Debriefing in Dehli

Trip Start Feb 24, 2007
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Trip End Mar 09, 2007


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Wednesday, March 7, 2007

After a delayed flight we arrived back in Delhi last night, dumped our stuff in the hostel and went to meet the other group for a drink.  The hotel where we ended up was a huge and very expensive tourist complex.  Personally I felt more than a little uncomfortable drinking overpriced beer in such over the top and luxury surroundings, when we had spent the morning in the slum, and seen the appalling conditions which people were living in.  Again proving that the gap between rich and poor, and tourist and real India is shockingly large!  

This morning the two groups (East and Due South) came back together to discuss our experiences at a debriefing session with the WaterAid India Delhi staff.  It was really good to hear about other peoples experiences and share our impressions of the projects and the differences that they are making. 

For me it was also a chance to reflect on what i have learnt over the last two weeks and begin to think about how to I can share this with others when i return.  Previously when i have spoken about WaterAid I have always focused on the provision of Water and Sanitation and added the hygiene education on at the end.  But through this visit I've really been able to see how the hygiene education and community participation are really the cement that binds the water and sanitation together and make the projects work sustainably. 

Comparing life in the non intervention village to life in the communities where WaterAid are working, is really hard.  Its almost impossible to believe that the vibrant, clean, healthy and happy people we met ever had as little hope for the future as Champa.  I don't think I will ever forget the look on her face as she explained her fears for her health and therefore her ability to provide for her children and their future.  But I am filled with hope that once WaterAid begin work in the village, Champa will regain her lost spirit and that she helps drive the changes in the community in a similar way to the lady I met in the slum, who reminded me so much of her. 

Also inspiring was the confidence of the hygiene trained children, and their ability to engage other members of their communities.  Its really reassuring to know that their futures are brighter not just because of their improved health but also because they now have hopes and dreams for the future. 

After the debriefing session, we packed up our stuff and prepared ourselves for the long bus journey to Agra.  We said our farewells to Depinder and the Delhi office team, thanking them for all their preparations and for such an amazing experience.  As a final request Due South gave an "emotional" performance of Chorengay - Manita even phoned in for an audio performance!

The bus journey to Agra was somewhat eventful after an hour and a half (during which the  bus was fixed a number of times) we finally left Delhi!!  6 hours and numerous visits to the toilets (I have finally scummed to the Due South lurgy) later we finally arrived at our hotel for the night.  The journey however was not all bad!  Dan and Dan discovered that the bus had a mic on board and therefore felt compelled to (with the rest of Due South) to entertain the bus for at least 2 hours! My personal highlights were: "Winter Spring Summer or Fall" - thank you Andrea, buddy!; Belle's beautiful (and very brave) solo; Sarah D's impressive Hakuna Matarta and of course the group anthem, lead once again by Vinny "the wheels on the bus".  Christina - Like a prayer was just for you :)

Sunrise at the Taj tomorrow!  
 
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