tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50450439061104206322024-03-20T05:57:23.635+00:00Pat and Paul go travelling"The world is a great book of which they that never stir from home read only a page"
Attributed to Augustine of HippoPaul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.comBlogger451125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-75059610974820063152018-09-02T10:49:00.000+01:002018-09-24T17:23:17.016+01:00Traveling to St Petersburg<p><strong>Off to Heathrow and then St Petersburg</strong></p>
<p>As mentioned previously, we are spending a night at a hotel near Heathrow so that we only have a short distance to drive on the morning we fly to Russia. Also due to Pat recovering from back surgery and a hip problem, we are less mobile on this trip than previous trips and as well as a suitcase and a rucksack, we have a travel wheelchair to cope with.</p>
<p><img title="Luggage.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYluOYO5cps7w1tAKGQq80Rw2mwCwzp43muqdNJGjN3T1kHLPmxRX4YYLWWCvKI8dbaPhRJXheLSvTW_hR2EOHFujT6UVF8s5OFDs1f0-U5Wf_-uetUWMPDot56ZN1LrCQ-sEpP_XIUM/s0/Luggage.JPG" alt="Luggage" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>So staying near the airport, with a view of one of the runways seems to be a good idea.</p>
<p><img title="VIew of Runway.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLWEdY-W3ubZ118Ccz00LSMSTr_MLiwRBlN2bQ5PZOkY9AdTVk_aTKe24Rhzvb9_D7-Nfwj92ep6W2L_3QYPO1v_MLgbHnWxlakRBrtBvc8-0xLM_48gAJ4DbTTiSek1gIBG773tsrL4/s0/VIew+of+Runway.jpg" alt="VIew of Runway" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Airlines have become very disability friendly over the past few years and we have booked support at both Heathrow and Saint Petersburg.</p>
<p><img title="Inside Terminal 5.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7DFxbXBQ59CC41G85SOXn4Nnit1nPed2zMItzkJ9AEOCACmqyRG586MgI5MAQ-SyHy_CVUqqkQWmmHshtotwOjtQST2B266gHc7uYMxM7_cCK3ogF2f1vaVHjm_Z955cPWb_8q3UMNM/s0/Inside+Terminal+5.JPG" alt="Inside Terminal 5" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Check-in and getting to the gate was very easy although we suffered slightly from this being one of the busiest weekends in the year for travellers at Heathrow.</p>
<p><img title="Screenshot 2018-08-29 at 13.05.23.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYQSpqiAosDXwLbywYICgwkdzaoqePQYTeXzDYiwROYwUJWnMf4z8DJhikAvOTZVG3JaQkvUQEWFMw2t38gW6yOeKfPwUsZkRRpysS-pUjhnzsj7rCRgbOCW9ju-rNqWEwmPjwM0b8KM/s0/Screenshot+2018-08-29+at+13.05.23.png" alt="FLight Path LHR to LED" width="400" height="177" border="0" /></p>
<p>The flight was uneventful and allowed us to take the usual very poor selfie.</p>
<p><img title="Inflight Selfie.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSylqQ1vupEAef9Im70FyYo8_AtHyNteqLXwSSXtENZ28lKv4ugZd_aulzyYreDV4cVSGFXfNEhyxGLZyDCoH3kOLUr0o4XCJrcMR54OtLMgffGxbBRJ6Nr1RhJ8EEdMaWsWi9mZbI-mE/s0/Inflight+Selfie.JPG" alt="Inflight Selfie" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We had specified that we wanted to be met at the arrivals gate by someone with an airport wheelchair. For us the great advantage of this was that our wheelchair pusher bypassed the queues at immigration and took us straight to an official who with the usual humourless face and attitude, stamped our passports. There was a slightly nervous wait at Saint Petersburg baggage retrieval for our wheelchair to arrive on the luggage carousel but eventually it did so and we had arrived with all of our luggage.</p>
<p>Viking boats, and it seems all other longer distance boats, moor some distance out of the centre of Saint Petersburg at a place known as The Salt Pier (bottom right of the picture below).</p>
<p><img title="Salt Pier St Petersburg.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegl7MpLnmGAG9zB5le-AyJYOJZlw3vcQEpglj3P0lPD8ARttJOqP79jQa__LjfGnyTW9gAcJCOo-Gzao3vWwhXbnlIuGO9dmqQxghWJ8zODHWtoYQBV7xdXgpUHaed7uF2J1_aT-trp8/s0/Salt+Pier+St+Petersburg.png" alt="Salt Pier St Petersburg" width="400" height="221" border="0" /></p>
<p>It was about 30 minutes from the airport however and we did not have to drive through the city and suffer its very slow traffic.</p>
<p><img title="Boats at sunset.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDizAlbZydR0RsmvoJppneJMUaLJUQDa3_MbMxnyBmXlSY21ja22_QLZybzriVY9nRJTDgBUAooMfCXWQ0-Xbk99Xf3TqqpSUqRlrJoNmIOJZiUXYBXXvVqW7QQRdMjKTzycfsW-OAF0/s0/Boats+at+sunset.JPG" alt="Boats at sunset" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our cabin on the Trevor was exactly as pictured in the brochure and very comfortable</p>
<p><img title="Cabin 322.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLGS8O54nQSoWwbpIAsUHjToqvG5yW3FqGQEjwQFq0fiSdnDf-Tx0l05eiz48mcxijVbjKfuyptUqZVre6SzJ4p238nY_VLyphHsEK8K_lxNTirx3GwY8YiRAMpcIV3yAr7L7MGavChU/s0/Cabin+322.JPG" alt="Cabin 322" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>In summary, getting to Trevor was quite easy and not too tiring.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-28992711958801374232018-09-01T10:53:00.000+01:002018-09-06T16:50:11.436+01:00St Petersburg to Moscow on the Viking Truvor<p>As is always the case, these blog entries are a personal record of one of our trips. And just to make it very clear, neither of us have any association with Viking or anyone other company and in fact, they have no idea that we are writing a blog and we will not be telling them that we have done so. Having been on only two cruises in our travelling years (The Akademik Ioffe to Antarctica and The Minerva around the Lesser Antilles), we are not cruise experts and so we do not really know what to expect, all we know is that we want to enjoy ourselves. </p>
<p>This time we are taking one of the standard Viking canal cruises from St Petersburg to Moscow. We did a lot of consumer research before deciding both to book and to choose which direction to go in. Amongst the blogs and articles we read were this one <a href="https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/blog/cruise-viking-river-and-ocean-cruises-blog/waterways-of-the-tsars-chapter-1-the-ship-and-the-stroganoff">here</a>; this one <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kay-dougherty/cruises-in-russia_b_11297904.html?guccounter=1">here</a> and this one <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/russia/articles/Russia-river-cruise-guide/">here</a>. Practically all of the reviews we read were positive but at the time of writing this blog entry, we have not started our trip so it will be interesting to see if our view at the end is also positive.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="MAP_WaterwaysTsars.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArlvvQs72LN_R-z8pwT0jjUcszCbtGmh9AEQkrzSjdhlOKGX3GB7UbVAVnd6TzfuQLP3x-n0T-C12nYUSMTb4SzYlVhK_5hT7UOSKEd2AZrP9EEYo8_vGluMyADTUjinUmsdqSCYhQ5k/s0/MAP_WaterwaysTsars.jpg" alt="MAP WaterwaysTsars" width="478" height="345" border="0" /></p>
<p>We chose to go in the Saint Petersburg to Moscow direction partly because the dates suited us better and partly because we thought we would prefer to start with The Hermitage and to see what Saint Petersburg had to offer and then to end with the traffic jams of Moscow. We booked some while ago responding to a “£1000" off offer in the press. Monitoring sale prices over the following few months showed us that the offer was reintroduced in various guises quite regularly over the following months. By booking early however we did get our first choice of cabin and as of today, it appears that the ship is nearly full.</p>
<p>Some three months before the trip, our flight details arrived. We are flying from and back to London on scheduled British Airways flights at sensible times (neither early in the morning nor late at night). The peculiarities of BA mean that no free food is on offer on the flight out to St Petersburg (which according to BA is a European destination) but free food and drink is on offer on the way back because Moscow is a World destination. Our insurance company however regards all of Russia west of the Urals as being in Europe.</p>
<p>We decided to spend the night before the outbound flight at a hotel near Heathrow and also to buy a "stay and park" package. As is often the case, if you hunt around on the internet you can get a really good deal. Using the BAA website we got 12 nights parking in Terminal 5 Long Stay plus a night at the nearby Hyatt for £129 which was £4 cheaper than the cost of parking alone had we only purchased parking at T5 Long Stay.</p>
<p>The process of applying for a Russian visa is long and complex. Whilst 2018 World Cup Football fans seem to have been offered a short route to getting a visa, this is not available to the ordinary tourist. We chose to use the services of Viking's preferred visa partner (Prima) because there were too many questions on the visa application form which we did not understand. Over twenty pages of instructions arrived from them in one document and four in another and the resultant completed and printed visa application was six pages long. "<em>List all of the countries you have visited in the past ten years including dates and reasons for travel</em>” caused us some problem as did “<em>give the number and validity dates of your previous passports</em>” and “<em>give the number and validity dates of your children's passport</em>”.</p>
<p>For those who are facing this ordeal, I can advise that it took me around two hours to complete the first application and one hour for the second, a process not helped by the fact that the guidance notes referred to an earlier version of the passport application process (apparently it had been simplified).</p>
<p>Visa applicants also have to go to one of three UK centres to have their biometric measurements (finger prints) taken. So on the appointed day, at the appointed time, we presented ourselves at the visa processing centre in London to have our fingerprints taken. The staff there were very helpful and because one of us was in a wheelchair, they immediately took us into a side room (bypassing the queue), took our fingerprints and we were out five minutes after arriving.</p>
<p>Until this application, we thought that the India Visa Application Process was the hardest and most expensive we had experienced - we now know that the process for Russia is much harder by a long way. It is also the most expensive visa we have ever had to buy at a total cost of £233.20 each, a figure which includes the cost of the visa, a letter of invitation from our tour company to go to Russia and Prima's fees (for checking our papers, meeting us at the visa office to hand back our papers, and collecting our passports when the visas are ready. Posting them back to us then adds an additional fee !) On top of this we also had to add the cost of new photographs, postage and travel to London.</p>
<p>Using the Viking website, we had to select which of the included and which of the "extra cost’ trips we wanted to take. All of the “extra cost” trips are quite expensive but since we do not see ourselves going to Russia again, we accepted that it was pay and do it now or never ever do it. And about two weeks before we left, a long list of “additional shore excursions” arrived for us to choose from if there was space in our already planned itinerary.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-8274403154630180062018-01-30T18:03:00.000+00:002018-05-04T21:59:22.848+01:00Some thoughts and Home Again<p>Getting home was very easy, the planes were on time although they were slightly fuller than on the way out.</p>
<p>This was our sixth year participating in National Immunisation Days and our fourth year leading a team. Over this period, we have noticed a change in the role of Rotary Clubs and Rotarians during the immunisation period, namely that the process is now less dependent upon the enthusiasm and effort of Rotarians and that the Indian Government now almost totally runs immunisation. In the early days, we came across very few health workers involved in vaccination, now there are very many health workers involved and also they work out of health centres.</p>
<p><img title="Fully Immunize Every Child.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbM9Ts3-yxBvGXPUGXEz7fU9mp4uFJv0zCafTNAg5b_qGGj4IClRD4TFY2n9Zg8e6cpJJUUonEPAOHg38Is-zkxP2cH2QnrgS78HKYVamybwWPxSuC86mt2hRfwBE2L6w8HUGqdfHmvs/s0/Fully+Immunize+Every+Child.JPG" alt="Fully Immunize Every Child" width="222" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is of course because the current policy of the Indian Government is to move away from the use of live polio vaccine and for all children to follow a vaccination programme from birth and during their early years.</p>
