Fiesta at Udayan

16 February 2007

Photos have been added to the prevous article today.

This morning began with an early start where we attended Mass t the Motherhouse and visited Mother’s tomb to pay our respects. We all found it very moving and the Sisters’ singing was beautiful.

Later in the day we were collected by Ramod, one of the original children from James’ first group of 11 little ones, to attend a celebration of our visit at Udayan. Also present were a number UK Friends of Udayan: John Coo, Justin and Caroline Coo, Keith Bashford, Anne King and Polly Pearce. We were greeted with garlands and a reception party of little children who took great delight in throwing flower petals over us as part of their welcome!

There was an air of excitement throughout the afternoon which ended with a concert comprising of dance, song and music. Their performances were interspersed with our contributions which included Siobhan doing Irish dance, Katherine and Grace singing, Shane doing Tae Kwon Do and everyone joining in to do the Macreana and Saturday Night! Photos to follow.

We are off to the Sunderbans tomorrow and not sure if we can keep a daily diary whilst we are there but we’ll try our best!

Comments:

Kathy O'Brien

@ 6871 days ago

Oh WOW.
Hi everyone, what a wonderful day – I wish we could all have been there with you it sounds exceptional. It must all have been very moving. Can’t wait for the photos.
Don’t worry if you can’t post the diary at Sunderbans we’ll just have to kick our heels at the weekend. But that just means it will be more exciting things for us to catch up on when you get back to the Fairlawns.
We’re all still waiting to see you in the Indian clothes you bought.
Well another wonderful experience awaits you at Sunderbans, enjoy it and have a wonderful weekend.
Only 4 days now and you’ll be travelling home. Love you lots Siobhan XXXxxXXX

xXx FraNceScA xXx

@ 6871 days ago

Elloooooo every1

Can’t wait 2 c the photos!!! It sounds like u had a wicked day with a balance of excitment and spiritualness. (This probably isn’t a word but hey lol) Seeing Mother Teresa’s tomb must have been very moving.

Off 2 see ShaYne WaRd 2nyt at Wembley lol

Still got an icky cold, wish i was there in the warm!!

Loadza Loveeeeeeeee xXx

samuelbell

@ 6871 days ago

another amazing day.

hope all are okay.

take care,
love BELL
xx

Eugene O'Brien

@ 6871 days ago

Hi Siobhan,

It was lovely to hear your voice on the phone just now, I really miss your dulcet tones. Apart from the slight time gap on the phone, you seemed so very close. I miss your noise…...however, it doesn’t mean I want you to rush back!!
Catching up on the diary, it seems that that everyday is a new experience of one kind or another, some of which can be quite humbling. I guess it kind of puts some things in perspective.
Enjoy the Tiger Camp, don’t forget your stripey jimmy jams and your Tigger toy, so you’ll feel at home. Check for anything that shouldn’t be in the tent before you go to bed, under, over, creeping about!! Seriously, keep enjoying the experience, I can’t wait until you’re home and can tell us all about it.
As I said on the phone, no more going outside for the fridge!!
I hope you have enjoyed the text messages I have sent, no game for QPR tomorrow so no chance of us getting beat again. Missing you more than you know, can’t wait for a hug and kiss from you, take care, lots of love always, sleep tight don’t let the bedbugs (or tigers or anything else for that matter!!) bite…...love Dad :-) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Eugene O'Brien

@ 6871 days ago

Hi,
I forgot to say, I saw Nanny and Grandad yesterday at Clare’s, and they are both looking really well. Grandad seems to have got all his colour back and looks quite healthy, considering.
They both said that they had enjoyed reading the web diary that Mum had printed off and posted to them. Sarah, Grace, Rachel and Clare send their love.
Take care, love Dad :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Francie and JJ O'Shea

@ 6871 days ago

Hi Neal x and everybody
We have truly run out of adjectives to describe your trip.
Each day has so many experiences and colours.
I expect some will be whizzing by and it will only be when you are all home, that you’ll be pinching yourselves and wondering were you really there.
So just take that moment!!
You are nearly on the home run and I’ll be going to Marks and Spencers on Saturday to stock up on all your favourite goodies for Wed.
First, you have a fantastic few days ahead of you all.
My oh my – can’t wait for that diary update.

Hey – you all kept very quiet about Valentine’s Day – any gossip?!
(Do you know there was a bouquet of roses in Costco that cost £149 – yes really. Was pretty big though!)

