the 2014 India Immersion Daily Schedule

DAILY SCHEDULE
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“Were we to know the merit
of only going from one street
to another to serve a neighbour
for the love of God,
we should prize it more
than gold or silver.”
- Blessed Edmund Rice
Founder of the Christian
Brothers
1762 - 1844
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ACCOMMODATION
1.
City
KOLKATA
SMO
Dates
November
In 24, Out 4
(10 nights)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
VARANASI
Hotel
HINDUSTAN
International
In 4, Out 6
DELHI
YWCA
Blue Triangle
December
AGRA
Hotel SIRIS
18
In 9, Out 12
JAIPUR
Hotel
ARYA NIWAS
In 12, Out
15
CHENNAI
M.I.T.H.R.A.
In 15, Out
21
(2 nights)
In 6, Out 9
(3 nights)
(3 nights)
(3 nights)
(6 nights)
7.
SINGAPORE
Beach Hotel
In 21, Out
23
(2 nights)
Room 1:
No:
Jay
Jake
Fardin
Room 2:
No:
Callum
John
Matt
Room 3:
No:
Iñaki
Sooraj
Riley
Room 4:
No:
Br Rob
No:
Jake
John
Sooraj
No:
Fardin
Matthew
Riley
No:
Jay
Callum
Iñaki
No:
Br Rob
No:
John
Riley
Jay
No:
Callum
Fardin
Sooraj
No:
Jake
Iñaki
Matt
No:
Br Rob
No:
Sooraj
Jay
Matt
No:
Iñaki
John
Fardin
No:
Riley
Callum
Jake
No:
Br Rob
No:
Riley
Matthew
Jake
No:
Callum
Sooraj
Iñaki
No:
John
Fardin
Jay
No:
Br Rob
No:
Fardin
Riley
Sooraj
No:
Jake
Callum
Jay
No:
Iñaki
John
Matthew
No:
Br Rob
No:
John
Riley
Callum
No:
Fardin
Jake
Iñaki
No:
Jay
Matthew
No:
Br Rob
-3-
Day 0
ST LEO’S COLLEGE, BRISBANE
Sun 23 Nov Farewell Mass Of Commissioning
Leader: Riley
This evening our families and friends are invited to
join us for our Farewell Mass of Commissioning. This
Eucharist marks the beginning of our special
pilgrimage. During Mass each pilgrim will receive a
wooden crucifix & Blessing from Fr Augustine; we
will be commissioned to go forth to love and serve
the Lord. At the end of Mass our parents will be
presented with parchments inscribed with the
“Immersion Vision”. They will keep our candles and
light them each evening while we are away. It’s
important to get a good night’s sleep tonight, and not
have a late night. John will write the first entry into
our Group Journal tonight and ensure that he packs it
in his daypack.
Scribe: John
Day 1
Mon 24 Nov BRISBANE / KOLKATA
Leader: Jay
This morning we arrive by maxi-cab at Brisbane
International Airport for check-in no later than
06:00hrs, (6:00AM) dressed in our India Immersion
polo tops and kaki trousers. From now on we wear
our Money Belts continually, and they become our
most precious possession – (containing our passports,
plane tickets & travellers’ cheques). All pilgrims bring
their luggage, tickets, green Immigration cards and
passports to Jay (our Leader of the Day) and Br Rob
-4-
who will check in the luggage. They will check the
luggage through to Kolkata.
WEIGHT – BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Singapore Airlines allows 30kgs + 7kg carry on.
JetKonnect (Domestic) allows 15kgs + 7kg carry on.
Excess rate of INR 300/kg.
SpiceJet allows 15kgs (Domestic) + 7kg carry on.
Excess INR 250/kg.
Once the boarding passes, passports & Immigration
cards have been distributed, we are free to be with
our families until Jay gives the word for departure.
Immediately, we farewell our families and our group
of pilgrims lines up for formal group photos in front
of the Departure Doors. As we enter the Departure
Lounge we pass through Immigration where we
present our Passports and the completed green
Emigration cards. Our Singapore Airlines SQ 256
departs Brisbane at 09:10 hrs. This flight takes 8 hrs
to Singapore.
We arrive in SINGAPORE at Changi International
Airport at 15:10 hrs (3:10PM). Now we have a six
hour stopover in Singapore. We are free to wander
the Airports, and purchase Duty Free gifts for the
Christian Brothers, our hosts in Kolkata. But we must
be back at our designated Departure Lounge (in
Terminal 2) no later than 20:00PM for check-in. Our
next flight SQ 516 departs Singapore at 21:00hrs
(9:00PM) and arrives in KOLKATA at 22:40hrs
(10:40PM). This flight takes 4 hrs & 20 mins. It’s very
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important that we complete our Indian Immigration
forms before we land. (It’s best to do this in our
Departure Lounge whilst waiting to board our flight to
Kolkata.)
KOLKATA
We arrive at Kolkata International Airport at
10:40PM. It is late at night and passengers rush to be
first through Immigration. It’s important not to lag
behind. We disembark with all our hand luggage as
quickly as possible. Having already filled in our Indian
Immigration Cards we head straight for the
Immigration queues. After that we proceed to
luggage collection and grab trolleys for our Travel
Groups.
TRAVEL GROUPS.
Travel Group 1
Travel Group 2
Callum GALLAGHER Fardin FERDOUS
Jay BOWDEN
Matt HIBBARD
Br Rob CALLEN
Travel Group 3
Iñaki MAIZTEGUI
Sooraj PRAKASH
John GILLETT
Travel Group 4
Riley WAGNER
Jake DONNAN
Individuals may take turns to change Travellers
cheques into Indian rupees, while the other members
secure their Travel Groups’ luggage. Remember we
need to pay AUD$10 per day [ 500 rupees] for our
accommodation and meals at SMO on Day 2, and
there are not many money changers near SMO. We
will be able to change money in the city during the
first few days.
While we are collecting our Luggage, Jay will book
and pay for three “Pre-Paid Taxis” (about 150/rupees ea.,) to St Mary’s Orphanage & School, 103
Dum Dum Road, Dum Dum., next to Dum Dum
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Station. When everyone is ready Jay will give each
Travel Group a copy of the Pre-Paid Taxi Receipt
which identifies their particular taxi. Jay will then
lead us through the exit. We move together through
the “Green Channel” (nothing to declare) at Customs.
Be sure to keep money belts and valuables very safe.
Once outside the Airport, we ignore the many touts
who offer to carry our luggage as we head for our
Pre-paid taxis with our set Travel Groups. (The
Prepaid Taxi Receipts have the Taxi number written
on them.) We will arrive at the front gates of St
Mary’s Orphanage around midnight. Enjoy the ride!
[Saint Mary’s Orphanage, 103 Dum Dum Road, Dum Dum.
Kolkata, 700 030. Tel: 0011+91+033+2548 2060 / 2548 1490]
The gateman on duty is expecting us, and will open
the gates so we proceed up the driveway to the front
steps of the main building. Possibly one of the
Brothers will wait up for us, to show us to our rooms.
It’s late so we head straight to bed.
Accommodation at SMO:
City
KOLKATA
SMO
Dates
November
In 24, Out 4
(10 nights)
Room 1:
No:
Jay
Jake
Fardin
Room 2:
No:
Callum
John
Matt
Room 3:
No:
Iñaki
Sooraj
Riley
Room 4:
No:
Br Rob
Here at St Mary’s (SMO) we should remember that we
are guests, (not tourists), in the Brothers’ home, (not
hotel) and it’s good to involve ourselves in the special
work here at SMO as much as possible, especially in
the Lotus School & NOIS.