<p>We met many Rotary Clubs in Kolkata and all of them were very hospitable and welcoming and we thank them for that. We were very impressed with how organised they were and also how they have moved on from simply responding to Polio to running other community health projects.</p>
<p>Will there be another last NID we might wonder? At the time of writing, the answer is “probably yes” but there is some debate as to if it will involve Rotary or if it will be totally run by the Indian Government.</p>
<p>If we can, we will go. We are committed to continue the fight against Polio as long as we are able.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOM0d5zW74w" width="427" height="240" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>And if you want to watch a 20 minute presentation about Rotary and Polio, click on the above YouTube video.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-12202661027731083002018-01-29T17:59:00.000+00:002018-05-05T19:38:02.880+01:00Follow-Up Day in Kolkata<p>For us, follow up day was to be spent in and around the Dhakuria Railway Colony which is a very mixed area in the south of Kolkata </p>
<p><img title="Street Scene.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETwksv80pbOzQ1jG535jwiyZuGdtZHQ2QkFdf5RdrDXK_jLKkMuRiz_1TWaYpZ071rPp0JW5eJv5qWNyk4jj7tXoGQLdsAe7fLJvcxaIvjLs2_SrRDMxDrruudrhYsETALQsGbNQZHj0/s0/Street+Scene.JPG" alt="Street Scene" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>where some people live in houses and flats</p>
<p><img title="Checking railway Track.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zmmts1zVDYN92-GNeALTx-yLZthMGKR8_Fih4-pO9LnOf9UWTtVHir6nZTIeWOvUmFKdj2cO6kIyf9y6fTQejV5i8ZHXVNR9rPC_QTXwjV5xzdqJ4vbf4xvzsBrDYTHJxcVI4sE3EhY/s0/Checking+railway+Track.JPG" alt="Checking railway Track" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and many more live in squatter huts or alongside the railway track. Some people there are relatively wealthy and others are abjectly poor.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sdYYm259nOE" width="427" height="240" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>There is an short article in the Huffington Post about the colony <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.in/craig-boehman/life-at-the-dhakuria-rail_b_8893988.html">here</a> which will provide some useful background if you do not know anything about it and a Youtube video above which provides rather a long view of the area.</p>
<p>Kolkata has a interesting history. From the days of the East India Company through until 1911, it used to be the capital of India and hence it had a large British garrison (some of my family were born there). Roll forwards to recent times and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) were the ruling party in West Bengal.</p>
<p><img title="Meeting local politicians.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPbOT5nvNOm3_urnXTIUVfeLhbuNOO_zBbJ0tJbtMEwYiaRMdo8n9tpVLWOh9RUkdTGfdYqlao4dTBv0DfSKEi3uwV4sUVeuh1-0XBeOljxZRXNNwIKhrEZB-tKgMFpVc652pjLYij44/s0/Meeting+local+politicians.JPG" alt="Meeting local politicians" width="399" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>Local politicians are very important and hence just before the start of our follow-up we met the ward councillor for the Colony and she decided to accompany us as we worked our way around the colony checking fingers and she was very effective and well known and would not accept any excuses from those whose children had not been vaccinated.</p>
<p><img title="Has your son been vaccinated.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSz9DvhAgBpaX3hF-hJq6Eg93Q0ZLE54hk2UiSMNNWBgPA0lOzacIUAG5EvR6cA-pro3oivdPGMLBV362kzwi8RBbZJEPlxbz_a4mndR2UZRk_UoXWEWznicjSLQKGtMPnXOXi5RG8c0/s0/Has+your+son+been+vaccinated.JPG" alt="Has your son been vaccinated" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Polio is primarily spread through faecal contamination and India has been increasing the number of public and private toilets available to its population in an attempt to improve sanitary conditions. </p>
<p><img title="Public Toilet.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFglwHwlOkgd04SzFxp_gzervzTGvVAnKC_b5588lTLQ3n3oWdnsx6SqRUuqdClIFPh1QQ-e84ayZPDKP7eHN3ZeiI8NiNBhdDFvPWayzCQTIAa3wYnv-sdVXmUQwtjDPtniZjjZcsjA/s0/Public+Toilet.JPG" alt="Public Toilet" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>This public toilet was on the edge of the area we were checking (and there are some 350 others in the city) but unlike many places elsewhere in India, here it was "pay to use” and hence we did not see many people using it.</p>
<p><img title="Polio Teddy.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRw74ENR1XFKtubfRJnYBAgnY2oqDuXcslJSk5JyJn71OXJ1Dz9B8GYMfN8hJm4GtVujiLGAqfyG9KTbyVSn_I2WOVceR27ccErkYobcTY53kAh-Cog_kUk4ZVZAsoVXtMPGsqA1Cv1s/s0/Polio+Teddy.JPG" alt="Polio Teddy" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>There was some, but not a lot of publicity material around telling people to get their children vaccinated. The growing role of government in the vaccination process is perhaps indicated on this poster by including a photograph on it of Mamata Banerjee who is the Chief Minister of West Bengal - a photograph we were to see on most Polio advertising.</p>
<p><img title="Checking if vaccinated.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4Dan7sCXH8QQ_XvvLW3wWQZ7Sat3ZOmqZnrAiK5Q7txo5a2AQs4zrT7FuoZeEuisGZsI6tMHVBkjhTEAOV1C0l-MQuglFsVWcrj4P76s4ATIqRhVTKE8LjYKPA6WoktS8UHObJCL3dE/s0/Checking+if+vaccinated.JPG" alt="Checking if vaccinated" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Checking involves going around where the children are,</p>
<p><img title="Checking in street.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87O_DMB3aywJvhiz3rcjcQzhn8jdG4_VlG-PVPnRRASkPVbBxvbDWTomMeyGAqgOyiErgDYM2XL3juSKQ0ZvY0eEVkKnUkG2uXtA8mbf_10imtBpDzPBta26vR6JNdKwk-iKj0p51U5o/s0/Checking+in+street.JPG" alt="Checking in street" width="399" height="194" border="0" /></p>
<p>be it with their parents at work, </p>
<p><img title="Checking Finger.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7LMP-VHs9jd92Ydej1fcxN_zDwWoDCsZ8PLfP2YsVtwMSWyQvppPv3bphVs9V-2kwU4ebkNMFOhgDir2M9zBcPnE-FREvQQB5Orj2YArCnxQKBEHVzhVYrREHbScVVi854s8lPHC4aE/s0/Checking+Finger.JPG" alt="Checking Finger" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>or in the street,</p>
<p><img title="Into the slum.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNgK-LquzDh7_h50Wnnzs2PjCqpLgsqWzXzTRIrKkSZauuACvic0pC4DFOXLEoJtqiyLEjxSHq93w_wK7qKVPUWRPcAEnMts0Ou4xEgov0EdjL2j34JkzNuSaeY-_NIK45XchARXVHBM/s0/Into+the+slum.JPG" alt="Into the slum" width="338" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>up alleyways,</p>
<p><img title="Checking on Track.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8dHkAhKXRU25D3sxRTQvvMVmX5l19SkvmLQG0ozCiGGXPJQKJ0UDaHTTKoz-Y-HFBv8Anlwf6dpLRxk0KStxhCKsFdgRV9zl05ONoGbzbKjG-_2ld7IJZSFxL4R6Tvdot8eMsscxRWY/s0/Checking+on+Track.jpg" alt="Checking on Track" width="225" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>or on the railway track </p>
<p><img title="David Ward Checking Finger.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwNz27B-s75cAI0wXJac82KzSzCbUawFpZCxB2SZzREHrKDMnWJ2YFiccIwOdLRvpMKP07QA_jHBrG-Sx4EiNl49qb-Jyk4UgHCZ_9k4DwGvYr3LbfKCtdI8DB7nY4nnLc-szOufJXGU/s0/David+Ward+Checking+Finger.JPG" alt="David Ward Checking Finger" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and looking at the little finger of their left hand for the purple mark.</p>
<p><img title="Children showing finger-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjhIKA24PuA410GWsWArjzaEu1cf8PdqdjAci4FgKGVBAycgukfcNgUkvzkaL1kQm5rte2CeCVPfVwKPuuNcmJYxk-v3qSs00-pRRJ9_dyddqaD65gI63TgdXUVS_tttG9-h8VvaaCMw/s0/Children+showing+finger-001.JPG" alt="Children showing finger 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Some children know what to do and you only have to waggle your little finger at them and they will respond.</p>
<p><img title="Marking finger.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwTrLgLxqdfP0voVtHNtyD1YTb6PKW67-y8dQF5FPM3b7qBT-sOzvRk0HT1ull7NR2UHGZo5M8nok7RJeYQf1R4X_KO1NNM3Qnkcn6Dq_fA_2jYVoGBVNx6Bo1E5HVnJ7dgQHGVsJggA/s0/Marking+finger.JPG" alt="Marking finger" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>And if they are not vaccinated</p>
<p><img title="Robert Vaccinating.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCPU6ROJXmk7YgsXNSKBjGUpziQ8DOC-BmbhBrGiBi7TBwLEBUYtue62mzhdmu9qY44ow2mHVdVcwV2oXEu6s8w1_5Nk2ou6PlmI0Gs6lQpHxkamClvEGyZr2k_yMg4nX_MrC922MiUw/s0/Robert+Vaccinating.JPG" alt="Robert Vaccinating" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>then they are immediately given their two drops of vaccine.</p>
<p><img title="Vaccine through the market.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzflv6KFnKn914-ZIC7eHz7b8LXl624IoOIxxvqZxZWvsRuOBHaAGEHvDyA9-JOUge5hQ9LGl99M8Qkd9XL2KSFm4tjUUGeLij-r-EfPmiva6gE_eLS4zg_MDiK2eV-h-bi3lcO40cPs/s0/Vaccine+through+the+market.JPG" alt="Vaccine through the market" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The vaccine is, as always, carried in insulated thermos boxes because it must be kept at a low temperature in order to remain effective.</p>
<p><img title="Vaccinated.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulTS67mFPXU2fixg1e7cetHmwFTEeGQuisosfFqmw_ixCS3G0RYu2TugTfhJulY3ERZOxNf1ZopoFRJ8nspQQ0CmsXKp8xp8gDvqOAiuD22DDlX4GlsiPxFaF0ZfsQOS4o-SyI3ZUQ9o/s0/Vaccinated.JPG" alt="Vaccinated" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We came across one child trying to wash the mark off his hand</p>
<p><img title="Vaccinated finger.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lTnPSASTFMDb97w0SjEK7GMizVsHnkQ1TWjgHhKAJIqkiwt9bMzmt6W4qM2ObGpmowKeKbeoF3d-g7dFs1zKYaotN6i0HJkHdSreUJn-9coqDEDzUBuf0WP9WERlqAjvvaQz5FHRkDQ/s0/Vaccinated+finger.JPG" alt="Vaccinated finger" width="400" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>because word had rapidly spread that if he was vaccinated by us, he might get a small present.</p>
<p><img title="Dhakuria Railway Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKSq59XOBs6czGCScquXz7-cnTIvJ9DDO8W3PoUAs8I9hBnw9RAywhDD3jhz_WgqrPRClyhV8A8PmSuy_zDuz9zZA8i1EZZvCckVTiXspFTii-Nw_XvEnxmhqpKIAd1nm3nNrxvru0J4/s0/Dhakuria+Railway+Sign.JPG" alt="Dhakuria Railway Sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Railway station.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd6wDjyiC4ytRIvXzxwm0Lgblu0sByRmJ0FWrga3NMn18PUAEvqd-8tLNDwc6HDGohichcxpYrOP6CweLOH1vCMApCDnaOX1tTr-nAKCbgrxEaQ0sqrcxGF9wxN3jlBiOZJI42zyBsG4/s0/Railway+station.JPG" alt="Railway station" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Working on the railway track was an unusual experience.</p>
<p><img title="Selling on the track.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUileG5Xq1dbBD9hj32URWSuCMb3-n6EpULhTetJUM9OJZ6trf9xugrNwKC6dTKCEE9-ZxItGom0JZ3-zEid0-SZK00hiC9Ribpp6zliVB2FvBzdbwTXcYgCu-Gu73aJhzZTZITic3A9Y/s0/Selling+on+the+track.JPG" alt="Selling on the track" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Many people had set up “shop” adjacent to the track and were just that extra millimetre away from the track to avoid being hit when a train went past.</p>
<p><img title="Living on the tracks.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUDI3YhnHbHrv-RapG0zb1vjtOsrp96zulPxOjOXxwrZBQP8pNbjheBefESm94kZ6uv3D3L3ncB7QtjE3-vt71IgsGg4h2EtlDvuusbyN7JXEUASKkgQBgwUTROSOzqxVtpNu-yK7PII/s0/Living+on+the+tracks.JPG" alt="Living on the tracks" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Railway Track Checking 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uxOE7mQcWOng9TtSox6OSspRBLdw1p1iHbWAur0M67Ll8LqxFwgtILrBpocDwwtV0FQJWWOmZQ_u_gz7lqn8ddlQRbat_Iqpriuo99jq05Pz3A4-VBmOLFf9k8gAzbwLF4CbrLu3jBE/s0/Railway+Track+Checking+2.JPG" alt="Railway Track Checking 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>People also live in huts adjacent to the track</p>
<p><img title="Railway Track Checking 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-56sN16PYXPSPIuKw_C5X2Jhn4NZuWJ7RmVGQ_lFO1XXhy5R-1io5zUTYw6b-bLKx1IhyIQB-4Ip_HbTJb8e674cYJqHjW4TWawCuqEkoU3iJg-DLWn6afPFHPrSMhdat4aEg6uplIE8/s0/Railway+Track+Checking+3.JPG" alt="Railway Track Checking 3" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Working on the tracks.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruVXMqNqsuTqlXQ290vQ0kPSsvrMraad2xudo67Aag4nNjT9GY1auaxqwyk5mNqgBMhfyZ7uQUhkbh68enEvaWjpDdoaLazZYPobvb1cOf51VMs7c22rE2gmncYPZQAILaxrwPnh-Foc/s0/Working+on+the+tracks.JPG" alt="Working on the tracks" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the track was live with trains frequently passing (slowly).</p>
