Of course none of this would be possible without Rotary, Rotarian's and the Foundation.  We cannot say thank you enough for your contributions that make this possible.  "Service Above Self" and The Future of Rotary, is truly in Your Hands.  Thank You.

Linda, Sandra, Steve, Thelton and Jason