Somewhere over the Rainbow

We are writing to you right now from a room the size of your bedroom, a ceiling the height of Andrea (don't forget to duck for the vents) and 8 computers crammed into it that resembles a call center somewhere in Bangalore....Are you currently happy with your Internet Provider?..... Anyways...We have arrived in Kolkata and are coming to the end of our 2nd day in this City of Joy (check out the Movie at your local Blockbuster...starring Patrick Swayze)

We spent the last 2 days with the dynamic powerhouse who is ever humble...Sr. Cyrill. She and her talented staff have managed to create a huge network of social and academic services for the children and families (both rich and poor) in the Kolkata area . What is most amazing though is that she has taken in between 200-300 street children who live under the thatch covered rooftop of the school. They range in age from toddlers to high school seniors. They are affectionately called the Rainbows, and are loved by everyone who cares for and teaches them every day.

We were overjoyed and a little surprised when upon our arrival the children walked up to us, asked our names and took us by the hand, often not letting go. Aunty and Uncle are how we are called between barrages of hugs. Each child wants to keep you as their own special friend, and often times become angered when another child wants your attention. Their stories of how they came to occupy the mats on the rooftops, are incredible---as is their love and devotion for one another, their school and sister Cyrill.

Sr. Cyrill and her staff also provide opportunities for the mothers of children who attend the school to set up personal businesses---whether it is running the canteen in the school yard for breaks, or providing Micro loans out in the community. These are only the tip of the iceberg, and we will learn more tomorrow on our trips out to the East Bypass and Village schools.

On a lighter note...we have found that we are the sisters of many of the shopkeepers and hawkers in Kolkata. "Sisters, promise me you will come back." It's on my to do list. Nadia even made conversation with a owner of "an Emporium" and by emporium we mean Dollar store. When ever we are on the hunt for a "hot item" someones brother has a store not far from here, and for us...special price. ( some girls have all the luck) As seasoned street connoisseurs, we are able to spot fakes from a mile away, and barter to the point where the merchant wanting to sell me a genuine camel bone bracelet for a mere 350 rupees (8.75), will chase me down the road and offer it to me for 100 (2.50) I guess in this market, these times of recession, camel bone just isn't what it used to be. Nadia made one vendor apologize as we were leaving his stand, as he tried to sell her his precious gems for 350 rupees. But a flashlight and a guided tour of the Taj Mahal will change a girl, and shame a shopkeeper.

Keepin' it Kool in Kolkata (Yes we know that's not how you spell cool grammarians)
Nadia and Andrea