<p><img title="Where railway live.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFmDKhvIYo-yYvxs86O032hb8-aDCis1SxpYDuJQsyGuQ7X1GMaSpkBCFPSVHftHLhNVBxyQ8iPqRsq2HQuB5P3A8YuaSlmY7n46FNVR_SoiBHHIRe2BwhpAekQj-mrNcdthebCFkrAg/s0/Where+railway+live.JPG" alt="Where railway live" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We soon learnt to get out the way and carry on checking on the other side of the track.</p>
<p><img title="Track market.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZuI-UOTbkN3hnRJexgsLDtiKrY5byBQk81EZaYh53xYEaJkjemB3vK_8bGszw8KY5PsFm-wOx3LP44cg8tdJOgWv7m0xU_Whf4DTFRPWHk7bj_LvXjTifgQiDV7uefw4_PgXOiXj10I/s0/Track+market.JPG" alt="Track market" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Happy.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82IfxIFzSqLFKsSPSDDqx-TYKjnZH7Jtg1bhKk95wog8G7N_FeI20dBEt3DabWBRkY2d6iVhlpbDghxPOsYezQyyVaW11exE6JnslltaBhdBspIfxhIhh2C6-6TBxeb46wqijuEiYeZs/s0/Happy.JPG" alt="Happy" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>As is always the case, we were welcomed in a friendly way by everyone we met and this child had quickly got over being vaccinated by me.</p>
<p><img title="House Checked Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGp8KyqE67kJCn1ua9_k1O6DuNyoMkDfOlNcvzypeBy-Wo4wGTUOWgGAdvLkeVSwzVKJ-ktQeieBgTJOFx3TPMRZ1OagYQyzfBiLFLc7UWAiDEeh2_dJvGLeXHkA4_ABUWGhwKmS9ufs/s0/House+Checked+Sign.JPG" alt="House Checked Sign" width="226" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>“Houses" were marked up in chalk as usual showing that they had been checked (Team 59 checked this house on the 29th January 2018 and it passed - i.e. the children supposed to be living in it were inspected and found to be vaccinated).</p>
<p>It was a very interesting place to work and we found that the usual thoroughness of the Indian Vaccination process was as obvious here as it has been elsewhere - most children had the required blue finger. </p>
<p><img title="Across the River.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA6iZRuS4OLzifqput3a6hZar8fC4xCzHv-Dp_itFgD_6PxA_EtewF8lsk9OKFpfP-05xEtWm1RgTjSxqiyfrlwPDWHJy16PvBnaFK0TMLfPP48HiDqlXAPLyUx7J3qkliVpdIgswfmg/s0/Across+the+River.JPG" alt="Across the River" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>That thoroughness was demonstrated the following day when</p>
<p><img title="Hoogly Ferry.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDDQ7I9NGqhtiSmFNQqZ5_LhhFer-v3Uwjwn05fS51IDtpiEGEBQkp8cdvaY4261OKypJlZr3ZGvo27Y3Iil-l8fFuIGvyjBMtJm1GDjUdcVFeoMxQLGl2lDKGMo73g3rOA-o7L1hIyU/s0/Hoogly+Ferry.JPG" alt="Hoogly Ferry" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>we went on a ferry across the Hoogly River to the other side of town</p>
<p><img title="Checking.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yl8iNDDIyGDBLQXmezw6EPlA7afYtehyphenhypheni1xZnTrA6NlKUTgYirBF9f0c58GDlKx3ZyRuZhJf7kIPNb218twuHL9-Rwrz5uYyl9IN2Ddc7HeL-E89_T3kne_QbmoPSqx3p-a0rQ-GWG8/s0/Checking.JPG" alt="Checking" width="168" height="300" border="0" /><img style="float: left;" title="Two Checkers.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHHZ4ET4Xy7XUtK9RLNh2kCjAwEmfEBhSi6T8voy6BIjwpOTYY-YhEkAcsoC4tChmIEH1YFTD0mBvxW7hbQT-by-gans50usQ7ByeCDSg3tYKLk8kRn6j8CXh24pWVnGpn_ZrmWvKrNs/s0/Two+Checkers.JPG" alt="Two Checkers" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> </p>
<p>and found Health workers working on the landing stage looking for evidence of vaccination on all children who went past.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-66929959116697161522018-01-28T16:10:00.000+00:002018-04-30T17:28:27.065+01:00The 2018 NID in Kolkata<p>From our perspective, this NID is intended to follow much the same format as earlier NIDs: we fly to Delhi for a briefing and for most of the team to assemble; we then go to Kolkata and the following day (Saturday) we take part in some Polio related activity; Sunday is the day of the NID; Monday is followup and then sometime afterwards, we return to Delhi and the UK.</p>
<p>Experience has taught us that going on a NID without allowing some time to get over the jet lag of India is very tiring, hence we are going out to Delhi a few days early. And this time we are making the journey even easier by going on a day-time flight rather than an overnight one.</p>
<p>So, as has been the case for the past few years, I start this blog entry with a badly taken selfie of us on our fairy empty Air India plane at Heathrow.</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0409.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVy_HkQAcGHJVhIyP38oHnXqFt3PByZI4Zo8dkpbeVvdIs0KjGgm-Gbv0951b9ycfS24y8xhZndXUo7nw9ByMOOToofIonV5EaIiUmIqxSutplB8XfcBt3m_SNSubahCwsbBrRU365fUA/s0/IMG_0409.JPG" alt="Us on Plane" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We arrived just before India Day and hence a lot of Delhi was under lock-down and as expected, the view of Delhi from our hotel room was showing the impact of the early year smog which can make living there quite unhealthy.</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0417.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB5JaKib33tEMghy3UgBUwBEZIBSaVV5nHySbQ0AqYBQSKoXacxylfKyss-4SvBbMfo7Ymhyphenhyphen8xFwBEVqls8aWKDfPKteALy5ON428u43rkIGh3J0C3F4dvnzs2JRYbGUwxiWnZXi58vo/s0/IMG_0417.JPG" alt="Delhi Smog" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Over the next couple of days, most of the 100 UK Rotarians taking part in the NID arrived and we all attended the usual pre-NID briefing session which did not tell us much that we did not already know but did indicate that during the past 12 months, India had made some further progress towards replacing Live Polio Vaccine given orally with the Inert Polio Vaccine in an injectable form.</p>
<p>Other than the slowest imaginable drive back to the airport to get our flight to Kolkata due to India Day traffic, getting there was unremarkable and not needing comment.</p>
<p>Our hosts in Kolkata were many of the Kolkata Rotary Clubs (there are a lot) and Saturday was partly taken up with a briefing meeting from them</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0453.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sjNswUbPhXF1EEdbk-6POCQme6wnMsx6VA4ynGCVUMyid9atbRkd_SwrZOcjZX1Y-pZ_qPom8CBy1BUd5-dEv97sDsPMoiMIGOFH9ESRk6ROjd-pMteyQV1C6EztilUx5xJfZnZaDh4/s0/IMG_0453.JPG" alt="Meeting Banner" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>which also gave us the opportunity to demonstrate to them that we were </p>
<p><img title="IMG_0446.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W83Xe4u5UqbZ2c-jHT5gzsVytWJjUKLmSkyjFDZC9au_E-uAuroJorOsBRdsu4e8eCLF8VP4-PZbu5uQSWoSLFiHRKY1jpz4pDCU-5G3i1lVB52LygkX2P9tC5k9Vb-8itCALQKWzqk/s0/IMG_0446.JPG" alt="Team Meeting" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>serious about being actively involved in Polio vaccination - "we have not come to watch but have come to do".</p>
<p><img title="IMG_0474.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeDFOjH7sCQhgDCdFsHbB0xmeRGk8Ne8bR7sBFHz1rZvb9mb-UblAtUhMmu-h6KLh0Rw3hdPSb6GEfBTyjOtwXugJ5sf3Ux4gp0PCVPR_IFpltRy-6vpfjL5U1LIGJgo3uC4lLUReLPQ/s0/IMG_0474.JPG" alt="Hoogly at Sunset" width="225" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>For us the day finished with seeing sunset on the Hoogly River in Kolkata.</p>
<p><strong>Sunday National Immunisation Da</strong><strong>y</strong></p>
<p><img title="Polio Team.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxT63ZQfU-rByAoxaF7J0Uf-wXPaFQovCeUzamSI1_RchJ8EHre-hPNrlwELGWzBEUunkUK3W-wk11fiDEKTKwdHQQNhvn-toXaCaLC9o_Xy63EgWhWlxrl_cE1_HUEqJuX_WejjL_oM/s0/Polio+Team.JPG" alt="Polio Team" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>After the usual group photograph of the team in our yellow shirts,</p>
<p><img title="Polio Car.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosOAJ8nuwJiuc6fRM174Cj80gT7KokVZPr6tN0_TZt3KEulpO8iMSimfjyLaOE4hQ9iugcLS14WH8ck5hI3TvGTJT0qrgQibK3ZfLEfex0H8u7htXjsFRR73_hhL3d_erK8rN9N3KGG4/s0/Polio+Car.JPG" alt="Polio Car" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>we divided into small teams and set off to vaccinate.</p>
<p>Because I was the team leader, the Rotary Clubs there wanted to spend much of the day showing us what they were doing rather than putting us to work</p>
<p><img title="Our area.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkaauDFin1jVqCQAPEJoscz1bymDwzSOtScmYzY69hJ_Og2QP-O1Q-khxmCtc0Fhs-jYRh0hdulhr1x1rMQZuu9LC6JW9VbEhmRnlmvhLPxbR-293XueCs-hvMdTWn_JOSSlaHiQ9fd0/s0/Our+area.jpg" alt="Our area" width="294" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the area we went to was north of the airport.</p>
<p><img title="Polio Poster.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_OISxZv_hgJaIzUk8W1l4XkEesz-d_auaqFRDF5dw9xRSGsQTpohZKPVbRp2vBpaHEHt1AeiPz81UkCKNXX9b6u3cLpKUQ3F47ZYiyyvJT0YLIV_UtLzkBc7pxj01oOU_rU78bKoNoE/s0/Polio+Poster.JPG" alt="Polio Poster" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The immunisation process has changed a lot over the past few years and here I thought that there were far fewer of the posters I had grown used to seeing on display around the city.</p>
<p><img title="Drains Problem.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1KN8LFIMbOdCleqKkr62iAr-3aSiimeBtlyoNK54NZwmvQocQM8dqV9BR6cJE2PYje9DwDyo9j9OBwFO3_x8QpKR7ug3QP2RhTV8fGBIJFYDwq2aNLqA5cxlvtQj6UkxDVuYlJ-Vq08/s0/Drains+Problem.JPG" alt="Drains Problem" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The issue of poor sanitation and the increased risk this creates for Polio to make a come back was still evident</p>
<p><img title="Street Life.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxpO7qLHqevv0xIHE0lh7tVL76eWgzO5GEpK-yDV1RClm8APdjya64n3asPPO8FbaIOBtikbDn3a7PUiy5xfytIMh9s3M06O4kyicL90_eM4pVZBpqlHgbLyq9Q3S5N_XwvQZmqiFTcA/s0/Street+Life.JPG" alt="Street Life" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the general poverty in some of the areas we went to on this day was not better or worse than we have seen before.</p>
<p><img title="Local Health Centre-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnetjEmi1TuFYEnResn1poFecbWT3hR772_kRiJHTaM-pZhmGurXEHPdTCChYwXX6_MDU11ArGUR37ZW0YuC0hJhIrU34hg4Qo5NFvh3JOcPRBkmo998K_ZBPvwaSU3kqH3-aW5LvZQU/s0/Local+Health+Centre-001.JPG" alt="Local Health Centre 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>What has changed is that a lot of the vaccination saw took place in health centres. The establishment of these centres is central to the policy of</p>
<p><img title="Local Health Centre.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD5vws6xCryxgij_Z1iBsDdR2QyfBW8KHImBEoUtMQW_x09hO2nKTtEiFW_OfAWkBjVJr0v6rexrooOCjOFP6OfqOjxV0KwG3SPBrmpmhdMuwADZbNrDixNhyphenhyphenjEx7SEplesCEOG51Qhg/s0/Local+Health+Centre.JPG" alt="Local Health Centre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>the Indian Government to move away from the regular use of live polio vaccine</p>
<p><img title="Fully Immunize Every Child.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERDcP5Z_3T08lSAhIGz5kANOt5r-GIIIvb6SF4xQ6SKhAiAnUBh_iWmPIBAYq9knEF2VNOJ5vnWKlz2VSYxotRiEccRJUZxbqqQ-QODCFp8b4nYzjtIpNo1MyQVhiqe8NAFz8d7F5iig/s0/Fully+Immunize+Every+Child.JPG" alt="Fully Immunize Every Child" width="222" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and to incorporate it into a programme of fully vaccinating every child against a range of infant diseases.</p>
<p><img title="Health Workers.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg-tAZgyiqCBIx-7_rbsFhSiWrTwLA4V5MOEDLFsMFgXne-hhfEi076G5yNyFTvz41ktWVf3eLIUxg_f0kCCq3b7FH9Mm6aS0icklKKAwt5T83FHbg-m-CxOg01rK-udyR_nDI3Kdkw0/s0/Health+Workers.JPG" alt="Health Workers" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>at birth and at specific dates in their early years. There has also been a significant move towards the establishment of teams of health workers such as these who staff local health centres and deal with all aspects of children’s health.</p>
<p><img title="Another Health Centre.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT98q-13MTydmtTfCP_w107mECZQf3uqTQZM6iiZNVJCxFN51ovtMcNX787IpSrj51_I4WeNzvCJYor-ZIifrTOo1-iw1k8TJJePeO3_h4UFxIIUpeZM4A8O8WUzbZjKCHN3TzN4FPfw/s0/Another+Health+Centre.JPG" alt="Another Health Centre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Not all of the health centres we visited were as grand as the first one, this one above was simply a room at the side of a building.</p>
