#raineyasha blog – day 12 – Saturday 5 November 2016

#raineyasha blog – day 12 – Saturday 5 November 2016

 

After our final night celebrations in India, we awoke sleepy and set off for an action packed day. First stop was Cottage Emporium, where we attempted to spend the rest of our rupees buying last minute gifts for our friends and families. Mr Healy treated us to morning coffee at the glamorous 5 star Imperial Hotel. It was impossible to get over the huge contrast between the hotel and Kusumpur.

 

We went to ASHA headquarters to rehearse for our opening ceremony and dress up in our traditional Indian gear- sarees for the girls and kurtas for the boys. Here we also attempted the world record for most pizza eaten in 5 mins, egged on by Mr Healy, who was keen to keep on track with our busy schedule.
We then began the emotional journey of going to Kusumpur for the final time. Walking in through the gates, we were showered in marigold petals from our new friends. Mr Healy cut the ribbon, officially declaring the newly decorated resource centre open for business. The ceremony began with several of the kids performing traditional Indian dances, we were in awe at their talent. Several of the college students gave speeches (one even in French!), before the Rainey began our programme of entertainment. Sarah Henry sang “Believing” while playing the guitar, accompanied by Caitlin on the violin. Caitlin then played “Czardas” on the violin, followed by Alice’s rendition of “Oh Danny Boy”, accompanied by Sarah on the guitar. Andrew and Josh wowed the audience with a traditional Irish piece, a tin whistle duet, before Aimee got feet tapping with “Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone)” with Mr Healy on the guitar. Before our finale, Caitlin performed ‘Inishfree’ and ‘The Mason’s Apron’. We finished up with our own rousing rendition of “Ireland’s Call”. The ASHA coordinator for Kusumpur Rani gave an emotional speech, before Cara and Andrew thanked the people of Kusumpur for their hospitality and for giving us a new outlook on life.

 

After tearful goodbyes, many photos and the presentation of bracelets from the children, we left Kusumpur for the last time. The journey to the airport was a quiet one, as we reflected on our amazing experience in India. So many bonds of friendship were created between us and the slum dwellers, no one was ready to leave. We treasured our time with them and will never forget the amazing time we spent with them.
We set off for Dubai and boarded our flight at 9:20, eager for the enormous selection of movies and the opportunity for a little nap before our action packed day in Dubai.

 

After a late landing in Dubai, it was an early start once again for a busy day of sightseeing. We had a delicious buffet breakfast before catching the metro into the city centre. Although it was a short walk to the station, we were all sweating buckets in the immense humidity and heat of the city; it’s safe to say we were grateful for the invention of air conditioning! We arrived at the Dubai Mall and made our way to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made wonder in the world. Riding the elevator up to the 124th level, we were stunned by the amazing view of endless skyscraper buildings, a far cry from New Delhi and even our very own Northern Ireland! Of course, after taking plenty of photos of the views we couldn’t leave Dubai Mall without doing some shopping in a few of the 1200+ stores, gazing at the fish in the indoor aquarium and wishing we could jump into the waterfall.

 

After a hectic trip at Dubai Mall, it was a rush to make it on time to the bus for our 4 hour tour around Dubai. Our tour guide was great at explaining what each building was and the history behind Dubai. He took us to old Dubai and on a water taxi through Dubai creek. Next it was on to a spice souk where we all tried different teas and goat’s milk chocolate, which was lovely. After buying spices and chocolate, we made our way to the gold souk, where we saw the world’s largest gold ring and a solid gold dress. We were then taken to the beach where a few of us ended up drenched from stepping too far into the warm sea.

 

After a group photo on the beach we went back to Dubai Mall for dinner. We then split up and some of us continued our shopping, while others went to see the amazing water and light show. The light show consisted of the Burj Khalifa being lit up with lots of lovely patterns and colours, while the water show consisted of different water fountains. We then made our way back to the metro to go to the hotel for an early nght to be ready to go to the airport at 3:30 am to catch the flight home.

 

The heavy smog, poverty and sights and sounds of India were in contrast to the humidity, cleanliness and extreme wealth of Dubai. We have all been through so much emotionally and physically that we are all ready to head home to what we now realise is an incredible country with such fresh air and more equality than we knew before.

 

Love from Sarah H and Hannah