You are having a lucky escape from decorating Neal. We’re still on a search for bits and bobs. Mmm…. tough decision – B&Q or Tiger Camp? :)

So darling, and everybody, have a wonderful time
lots of love from Mum and Dad. xxx

Jan Ridley

@ 6871 days ago

Hi everybody

I’ve really enjoyed reading your diary – it seems such a short time ago that Chris went. Enjoy your last few days and have a safe trip home,

Best wishes, Jan Ridley

Danny Risdon

@ 6871 days ago

Sounds like a good journey so far. I hope to see you all soon.

Danny

Kathy O'Brien

@ 6871 days ago

Morning Siobhan, morning all.
You will have reached the tiger camp by now I expect as it’s 2.15pm with you. If you haven’t succumbed to the dreaded Delhi belly and mosquitos yet this is definitely where it will catch you if you are not careful. So make sure you keep taking the tablets, use all the insect repellant we’ve packed and be careful what you eat and drink. All that aside enjoy the experience, have fun and reflect on all you’ve seen and done. As Francie and JJ said it will definitely not really hit you until you come home and you look back and contemplate on everything you’ve experienced and also when you talk to the rest of the sixth form and others about your adventures. It will be something you will remember for the rest of your lives.
Siobhan try and sleep on the plane on the way home otherwise Nelly will have to compete with your snoring, or worse you won’t get up for school the next day HA, HA
It’s a beautiful sunny day here in London so it will be lovely for Arti’s wedding, I shall look very dowdy next to all the lovely ladies in their colourful saris.
Love to all and extra love and kisses to Siobhan. XXXXxxxxXXXX

Eugene O'Brien

@ 6871 days ago

Hi Siobhan,

As Mum says, keep taking the tablets…...Mum is still taking hers and they’re still not working!!!!! LOL!!
Vince and Jo had a little problem sending you a message, but I will let them elaborate further on that….....mind you nothing beats an early morning wake up call!!
Take care, don’t frighten the tigers…..love always…..Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Vince & Jo O'Brien

@ 6870 days ago

Hi Darling.
Hope you are looking after yourself. Look forward to seeing you. Emma has put some scan photos of your next cousin on the web. It is 3.40am we have been to a charity function to raise money for the children in the 3rd world. We arrived home about 1.40. Your Uncle decided to ring Kath and Tony in Vienna. He then rang our friends in Greenford at 2.45. He also rang your Dad between 2.30 and 3 am. Yes you have guessed it he was P——-. He is not in my good books at the moment. Vince was talking to Ciaran this morning. Look forward to seeing you. All our love & hugs.
Uncle Vince & Aunty Jo. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kathy O'Brien

@ 6870 days ago

Good morning Siobhan and all,
It’s Sunday morning here now and 2.30pm with you. You’ve been in the Tiger Camp now a full day and woken up in your tents which must feel quite strange. I think you are travelling back to Kolkata tomorrow, but not quite sure.
We attended Arti’s wedding reception last night which was quite different to our weddings. We didn’t attend the actual wedding ceremony and I was told by some of her family that I was very lucky as Indian weddings can drag on and on. Arti looked absolutely beautiful and Vishal quite handsome. As you know Siobhan Arti calls me her second mum and that’s how she introduced me to her new Mother in Law, who then told me that she was obviously going to be Arti’s third mum. We had a laugh and joke about that. It was lovely and colourful with lots of different colours and styles of Sari’s. When we arrived the main wedding party were just finishing their meal. All the evening guests then had a meal – this was vegetarian and served out on large plastic dishes with different compartments so that you could have a bit of everything. Another couple joined us at the table, they were Muslim and hadn’t been to many Hindu weddings. They were great fun and the husband encouraged Ciaran to try all the food, which he did. After dinner we went across to another hall where people deliver their presents and greet the bridal party (bride and groom, parents and brothers and sisters of both). They do not accept boxed gifts only money which makes it easier for the giver and also they do not get hundreds of the same present. There were over 900 invited to the wedding, this is quite small in comparison to most Indian weddings. Everyone I met at Arti’s Mehndi night came up and welcomed me as if I was part of the family and they had known me for years and wanted to see how my Mehndi had come out. Dad was quite surprised I knew so many people but I explained that I had only met them once. All the guests sit in rows in the hall and the Bride and Groom then have their first dance. This was followed by Arti’s neice Fariah performing a traditional Indian dance. All the guests then join in the dancing. My friend Shobha, who is also Hindu said her Hindu wedding was quite different to Arti’s as the various regions of India have different traditions.
Well this message is longer I think than any of your diary entries but i hope you found it interesting.
Love you lots, look forward to reading your entries tomorrow, hugs and kisses Mum , Dad and Ciaran. xxXXxxXXxxXXxx
Happy Birthday for tomorrow Shane – have fun Love Kathy, Eugene and Ciaran XXXXX