<p><img title="Health Worker vaccinating.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituVtu6JKIizvyuODQP7DXoKplYWJnOdz2e0yR0EK74qvkLZt1dG2HTeg4BzQN_NSyFTuHJ214YkugKqRqJ_FJfA3ouP6c7YcnOI_0HnlkDyRtOcdiHV-ypzEgb6vfF8uEi_sNjvRQgpk/s0/Health+Worker+vaccinating.JPG" alt="Health Worker vaccinating" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>However, within it the vaccination process took place in the usual way.</p>
<p><img title="Class to be vaccinatied.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE79fkmpUFGGo62iZen-1d1tTEerEzIe1UWE6xDDsC7y8JvakDdr_0cbdwQ_e9NE62fErprKNWfnFXqYDCzW7jABFNSWfS08l9ZQWKh_5YQd0MLLCPTua-A4HcL3vPj-kP_MxJBMwO108/s0/Class+to+be+vaccinatied.JPG" alt="Class to be vaccinatied" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Occasionally we came across a class of children awaiting vaccination</p>
<p><img title="Pat Vaccinating-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_JbZ8FaN1wzMw74QkGPT1gaSEaj-0B-ac411gfs27QDRSbuXq7-sLHcYMKwPrbUoZSa3b8qLk0lyKOoKgKO6CSEp1VqdpC4FagKu7T5Zs990t5CgDdfXKXUENrU6HcSXj8dEZTFdvDQ/s0/Pat+Vaccinating-001.JPG" alt="Pat Vaccinating 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and we were given the occasional opportunity</p>
<p><img title="Sunday Pat vaccinating.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxuOE9yLLA2TNvhEO8xRzgI88v9M1usjK8A4u5qKGFgW9o2F36qhLjtHjZyGwUpWRR2BErICrFCwoc0wV5mRB5KXT7l3Nn8z9GnVy-FAMR0r1JsoL8o2Syb5fV2zR3KRIQ9mzvNMD3lY/s0/Sunday+Pat+vaccinating.JPG" alt="Sunday Pat vaccinating" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>to vaccinate</p>
<p><img title="Sunday team work.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01klKHfP_FTc2lS-vNoZ4mxtv2mfTHf0_xAjcrWK8xb_oAEja6IuhoNoqQ_3AXqg0G4B2N_7CUW-5KYmIcF4mqmTiCiIeip9kCHuMuIaE38MfqgUYggIDGHXfrWVT4zaMLgN4OGvxU7s/s0/Sunday+team+work.JPG" alt="Sunday team work" width="398" height="218" border="0" /></p>
<p>although without the pressure of numbers of children waiting their turn which we came across in earlier years.</p>
<p><img title="Score Chart.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmt37uh8Pjz7jg0xAeF4sJNsXXZmv1J9KSCx05aoQiIK4AJNlyt4pG48tu0Ae9FAa06Ha3tu6bfWZuXn_zJEn4mGA0EK9JUdJ4yI72QjowMtYV6TSzCvO5p8Bkw0kzpDvMiqJo5xX3lQ/s0/Score+Chart.JPG" alt="Score Chart" width="192" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Although the same method of recording the numbers of children vaccinated was used as in previous years, at all of the health centres we went to, the workers said they knew exactly how many children they were expecting and where they lived.</p>
<p>Through the use of Founation Grants, local Rotary Clubs have been very active</p>
<p><img title="Rotary Clinic Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1AIDrlnLBK3NWFJwxWj1glalTyfScTpx5XDLOvlqhxZYzhFfysiO3C51QX-CEYW5t6RaAIEuB4k-8sG3ZlL2jloiyRYjqW9Itru9RIyOloh5HZPITSzZ66iGx-_Op1P5aNtbSUXqn-8/s0/Rotary+Clinic+Sign.JPG" alt="Rotary Clinic Sign" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>in establishing their own specialist health facilities </p>
<p><img title="Rotary Health Centre.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9xzcFZudNWCji_Jt9O4p0vUQgq27kmqYuPrkTi8eBArITWzxzovzTvbg0Ly93ZULEKzKi8KUQz7CnH4_QQUhDNrw4mb-5LozqQ5MyDD7ypNyMm6uz5iTPfzht1CcS6dYsB-bsL0TkJ8/s0/Rotary+Health+Centre.JPG" alt="Rotary Health Centre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Rotary Clinic Sign-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelHmTuYSA5mXDQco6MY3eMQcNlhFjUDGu5Jf0xJDGZ2tR8hi_AWMlaWzzwQG1ylRlr-g0z1OuiNomyzXOdHM2X6JPxi5Ss0tlgXhID7IaV76o_IA0TWd5MYCfM3BYZaZt-1cF9X1cE7U/s0/Rotary+Clinic+Sign-001.JPG" alt="Rotary Clinic Sign 001" width="397" height="167" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this one was opened as an eye clinic</p>
<p><img title="Inside Rotary Clinic-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKh2l4surocy96gVLWVypJ6OWuuzlZiFMgUkRj2bvM3cSjAlZSP64y74nPyPzqxvvnAzjZ3-nCFbT-2syPWGmEF5gPWbYPGlIm1Zffm3zDKxi2_PFjYTTw3m3ZpldjTiRctYwevO1aQo/s0/Inside+Rotary+Clinic-001.JPG" alt="Inside Rotary Clinic 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>which was of particular interest to Mrs Harvey</p>
<p><img title="Inside Rotary Clinic.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5qvvaB-wfp_Nk-MS3osindUUwnILr1GCt2Tz2MLEF-iJf3kC5U8Tv9XwSUYzWAix9mOZK7FYlJBjt2j5c5ERHR3EBCOySuhAbxRIWM53XuBmgEeJhBHGmspgDrfrxHsJvBc_LvK7AbI/s0/Inside+Rotary+Clinic.JPG" alt="Inside Rotary Clinic" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>because she recently had had Cataract Surgery on one eye.</p>
<p><img title="Coconuts.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJMeGsFqI4pbUTokwhz17iBGQtl_Jc1Uft5VeTMp4uCTmEkq-Sb_6IjR3BlIccQEpf6kb3i35jXV6za2169-MPlDb6wsQDq-FuZ3Ksd_yrY5sTcqGgqh7-tO1z56dB7xJmqO8yIDgFlY/s0/Coconuts.JPG" alt="Coconuts" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>And we finished this first day with fresh coconut juice from a coconut purchased from a road side stall, not something you can do where we live.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-63139912503382986322018-01-24T13:16:00.000+00:002018-05-05T19:41:54.408+01:00Rotary and Polio in India 2018<p>In September 2017, the date of the next "<em>last ever</em>" National Immunisation Day (NID) for Polio was announced as Sunday January 28th 2018. We are going again and we will be leading the team going to Kolkata (teams are also going to Delhi, Amritsar and Bhiwadi).</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">This is the sixth time we have participated in a National Immunisation Day, hence we feel reasonably experienced in most aspects of immunisation. It is also the fourth time that we will have led a group, something which we have learnt is a hard working pleasure. It is however a pleasure greatly enhanced by the fact that many of those who have been with us on many of the earlier immunisations, choose to come with us again - thank-you to them, you know who you are.</span></p>
<p>India has not so far, been brave enough to actually have a last ever immunisation event because they judge that they do not have an established enough local health centre system which can guarantee to serve all children and also Polio is still endemic in nearby Pakistan and Afghanistan. Every year they get closer and closer to achieving this and every year the number of Polio cases in the world further reduces but it has not yet got to zero and therefore the world is not yet Polio Free.</p>
<p>It is also the case that Polio is still endemic in three countries with 22 cases in 2017, all in Pakistan and Afghanistan. For Polio to be declared a disease of the past and to become the second human disease to be eliminated, there has to be a three year period with no cases of polio anywhere in the world.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">There also are links here to earlier blogs we have written about taking part in NIDs. For those unused to blogs, look to the right of this page in the January / February sections for each year and you will find a number of entries – if they are not showing individually, then click on the arrow mark to the left of the word January or February and they should then show at the bottom of that month's list of blog entries.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Alternatively, you can get to the other entries by clicking on the appropriate “here” in the list below.</p>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2018 NID in Kolkata click <a style="color: #999966; text-decoration: none;" href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/the-2018-nid-in-kolkata.html">here</a></span></li>
<li>2017 NID in Bhiwadi click <a style="color: #999966; text-decoration: none;" href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/london-to-bhiwadi.html">here</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2016 NID in Ludhiana click <a style="color: #999966; text-decoration: none;" href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/pre-nid-activities-rally.html">here</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">2015 NID in Moradabad click <a style="color: #999966; text-decoration: none;" href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/rotary-and-polio-in-india-2015.html">here</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">2014 NID in Delhi click <a href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/rotary-and-polio-in-india.html">here</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">2013 NID in Baduan click <a style="color: #999966; text-decoration: none;" href="http://patandpaulharvey.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/rotary-and-polio-in-india.html">here</a></span></span></li>
</ul>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-88608736154197111942017-09-17T21:06:00.000+01:002017-10-01T01:52:14.454+01:00On our way home again<p>Travelling home is always more tiring and less welcome than travelling out. When the holiday is over, you just want to get home as quickly as possible but it is rarely the case. We were allowed to keep our room until 12 noon and therefore were able to spend our last morning at</p>
<p><img title="NewImage.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp1p0jysUiRpeNvJzx-qTkGk_t6CFEf4_sjgJfbwIsDXS1jA02jD7OucTQ8nBg7xrSQDBbdM5RjZRVli5THwl37IxPCq0bMkoZoKOq1Xz2hjfG1TvkuE-iXhcS9cIDPeZdTvhb42LF4I/?imgmax=1600" alt="NewImage" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Breezes enjoying the sun and the view and then having checked out, our usual light lunch.</p>
<p>Our taxi arrived on time and within an hour, we were at Zanzibar Airport which we would say, is not one of the most comfortable or modern airports we have ever been to - very hot and humid sums it up. But it worked and eventually we boarded our on-time departure.</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-09-25 at 19.36.18.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJwyeEsOYQ3DEsdtqW0a-c6MlyihHU_Sj6zN9M7_lzjrYRIIADezfcxvUxwPrJkFtYbM25CevyhL5BgHGCgFItczW2tey_cPh8QDgOXfrHA452t-lm9k1eyeyDJoAU5hCqdzxm751guY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 09 25 at 19 36 18" width="280" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Unfortunately it was an old plane taking us to Doha with no seat back entertainment. There then followed a very boring five hour layover in transit at Doha - it really is not as good an airport for transit passengers as Changi.</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-09-25 at 19.42.12.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrHWSPpyLKog1omX4uNg62o8kufLNfNtBuFvaV-CpYNczUVBSwusW0uzbUHXohwBdnTOCxRvfnmvKeJW11eq0xIfZDUK460wSdu6OkmMXP9HISXug-e7MojLWTa_vcuymEvQEhjk5_bU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 09 25 at 19 42 12" width="398" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Then an Airbus A380 with lots of leg room and fairly poor food took us back to Heathrow and after a rather long wait for one of our bags and a train which broke down a few miles from our station, we were home at 12 noon UK time or 26 hours after we had left our hotel in Zanzibar. I realise that the account of the journey back reads a bit negative - it was long and was not the highlight of the holiday but there was not much anyone could do to make it more enjoyable !</p>
<p>Overall, we thought this was a superb two weeks which gave us all that we had wanted from a safari and then a very relaxing week by the sea. We thought the people of Tanzania were very very welcoming, nearly always smiling and we left the country with a very positive view of it as a holiday destination. Thank-you Zoe of Audley Travel for sorting it out.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-65721954451809339232017-09-15T21:05:00.000+01:002017-10-12T13:39:35.336+01:00A visit to Stone Town<p><img title="krt_map_stonetown2.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40IcjvoKfwbFQohqDcEZQ1VyU87zub0IUW1U6LgBXp1a3jiglZx5sulEqzGbyetHlk7_loUUmJoeYSwTEtZHiyglvurNswtN4mwrTZA1dlGeE0K8G7ci6UWgLORChh9HoeB8qk6slQHQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Krt map stonetown2" width="201" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_Town">Stone Town</a> is the old capital of Zanzibar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spending some time wandering around is something which many tourists do when they visit the island and we were no different. We chose to ask our hotel to arrange for a guide to take us around and explain to us what we were seeing.</p>
