Day 8

We started off our day bright and early (or should we say dark and early) as we were up at 4:45am for our 6am mass at the motherhouse of Missionaries of Charity. We joined the sisters, a range of international volunteers and guests for the Mass. After the Mass, we visited her tomb which was a surreal experience. We returned to the accommodation to get a couple hours sleep before a brunch with the Brothers. We layered on the deet and the factor 50 before embarking on our personally guided walking tour of the city with the students. We were so grateful for their time that they graciously gave us as they will complete the IOS next week (their equivalent of the big LC).

We started off with a bang as we quite literally “jumped” on to the bus and got some airtime on the journey, over some unexpected and unwelcome potholes. Ed Sheeran bangers pumping out of the speakers provided a welcome distraction from the few jolts every now and then. We flew off the bus (due to the lack of doors) and once more went down to the River Hoogly which was crowded as many were cleansing as the Hindu festival of Shivratri will be happening tonight. The whole day the city was a buzz with preparation for and anticipation of the festivities tonight. As we walked the city, we were greeted with sounds of drums and cheers in the streets. The colourful flowers, decorated deities and streams of lights, reminded us all why Kolkata is dubbed “The City of Joy”.

We then took the ferry over the River to Howrah, where we were greeted with unreal views of the Howrah Bridge, which we would soon by standing on! The water was glistening in the 30 degree heat and I think it is safe to say the Irish girls were feeling it, which was met only with confusion by the Indian girls in long sleeves and jeans .

We then went into Howrah Station, the largest station in India and second largest in the world! It’s 24 platforms diminishing our admiration of Houston Stations. We got to see the VIP fast train to New  Delhi about to embark on its 18-hour journey. We made our way out and over to the Howrah Bridge to make the journey across, which 10 million people make every single day, to and from the city!

Little did we think the trajectory of our lives were about to change with our upcoming journey in the Tuk-Tuk… As the Tuk-Tuks were being pulled over we hadn’t a clue we were about to enter a real-life game of Mario Kart.

We took a quick break in the Indian Coffee House to get the heart rates down to an acceptable level. The students from the University across the road would meet here to plan the revolution which took place in 1947. It felt like stepping back to a place frozen in time. The coffee was welcomed with open arms especially from those (Eva) who was suffering from headaches due to the lack of caffeine. This was such a lovely opportunity to talk to the students and bond over our shared loved of Tay Tay (Taylor Swift), showing good music knows no bounds.

Despite our best efforts, we missed our tram back and instead we walked back to the School taking in the electric atmosphere of the city. We finished off our fabulous day with a game of basketball with our friends. We arrived back to the accommodation to watch the highly awaited grudge match between India vs Pakistan with the Brothers.

It was a day trademarked by friendship and companionship between the teachers, Brothers and students alike. The kindness that has been shown to us by our hosts we will never forget and carry with us for our lives. As their kindness is not only shown through their generosity of spirit, but through their actions. Them giving up their weekend after an incredibly busy  week and upcoming exams, speaks louder about their characters than any words can describe.




























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