Campbell

@ 6869 days ago

Just been catching uo with all that you’ve been doing, it seems to just get more and more amazing! Mother’s tomb and Asha Bhavan seem to have been some of the more touching experiences, i bet you are all ecstatic you were lucky enough to go on this trip. The children must reallyu love your presence there and i bet they are equally fascinated by you as you are them. This is the part of the trip that must be most moving and special as you have all worked hard to get there and raise money for it. Keep on enjoying yourselves and appreciate the opportunity while you have it, it will prove to be an invaluable experience.

Take care
Matt.

barbara & peter oliver

@ 6869 days ago

hi katherine and all hope you,re enjoying the camping trip-not sure exactly what is at the tiger camp but looked on the map and seems your near the coast? have you seen any tigers?miss reading your updates not sure when your travelling back to fairlawns-sounds so posh like a hotel you might find in an oscar wilde play! i suppose you’ll be back there tomorrow some time.went baby/boys minding last night actually got billy to send you a message-not sure if we put it in the right comments day hope you can find it? was a bit scary looking after freya for first time without her mummy but i did ok-spose i’ve still got the knack he he- hope to hear from you soon can’t wait now ‘til wed morn love you loads mum & dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Peter Sillifant

@ 6869 days ago

hey all!
you lot certainly do get around a lot in a couple of weeks then :P.
Sounds like you’re all having fun and doing fantastic work, keep it up :D.
We all look forward to having you back here soon though :) you have lots of stories to tell and we will be wanting to hear them all :P.

Take care, enjoy the last few days! :)
Pete

Granny & Grandad Walls

@ 6869 days ago

Hello darling,
It’s Granny & Grandad here wishing you all the best for the rest of your stay.
Your Mum has been printing out your adventures and sending them to us but it’s nice to actually see everything on the internet as we are at Graham & Tricia’s for the weekend.

Spoke to Niamh, and told her you were in India and she wants to know if you can speak Hindian?!?

We hope you’re enjoying your beautiful experience and we can’t wait to hear about it all when you get back.

Love you, Granny & Grandad. xx

Cecilia

@ 6869 days ago

Siobhan – glad you have been able to share our Irish culture with your Indian friends!! Knowing you, I’m sure you put on a good show!

Been lovely reading everyone else’s messages to you … problem is , I find them so moving (especially your Dad’s) that I end up sitting in front of my PC with tears running down my face!

Love you lot and can’t wait to talk to you when you get back.

Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

Tricia xx (& Graham xx)

Tricia & Graham

@ 6869 days ago

Hi Siobhan – the last message posted from Cecilia was actually from us. We have the whole family using my PC to keep up to date with your adventure. However, I’m sure the sentiments are the same.
xxxxxxxxxxxx

sophie bainton

@ 6869 days ago

OMG GUYS! i just clicked on this thing and saw all you diary entries and just impacted on how much you’ve all done
and of course…

...HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANE! 18 woop!

enjoy your last few days everyone!

lots of love and hugs xxxxx

Mum, Dad and Shannon

@ 6869 days ago

HEY BIRTHDAY BOY!!
Happy, happy 18th birthday SHANE,
Loads and loads of love and hugs on your special day, we are all so very proud of you and how wonderful to spend your 18th in India, you won’t forget that one. Hope you had a fantastic weekend we can’t wait to hear all about it. Have a brilliant day and night. Hope to speak to you later we will ring around 7pm your time and hopefully we can catch you before you go out. Hi, this is Shannon talking.I hope that you are having great fun and I can’t wait to see you.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!Lots + lots + lots + lots + lots of love from Shannon.Bye, Bye(I’m missin’ you loads).
...until then, Mum, Dad and Shannon xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Mum, Dad and Shannon