<p>It is as pretty, interesting; rambling; and unusual as most old towns. However what is does have, we thought was rather nice and have not seen elsewhere, was many old doors. In fact historically it was known for its doors and years ago there were about 800 doors of note, but now only about 200 are left. There are very good websites giving far more information about the doors than I intend to write <a href="http://www.bizarreglobehopper.com/blog/2015/07/07/doors-of-stone-town-zanzibar/">here</a> and <a href="https://stonetownheritagesociety.wordpress.com/stone-town/stone-town-architecture/">here</a>.</p>
<p>We started our tour in some gardens adjacent to the sea in front of the House of Wonders.</p>
<p><img title="Fishing Boat.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tK83qcfvi-NyVM6aEALr4V-dMMR8fMm39s9BrL39SBcxLfnjy6yxaWAIFuG6zm4DlQvuH3ydVAbaUrLCxPAR5VnzkPj60MB-Xl-j73nPXFEGrS6VjhZBxWuLqKA_30a8_YGmjhlMVDE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Fishing Boat" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The fishing boats moored in the harbour showed both a rudimentary design and nice faded colours. </p>
<p><strong>House of Wonders</strong></p>
<p><img title="House_of_wonders.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKju64My1D-DbAMhW8FhBlGsXp7q56-g2-KWUfqiuD7zaDjudF8Eux6ENOzsDBcGqIPrXynZvm-PjqLuVB03S6nRwdBXaoCZCmgqdU_6T_7HQQIwle9tuu0YjmhL5iVZcHtoV6Jaa_4mA/?imgmax=1600" alt="House of wonders" width="220" height="142" border="0" /></p>
<p>The nearby House of Wonders was built in 1883 by Sultan Barghash bin Said as a palace and got its name because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and also the first in East Africa to have a lift. It was connected to two adjacent palaces and this allowed females to move between the palaces without being seen. Now it is a dusty museum housing art and artefacts spread over much of Zanzibar’s history.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="Entrance Hall.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbT4cEj3JD6oDQPkX1hPMsrCYUZBBz9J9K9R1_IuwneYl4SBnJu6Fzz4PEw0fdEac7RuyHg8HSHQeONmupCtiJLfn595zyXkLUBAH2Syc-Iv8vMvJRLPwGiMJaR7Xjq0UgNvyFd00ff4/?imgmax=1600" alt="Entrance Hall" width="168" height="300" border="0" /><img title="Sultan Narghash bib Said.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8_WPUezGxxJaUH85UOy96JNfD9bCtNtnQX-DxMSwPAOx_-wFd188BqHRNku8NsS1rLPtMpiI6DJ0gmEXpyHroq81LzlPXUndKgfP4_88KM7i0yomKJ6ojX81mR-aSTllOC2AJFCELpU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Sultan Narghash bib Said" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>As you climb the grand stairs to the first floor, you are surrounded by large portraits of previous rulers including Sultan Barghash bib Said.</p>
<p><img title="British Furniture.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX-I2NY0CKXUZ5ethSa8CGYXqJa8eKA-JqzWX_1BQqgsqQBauxNyOLsHgK2n0trnJ0zHOAZ7Uby6M68b2f1Eas4tTsuiGzTcsEOcf-d4rQO_9AUPFm1cTOSIambfjTFYBrjOMovh3rlI/?imgmax=1600" alt="British Furniture" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>On this floor were a number of rooms displaying furniture from different periods. This room had British Imperial furniture (the Royal Insignia are on the throne)</p>
<p><img title="QEII.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4U7CVlP6BTE0_a9I0LT9erdFQygVoZpB0KITc9zBDbRoe0rAkGbiqldbdc21ZfHSjrStIrPEilOwM48wJKbuxUIQcOa6bL5Xcppq-Ox7ZydpZQ7LPEOjy_obA0nFAinttPZI9VKvVRMs/?imgmax=1600" alt="QEII" width="184" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and also a picture of the Queen presented to a Sultan on her Coronation in 1952.</p>
<p><img title="Sultan size bed.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekASPubFgcWPHThrb9eu_E6_Yz2wVG_i9XXYFON54SQIIrEO1V8LaBgM_OOGPGVn3zJIRiK5cX9t8ICIcwGjjw0zde20szCEhjAKMJSClUR6hvc0l7Yb97JyOGYKlt6zlMJwcQsG0iRA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Sultan size bed" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Extra rooms were added to the palace in the 1930s to enable the Sultan to sleep with one of his wives and contain this “Sultan Sized Bed"</p>
<p><img title="Ebony Love Seat.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpHmDl5EIbiNs3X9ciUyyQn4UI9xVvLh4sn2rgC-riZihT_VqsF9f1bVRqP1-dJA2_0gbOZ1g8D6jb7NVlsplxfzs3YvMZnkovk_TIQAw_XgnEzW_xjw_lHlWM3LwBP34E1YkP9UgoSk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Ebony Love Seat" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and an ebony Love Seat surrounded boy local furniture with intricate carvings.</p>
<p><img title="Formica Table.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZR0Jt0Wh02jR9YDYpQ2N2kVAb37yWwmEUq4u7MYQLIJW15eb461IrlW4RuOaYfO7A3ckbBrGbtvp1gCysGh6unAFRMzTmfOEnOf9lYkF9Sb29AgLBgYtdRXYAv7TFY0_9ctXpC9i6UE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Formica Table" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>One of the later Sultans had a thing for Formica Furniture and so there are a number of pieces scattered around the museum of a design and style we remember from our early childhoods.</p>
<p><img title="Door Surround.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA5kua0Dkh89qFeIG2yEy3QE4Nw29TeUJPmXitQNavVU2NECyKy7zglD18NIiMoj9Ll27uJdDw7Yhnh3E0wV-RY1f-_WI8pfuDrquP_u6C25uhM9Bzn9okk7eRMuuVdIlS82VkfkZG-8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door Surround" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>It was here that we got a foretaste of the carvings to come with this lovely elaborate door surround.</p>
<p> <img title="Stone Town Street.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0jFyTqzdpiGSWhcpF06by2d0TMlln1AJmnn-oH5EWQrTA28aqcetEZ2wRzAZbx5tZf8fs5QeLZ2vVtFOuQ_pnVyScfOiHgSukodq3rx9ubauXaHWMbkCmDttgbLz5vylqL6fXKqvocw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Stone Town Street" width="168" height="300" border="0" /><img style="float: left;" title="Stone Town Street 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemkdumiUNmAq-BSI3IT4773GI6umRYpDnJ_UKdYly_MnW5KjO4N75I333_eS_YKOBktVaKn1f4CADkPpGx__2ZR0t-Nu7BIdkP5ge6vxILGID-kKVnu9KZkvxuYDdTlwOb7DZe5TE2IM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Stone Town Street 2" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Like most of the best “old towns”, Stone Town is full of picturesque alleyways with colour and atmosphere. </p>
<p><img title="Stone Town Building.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXbrc30y8UtnvPUBnHi9LaDFSiakJ2i2wVkSroyZ0BE-7LP9vRuwi6_URowybX5msqODZ46996hbrQIhXnEGP0mbVBIQMLAYDPQ06zp_lLA2ywfGC7Db5ofQ4IkMecUpKG6Jeo9pgQmU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Stone Town Building" width="300" height="168" border="0" /> </p>
<p>I particularly liked the faded blue on this building.</p>
<p> <img title="Spice Balcony.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlVk6EYwWrhAEzjccXLeyhPYhtf5MCE7zm777IpG1utQH-EcKSTslSGkZsSHMQSO3pVI6qZS6iBH0KbDNQwocLrN8ErAuqWyvn3H-lrWuk5PtefzOJNHVLW-mCrnrB1SDS3q3fd2WmLM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Spice Balcony" width="300" height="168" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is said that the more ornate the carving, the wealthier the owner. This carved balcony is on the first floor of what is now the Spice Hotel,</p>
<p><img title="Market Balcony.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiHUlB8qUi-YNQ7ooKXKlXo6tvbQr4X93jY_tEEHbVsBRLx7CoYIrjBwwyLc3ihcNRq0C2sEf2XrDTKGm2BM1GkKrwtQKzfVi07FE4dACjlplXdkBmF2O9dNQFQdMsFRnYuZtg-bG7Fg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Market Balcony" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this was on a less elegant building near the market place.</p>
<p><img title="Stone Carving.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHEwmsu0xigMJ3p0PYe2rb0zJnRejkWEnGQfQyzihaJAb86-r3xPGBZ6VWNLz3Fn9JYptQtdUNtIml5vhfJTfsI0kj5hEXOXNzeTfnwlsmLne48Q_LQqBns04bO77bIwOG3xNeMKRKcc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Stone Carving" width="300" height="168" border="0" /></p>
<p>I could not work out what this carving portrayed but it was at the bottom of a pillar on a ruined building next to the House of Wonders.</p>
<p><img title="Manhole Cover-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pmGtoe3nVwex5jm0V1lykLfa8NIl4HnCJsQ1AMGGDINGXi0wpg032J8W4xBT3OUX0mv7f4GoYn9yFI_Pqi1XuGYqVzoiGk8Bpl9xvwANUUgotXrQyxJMJoK3DXzDgAa3Ph3f_Umh3FU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Manhole Cover 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> </p>
<p>The manhole covers have a nice engraving on them featuring aspects of Zanzibar history and culture.</p>
<p><strong>The Doors of Stone Town</strong></p>
<p>The Doors of Stone Town are famous for their variety, craftsmanship and simple beauty.</p>
<p> <img title="Door 6.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeA7PdO4j6Jh6X7MQfiasyHtNp015KaILGUA0Y4SqS79dTV86zlyP0ugJU23_-wQmuWI-fOAF4TYBcQLdwTZGm-HidFYaOkHWTMMe0mTkn3aY4QlI2xwU16qihtIgKjP3oyB3hi6b2rE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 6" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Doors are usually fitted into one of a number of design families but I start with a door which does not fit into any of the families because it was the Cathedral front door, shaped perhaps a bit like a Bishop’s Mitre.</p>
<p><img title="Door 9.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsVUQ11UwwiOfIQgKP4Y3QV9zUOI001RJBuaizwcSEvqkNvax1UtxScGcCJlxnK2q9SPxfR3k7FFaGhXVkHERUaJ32CrbP86MqcZZXNHIf63wA8dqSVsPGl03XoXVM8tVZ97UHOvWSH0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 9" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Door 8.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAoUUdX4j1uGG8dYwSfW47u5TPu3Y6fNMWfjbWfQEH6vyhGPNPcUt-EN9l5sK_rgqc5rqvkigo0-9RWk7tSc4r8faGoMRtO5r8K6dLhs-97ZI5lY6FRYerN0zk05X1BUFgPoGzGPIaB0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 8" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Turning to door families, doors with Brass Studs on them are Indian because in India, the studs protect the doors from elephants trying to push through with their heads.</p>
<p><img title="Door 11.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyvBKasP08_J8ZOPfpGACbuRCIanysKy8OB8sgnPKYB8XwugP3J58uh8hd03fui0G3IY0-QqyeuI3KBaeQ1QitLaLGACOjTtWPmtGC0wFgLRWERrQqy78Sy1eZGe3DWCmS-Q388m1fow/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 11" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Door 12.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdt5nSHTnRwbHrSTZCSX_6vsda4LHjLFTz00F2YKvvu4nVt7vLfSty3Xg4IwmtRPPbUGHhM9gQ7NVTB6JGQYJU6MtOQVSUe_N26YouU-_o8phnxG6_o1StU0_vIHlOV_64rLXVfhI5zc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 12" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Another aspect of Indian doors is that they have an arched framed above the door. The door on the right has a padlock chain attached to the door and the step. We were told this was evidence of a Royal connection to the building.</p>
<p><img title="Door 5.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDktuF_iID3zQlGSVpfJzSuJZkjdW3_vlzfscqEn11d0GPWQS1O146djXpya5C7AojeBWjjowg5jElUpsV7T5iAzX4D5VYhLo7xeTqgOKDZ_NRRId2hkl-eyoV463cVGxOTkzUPrJk0a0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 5" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> </p>
<p>Arabic Doors are usually rectangular</p>
<p><img title="Door 10.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMwKePy2_cS_NaEjQRs5RQ3_yDyMB5y0j6-MD-q_AISAbRu5BtzFb0fvTLFhLj_tq-Brv51Mg6qSfGYuFZlSOIC-ZohBhIq0nvaV5cEp5lKGsP5PjFhIW7qXeD92R8kUSbOXriC-vaMo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 10" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Door 7.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ICFbZ_pjqIDduPLQUciCkQheR_dT7Q9prEUS_IXgfEPwwZo_ZyTJZ-EqSnC9jphe8m9vhcV2GD21OB7oNOZ2n0Ukdb2jficDf8nJRnimCDFtR7qt-HKOWpkhvZRnDAUDl7Zi_JuBZeg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 7" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Usually private house doors would have only one side open.</p>
<p><img title="Door 10 Closeup.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TpVw0bYAZMLe83BStKJSYioYmULqpd7j4J-Xsmdsf4LB0nueWFfG7lq0KZsIM1WHRWvkkgEmorTUMHiBLxzevOO4kAnnbBTUWvRwPWrVfqD05OGnPHgUZb9_oKf-DleTmIFRMrTHCjk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 10 Closeup" width="399" height="192" border="0" /></p>
<p>The door frames portrayed intricate carving often showing chains around the edge (a historical reference)</p>