We try to get to know our hosts, the Brothers – Br
-7-
Avinash, Br Martin Br Donald, Br Franko & Mr Jim
McGinniss, - and show interest in their work. We must
be careful never to treat the Brothers as hotel staff!!
Here, as well as MITHRA, we pay AUD$10.00 per day
for our meals & accommodation. Jake will be
responsible for collecting this and handing it to Br Rob
for the Brothers.
It’s from here that we will go out each day to the
various institutions, including: Prem Dan, Kalighat –
Nirmal Hriday, Daya Dan, Shishu Bhavan, Nabo Jibon,
Howrah, Dum Dum Cantonment, Prem Nivas –
Titargarh etc. We will have a familiarization tour of
these places.
Tonight, Matthew will write up the Group Journal.
Scribe: Matthew
All of our Indian Travel Arrangements have been made by:
Mr Tejinder Singh
P: +91-11-25724462 | 25721861 |
Manager - Business
25737320 | 25761545
Development
Perfect Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd., E: tejinder@perfecttravels.net
109, Pragati Tower,
W: www.perfecttravels.net
26, Rajendra Place,
New Delhi - 110008.
Day 2
Tue 25 Nov KOLKATA
Leader: Jake
Today we will rise in time for breakfast with the
Brothers at 07:30AM. Jake will ensure that everyone
is woken in time for Breakfast. This morning we will
meet the members of the Christian Brothers’
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community and Jim McGinniss. (Mr Jim McGinniss,
originally from Perth, accompanied Rob on his first
Indian pilgrimage in 1988. He has been living and
working in Kolkata for more than 20 years.) The
Community Leader is Brother Avinash.
After breakfast it’s good to have showers, and get
ready for the day. We may get a chance to meet
some of the St Mary’s students and visit the Lotus
school.
Then Jake will lead us into the city by ferry where we
explore different areas and take some more
memorable pictures. [For security, the bedrooms
must always be locked when no one is inside.] We
will take our day packs and money belts – including
Passports - with us. Jake & Br Rob will lead the way.
(If we are lucky, Jim may arrange for two students
from NOIS to assist us.) We will walk across the
famous Howrah Bridge over the Hoogly River and visit
Howrah Station (featured in “The City of Joy”). We
will stay out for lunch and return to SMO in the
evening. It is possible to cash Traveller’s Cheques in
Sudder Street, but we must have our passports.
While Jake is our Leader today, Phill is our Guide for
Kolkata.
We cannot register as volunteers with the
Missionaries of Charity today, as Registrations
happens only on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
However, we can get a Day Pass from Sister-incharge of Volunteers, Sr Mercy-Maria, after Mass
tomorrow morning, which will allow us to begin work,
but we must remember to bring our Passports.
-9-
We each need to learn the transport system – both
the Metro and the local trains and buses. [The
Metro and the Local Trains are different and use
different stations.
In the city, the Metro is
underground. Sealdah Station is for local trains. But
for both, our Station is Dum Dum.]
Rob will take us on an orientation of Sudder Street
(where we can change Traveller’s cheques if we have
our passports) & the Volunteers’ area and local shops,
and maybe visit the Christian Brothers second
community in Kolkata – St Joseph’s & St George’s
Schools in Bow Bazaar (near Central Station).
When we return to SMO we can rest until dinner at
8:00PM. It gets dark early as it’s winter here. Some
may be keen to assist the Brothers in their special
ministry of distributing food to the local poor people.
This takes place each evening around 5:30PM just
inside near the front gate of SMO.
We will join the Brothers for dinner at 20:00PM.
Tonight, after dinner, Jake will lead our
prayer/reflection in the Brothers’ small Chapel. He
will set up a candle and provide music. Iñaki will
write up the Group Journal.
Scribe: Iñaki
Important:
From now on during our time in Kolkata, each
morning the Leader of the Day will ensure that we all
rise promptly at 04:15AM so that we can meet
together on the front steps at 04:45hrs ready to catch
the 05:00AM bus (BUS Nos.202 or 30-B - “Rippon
Street” or “Moulali” – Mool-lally) on Dum Dum Road
opposite SMO, for the trip to the M.C. Motherhouse.
-10-
(The front door at Motherhouse is locked at 06:00AM.
So we can’t be late.) When we arrive at Motherhouse
we will visit Mother Teresa’s tomb for a short prayer.
It is on the Ground Floor. We will see the significant
crucifix with the words of Christ: “I THIRST”.
Each day we attend 06:00AM Mass with all of the
volunteers and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters.
Although it’s very noisy outside, Mother always
wanted her sisters to be part of the active city, not
locked away in a remote convent. The Chapel is an
oasis of prayer and solitude in the chaotic metropolis
of Kolkata. After Mass we enjoy a cup of hot chai, a
piece of bread and a banana and we meet & chat with
all of the volunteers until Sister leads us in our prayer
of dedication. Then we head off in our groups to our
various ministries. We work at our centres until
lunchtime, then head back to St. Mary’s, Dum Dum for
lunch. In the afternoons, Rob will suggest the various
options available. Because we rise so early and work
hard, some boys may wish to have an afternoon
siesta. For safety reasons, no one should ever leave
SMO for whatever reason (e.g. water, lollies,
telephones, internet etc) without letting Rob know. In
the evenings, it’s good to take turns assisting the
Brothers as they distribute food to the homeless poor
people, and Jim may ask for assistance with the
distribution of blankets and food to people living on
the railway station platforms.]
Today our Travel Agent will come to SMO to deliver
all of our land content travel documents;
Travel Bureau
3rd Floor, Suite No. 21
9, Crooked Lane,
near Amber Restaurant
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E-mail: travelb@cal.vsnl.net.in
Contact: Mr. Nitin Sakunia
Home: (033) – 64510880
Mobile: (0) 98 300 93194
KOLKATTA - 700 069 WEST BENGAL
Phone: (033) 22487442, 22481456
or 9339200880
Day 3
Wed 26 Nov KOLKATA
Leader: Fardin
This morning Fardin will ensure that each pilgrim rises
at 04:15AM so that we can meet together on the
front steps at 04:45, sharp ready to catch the
05:00AM bus to the Motherhouse. [We must
remember to bring our Passports today.] We attend
06:00AM Mass with all of the volunteers and the
Missionaries of Charity. After Mass we enjoy a cup of
hot chai, a piece of bread and a banana and we chat
with all of the volunteers, and ask the Sister- incharge of Volunteers for a Day Pass. Then we head
off in our groups to our various ministries.
[See The Missionaries of Charity – Volunteers
Handbook, Page 133]
SERVICE GROUPS – MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY - KOLKATA
Service Group 1
PREM DAN
Jay BOWDEN
Callum GALLAGHER
Jake DONNAN
Service Group 2
NABO JIBON
Iñaki MAIZTEGUI
Sooraj PRAKASH
Riley WAGNER
Service Group 3
KALIGHAT
John GILLETT
Matt HIBBARD
Fardin FERDOUS
We work at our centres until lunchtime, then we head
back to St. Mary’s, Dum Dum for lunch. We catch the
train from Sealdah to Dum Dum to get home.
After lunch we will catch the METRO and return to
the city, alighting at Park Street, and walk to Shishu
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Bivan to register as Volunteers at 3:00PM sharp.
Again, we must bring our Passports.
Dinner this evening at SMO will be at 20:00PM.
