The last couple of days have seen a number of gruff looking fellows hanging around the hotel with automatic weapons slung from their shoulders. It appears that the leader of the opposition party in India is in town for the nomination of candidates in the next general election. Of course, all the jeeps, guns and general entourage are for his protection and benefit. Oh, and by the way, he is staying at our hotel! Normally the uniforms and highly visible military muscle would be reason for considerable concern to us and our peacekeeping Canadian sensibilities. However, we have found there is an upside to having the opposition leader and all the firearms staying at the same hotel as us. And that, you guessed it, is HOT WATER! Yes, oddly enough for the last couple of days whenever I'm wanting to have a shower, day or night, there is plenty of hot water! Isn't that a coincidence!! Sorry there are no pictures of the tough guys that I can share, I'm not quite ready to go out on that limb, but I am basking in some fine, steamy hot water - no matter what the reason!!!
The sessions with the Assam and Megalaya teachers have come to a close today and we have made many new friends. The only downside is the realization that the chances of ever seeing most of them again is very slim. The afternoon was filled with the requisite speeches and handing out of certificates but also filled with song, poetry and dance. There are some amazingly talented people here! After their songs they asked Debbie and I to sing a traditional Canadian song. Well that didn't happen and I'm not sure they realized how fortunate they were we didn't give it an attempt! None the less, we were both dragged into the dance, although for some reason there are only pictures of Debbie. Isn't that odd?!
They were also most pleased to present us with gifts of hammered brass and a handstitched silk shawl and shirt. The detail is amazing! They were such gracious hosts and willing participants; it really was quite a touching closing. One participant commented, "How could we ever forget you?". Their eagerness, commitment to what is best for their students and funloving smiling faces are things we will never forget either. I can only hope there might be some circumstance by which our paths will cross again.
Tomorrow is an early morning as we head out the national park for some encounters (hopefully not too close!) with elephants and rhinos. Pictures to follow!!
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