<p><img title="Door 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsy4JSCEbHbZlNUIqKPWgAlZREr9oes78l3e9N3n05UWoZprWQ6xOkKDCcoVMsd-QM9otjqUvkYYA8t_0fsLwUmPWHbHSDISpZKnw6MicG0KkFzLSvewrSB5E7SvaScj8doa1OIyzZLY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 1" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Door 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUgipxzjW_jTb9y5fa0yV6ijvOOKDSLggZfYyahN_Yt0xRa3c7uanzeFzHCdYag-tXo1_wziS1tIXsGWXccn8gOaCAGLSoVYJmfMw_J8-O2HtDnYU1GnqCVsaYVIsYbzflq3WpoSWptU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 2" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Door 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_5LdApG0plocyjyZmnVkF4euJopEQqMg6qAtg60MKaB12Lodoq6Z6pPrkgcP2sHvtsx6PSLHQpU8Sd7hqlX6ZkEGco2ycXyTbtlWga3XcDvc48eEhICIqGyNtpr0rrllk8VJTRsiWHM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 3" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and sometimes include quotations from the Koran.</p>
<p><img title="Door 4.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-LSj-Hgg3Kkvx-lD78nRrTi15oA9vmlXy7k98bBQIqsmtFTJ8p3sCiMl076t9tDmFtcZnzXL0_egH22Ec1izEJTR_exUIhag0QY_GompxdQSuHXlkJC_H6fihwfdqNhcL-Mhct7lwpg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Door 4" width="169" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Merchant Doors were usually double doors with both sides open at the same time. There is no one place where doors will be found, they are scattered throughout the old town.</p>
<p><strong>Stone Town Market</strong></p>
<p><img title="Market.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT6R-mkRBk6oiDX_30ukmsQh3ajeqjRwOtMzq85yJTf8Kl3kLKUO3yLXUstf0j7QtDt9gT9fFP4RM-_tXaytqeJZbCU1wfpaSdaethHlNktL2t-LiyU0Rtm1cBlZ4kraPV_WHkOyWZq8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Market" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The main market in Stone Town was built by the British and opened in 1904. </p>
<p><img title="Market 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEY8nRYRi_qkqKDVyyGzFYCMgSL2xo50hdsCxactDJI1runv7tCGcsD4vydNvFsxl5n32HKz8vlg2FEeDdRvopcqaeLk_70Anml0MxV0hemOMHwwSO4S2Ydv6bX2wDsZ5iyBpOnnz9DY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Market 1" width="300" height="169" border="0" /></p>
<p>As is usually the case, the market was full of fresh vegetables, spices, meat and fish plus noise and atmosphere.</p>
<p><img title="Market 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAPwqkwpwyXwl901aHdV8QjaAtbPJpa_kePXb_exsi-ZNs4GaXlUQdFnRIxXrk17cL8LuYvX4ISEAkg_rl3TNb6MJdpwBbbY_XUoI1cZyWLebCWoczsHE3FnjhB3hL_k7BBfZjQwGijE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Market 2" width="300" height="168" border="0" /></p>
<p>The fish on display was certainly fresh but to a vegetarian and a Scuba Diver, </p>
<p><img title="Fish 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xXDOFMiBT7nNYGLt3cX1T3rMKI5DfN2xyLk7NV3TNEqbO-SdKWLD4I6NXCHcm5euE6w-LIjgPjFEKYWQNYcp5W_IeNZRDrkKQ8CTUlmuC74_nK2a5dGHWG-7kWi9ZfoCazDtr-5ZJIA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Fish 1" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>seeing some of the fish on display</p>
<p><img title="Fish 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdrMmWU3vNy1p1qjcHY7w1opM9wT_uOop-NEnn8j8tZUdiorF5HVxxWKNIfkI-sC1OMRUiQgS-0lW6kSFT2t3Zl9LKiZK0Nbozei4EjZYFrCPSN3SRdzz6-GNI7dcABXzcHt2E0v-xxc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Fish 2" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>was a bit distressing. </p>
<p><img title="Fish 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64MdKBmbJjA8Hce_pitzn1IOb6LeyC-1w6mKadLKslbpNHUhDigvJzTKMrM6ETroZuZ2mT9DPzTlhaQFe6RPHcQL-cW0s4vehYlw1_fZi6nflS9-m4j4N0Uqt7uWJpy7ZUogT58_fZIQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Fish 3" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>None of it was on ice and therefore it was catch it, buy it and eat it within a very short period of time before it would go off.</p>
<p><img title="Meat 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uoaztwHWtde3RUBFlpzpYk5nKXOOTR_J895ATAU2Tc50HQvOQkCG41AH21tOWEHUBbOcm8BDlx0lLsTgY-tuOeoi3QCnwi5wImMPVnkRkh4nDl9ZEs3B3kBP_JDXA69RkoUjkcpJ7EA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Meat 1" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Meat 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThGvK-V4X2m3B_8cgaiOwc_9rE72BG-HOcWCd42332qG5kYpUm0m0hy_y99f3oJz86SrQW-2GPFy7Xkm6qm5dJ-BsIT9IbM0jrLXgM_MFiePu8XwRd5xHasNYpDKSg4FZ6AYkPgyie_U/?imgmax=1600" alt="Meat 2" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>The smell in the meat hall was unforgettable !</p>
<p><strong>The Slave Trade</strong></p>
<p>Zanzibar played a key role in the slave trade and when we were there, we felt that it was important to learn about its history and impact.</p>
<p><img title="Slave Market Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksg5aUyAdsP__CS5Yz6qjwJHXw6vO4slPtBtwnwhphlAnH5MEt8SuUs5Oe7IjSZWyYtqO9EfcV8rXuPLcpwzTcOGfFkfrqbdarEnNpJOt-f4mxsw8pq6c_bYkXr0Svem7Wwej-SXqrW8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Slave Market Sign" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The City Cathedral is built on the site of the former slave market. Incidentally we got a very strong impression that the island copes peacefully with a variety of religions with Islam as the predominant religion.</p>
<p>To get into the Cathedral / Slave Market we first went through an area where the slave trade (both historical and current) was described in detail. Back in the early 1800s, the original traders were from the Gulf Region and many of the local suppliers of slaves were local chiefs who would sell anyone they could capture into slavery.</p>
<p><img title="Church Inside.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8fbiva3KusWE5VTcw06O0Qv2sixN6aLjzfgWO5oxXaCekHcGibBAJSv5OzLsincOViSjz19Q4jyiNqdHLhKqYTkuUHBXIlhoQxlOKT-ZLWzuQXoln3egg0QlDhDi2GZWabFoortaGCs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Church Inside" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>The inside of the Cathedral is cool and quiet, complete with an Organ.</p>
<p><img title="Slave Post.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB9UkY8_rPW68gysXBxxvHVPpoSCrZk1I-CAkw29v46oOp9rx-upH_ko-y8Ei98mdiXVdauPjUOy9BzDaKidirF3_xp7yg0ayP65Bkx_Yq9brxBGxzc5ymAT687T0PSPYArjLirvHFIM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Slave Post" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>In front of the High Altar is a round spot said to be the exact position where a whipping post was positioned in the slave market.</p>
<p><img title="Livinstone Crucifix.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQQenNwhS798Xn850ahscoi3Rb6huDwWF93tptxTXCTYUfd5dL9ma1_dfPZznqrAG954g4A6Vb1NS-ODoEvCCa845Jt4kot_L-GJwjZ-tD6s39XyAKTg8nz41XmF88eITnKsu1SdVGp4/?imgmax=1600" alt="Livinstone Crucifix" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Next to it is a crucifix made from wood from the tree under which David Livingstone’s heart was buried in present day Zambia. </p>
<p>Just outside of the Cathedral are a set of statues which describe the slave trade very powerfully.</p>
<p><img title="Slave Statues Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw88FfGLelqpB_mE3qafPWtfhne9p9fU0lqPoPToPafHv9O5yni1YYLbSgL3SnfOyfPwLJ-aI1kmYfdgP5xayRr6JGhyphenhypheng15md3C99bW3LzgJutJv1w-q9YI2-KdMWUUkRMRx6wpzzPMOg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Slave Statues Sign" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Slave Statues.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY7jqMUGPK-iCSY2y-1DE-cVPKmmsZAtTaDjSpoExvZz8senqC1L_sTJBOgrinhYNCGWr7Eq4AP40sjWIchB1raRGiH8RAi_4ySgwkrACR46aDuzxKaj1bDdV1LYkzOBtc-_APSVOgHs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Slave Statues" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We thought they were remarkable images </p>
<p><img title="Three slaves.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rqF9CXK1v9nVtq0RJkMkBcT82wACVx8P7gQ5kRvIP6rhb9nBVUdUHj2wLqcg7zxtvBKf9w-cyXo1dO5mx6dLG8-dI1n1cAHYfS1u7q5TzwYzUquUjQKSc1dbN4gxAAa8JoGNSaIX14Q/?imgmax=1600" alt="Three slaves" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>which said far more than words could.</p>
<p>Slavery on the island was forcibly abolished by the British in 1873 following a threat by the British of a total blockade of Zanzibar unless the ruling sultan closed all slave markets, liberated all slaves and protected them. Reluctantly, he agreed.</p>
<p><strong>Hindu Temple</strong></p>
<p>We also visited a Hindu Temple which was tucked away up a side street.It was typical of such temples and we were welcomed in by those who were there.</p>
<p><img title="Hindu Entrance.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFovS42juV8mqAVJNco9x-KMFu0T4Wyw8ICo8FzHFzWGCR7Q1oDfTGOBn02LO0rWstmisZs3-n8JEk3HgpANdRGY-NYIAb1pWIkPFUuSrl3GSv2O13Y4_LPz7fLy6Srcmzu1Uk7VxBOXU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu Entrance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Hindu Door.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTqHtxlzt7N8zUnJJew334MMnNIJQs_posHC3AmC6-YEt6Y7J7utt4krAj_cjwswdAUIYh91rHUHlxsMFdOnNcbB9uwn4wZouPhAJe79RJCvJ08VdjNkHVvir9Md-nTy56C85AY74JGs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu Door" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The door frame showed evidence of the local skill in carving</p>
<p><img title="Hindu Leaves.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMexM2yoFCc9-FH3dHMKzlyIO8QsYrnF2KFNUrIcy9bEFXUIClQMHSWjoulzjfKYKB4ADg34ux7TCghLSksLmX1TfW8EH1gqZfaWD51wN3GILOltDTt7xpU5vSI5cPFV9jgxBlxgJYT1o/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu Leaves" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and above the door were dried Mango leaves which an old tradition says help to ward off evil spirits or negative energy.</p>
<p><img title="Hindu inside.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pOFUkCYQ0sGgWFW0HWoFiM9dF-86VHAtZAjcRHyEQrGkOWnnkcrQNVsIIa7FZ9exi9IJ8dzchdtZPWy-w7KpZ4AffzIweJ9pxeDQkZPBCMLEJmfWKRC9l9TtHA7tjGCQ_jE9FdsBBDc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu inside" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The temple inside was in the standard format and colours</p>
<p><img title="Hindu Elephant God.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXLoipKbtVpN7lnl_bzlnjPrp1K6d1Q0uR96CMBD6j2Ub6gYEm8ZVExYkUKOcDbZQasWMvO_0b6J4BdunMmRrTuBfnc5u9Iwlu_3FntnARRVUPe6-PEYtdxe7pXB1vizapokzS5sbIxc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu Elephant God" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>with a number of gods present including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha">Ganesha</a> (the Elephant God)</p>
<p><img title="Hindu Cow.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEJ4UWQ7HtZgYPVpeHd21XRFbk8HGC55BgtaF5m9IyNH_5aEUXNqpZAGDgZcqE30xLxQyryWKSyYe92zxpfHjMl9ZLuYgfWRKFWVp8rslLPzm3n65wrouNrimKf1f4bPU2qFDjNXtHc8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hindu Cow" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamadhenu">Kamadhenu</a> whom I have not met before - a divine bovine goddess described as the "mother of all cows”.</p>
<p><strong>Freddie Mercury’s House</strong></p>
<p>I shall end this blog entry where we ended our walk - at what is said to have been Freddie Mercury’s House.</p>
<p><img title="Freddie Mercury House.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb68GcywhbCvUs7TCZHWzH-6gpSC6nbjfRk3ZlyubWAPiZ7ql3gmdwmabUk2v48aJ2gDCDygjqUTsOx_01ItykHi3eFiafrLspcAB07sxAFNYf5QVtLHanGSql7cb5hxUwpitwbQ0Wc4U/?imgmax=1600" alt="Freddie Mercury House" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar and (it is said) lived here until he was 8 when he moved to go to school in India.</p>
<p><img title="Mercury SIgn.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa5dzPyj_H_5guMiEVyMUem9aUvDKagM9rCf5_NEDfJ7egYX8_ZPWe0if-O-AArffwOOdNg-xYydxRfDquIXOeaBQAeZmUwle9jR6nZdUZ4UR0cMZprgk0hQWMRaQAcxeyUlSszqtcXg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Mercury SIgn" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> He came back here briefly in 1962 and migrated to the UK in 1964. The rest is history.</p>
<p><img title="Mercury Door.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd15HcIhG7MbHzzgg8G8z9VVr8N0_hNbnwr3UH50nq0SdHxWShVYJbsHGk6O39FG7HyAVewCGehdL_FFVIJWNFcPJ7ACfyp1_IFEU1UmJn_q5cqmISqR7kH4Vvh25zJaGVVcYb12Xmj0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Mercury Door" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Here we came across two hot and tired travellers who were impressed with Stone Town </p>
<p><img title="Two Travellers.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHIyD-pMewWXituoSC9bic0Nw8gA45uETkvf8qkzQU0mfAXbobr0_QXx_TijxV33jUUrUqV-V1xP-2O5KElvshfQgfROzltokGbCfpoTcgLQzEGIYFSHElqE6KvsyXlR6Kw3AOp_ZiUc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Two Travellers" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and were looking forward to a well earned rest back at Breezes. </p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-65428960708253471782017-09-10T20:49:00.000+01:002017-10-26T14:52:57.795+01:00Moving on to Zanzibar<p>After 3 full days at the camp it was time to move on to the Breezes Hotel and Spa in Zanzibar.</p>