Fardin will lead the Night Prayer in the Brothers
Chapel. Two questions that are worth pondering
during our prayer and reflection are:
1. Have I lived the Gospel values today?
2. What has been truly life-enhancing today?
Sooraj will bring the Group Journal up to date.
Scribe: Sooraj
Day 4
Thu 27 Nov KOLKATA
Leader: Callum
Today is Volunteers’ day off! This means we can
have a “sleep-in” and a leisurely morning. Callum will
ensure that everyone is present for breakfast is at
7:30AM. After breakfast we will spend some time
grabbing some great picture opportunities of the
bustling street markets right outside the front gates
of SMO.
If Br Rob can arrange it, after lunch we will take a
train up the line to Titagarh. We will visit Gandhiji
Prem Nivas, the home for people with leprosy run by
Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Brothers.
After we return to SMO we will have dinner with the
Brothers at 8:00PM. Then Callum will lead our Night
Prayer and Riley will write the Group Journal. We
retire early because of the early morning rising and
the exhausting days ahead.
Scribe: Riley
-13-
Day 5
Fri 28 Nov
KOLKATA
Leader: John
Today we return to our Volunteers’ routine. John, the
Leader of the Day will ensure that we rise early at
4:15AM so we can catch the Bus to Motherhouse for
Mass, followed by our placements, then back to SMO
for lunch. With the Leader, Br Rob will arrange
afternoon activities. Today it might be possible to
have the Annual St Mary’s Vs St Leo’s Soccer match.
John will lead our Night Prayer and Jay will bring the
Group Journal up to date.
Scribe: Jay
Day 6
Sat 29 Nov KOLKATA
Leader: Matthew
Matthew will ensure that everyone is awake at
04:15AM We gather on the front steps of SMO at
4:45am then off to the Bus stop for our trip to
Motherhouse for Mass, followed by our placements,
then back to SMO for lunch. With the Leader, Rob
will arrange afternoon activities. Jake will write up
the Group Journal tonight. Matthew will lead our
Night Prayer.
Scribe: Jake
Day 7
Sun 30 Nov KOLKATA
Leader: Iñaki
Today we will follow the usual routine. Iñaki will
ensure that we rise at 04:15AM and go to
Motherhouse for Mass, followed by our placements,
then back to SMO for lunch. With the Leader (Iñaki),
Rob will suggest afternoon activities. Iñaki will lead
Night Prayer and Fardin will write up the Group
Journal.
Scribe: Fardin
-14-
Day 8
Mon 1 Dec
KOLKATA
Leader: Sooraj
Today we will follow our usual routine. Sooraj will
ensure rise early and go to Motherhouse for Mass,
followed by our placements, then back to SMO for
lunch. With the Leader, Rob will suggest afternoon
activities. Sooraj will organise for us to meet
together for our Prayer/Reflection before going to
bed. Callum will bring the Group Journal up to date.
Scribe:
Callum
Day 9
Tue 2 Dec
KOLKATA
Leader: Riley
Today we will follow the usual routine. Riley will
ensure that we rise by 04:15AM and go to
Motherhouse for Mass, followed by our placements.
Then back to SMO for lunch. With the Leader Br Rob
will suggest afternoon activities. Riley will lead our
nightly reflection and John will have responsibility for
the Group Journal today.
Scribe: John
Day 10
Wed 3 Dec
KOLKATA
Leader: Jay
Today is our final day of Volunteering in Kolkata. We
will follow the usual routine. Jay will ensure that we
rise by 04:15AM and go to Motherhouse for Mass.
This is our chance to say Farewell to all the other
volunteers. They will sing the “Thank You” song to us.
This is followed by our placements. Instead of
-15-
returning to SMO for lunch we will all meet up
together at the Blue Sky Cafe in Sudder Street for
lunch. After lunch we will visit New Market for any
last purchases before we go to St Joseph’s, Bow Bazar
to say farewell to the Brothers. From there we will
take a slow walk down Bow Bazaar to Sealdah
Station. This will be our farewell to Calcutta – the
City of Joy. We return to SMO by train. After dinner
Jay will lead our Night Prayer. Matthew will
complete the Group Journal.
Scribe: Matt
Day 11
Thu 4 Dec
KOLKATA / VARANASI
Leader: Jake
Today is our last day in Kolkata. We will have
breakfast with the Brothers at 7:30am, after which
we will do our final packing and major clean-up. It’s
all hands on deck to ensure that the bedrooms are
immaculate. Jake (with the help of Jim) will organise
the taxis for the trip to the Domestic Airport,
departing SMO at 13:30PM.
Kolkata / Varanasi
Jet Airways 9W-2893
15:30/17:20
Immediately after Lunch, at 13:00PM we head to the
Airport to catch our flight to Varanasi. Before we
depart SMO, Jake will collect a donation for the cook.
Then, Jake, on behalf of the group, will formally thank
Br Avinash & the Christian Brothers for their
hospitality and friendship.
At the Airport, Jake will organise the Check-In and
distribute the boarding passes. The flight is just one
and a half hours to Varanasi.
-16-
VARANASI
We land in Varanasi at 5:30PM and it will be dark.
After collecting out luggage at Varanasi Domestic
Airport, Jake will make contact with our travel agent
Mr Robert Abraham, from Touraids I, and lead us to
our Bus for our trip to the Hotel Hindustan
International. The trip is 25kms, but takes about one
hour. Although it will be dark, we will be travelling for
the first time through rural India. It’s also the
Wedding season.
We will arrive at our hotel around 18:30PM. Jake &
Br Rob will organise the check-in and distribute keys
for designated rooms: three Triples.
Hotel HINDUSTAN INTERNATIONAL (HHI)
VARANASI
Hotel
HINDUSTAN
International
In 4, Out 6
(2 nights)
Rm: 1
Rm: 2
No:
Jake
John
Sooraj
No:
Fardin
Matt
Riley
Rm: 3
Rm: 4
No:
No:
Jay
Br Rob
Callum
Iñaki
Hotel Hindustan International (HHI)
C-21/3, Maldahiya,Varanasi - 221002
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Phone : 91 542 2411484 / 489 (7 lines)
Fax - 91 542 2410931
Email : gmvaranasi@hindusthan.com
After settling into our rooms, Jake will call us together
to meet in the hotel’s AANGAN RESTAURANT, where he
will have made a booking for our evening meal.
Friday Bookings:
Before he leaves us, Fardin will get from Mr Robert
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Abraham, our travel agent the precise details for:
1. for the transport to and from the River;
2. the hire of the boat;
3. and the return trip to Sarnath.
With the HHI doorman, Fardin will negotiate to hire
Br Rob’s friend “Sumaru” and 4 fellow cycle-rickshaw
men for our transport for tomorrow’s outing, as well
as the trip to and from the Ghats tomorrow evening.
Jake will organise our night prayer and Iñaki will write
up the Journal.
Scribe: Iñaki
Our Travel Agent for Varanasi:
Touraids (I) Travel Service
8, RH Tower, Varanasi Cantt.
Varanasi
Phone: (0542) 2504447, 2500227
Fax: (0542) 2506492
E-mail: varanasi@touraidsi.com
or pradeep.daniel@touraidsi.com
Contact: Mr. Pradeep Daniel
Mobile: (0) 9305575614
Day 12
Fri 5 Dec
VARANASI
Leader: Fardin
This morning we rise early at 05.00hrs and take bus to
the river where Fardin has hired a boat for a sunrise
boat ride on the holy Ganges. It is traditional to buy
one or two candles for 10 rupees to float on the holy
river. We witness the time-honoured ritual bathing in
the holy river with the colour and rituals unfolding as
the sun’s rays break through the fog and reveal the
misty shore. We experience the living history of the
Bathing and Cremation Ghats before taking our time
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to walk through the narrow lanes of the “old city” and
visiting the Gyanvapi Mosque and the Golden
Temple. Our Guide for Varanasi, Jay, will explain
everything to us! It’s good to take our time as this is
such an exotic & ancient city. We then return to our
hotel for a quick breakfast.
