Following the challenges of the mountains and the ongoing devastation in neighbouring Kerala, we moved East. The transition in weather, terrain and people was quite marked.
A much dryer area, with expansive arable plains, dotted with rocky outcrops. The people generally pleasant but more reserved. Our first stopover was Vellore. A busy town, somewhat dirty and unloved. A functional stay. However, the following morning, we visited a small factory for disabled women. Initially set up with funds raised by District 42 of the Round Table of India. It is now a self finding project. The women make switches and control panels for the motor industry and are thus able to support themselves financially.
On the final run into Chennai, we took a detour via Kanchipuram, to buy some excellent silk. Then as we entered Chennai, we visited another school that was built from and is being expanded by, funds raised by Round Table India. Their aim, around the country, is to build a 'proper' classroom a day, every day. You can see and if you wish, support their work here. http://www.roundtableindia.org/
There was also an awards ceremony and our team, Yorkshire Spice, won the Charity Award, for both our fund raising efforts and the spreading of the word via social media.
The final 20km Sprint through the heart of Chennai to the hotel and parking up both was surreal and emotional! After what we have seen, enjoyed and endured, it was sad to say goodbye to our trusty, tough little 3 wheeler!
But the memories and learning will last our lifetimes!
For those of you who have kindly sponsored my efforts, a heartfelt Thank you! For those of you who would like to make a sponsorship donation, you can do so in this link.
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/karllavery1
I hope you found the blogs interesting, informative and worthy!
Thank You! Karl
A much dryer area, with expansive arable plains, dotted with rocky outcrops. The people generally pleasant but more reserved. Our first stopover was Vellore. A busy town, somewhat dirty and unloved. A functional stay. However, the following morning, we visited a small factory for disabled women. Initially set up with funds raised by District 42 of the Round Table of India. It is now a self finding project. The women make switches and control panels for the motor industry and are thus able to support themselves financially.
On the final run into Chennai, we took a detour via Kanchipuram, to buy some excellent silk. Then as we entered Chennai, we visited another school that was built from and is being expanded by, funds raised by Round Table India. Their aim, around the country, is to build a 'proper' classroom a day, every day. You can see and if you wish, support their work here. http://www.roundtableindia.org/
There was also an awards ceremony and our team, Yorkshire Spice, won the Charity Award, for both our fund raising efforts and the spreading of the word via social media.
The final 20km Sprint through the heart of Chennai to the hotel and parking up both was surreal and emotional! After what we have seen, enjoyed and endured, it was sad to say goodbye to our trusty, tough little 3 wheeler!
But the memories and learning will last our lifetimes!
For those of you who have kindly sponsored my efforts, a heartfelt Thank you! For those of you who would like to make a sponsorship donation, you can do so in this link.
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/karllavery1
I hope you found the blogs interesting, informative and worthy!
Thank You! Karl
I found every post both amusing and interesting. The photos capture the enjoyment of the whole experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it.