WORLD CHALLENGE INDIA Autumn 2010

After two years of raising funds, we finally managed to get onto the plane and on our way to four weeks of adventure. When we landed however, we were confronted by dirt, heat, dogs and a bus that was on its last legs to say the least. We were overtaken by just about everything on the road, including four people on a motorbike carrying a stack of bamboo. This worked to our advantage giving us the perfect chance to take in our surroundings.

After two more bus journeys and some early mornings we finally made it to Manali in the foothills of the Himalayas. As the day of our trek was approaching we had to buy provisions and other key essentials; most important of which was the toilet roll.

Getting to the start of the trek was quite interesting as we discovered that there is no translation in Hindi for “the bus is too full don’t get on”.

The first day was pretty intense as we managed to squeeze in two days worth of trekking. Through our trek we had to endure glacial river crossings, cliff edge traverses and dahl for every meal. After are trek we made our way to Shimla, the home of the Monkey Temple, but more importantly to Will and Sam a Subway and Pizza Hut.

The next phase of the trip was the project. We found the two-roomed school building tucked behind a construction site. In the two days we were there we managed to fit a drainage system and paint the classrooms. The drainage system proved especially difficult due to the endless rain. The overnight trains to Jaipur proved interesting as Mr Head and Mr Bartley subtly manoeuvred into the top bunks. I’m sure I speak for the whole group in saying it was an eye opening and extremely enjoyable experience and our thanks go to Mr Head and Mr Bartley.

Alexander Menzies