After breakfast Fardin will organise with Sumuru,
cycle-rickshaws and we will spend the morning
exploring this fascinating city. [Breakfasts in all
Hotels is already paid for!] It is a Friday, which
means it is the Muslims’ Prayer Day, but we will make
a trip into the Muslim quarter where there is a
vibrant Silk industry. Here there is a possibility to
change Travellers cheques.
Jay is our Guide for Varanasi. Varanasi is the home of
the world famous Ravi Shankar! You may like to buy
a sitar! We will also visit the old cantonment area
and the Catholic Cathedral before we have lunch at
the Gateway Hotel Ganges. In the afternoon Jay &
Fardin will lead us to the Durga Temple (Monkey
Temple) and other fascinating sights. Some may like
the opportunity to take in a Hindi Movie. There will be
some free time to catch up on laundry, journals and
postcards. We will be free to explore Varanasi
further. It’s is kite season, so some boys may like to
buy kites and join the competition of fighting kites
from other roof-tops! Good luck!
As Jay will tell us Varanasi is the oldest continually
inhabited city in the world. It is situated on the left
(west) bank of the River Ganga & is generally believed
to be about 3,000 years old. It is regarded as holy by
Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The culture of Varanasi is
-19-
closely associated with the River Ganges and the
river's religious importance. The city has been a
cultural and religious centre in northern India for
several thousand years. Many prominent Indian
philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or
reside in Varanasi, which includes Kabir, Ravi Das,
Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Ravi
Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Ustad Bismillah
Khan. Tulsidas wrote his Ramacharitamanas here, and
Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.
At 5:00PM we will head out immediately to the
Ghats.
We will travel by cycle rickshaws to
Dashashwamedh Ghat where we will join in the
Hindu prayers which begin at 18:20PM. We will also
take a stroll to the Burning Ghats, remembering to be
very respectful of the grieving and the dead. On the
way back from the Manikarnika burning ghat, Jake
will take us to the Blue Lassi Shop located in Kachaui
Gali near Chowk, so that we can sample the “best
Lassis in India!” Then, on the ride back to the hotel,
Fardin will surprise us with a new venue for our
dinner together.
Callum will outline the tight program for tomorrow.
Fardin will then organise our night prayer – the
Examen. Sooraj will write the Group Journal.
Scribe: Sooraj
Day 13
Sat 6 Dec
VARANASI / DELHI
-20-
Leader: Callum
After a quick breakfast, we need to hurry and quickly
pack and Callum will organise the check out. Callum
will instruct us where to store our luggage before we
set off for a return trip to Sarnath – the ancient
Buddhist settlement where Gautama Buddha first
taught the Dharma. It is located 13kms from
Varanasi. Jake is our Guide for Sarnath.
As soon as we return from Sarnath, we will have
quick lunch, collect our luggage and load the bus
before we make our trip to Varanasi Spice Jet SG-119
15:15 / 16:40] so we need to board our bus for the
Airport no later than 12:30PM. At Varanasi Airport,
Callum will check through the luggage and distribute
the boarding passes.
DELHI
We arrive in Delhi at 4:40PM. Callum will make
contact with our agent from Perfect Travels outside
the airport and guide us to our bus. On board the
bus, Callum will also give each person a Naga-shawl!
This is a special symbol for all India Immersions. Rob
will explain the significance of why he chooses shawls
made by the tribal people of Nagaland. Once again,
on our journey to the YWCA Blue Triangle wind down
the windows and enjoy all the sensations of INDIA –
sights, sounds, smells, and feelings evoked!!
When we arrive at the YWCA, Callum & Br Rob will
organise the check-in. It will be around 6:30PM by
the time we get to our rooms to drop our luggage.
-21-
YWCA - ROOMS
DELHI Dec
YWCA In 6, Out 9
Blue
Triangle (3 nights)
Rm 1
Rm 2
Rm 3
Rm 4
No:
John
Riley
Jay
No:
Callum
Fardin
Sooraj
No:
Jake
Iñaki
Matt
No:
Br Rob
We will then meet in the YWCA Dining Room for
Dinner. Prices are very reasonable here. Bottled
water is reasonable too. Fardin will prepare to be our
“Old Delhi” Guide for tomorrow. He will use the
microphone in the bus. Later Callum will lead our
night prayer & reflection together before heading off
to bed. Riley will ensure that the Group Journal is
brought up to date.
Scribe: Riley
“YWCA Blue Triangle Family Hostel” [Ashok Road, New Delhi. Tel: 9111-2336 0133 or 2336 5441, Fax: 2336 0202. Email: ywcadel@vsnl.net].
Our Travel Agent in Delhi is:
Perfect Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd.,
109, Pragati Tower,
26 Rajendra Place,
New Delhi - 110 008
Office Phones: (011) 25737320,
25724462, 25734173, 25721861
and 25761545
E-mail: perfect@nda.vsnl.net.in
Contact: Mr. Alok Misra
Mobile: (0) 98-99735960
Day 14
Sun 7 Dec
DELHI
Leader: John
This morning we will rise at 08:30AM and have a
leisurely breakfast. (Breakfast is already paid for with
the accommodation.) After breakfast John will
ensure that we all assemble in the lobby, ready for
our First sightseeing tour of Delhi – the nation’s
-22-
capital. John will meet the Bus Driver and Guide and
tell us when to board the bus. [See notes on Delhi
Sightseeing.] We will board our Bus at 09:30AM.
Today we go to Old Delhi. We will be dropped off at
the Red Fort. Fardin is our Guide today. (We will be
accompanied by an English speaking guide as well
and he can answer any questions which stump
Fardin.) From there we take a leisurely (slow) walk
down Chandni Chowk taking in all the sights, sounds
and smells of India. It’s a great opportunity for
meeting locals and to take lots of pictures of this
incredible kaleidoscope of exotic India! So it’s good
not to rush.
We will visit a Sikh temple – Gurdwara Sis Ganj
Sahib, then wander through the narrow side streets.
We will visit the famous Pandit Babu Ram Devi
Parathe Wala, (Shop 1947, Gali Parathe Wali,
Chandni Chowk,) and have a snack. This is where we
buy the best parathas in India!
We will continue our walk through the narrow side
streets, finding our way to Jama Masjid – the
principal mosque in India. We then walk back
towards the Red Fort, but we visit the Jain Bird
Hospital on our way. Then we board our bus and
travel to Rajghat, moving on to Gandhi Smriti, and
possibly the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum before
returning to the YWCA Hostel.
Mrs Indira Gandhi, no relation of Mahatma Gandhi,
but the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister,
Jawaharlal Nehru, was herself Prime Minister of India
for two terms: 1966-1977 & 1980-1984. She was
-23-
assassinated in 1984 by her own bodyguard.
This afternoon we will visit Connaught Place, and
various shops where we can buy local products or just
take in the sights. Beware the shoeshine boys and
their scams!