<p><img title="DSCN2547.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9KGlBUgi9n9vjji3jfSczNvDoMy2J6mVZ4hP3QCfP7miF7b7PTlyDf1WezBHSSHJ0BGD4LkaYlLQmvXDbnFfAg7ymxHsfHH5Afc_xNrRqdGoTKBwZsTslFMLzO6KdYKBzInxPZeMs6k/?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCN2547" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Check-in formalities at the airstrip were of course non existent and so we relaxed in the air conditioned lounge until our plane flew over the strip ensuring there were no obstructions on the runway ! </p>
<p><img title="Arriving plane.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg0e2O-hWXmfo8GHPbaExDsIMRjN0sQsTEFpavQAoKHDKJqDENkS0WR09n2fZHgcIj_-JwWIprwHAJclDIR_9cu7U88jnj9_XFP7z0o_gjSV_tVSE_WCFRsQivUs6ZY4eMErHyZPYr7Y/?imgmax=1600" alt="Arriving plane" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>When it landed, we were told that after we had picked up some passengers at another nearby airstrip, we were going to fly direct to Zanzibar rather than having to change planes in Dar Es Salaam. </p>
<p><img title="Pat climbs aboard.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxHUR4W7hNZ8cs6vxADt-7NbrXFBC8Q7zzDtEYl5FuBbuTxPXuC0Yw8hgh_2k5PxlbOD7K0u_1Z8jcgharK-JGykHYzCJCiy3pw-dbgpGPM9frp27rcxn_WSlSvGdyONdojJAtutmjgQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat climbs aboard" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This time the 12 seater plane was full, so full that the 13th passenger had to sit in the co-pilot’s seat.</p>
<p><img title="Airfield.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EEtf5-3nT9Y9vQJvVVYHzBgy9ai0QFpzANiJmxfsB4elLsRyXXK5vGVxhOtTHJkH9K1wccSiJMztUEIMykpVVV9P6jyoejIoIDHU9iI35MKMUEDgA1J1M5a25UvHDubaTCJfYDDPOxo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Airfield" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This view shortly after takeoff shows the “airport terminal” (bottom middle) and the track we followed going into the game reserve.</p>
<p><img title="Wildebeast.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqE5gHTnIeLL37Esc7qC2VAfM1Ac9ctchR3ECqMDu19nnj7JBaALiASfolF5CzK4Pe1kpxSzgFEveIogez2UyP8ijHTH0qg6eDCvHdv42m6_RFhMuSJb2FQLeoWzJ2RfnfG5WPU69qe0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Wildebeast" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Hippos and Water Buffalo were out in force on the banks of the Rufiji River as we flew away </p>
<p><img title="River from Air.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5SKGuz4azXFD2MULkgll_dYwIsdlv2Uah4N0FoGQEylyglFBk1B7VHqqGctkG6qfKOw-dDp-9iS8Nmx5Dw4r6Nlq2asDtfLekrTAt_nwiE48FxqZJtloaQPPnAkXrpy1ROz_HILLzR4/?imgmax=1600" alt="River from Air" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the irrigation provided by the river is evident from this photograph which shows a lot of greenery along its banks. </p>
<p><strong>Zanzibar</strong></p>
<p>A detailed history of Zanzibar is given <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanzibar">here</a>. It became a Protectorate of Britain in 1890 and in 1896, British disapproval of the local Sultan led to what has been called the shortest ever war (38 minutes). More overt direct rule from Britain started in 1913. The Protectorate ended in 1963 with full self government within the Commonwealth and after a local revolution, the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba merged with mainland Tanganyika to become Tanzania some four months later.</p>
<p><img title="Zanzibar Airport.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UCVM_0Fos92HA_SZacrgmoUzK8iDiTCfFn6GcvQK47UlGBc-iqWjgXxALZnJ5zv9Uk6qSDOEMvcaaXjWnAlkR-CyZjBgYPjwXWC3tLLVs7aqFLPDA4DXdaVdfIDwT7ONeWnwV6LVRD0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Zanzibar Airport" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>To go through Zanzibar Airport is to go back in time. We parked in front of the terminal and walked over to it. Immigration was straightforward and our bags were waiting on a trolley in customs. There is no conveyer belt system here for baggage, everything is done by hand.</p>
<p>Our taxi which was waiting outside, took us straight to Breezes which is situated on the east coast directly looking out onto the Indian Ocean.</p>
<p><img title="NewImage.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pDpiqiVQomHbYoRQeTwz-XI_Vb2vZMNT7BhZtWeV4wu6VZDk_ARlcP_X9VZyVohR3AiW6VUUrlP66stB1eQu1OXTzeVk97VpeGftpOB0WKgqE-gdHlSrjdHBNJprJ_MYEAK0PJfsqyg/?imgmax=1600" alt="NewImage" width="399" height="253" border="0" /></p>
<p>The general arrangement is of a number of two storey villas in large grounds with a swimming pool and adjacent dive centre overlooking the beach and the Indian Ocean.</p>
<p><img title="Balcony view.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALgLu98fBJOdUM8Gbcm46lKqRIxqtpBO2AbtcDk-QIJf5Ycv-_J8WOq7M9J7vQAJy0qaz6lUFd3S5TBJ0lNCD85drINgFrodnhWFQqwHBU2pD4DmF85QcnFhqzzNUt21c0L_4ayWZIsY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Balcony view" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was the view awaiting us from the balcony of our rather superb suite of rooms. </p>
<p><img title="Grounds.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmEHy19lMycUzppqY-vONjW-uVgyFINY0SX7tWnnDWE8dWOqlxW13Adm7pkLOcFXO5tmkJQNXYckBplPkNsDkNRDH-QFN70VMDQkwSo4Et6KRqiIUVNGJY1vd2mAhF7RorodtEhP8yqA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Grounds" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>There is no central block of rooms as in many hotels. Here all guests stay in a small house which provides for four apartments. </p>
<p><img title="Bedroom.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8DkbYbifnDzL6otXAyKLJON073v7MADvPLaQR3SmvpQS2sez-W9THlA4zizoKk6GIGDYomIh1hW4IO0ISD6YJZrhmQMeRzMbFC4GBXDoZH-P8YZyBbyQabg0uH3Mt_ZOYo2OmCSOJ-E/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bedroom" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The bed was about 8 feet across with a large mosquito net which was let down overnight by the staff.</p>
<p><img title="Beeeater.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KTS2ZHuIcejKnncBvHvMt9JQwhZg_M6xpeDfLyfancITwNGe9E2N9ewiCUCkfbxGFe5TeVb__Nh9N06SK7FvFXTin7RzLVWbTKG7FzM7_dI6LVVOGaUhuF-gAgBiGKqD5jM4hhg3ANM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Beeeater" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Adjacent to our balcony was a tall coconut tree complete with coconuts. Not particularly interesting but the colourful Bee Eater sitting on one of the coconuts was. </p>
<p><img title="Lady in the grounds.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLy07u2ZSffqI0Pj7jQaaX0grzCa7doK_TqlhSNN-wRZ-S8q_d7ckMoDvipX-5qmUSRFrb9TTeQ-O8kvYaaUk_JRrKUdfQLp99gVxtZvXyWtAHmETrzBAU5qQmZORp6J4KARrcPOPxVM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lady in the grounds" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The resort grounds were very well maintained.</p>
<p><img title="Pool at daytime.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6m6Auvgu7XAM6HtDdZIWLqgSzRQ9sqwfQRtZKHvwzzkv_quzs8B1zZsoBQqTYn2_4OUZvfuszjdgOVqhmz9tlRDBx52Z1-F7hWDEY-PJZT74hNOquuVRd32ampjgzydeivOJGpmOyUo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Pool at daytime" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is the large swimming pool which was also used for Padi Open Water training for those who took their qualification whilst staying at the hotel. </p>
<p><img title="Pool at night.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFul3wj4fZtBH5wG0SuQVpGzTXxSAXzcqfU0HuvPG48drCg-9YuFfAxYZ-PN1Y29v8ETIOLYgWVEcof4RPQvaP23wPoqYcqnYGkrMgM4N8aV7mE26NB8dVuLooLM6kpVaXvDAsaYzYKlc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Pool at night" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It took on a different appearance at night although usage of the pool stopped at 7 pm. </p>
<p><img title="Dining Room.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVkq93gi-5e3F9xOq4b9HwNMIgaloRBs5C9XYc65lRJHbpNycFtZTej8jVHooZFZUxR4csiv3YBEFTP5S75uPSr0EvrRabm6o-Ad0lxczgAZEWgkj-Q9fjJWpxZrY_Tlo9RHES9TdAlA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Dining Room" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>All meals were served in a large dining area, waiter service one day and buffet service the next.</p>
<p><img title="Lagoon.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh0DcYENe7xMP3eFPbAPQJCDpQkocpDwQIqI4ZFV1Dx6FO3naAFMzzxcNbmoklZomomU-otLHV8nXRTEQfVffR3Lxu5DPqIbdXHM9U3d1fP7CrKwP8JTHctvAUnCjDAsHcVJiadRGqVg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lagoon" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>In front of the hotel is the beach and beyond that a coral reef and a lagoon. The sky was invariably blue and lying on a sun lounger, shaded by a large umbrella, listening to the sound of the sea and being kept cool by a southerly breeze was more than relaxing. </p>
<p><img title="Diveboat.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLtGjUjaMEv7dZN5xiiy4b0SEfgpKQvz8XSZg5eUiAY7qlCx4uvJa3nerNoti68CuwZ1u6Cmx8TO3dTaXWM7DIiJorAErV8NWvYMm2P9aV9PCnSRQyt8NaoIVOvJvTBI9HMZv1l7iRe0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Diveboat" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I did four dives over two days and this is the dive boat I used. It took me outside of the lagoon into deeper water for each dive. The fish were nothing spectacular nor was the coral but diving again was very nice, it having been a few years since I last dived.</p>
<p>We both felt that Breezes was perhaps the best hotel we have ever been to because it provided unobtrusive service and luxury. Its reviews on TripAdvisor are almost universally excellent and we found the few complaints mentioned in the reviews (such as "<em>at low tide the sea was too far away</em>”) rather amusing or inaccurate.</p>
<p>This type of luxury experience is not something we are used to because we usually take far more active and challenging holidays but we are agreed that as we get older, it will become more the norm for us.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-85815165831245446342017-09-08T19:13:00.000+01:002017-10-12T13:27:07.205+01:00The local villages and a River Safari<p>The Selous Riverside Camp is about 30 minutes drive outside of the Game Reserve and whenever we went to the airstrip of the Game Reserve, we had to drive through one of the local villages - Mloka. </p>
<p><img title="Road Hazard.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUiHtjddEPeXRc1b2uJwIfipP_wdorMePxV3xBgQ3vR9o_VdsEt2Nyq1AAqJcN88wBeFuoiQc_tBRm0hpwqXR7fyWGYsd6F0YYCHt-o7tS0uCFe9vrGlfpjLVIJJD2rqqQW4m7AbWpRQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Road Hazard" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The road was a dirt road which had recently been rolled to make driving it easier. There is little vehicle traffic and what there is can present their own challenges such as 12 foot pieces of timber being carried sideways on a motor bike</p>
<p><img title="Traffic Jam.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IXJ7kSbs_dDhReEiHHEC8qfCS8FG3_OfbHT89TLS3Y5OLTQnyL_Hp2NhPqJFiavqltBMbw_VZVuS_ndxUJGU_WdOsHv8k1eXlECiXWOhRTyqmujaepnoLtHCd6iOA6MScmueckyvORo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Traffic Jam" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>or two water tankers taking over the whole road.</p>
<p><img title="Shop Mobile Phones.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX7bQ0hWMJ_v7yXaHDlIdSQd5cJsE8H_MhFVCRXQxAAROY0eFr_PwUh5zOAT_WTN3VpCeXdck8ko9E0QNBVo8UD3B9JB8i1zrmYVK3dHK49IsDiPNMfCPdba0d48icpudD4zNeZUX6bk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Shop Mobile Phones" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This mobile phone “shop” is typical of the design and construction of the house we saw. </p>
<p><img title="Shop for tourists.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiGQu09ASOA5agLGiSh33ewFj1DGFs-c-ioftvZoMgdTHcLzS981nC8r6_T8dPM-fP4psiwNLei4hK_pc0qciCifnctUd_2H196sZctFjK-BWGl_rLCVIyeblZfysRWLygmWnIrvF8UA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Shop for tourists" width="398" height="223" border="0" /></p>
<p>This one (selling paintings to tourists) is slightly more advanced in that it has some concrete around the veranda.</p>
<p><img title="Village Houses.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIALh4nDFZMa7ASngDpnYwCsduojLBO4toDNvFlJAe8Fb8H3n9SlwuXyGKG1yOA2J0XrST9xhmn7gUZA-I_If5QFT_eDH9IBnkfFzaMr_JJ7dAVl2aiB4HLqRjjDKrbF9HiFLoMu5V7-A/?imgmax=1600" alt="Village Houses" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were told that when you want to build a house, you just choose some land and get on with building it. </p>
