Gwalior,
India
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
This morning we waved goodbye to the East Group and the 12 of us remaining; Sarah, Dave, Fran, Rian, Angie, Belle, Andrea, Vinny, (pommie) Dan C, (little) Dan L, (big) Dan B and myself christened our group "Due South". Most of us (4 had to travel by train) headed to the domestic airport (considerably more frantic than the international) and caught an internal flight to Gwalior, where we will be based for the next 10 days. We were met at the tiny airport but the WaterAid West Regional Office staff, Johnson, Maria and taken to our hotel for the night. After a quick check in we actually managed to squeeze in a bit of sight seeing in the afternoon and visited the Jas Villas Palace, which is a completely over the top and hugely elaborate palace built at the start of the 1900's. Prior to the installation of the two 3.5T chandeliers, the ceiling was tested for strength by building a ramp and walking 8 elephants on to the floor above!!! After the decadence of this we visited the Gwalior Fort high above the city and arrived in time to catch sunset over the sprawling city.
Tonight we had a briefing from Manita the Regional Office Manager and learnt more about our programme for the next week. I think everyone is nervous about tomorrow and going to see the non intervention village, but having seen unreal wealthy side of India this afternoon I am keen to see "real" India.