CONNAUGHT CIRCUS
This afternoon we will visit the Christian Brothers at
St Columba’s School. Br William D’Souza has invited
us to join them for afternoon tea. Being Sunday, we
will then go next door to the Sacred Heart Cathedral
and attend 6:30PM Mass.
When we get back to the YWCA, we will have dinner
together. Then John will lead us in Night Prayer.
Then it’s off to bed for a good night’s sleep. Our
Transport for Delhi Sightseeing tomorrow is already
booked and paid. Jay will write the Group Journal
tonight.
Scribe: Jay
-24-
Day 15
Mon 8 Dec
DELHI
Leader: Matthew
This morning we will rise at 07:30AM and have a
leisurely breakfast. Matt will organise everyone to be
on board the Sightseeing Bus no later than 09:30AM.
After breakfast we take the bus to Qutub Minar. [See
notes on Delhi Sightseeing.] Callum is our Guide
today and he takes over the microphone at the front
of the bus. On the return journey we will visit India
Gate and stop for photo opportunities with Gyarah
Murti. We will stop at the Rendezvous Panchshila
Restaurant for lunch before returning to the YWCA
Hostel via the street with all the International
Embassies. The afternoon is ad libitum (free time).
You may wish to head to the shops along Janpath.
This evening we will have an early tea and Matt will
ensure that everyone has his Nagashawl and
assembles in the lobby by 5:45pm. Then we board the
bus and head to Old Delhi once again, to the Red Fort
to witness the “Son et Lumière”, (Sound and Light)
presentation, which begins at 19:30PM sharp! This is
a presentation of the Moghul history of Delhi. The
Bus will collect us at 6:00PM and drop us at the Red
Fort. There is a significant brisk walk to the entrance
since buses are not permitted to park close by. Matt,
with the guide, will organise to buy the tickets
before we enter the Red Fort. It will take an hour to
get there so we need to leave the YWCA no later than
18:00PM. As it’s an outdoor show and it can get cold,
we need to rug up with our Naga shawls. After the
show we return to the YWCA on our bus which will be
waiting for us in a distant car park.
-25-
When we arrive back at the YWCA we will join
together for our group prayer / reflection led by
Matt. It’s a good idea get straight to bed early as we
rise very early tomorrow for our train trip to Agra.
Jake will try to capture all of the events of today in his
Journal entry.
Scribe: Jake
Day 16
Tue 9 Dec
DELHI / AGRA
Leader: Iñaki
This morning Iñaki will ensure that everyone rises
very early at 04:30AM and that we all board our bus
with luggage by 05:15AM. Our bus takes us to the
Railway Station where we catch the Shatabdi Express
for the two hour trip to Agra. The train departs at
06:00AM. We have allocated seats. (Beware of pickpockets at the railways station!) Breakfast – an
omelette, juice, chai & biscuits - is served on the train.
Train to AGRA
09
Dec.
9th
“12002 SHATABDI EXPRESS”
TRAIN BERTH NUMBERS
COACH NO:
C4
Alphabetical List:
Jay ---------------------Riley.
DELHI / AGRA
(06:00 / 08:06)
A/C CHAIR CAR
SEAT NUMBERS
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
We arrive in Agra Cantonment Station at approx.
08:06hrs. At the station we will meet our long time &
loyal friend of 24 years, Sultan, a cycle-rickshaw man.
He and his fellow rickshaw drivers will transfer us to
our hotel, “Hotel Siris 18”. Iñaki & Br Rob will
-26-
organise the check-in, and Iñaki will give out the keys
for the designated bedroom groups.
HOTEL ROOMS - AGRA- Hotel SIRIS 18
AGRA In 9,
Hotel Out 12
SIRIS
(3 nights)
18
Rm 1
Rm 2
Rm 3
Rm 4
No:
Sooraj
Jay
Matt
No:
No:
Riley
Callum
Jake
No:
Br Rob
Iñaki
John
Fardin
“Hotel Siris 18”
[C 2/3, Taj Nagri, Phase-II, Fatehabad Road,
Agra - 282001 Uttarpradesh, India
Tel: 0562-4014600-03
Our Travel Agent in Agra:
Touraids (I) Travel Service
Behind Hotel Trident Hilton,
V.I.P. Road to Taj Mahal,
Agra-282001
Phone: (0562) 2230741, 2230794
E-mail: touraids@sancharnet.in or
agra@touraidsi.com
General Manager: Mr.
Mahatim Singh
Mobile: (0) 9690017204
Home: (0562) 2480748
John is our official Guide for Agra – Day 1! Our
risckshaw drivers will invite us to join them for a
“Welcome Chai” at the local chai stall. We will get
ourselves acclimatised to Agra. In this city we are
tourists so we will visit some of Rob’s friends Adil &
Imran Khan at Mughal Carpet Company and Proveen
Karmokar at his Jewellery Store. It’s a good chance to
meet the locals and to learn something of the ancient
craft of handmade carpets, as well as inlaid precious
stones in marble.
-27-
Matt will organise with the drivers for us to have
lunch at an outdoor restaurant – the Green Park
Restaurant.
The afternoon will be relatively free, but then we will
have an early dinner this evening because we will be
attending a live show: “Mohabbat the Taj” at
18:00PM. At 17:30PM, Iñaki will organise for our
rickshaw drivers to take us to the show. After the
show, we will go out for a quiet celebration with
Sultan and his friends.
When we return to the hotel we will have our Night
prayer/reflection led by Iñaki. Fardin will ensure that
the Journal is up to date.
Scribe: Fardin
Day 17
Wed 10 Dec AGRA
Leader: Sooraj
Today we head off to see one of the wonders of the
world - the TAJ MAHAL! Sultan & Sooraj will organise
the transport. Sooraj will buy the Admission tickets.
For foreigners they cost Rs750 each. Johan is our
Guide today for Agra – Day 2. Iñaki will organise for
us to have a formal group photograph taken in front
of the Taj, so everyone needs to have his Leo’s polo
top & kaki trousers clean and pressed. [Maybe we’ll
even have the Leo’s flag with us, Jay!] After spending
a leisurely morning at the Taj Mahal, we will visit the
Red Fort.
Then Sooraj will take us the MAYA RESTAURANT for
Lunch. [18/184 Purani Mandi Circle, Fatehabad Road,
Tajganj.] After lunch, Sultan will take us to reputable
money changers if anyone needs to change Travellers
cheques.
-28-
The late afternoon will be free for pilgrims to explore
Agra, catch up with washing, write postcards,
souvenir hunting, use the internet, maybe even a
game of cricket with the local lads! Sooraj may
surprise us with an activity or two!
Tonight we will go out for a meal. The restaurant will
be a surprise decided by Sooraj & Sultan. Sooraj will
inform everyone of our departure time for the
restaurant.
When we return to the hotel Sooraj will lead us with
our night prayer, and Callum will write the Group
Journal tonight.
Scribe:
Callum
Day 18
Thu 11 Dec AGRA
Leader: Riley
This morning we will visit Fatephur Sikri. Riley will
make the arrangements.
If we are really lucky, Sultan may invite us to have
lunch with his family in his village!
Jay – our Leader tomorrow – will organise with Sultan
for auto-rickshaws to collect us early tomorrow
morning from our hotel for the Railway Station at
5:00AM.
Scribe: John
Day 19
Fri 12 Dec
AGRA / JAIPUR
-29-
Leader: Jay
This morning we rise early to catch our train to Jaipur.
Jay will wake everyone at 4:30AM so that we check
out of the hotel at 5:00AM. Sultan and his friends will
take us to the Agra Fort Train Station for the 6:20AM
departure on the Marudhar Express .
