Just a quick note to Nana and Grandad; Thank you both so much for the money that has been put into my account. It is so kind of you. xxxx

Day 8+9 - The weekend 7-8/02/09

Over the weekend Suja and I travelled the long journey to Kottayam in a sterotypically overcrowded train! Once there Suja had to attend a few meetings so i had to go along with her. The second was a Red Cross golden jubilee meeting for junior schools. All the children there wanted to shake my hand and sign their books which which was a bit surreal! And of course once you have shook one hand they all want to shake hands so there were swams of people around me! During the meeting i was vaguely listining but had no idea what was going on when i heard my name, all of a sudden i was called to the stage and had to sit next to the presidents of the society and give out an award to one of the schools!

Afterwards we went to the shrine of Saint Alphonsa, the first Indian woman to become a saint by the catholic church. Whilst we were going through part of the memorial, i smiled at a child in front of me and he let out this high pitched scream! Everybody turned to look at me, it was so embarrasing!! We then went up to Suja's village, Anicadu. Apprantly i was the first western girl to go there! Suja's parents were both very welcoming although neither of them spoke any English,

On sunday we went boating on the backwaters and onto the Vembanad lake. There was beautiful scenery and i took lots of photos but it was a long day (about 7 hours) in the sun. After the trip we went to meet Suja's friend who took us to a posh hotel so that we could have something to drink and freshen up. After that we made the long journey back, this time by bus.

Hope you are all well and enjoying the snow! Lot of love, xxxxxx