I never expected to be in Bangalore again, it really is "The Garden of India", very green and cool. It was really hard to leave Dornakal, we had made so many friends there and were so very comfortable in our courtyard garden with wonderful food, though that did change when we were fed for the final week by another hostel. The last night there was a farewell in the Cathedral, with speeches from community leaders. We had so many garlands, over 20 each I think, and a few more shawls.
We then had supper with the Bishop and his family, it was a late night. We'd hoped to leave quietly without having to say goodbye again and walked to the station during Morning Prayer, but we were joined by hostel and clergy there were more garlands and gifts plus snacks for our journey. The four hour journey was very relaxing apart from having to pay the porters fares back to Dornakal as they didn't manage to get off in time, our luggage was so vast!
Our days in Hyderabad were spent with a family, touring the city (we were lent a driver and guide by Eleazer who we were staying with) He works for a medical software firm AxSys who have a big office in Glasgow. Tuesday we travelled overnight on an air conditioned coach with fully reclining seats. I slept until 6.30am and were met at 8.00am by the driver Henri who I got on so well before. We are staying in a lovely room at Vishranti. The Bishop's secretary has been to see us and will arrange a programme for about six weeks. We are to help out today at a special school.
All change while writing this on Wednesday, Henri arrived to tell us we were to move to the Bishop's guest house, BP is away in Israel with 20 clergy for the week. Henry took us to the supermarket and we stocked up as we are to be doing our own cooking! We bought only Indian food apart from two tins of tuna for the vegetarian, appalling cost! Then straight onto the school no time to unpack. The evening meal I insisted on doing; PR tonight, okra curry, dahl, rice and papaya. The leftovers I fried for breakfast. The kitchen has everything including a microwave and washing machine. May have to learn how to use a pressure cooker again, as most people use one.
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