Train to Jaipur
12
Dec.
“14863 MARUDHAR
EXPRESS”
TRAIN BERTH NUMBERS
COACH NO:
B2
AGRA/JAIPUR
(06:35 / 12:05)
A/C THREE TIER
SEAT NUMBERS
10,11,13,14,15,16,22,23,24,31.
SEATING PLAN
Coach No: B2
MB
10 Jay
11 Br Rob UB
SU
16 John
13
14
15
24
Jake
Fardin
Callum
Sooraj
MB
UB
SL
SU
22 Matt
23 Iñaki
UB
SL
31 Riley
SL
Seat Map for 3 Tier
SL - Sleeper
UB-Upper
MB-Middle
LB-Lower
SL- Side Lower
SU-Side Upper
1
2
3
8
4
9
5
6
7
10 11
16
12 13 14
17 18 19
15
24
20
25
21 22
26 27
23
28
33
29
34
31
30
35
32
40
Our train from Agra to Jaipur is an A/C Three Tier
train. This means that it has triple berths in each
compartment and on the side aisles. When we
board, there will already be people sleeping from
-30-
their overnight journey. We will need to store our
luggage and take our assigned beds until all beds
are converted to seating. It’s good to take some food
and water on this 6 hour journey.
We will arrive in Jaipur – the Pink City – at 12:05PM.
Matthew is our Guide for Jaipur. Jay will make
contact with our travel agent on the railway platform,
and lead us to our bus. We then head for our Hotel,
the Arya Niwas, where Jay & Br Rob will check in the
group and Jay will distribute the bedroom keys to
each group:
HOTEL ARYA NIWAS
JAIPUR
Hotel
ARYA
NIWAS
In 12,
Out 15
(3 nights)
Hotel Arya Niwas
Behind Amber Tower,
Sansar Chandra Rd,
Jaipur, RJ 302001, India
Rm 1
Rm 2
Rm 3
Rm 4
No:
Riley
Matt
Jake
No:
Callum
Sooraj
Iñaki
No:
John
Fardin
Jay
No:
Br Rob
Phone:+91 141 237 2456
Email: tarun@aryaniwas.com
www.aryaniwas.com/
Mr Tarun Bansal.
After storing our luggage in our respective rooms, we
will assemble in the Hotel Dining Room for Lunch.
There is an easy Menu for tourists to choose food by
numbers.
This afternoon, Jay & Matt will explain the Walking
Tour activities. There’s no time to waste! Matt will
lead us and we will make our way to the Old City
-31-
Jaipur for a Walking Tour. Matthew is our Guide for
Jaipur. He & Jay will show us the hand paintings etc.
This evening, back at our Hotel Arya Niwas, Jay has
organised for us to undertake Indian Cooking Class.
This will be followed by Dinner. This will cost each
person Rs 450/-. Jay will collect the money.
Before we retire, Jay will lead us in prayer & Matt will
bring the Group Journal up to date.
Jake will be sure to have organised the transport to
Amber Fort & Jaigarh for tomorrow morning as well
as the return trip from Elefantastic. He will outline
our Saturday program.
Scribe: Matt
Our Agent in Jaipur is:
Rajasthan Travel Service
52-55, Ground Floor,
Ganpati Plaza,
Mirza Ismail Road,
Jaipur-302 001
Phone: (0141) 4080808-16
Fax: (0141) 2389125, 2389057
E-mail: rtsjaipur@airtelmail.in
dilip@rts.co.in
Contact: Mr. Dilip Sirwani /
Suresh Sirwani
Home: (0141) 2631198 or
2632647
Mobile: (0) 9829016678 (Dilip)
Mobile: (0) 9829050852
(Suresh)
Day 30
Sat 13 Dec JAIPUR
Leader: Jake
Immediately after breakfast we will board our two
Toyota Innova SUV taxis for Amber Fort, Jaigarh and
Elefantastic. The Transport will cost us each Rs410/for the whole day & return trip. Jake will collect this
money and pay for the taxis. On the way to Amber
-32-
we will stop at the Palace of Winds for a photo op.
We will also stop for a photo at the base of the Fort.
Iñaki is our Guide for Amber, and he will explain the
history of Amber Fort & Jaigarh. Jake will collect the
money and pay for our elephant rides from the base
to the entrance of the Fort.
After spending some time exploring the Fort, we will
make our way back to the taxis, which will then take
us to “ELEFANTASTIC” for our afternoon program:
 Arrive at farm at 1:00PM. Welcome drinks.
 First Meeting and introduction with elephants!
 Each guest will be taught the basics of elephant
language.
 Elephant feeding will take an hour or so.
 Lunch for guests at family home. (Home cooked
vegetarian food only).
 Bare back ride & training on how to ride,
balance & use commands.
 Traditional elephant face painting.
 Around sunset, relaxing elephant jungle safari.
Jake will collect the money for payment to Rahul –
USD$100 ea. Our taxis will collect us at 6:30PM to
take us back to the Arya Niwas Hotel, where we will
have a late dinner.
Fardin will be sure to organise local transport for
tomorrow’s activities.
-33-
Jake will lead us in our nightly reflection before we
retire, and Iñaki, will be sure to record all of the day’s
activities in the Group Journal.
Scribe:
Iñaki
Day 21
Sun 14 Dec JAIPUR
Leader: Fardin
This morning Fardin will ensure we rise in time to
have our pre-paid breakfast before board our
transport to Sunday morning Mass at St Xavier’s
College church, followed by a photo opportunity and
morning tea at the Rambagh Palace and then to Niro
Restaurant for Lunch.
Niros Restaurant,
Mirza Ismail Road,
Jaipur 302-001
Tel: 141-2374493
After lunch we will visit the Bazaars of Jaipur. Fardin
& Matt will lead this tour. When we finish we’ll head
back to our Arya Niwas Hotel for our Yoga Class at
5:00PM. This will cost us Rs100/- per person. Then
at 7:00PM we will take our seats on the front lawn for
the Evening Rajathstani Folk Dance. This is inclusive
of Dinner for Rs450/- per person. Fardin will collect
the money to pay for the Yoga class, Folk Dance &
Evening meal.
Fardin will lead us in our nightly reflection before we
retire, and Sooraj will be sure to record all of the
day’s activities in the Group Journal.
Scribe: Sooraj
-34-
Day 22
Mon 15 Dec JAIPUR / CHENNAI
Leader: Callum
Today is a very busy travel day!
Callum will ensure that we rise early at 4:30am,
because we board our transfer to Jaipur Airport at
5:30AM. We have two flights: Jaipur / Mumbai, and
Mumbai / Chennai. Once at Jaipur Domestic Airport,
Callum will check in our luggage through to Chennai
and distribute Boarding passes.
JAIPUR / MUMBAI
Jet Airways
9W-7187 07:55 / 09:45
MUMBAI / CHENNAI
Jet Airways
9W-481 12:30 / 14:20
CHENNAI – M.I.T.H.R.A.
During the flight to Chennai, it’s a good idea to review
the MITHRA Volunteers’ Handbook [See Page 113].
Sooraj is our Guide for Chennai.
Once we arrive at Chennai Domestic Airport at
13:20PM, we each collect our luggage and then
Callum will organise “Pre-Paid Taxis” for each Travel
Group to M.I.T.H.R.A. in ANNA NAGAR. This can be
quite an experience for the taxi drivers to find
MITHRA Rehabilitation Centre! We will keep in our
Travel Groups for the taxis, so everyone needs to
know the instructions for getting to MITHRA.
