After nine days in Bhubaneswar, I was to board the Rajdhani Express for Delhi to meet the other new volunteers and begin our three week (or so) In Country Orientation course. This time the train took 28 hours and for the last six or so hours I was the source of amusement for an eight year old boy which I suspect was more fun for him than me.
The purpose of ICO is to learn language (Hindi) and run through many of procedures, policies and practicalities of living in a different country and being involved with an NGO. The other part is the bonding of the volunteers and exploring a new city together. The group is currently nine and I believe we will be joined by "the man" next week, the rest of the group is female.
This first weekend coincides with the Indian Holi Festival - the festival of colour. All over the city people are covered in coloured powders and paints and throwing water balloons and squirting water pistols. Today we were meant to go to the home of a volunteer here in Delhi to 'play Holi' but the metro doesn't run 'til this afternoon. Last night was a beautiful traditional concert at The Habitat Centre which happens to be next door to our hostel. We watched some enchanting musical and dance performances and I am now inspired to investigate some dance classes in Bhubaneswar - that hip action is fantastic!
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