@ 6869 days ago

HEY BIRTHDAY BOY!!
Happy, happy 18th Birthday Shane, loads and loads of love and hugs on your special day, we are all so very proud of you and how wonderful to spend your 18th in India, you certainly won’t forget this birthday. Hope you had a brilliant weekend we can’t wait to hear all about it. Have a wonderful day today and enjoy tonight whatever you are doing, we wish we were with you to celebrate, never mind there will be lots of that when you get back. Hopefully we will speak to you later, we will try and ring about 7pm your time and hopefully manage to catch you before you go out. Hi Shane, this is Shannon speaking.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANE!!!!!! I’m missing you an awful lot and I’m looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday so that I can give you a proper hug and kiss. Did you see any tigers? If you did I hope that you took some photos because I want to see them. When you get back you can tell me about absolutely eeeeverything,it will be great. I will speak to you on the phone. Lots + lots + lots of love from Shannon xXxXxXx
.....until then, Mum, Dad and Shannon xxx

xXx FraNceScA xXx

@ 6869 days ago

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SHANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sent u a text but doubting you’ve all got signal seeing as you’re in the tiger camp!! Missing you loadz hunnibum and i hope you have an amazing day and that the others spoil you rotten!!

Special FrAn huggles xXxxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxxXxXxXxXxXxXXxXxXxXxXxXxxXXx

Shannon

@ 6869 days ago

Hi Shane, This is Shannon speaking. HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SHANE!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you’ve enjoyed your time there so far because you only have two days left so you should make the most of your last two days. Lots of love from ShannonxXxXxXx Bye, Bye xxxxxxXXXXXXxxxxxx

robyn

@ 6868 days ago

SHANEEE

i left you a myspace comment as well

BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

WOOOP

see you soon

xxxxxxxxxx

Karen, Jon, Mam and Dad

@ 6868 days ago

Hi Mikey and fellow comrades,

First of all…‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Shane, happy birthday to you’...hope you are having a birthday to remember out there and I can’t wait to hear how you spent it ;o)

Well, I’m writing this at work since Jon and I don’t have any Internet access in our new home at the moment. The ‘Mikey room’ in the guest wing is all set up and ready for your return. I really cant wait for you to come round for din dins and catch up little by little on your great adventure. You will be happy to hear that I have unpacked and washed the knives and forks so you won’t have to eat with your bare right hand!!!

BTW, the time is ticking and we need to get registered for Glasto in the next 10 days l’il bro which should give you enough time to come back down to earth. The Kaiser Chiefs, The Artic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Kooks and Mika amongst others are confirmed. Razorlight are rumoured but you will be happy to hear the Kylie and Madonna are out!

I was watching the news this morning when I was getting ready and a bomb went off in Delhi so although I’m sad for the loss of lives over there, I’m grateful that you guys have already done your sightseeing there and are safe and sound.

I got to do some work but I will speak to you tomorrow – really excited about your return on Wednesday…not least because Mam is doing a roast for all! Yum Yum.

Take care everybody and love you loads l’il bro
K xx

Mike Smith a.k.a Smithy

@ 6868 days ago

Hey guys!
I know i should have left a message earlier, but Mrs Weldon left us so much business work i just didnt have the time! :P Hope everything has been great for you lot and im looking forward to seeing the pictures when you get back! You have all been missed! Even Mrs Weldon and Miss Devlin! Ha ha! Safe journey home!

Luv Mike x

samuelbell

@ 6868 days ago

ah great pics!
take care.
love BELL
xx
ps happy birthday shane.

Jodie

@ 6868 days ago

woop!
having the time of your life i see!
wonderful!
today is the 19th…
hmmm.. i wonder what day that is?!?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANE!
18! yerr!
u can know join the watford clan on monday nyts! aka me, robyn, ruth (shes so scary), holly, julie , and the usual yr above us people!
what a way to spend ur18th!

take care everyone!

xxx

xXx FraNceScA xXx

@ 6868 days ago

great pics!!! i love the one of all of you dancing! hehe!

Enjoy your last bit of India, n safe journey home

Loadza Love and can’t wait 2 c u all!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jenny Whelan

@ 6867 days ago

You all look to be having a fantastic time!
I can’t believe the changed at Udayan. The computer rooms look so well set up. I hope that you have a safe trip back.
God bless,
Jenny