-35-
The taxi needs to come to Anna Nagar Roundtana and
proceed on Anna Nagar Second Avenue to Anna
Nagar Chintamani. At the Anna Nagar Chintamani
Signal they should proceed straight on Anna Nagar
Second Avenue Extension into D Block. At the end of
that road on the right is the Shrine of Divine Mercy in
MITHRA Campus. Then find the front gate to MITHRA
in R.V. Nagar.
When we arrive at M.I.T.H.R.A., we will unload our
bags from our taxis, and wait until Br Rob makes
contact with Nataraj, who will then take us to our
allocated bedrooms.
M.I.T.H.R.A. – Bedrooms
CHENNAI
In 15,
M.I.T.H.R.A Out 21
.
-36-
Rm 1
Rm 2
Rm 3
Rm 4
No:
Fardin
Riley
No:
Jake
Callum
No:
Iñaki
John
No:
Br Rob
(6 nights)
Sooraj
Jay
Matt
During our time at MITHRA we will be responsible for
the cleanliness of the Kitchen, Dining room & our
Bedrooms. Our three Groups will take turns for all
Kitchen & Dining Room duties. This includes washing
the dishes & cutlery, drying the dishes & cutlery,
washing tea towels, removal of rubbish, sweeping
floors, wiping down tables & stove etc. Group “A” is
responsible for all Dining Room duties this evening.
KITCHEN & DINING ROOM DUTY GROUPS:
GROUP “A”
GROUP “B”
GROUP “C “
Jay
Jake
Fardin
Callum
John
Matthew
Iñaki
Sooraj
Riley
The Leader of the Day is responsible for keeping up
the supply of bottled drinking water. Natarajan will
provide the evening meal, but we are responsible for
our own breakfast & lunch. There are groceries in the
dining room cupboard. Each pilgrim is expected to
pay AUD$10 per day for food & accommodation.
Callum will collect this and pass it on to Br Rob
tomorrow who will give it to Sr. Manju.
Scribe: Riley
Day 23
Tue 16 Dec CHENNAI (M.I.T.H.R.A.)
Leader: John
This morning John will ensure that we rise at 7:00AM,
have breakfast then showers.
Group “B” is
responsible for all Dining Room duties today. After
we have tidied up we will go over to the Convent to
-37-
meet the Sisters at 09:00AM, or when it’s convenient.
Sr. Munju will give each boy the name of the child for
whom he will have special responsibility.
Today we will visit the School, meet the Principal, Mrs
Hamer, the teachers and the children. We will assist
the teachers in the classrooms, as well as offer to
transport the children to their dining room for dinner.
We assist the children with all of their meals,
especially our assigned child. In the children’s Dining
Room, before every meal we stand quietly and join
our hands in prayer as the children say ‘Grace before
Meals’, and we do the same in our own Dining Room.
The Leader of the Day always leads the Grace before
meals in our Dining. Room. and finishes with: “Live
Jesus in our hearts” and we respond: “Forever!”
When school finishes we entertain the residential
children with games in the dormitory area. But if time
permits, Br Rob and our Chennai Guide, Sooraj, will
lead us on a walk around the local Anna Nagar area
and the immediate vicinity of MITHRA. It’s a great
opportunity to ‘embrace the local culture’! After tea
we help put the children to bed.
Each evening, the Leader for the next day checks with
Br Rob about the plans for that day when he will be
the Leader, and he passes on the instructions to the
group.
Before we retire tonight we will gather in the Dining
Room for our Night prayer led by John. [The Examen
of Consciousness. See options on Pages 81-88]. Jay
will write up the Group Journal tonight.
Scribe: Jay
-38-
Day 24
Wed 17 Dec CHENNAI (M.I.T.H.R.A.)
Leader: Matthew
Matthew wakes the pilgrims at 06.30 hrs this
morning. We will do something different. We will
not engage in the MITHRA routine. After we have our
showers and breakfast, we must be ready for
boarding the Bus at 07:30hrs. Group “A” is
responsible for all Dining Room duties today.
While the MITHRA children & teachers rehearse for
their Concert, we will travel to PREMA VASAM, [Thiru
V.K.A. Road, Gerugambakkam] to visit and engage in
the work of Mr Selvyn Roy, Indra and their dedicated
helpers.
“PREMA VASAM – where love resides” - is a home for the
mentally & physically challenged and less fortunate children.
It aims to work with these special children and their families
irrespective of caste, creed, religion and financial background.
As the name Prema Vasam means, it is a place of love or
where love resides. Prema Vasam provides residential care to
the children who are differently abled, mentally challenged
and less fortunate. It renders relentless service to these
children to realize their potentials and to enable them to
serve others.”
We will spend the whole day with Selvyn at Prema
Vasam and fully immerse ourselves in the lives and
work of the children here. We will return to MITHRA
in the late evening. Matt will lead Night prayer and
Jake will write up the Group Journal.
Scribe: Jake
-39-
Day 25
Thu 18 Dec CHENNAI (M.I.T.H.R.A.)
Leader: Iñaki
Today is going to be a little bit different! It’s Br
Rob’s Birthday. Today, with the Sisters and staff, we
will take the children to a theme Park: either
Queens Land, EVP World, or Paravasaolakam.
Iñaki will ensure that everyone is up at 7:00am. This
morning will have our own breakfast first. Group “C”
is responsible for all Dining Room duties today. This
includes making toast for the whole group. Iñaki is
responsible for the bottled water.
Immediately after breakfast we make our way to the
children and help in every possible way to get the
children ready and onto the buses for the outing. It
will be “all hands on deck”. We will split up into our
travel groups so volunteers are on each of the buses
with the children. We will take our cues from the
Sisters and teachers and help the children with the
rides etc making sure no one is left out.
When we return to MITHRA we will help with the
children and then have our own Dinner.
After dinner tonight, Inaki will lead Night prayer and
Fardin will write up the Group Journal.
Scribe:
Fardin
Day 26
Fri 19 Dec
CHENNAI (M.I.T.H.R.A.)
Leader: Sooraj
Sooraj wakes the pilgrims at 07.00 hrs this morning
so they engage in the daily MITHRA routine. We have
our own showers and breakfast before we deliver the
children for the start of school. Group “B” is
responsible for all Dining Room duties today. This
-40-
includes making toast for the whole group. Sooraj is
responsible for the bottled water.
After dinner tonight, Sooraj will lead Night prayer and
Callum will write up the Group Journal.
Scribe: Callum
Day 27
Sat 20 Dec M.I.T.H.R.A. (Chennai)
Leader: Riley
Riley wakes the pilgrims at 07:00 hrs this morning
and before taking the children for breakfast, we will
have our own breakfast. Group “C” is responsible for
all Dining Room duties today.
We will wakes the pilgrims at 07.00 hrs this morning
so they engage in the daily MITHRA routine. We have
our own showers and breakfast before we deliver the
children for the start of school.
We attend Mass in the Church tonight before retiring.
Jay will consult with Br Rob about transport and the
group’s activities for Sunday.
After dinner, Riley will lead Night prayer and John will
write up the Group Journal.
Scribe:
John
Day 28
Sun 21 Dec CHENNAI / SINGAPORE
Leader: Jay
Today is our last day in India!
Sundays at MITHRA are different from the norm. The
school is closed and some children have visitors and
others may go home. Sooraj will be leaving us later
-41-
today to travel to Bangalore, Jay is the Leader of the
Day! Jay will outline the day’s activities. We will get
up for a leisurely breakfast, but all will be ready for a
day out in greater Chennai. Group “A” is responsible
for all Dining Room duties today.
At 10:00AM we will board the MITHRA Bus for a trip
to Marina Beach and San Thome [the National Shrine
of St.Thomas Basilica is built over the tomb of Apostle
St.Thomas]. Sooraj is our Guide for Chennai. Today
we will hire auto-rickshaws after we leave San
Thome. We will stick in our Travel Groups. If time
permits we will have a snack at Spencers and visit
Giggles Bookshop. It’s a good chance to buy some
postcards & stamps. We will make a brief visit to the
Taj Coramandel Hotel for late Afternoon Tea, before
making our own way back to MITHRA for Dinner.
After dinner, Jay will lead Night prayer and Matt will
write up the Group Journal.
This evening Jay will organise the five auto-rickshaws
for the trip to the International Airport tonight.
Although we will be excited to be heading home,
many will have a whole mixture of feelings. Many will
feel sad to say goodbye, to be leaving the children.
There will also be a sense of loss and emptiness as we
disengage from India. After all, we’ve spent many
hours preparing for the Immersion experience. Now
it’s finally come to an end.
It’s good to take some quiet time alone, to reflect on
all that has happened; to ponder how deeply you
have been touched/affected/challenged by the
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people and experiences of the last 30 days. There will
be more time for this in Singapore.
Now we must make our final farewells to the children
and the staff. After dinner, we will go to the convent
to say ‘Goodbye and Thank You’ to the Sisters. Jay
will make the Speech on our behalf.
Sooraj will leave us at 8:00pm.
Jay has orgainsed for our five auto-rickshaws to
collect us at MITHRA at: 20:00hrs. We must move
quickly in pairs
.
Tuk Tuk
1
2
3
4
5
Jay
Jake
Callum
Matt
Sooraj
Br Rob Fardin
John
Inaki
Riley
Flight to Singapore:
Our Flight tonight is just before midnight: Singapore
Airlines Flight SQ-529 and it departs at 23:15hrs,
therefore we need to check-in at 21:00PM.
Once all groups are assembled at the Airport we
proceed to the Check-In for Singapore Airlines Flight
SQ-529 to Singapore. As soon as everyone has filled
in his Emigration form, Jay will assist with the checkin of all luggage to Singapore (not Brisbane!) as well
as tickets & passports. He will give us our Boarding
Passes. Our Departure Tax is already paid. We then
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proceed to the Departure Lounge and wait for the
Boarding call.
The flight to Singapore takes 4hrs 10 mins. We arrive
in Singapore at 05:55AM tomorrow morning.
Matt will write up the Group Journal.
Scribe: Matt
Day 29
Mon 22 Dec SINGAPORE
Leader: Jake
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ-529 departs at 23:15PM.
The flight to Singapore takes 4hrs 10 mins. We arrive
in Singapore Changi International Airport, (Terminal
?) at 05:55AM this morning.
SINGAPORE:
Once through Immigration & Customs, Jake will direct
us to the Changi Airport MRT Station which is located
at the basement of Terminals 2 and 3, accessible from
the Arrival and Departure Halls through escalators
and lifts. MRT trains run every 10-15 minutes from
around 05:30AM until just after 23:00. Bugis MRT
Station is just four MRT stations away from the
Changi Airport. The Bugis MRT Station is on the (East
West / Green) Line. Exit at Bugis Junction Mall. The
Beach Hotel is just a five minute walk from Bugis
Junction Mall.
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BEACH HOTEL
95 Beach Road
Singapore 189699
Main Tel: (65) 6336 7712
Main Fax: (65) 6336 7713
By the time we reach THE BEACH HOTEL in Bugis, it will
be after 07:00AM on Monday morning. We have
booked an early check-in because some will want to
crash and have a few more hours sleep, then hot
showers and food. Br Rob & Jake will do the checkin, and Jake will distribute the Room keys.
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
Beach Hotel
In 21,
Out 23
(2 nights)
Rm.1
Rm.2
Rm.3
Rm3.
No:
John
Riley
Callum
No:
Fardin
Jake
Iñaki
No:
Matt
Jay
------
No:
Br Rob
(Breakfast is not included in our hotel tariff at The
Beach Hotel). There are many eating places nearby.
Jake is our Leader today. It would be good to do
things together, rather than just fragment and break
into cliques. Jake will suggest various activities and
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meals. It’s important that Jake & Br Rob know where
everyone is.
We will have our Final “India De-Brief” Meeting later
in the afternoon at 14:00PM. Everyone will be really
exhausted, so it’s important to have a few hours’
sleep even though it’s morning and daylight. Then it
will be great to have a shower and get into fresh
clothes. We will not leave the Hotel until after the
“De-Brief Meeting”.
After lunch, at 2:00PM we will gather in Rob’s room
for our “India De-Brief” Meeting. This is our chance
to share our reflections – our thoughts and feelings –
on the whole Indian Immersion experience. We will
also use the opportunity to pray together and think
about how we can integrate the India immersion into
our daily lives back in Australia.
At the end of the meeting we will share some ideas
for our short time together in Singapore. During this
time in Singapore, we are now “tourists” rather than
Indian pilgrims. The challenge for all of us is to
integrate the experience of India with how we live
our lives from now on, both in Singapore &
Australia. [After all we’ve seen and done in India, and
the poor people we’ve met, what a contradiction it
would be if we went out and had a splurge!]
For safety and security it is important that we go out
in groups of no less than three; no lone rangers! It’s
important to let others know when you’re going out
and when you return.
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Callum will write the final entry in our Group Journal.
Our Immersion finishes with our De-Brief Meeting
after leaving India.
Scribe:
Callum
Day 30
Tue 23 Dec SINGAPORE / BRISBANE
Leader: Callum
This morning everyone is free to rise when he wishes.
Although tonight’s flight home to Brisbane is not until
9:15PM, we must check out of the Hotel by midday.
The hotel will keep luggage in storage until we depart
for Changi Airport. Callum is our Leader today.
In order to have plenty of time for check-in and
Immigration, and time to explore Changi Airport, we
will depart the hotel no later than 5:00PM. I would
suggest that we take the MRT Train from Bugis
Junction Mall Station to the Airport. Our flight to
Brisbane is: Flight SQ-235 departing Singapore
(Terminal 3) at 21:15PM. Fardin’s flight for Sydney is
one hour earlier than our own [SQ5203 (20:00 /
02:00+1)
On the flight home it is important to fill out our
Australian Immigration cards early, and to be
completely honest when filling in the Customs &
Quarantine sections. Our overnight flight takes 8
hours and we touch down in Brisbane at 07:25AM the
following morning – Christmas Eve, Wed 24th Dec.
Day 31
Wed 24 Dec BRISBANE
Leader: John
When our flight arrives in Brisbane at 07:15AM this
morning, we need to head for Immigration and
Customs, and then to the luggage carousel. Be sure
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whether you need to go through the ‘Red” or
‘Green’ channel when you take your bags through
Customs. When we meet our families, everyone is
free to go home.
Although we won’t have a group Reflection tonight,
it would be good to praise and thank God
individually for the many wonderful experiences we
have had, and for bringing each of us home safely,
and for the gift of our loving families. Let’s also
remember the many people we have met during our
time and travels through India.
BUT THIS IS NOT THE END OF OUR PILGRIMAGE!
THE PILGRIMAGE CONTINUES EVERY DAY IN OUR LIVES…
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD
GOD’S DREAM FOR THE WORLD.
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