<p><img title="Typical House.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnMHfILJ_HEvSDBDo5Elp7E0P5kx1WIBmeUUtA8DYrvbeJ2sbl34Edf9zKGTaI1fMUk33ew4aW3ATPAKp76drwo5-spG0Sl19i-Ot3HDWsklZZpGgF-PAG_FWx0Bw4H_P6TepRVvAT4w/?imgmax=1600" alt="Typical House" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>Your neighbours will help with the basic structure but it is then uo to you to build the walls, usually mud over a framework of sticks. </p>
<p><img title="Village House.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C5-vdCbtym7JXjRN4-shOeGsZOQvTONvqdxWccJuO6-T7wFYUsHaRvDwvXQU5fxZs6zuUxUzlFF4_p0FayVyEhEbEdqXmWpGT3OslvWM8u_l-YUZzQaxDNLSBx3wGtAV-2ChesMAO0s/?imgmax=1600" alt="Village House" width="399" height="225" border="0" /> </p>
<p>Although there are power cables running into the village, there is no electricity. The cables were erected two years ago but were never connected up at either end. Water is pumped up by hand from the relatively high water table and communal gatherings at water pumps were a common site. We came to the conclusion that the process and demands of living was almost a full-time occupation.</p>
<p><img title="Concrete Blocks.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzF_OP4EDH9R_qzmr0LH8e0tF_F_4pv7xc5WGQMq4f_cc7DVU9yfFtfDG9tLnNffSL7loJop_w0_EXTV-ovRy6QzcpEfKNEsWoC9AMSJXHfrbQzi6-I9rfeuVFXkFKBDKkPmQp3DbgpQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Concrete Blocks" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We noticed a growing number of concrete blocks around the place </p>
<p><img title="Primary School-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzCPZsliiFPZgKKg08LsruW8rRAB2XiwqNplHbPO9kw_xabclDpeqRFbxJcl1mT1BMdUs7LbmgrG3ZzB5GcNRCWcX0mj8XPDqAqaOx55B1-F8LkxI_P3oOpDYMmTeYaNJTey6xaeUxpM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Primary School 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> and a few houses, the local primary school</p>
<p><img title="Church.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7BheiL3VDN_4hXPy56DwUNxaeSt47UAJ9CQYyvJZzFOfhAiK46zzqYmF-mtv0XLNhR3LsloMg3pw5R6MsW2OXk4dR1wpUdHfxPtriv4E6dOl-9xg1aSk7mpdnF0VXUmHPmauEuUAqUs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Church" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this church had more of an air of permanence about them.</p>
<p><img title="Primary School.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1STQvMtwMflYg8EPjpsSBlyiTBVoKUD-cdxOTrlnXMpJI2f9Oxc3J-_HkwFj6cAZEOHJ0qfRVz0rtztH-IpsFIevRqpMAUh3hhMC_VDUunHbl1n_zrOXlYvE52xiHqp_3GDCagz5NwI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Primary School" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Compared to Primary Schools in England, </p>
<p><img title="Primary Classroom.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyEos8CQdhYpD7WNkJM_hnHRAPPgvcv21dc_Ktt7kpRj6pKrlCpS2MYLgwXGHXLRvriCTeobwJYW0yHdz-7yIIO8QDQZf6i5SUr2OP8p9t-YZiA_BNkGgv9jSphp7X_u8V-39aLGWAdI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Primary Classroom" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>this classroom which was for the first year of primary school was very bare.</p>
<p><img title="Primary Classroom-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeNOOOxPEgYp9wUXLVqad141E0Vpg3ZuL4zM03Rwvwo7jxRz3xNcDgECp2Gw6EiLutmDC3o70Wy9wD_73x6pu1d20ZEidAUBcZLlGMTK73z4ikejiA5Xsczdghz_hmKS-eGfbI-4fOEg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Primary Classroom 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /> </p>
<p>We were told that some children cannot go to school because their parents cannot afford to buy an exercise book for them to write in.</p>
<p><img title="Children and Sweets.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwRSr9s7xLft-qr4VCPVW_GCe2cj8v2qMvwzmdLrQ4kP3c1XK8c81HBbGP4Ch6UOxKruyxOSVXkjkSFbKAeciVeiQXb-M24rMY9uvt36I2ivlZDwhNjSFkMaHAKnR1dCMGrojMcVSPis/?imgmax=1600" alt="Children and Sweets" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We found the process of driving around the village and looking at its buildings slightly uncomfortable. We were obviously “wealthy tourists” and whenever we stopped, lots of children would run up to us shouting “Pipi” (the Swahili word for sweets) and we were expected to given them some.</p>
<p>We tried to ensure that the local inhabitants were not included in our photographs (other than that above) because it is considered rude to take someone’s photograph without their permission.</p>
<p><strong>A River Safari </strong></p>
<p><img title="River from Air.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0jXI96g8oPM0DbYiLqXI4NfjVgH4mojJycHgCbAkMbsqXP3ptkhbbofPHD3yL6iKvT_Nw-VSdoDOJxX93sHh5bcEznLdDJvcdMM7fgho5sQ60xnjLH49deH_fKOI8XDVLr1FTUUERgc/?imgmax=1600" alt="River from Air" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The River Rufiji is home to much wildlife </p>
<p><img title="River Safari Boat.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALS0OvXd-qB6T5OAWdYJjOIHP0526Y1KCo7a1i4__qOQMqyfy0K-ww7YxRHEMOLhiEYT9kHFxvOiNM22cZvkam19aX9Z1yRSWpCGqUwwik4G8MPgLU-X3UlmdbyL5nrpMFqQjQahPuZY/?imgmax=1600" alt="River Safari Boat" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and late one afternoon we went on a safari along it. </p>
<p><img title="Native Boat.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8pOzsaNN_lxkjFLMYftobPKNe1DE_H_yB8OL_Z_3IgdrA3vf1GsiQ4RuuRoo4mhj4ikEu7WlNVIAxPlMiTIc3ReI02b65iptiqovQpyOmoaaH-O9Sx49EkdOUmCdRCcg9b_KxSP8jsw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Native Boat" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Wooden Canoes were very common on the river. These are made </p>
<p><img title="Native Boat 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxNesZr40xvHMvtkJSYChf2bwBF70G-ZSsDnBH-D7ydDSj_JvlGhHB9x1-39DB1cTVpgyDdqJwPO59gs2_SSbQ0nniY2QPHwacjC0R8jxaWyWR7Igxy3XFR96zIRL1pyhmndunGNx_uc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Native Boat 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>by hollowing out (by hand) a tree trunk and are works of rural art in themselves. Apparently it takes two men about a week to construct one. We saw a number of ferries crossing the river which were in fact canoes such as this.</p>
<p><img title="King Fisher.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I4-oecLpTmY4TIZAAQ7WUQqOyh6QyIP2hIeUqa2wYKmyJzbyuS4NLNY_8nvZ9d4ApgqnWu5gxmxJSNTPdRPxfrUHqnHPXViBbBEd1HZ0Rg6zpddrxT48vcO9Lz0rZzGGG6WvQ6F0ISo/?imgmax=1600" alt="King Fisher" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Bird life was in profusion along the river. </p>
<p><img title="KingFisher Malachite.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVFgAcVfpYZgEHcjoItBlSMiQR3YKzRWzbvruQZlzONIB-ep7rxZtTxfAPEaPzbcl9nzNa0cxYU5C3h2xc94r9G1vutLQELqYHJv3BAt6bpheUyPqYeBCHy57yML7ABQORA-h8O4TD00/?imgmax=1600" alt="KingFisher Malachite" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This Malachite Kingfisher just sat there posing for us and was not at all perturbed when we got close.</p>
<p><img title="Kingfisher Pied.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJTiyU4iMqSN9z-_2fe8A32kWV3RxvvQjjE6ppGlC3cXbxBDWlnqWRRbel5LUDZHl4HDzvPDBZ2y4k0Ff7K-JUzHGJAAN4WGze6dsBDCyxtxoJ_rzRxr8xbuHgn7PDE4hUGbqqeqqAng/?imgmax=1600" alt="Kingfisher Pied" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> And this is a Pied Kingfisher.</p>
<p><img title="Lizard.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQMrSlS0SgUx5IUMy9zPh_V_eog7VknEWTvGDufjQtJj-NyJXdPc3lfOKzVhC45X2Pn6nNoutTW9utyewxZG4pXVHof-jRc0pHaCXD09ObO0IcXTFQnVisVKZwxRAbkR9wFYIBelWfe8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lizard" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Lizards are very common and also a danger to birds because they are adept at eating whatever they find in a bird nest. </p>
<p><img title="Crocodile First.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xMjolpQQIyuuATGfmQ4YQmOk_ew_r8_2KOf9Bsjkr0pUdnM0KopoiC-feNJXwVd3ZYE7IIZs02q2f63HR-Kof2Z0kYjKzKKdCQA1qfziXAXkyLrAZLbup30sLNpYT2034lG-_W3l2iw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Crocodile First" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was the smallest crocodile we saw, said to be about two weeks old.</p>
<p><img title="CrocodileLarge.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMZyuDuZde0N0jZemCViydsh_NyKCxo7B_ZDz_Q8q7jr292R91k12SMlCEkVw1d_AtBK9CCFjdAJGV6VZDr7kcKejOirgafl_k6QCabIUBYLdJ0qq5NbE6a12txiBCYFDNk3JqJdM94E/?imgmax=1600" alt="CrocodileLarge" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>And this monster was the largest we saw. When it saw us, it lumbered into life</p>
<p><img title="CrocodileLarge 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjMaCJKrZIHRj9nJLClPiijaa8aFMlYoqg-m3TylHQeaJcqTeo2lkGsQWCKlUhyphenhyphenvIfhHIXLrhSiWvGuPLAZihtdSsE7nopYJRKxjJcUMNRKsIKI-J97OMpaCbNJzIbNi_Hl13Z3KjNGw/?imgmax=1600" alt="CrocodileLarge 2" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>and waddled down the shore into the river in our general direction. Fortunately we then moved on! </p>
<p><img title="Weaver Bird Nest Site.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq-F0qSIddhb3uKnX3sMilFx9QoegDzxg_J4TyQCifF63VTdR58ILb-LEdJXVsfekKuSfLN-Mz9MmhhOQnxnpVtlviuZuJZ8Q7lLXcEjRXpWppf7hgQj4dTyzu1H27rffGePe3PDGLPM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Nest Site" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Yellow Weaver Birds live along the river bank and, as with their cousins in the game reserve, </p>
<p><img title="Weaver Bird Yellow.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_St_5_2M8usj20YDfSpbatq_lJ0PxwSMghoETSWQtqX184_b-4tP8RDJDkH71uqemQK5_SKQV4WUTxOZwR3ariLzO68eo6UCp1MPsOvETLssnCILVgTx0c0LBWHBnFPsUYqufmpB7vhA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Yellow" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>use local material to make their nests. </p>
<p><img title="Weaver Bird Yellow in Nest.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsGx8rMdtDcCcTZhQ-1aXBvEqhYoVAV8Vq-nYvCiPCE7hXXg4lpUelzdBnECL2FCE2oKRvp0g1usVI9wn8OiEdlDw13DoDsLv6mygiD2KAXcYwtCigBGeG41DXx6uvKuhDCZq_O6GJdk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Yellow in Nest" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Again quite unperturbed at out presence. </p>
<p><img title="Weaver Bird Nest-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9njsP0IDSG1KWC_dNyravqLf93CYnc8Gi1MmcXIhyphenhyphenYzWxFksK_2m7lAOhWmDcIbw1jJ9V0uZkfJa7qMflsV3-Qahggtb19toIssEVsk1FBTyQVkjF1qeRDGve5Y69dStizKZSUkgpu8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Nest 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /> </p>
<p><img title="Hippos watching.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3c2oCPMS4mHPUXN_gmB7TREyS8SecEVR2rXBXJ-e9BhU6wIsjqlGV5mMMQtobrlcksoyJzOSWLw1BQ0_BD3-taain6eC5apoFYCHCfJS2PW8UatOTXQir18I4RmtOjaAg6apxCYLE_k/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippos watching" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>The river was full of Hippos with numerous Pods staying cool in the water.</p>
<p><img title="Hippo.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtk-mQjjXpOvAf5ynY1NCb-qFzGEw60ZqYZJRhXc0tb1pA-Hmx9tQH50708P-Tyx9xoA6JwbbHT1QXkIZTL0SYuuRvEoK3sYKTJfWC-nt2ZNu-MFkfkRTevB9Fr6F-OA8EDvJngWJOUU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Occasionally they would rise up to show us how large they were </p>
<p><img title="Hippos-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5ABHM8kHZlub2blqidE9dzdvgF1XXDJi_xSu0Y7UbhBTRlWXsQ645wqzqsmJ2Hl_0bOZhCixqv0NyC5LpTSnJ_a3FFnrjA__DmMxDwMAi-nHMd_AeAZUIsOOAVCjEDDu4aOfuh96wDo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippos 001" width="398" height="223" border="0" /></p>
<p>or spy on us to make sure we were not a threat. </p>
<p><img title="Hippo Path.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNCPlcimRtjPD-N1kgGmJL3TX2iPjbcVzcqceLa9nTyjRlPOnr6NUKKW1Pm6tJJztZmFPrfvoUS1Sn0qhiT6YDkForUb-Gvz-AwXou5YEbt-LIaLKGYpJlAnr1uTBkbjPSvRXsQ7PcmA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo Path" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I still find it hard to imagine an animal such as a 4 ton Hippo managing to climb up a steep river bank along a path such as this. </p>
<p><img title="Sunset.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSO1Wr9O-SEtgf1WUeMH5H9tbjmdLbq1G-LJbVrhixDmi0_inqaplLXnT3czewkLae7V0P_7_mDcOSsD4YXz0VpKT77po4-25KSyruQup-Ku3QVVM-MIXxyMjGU4KOm4d-jGdqEygj3g/?imgmax=1600" alt="Sunset" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We waited in the middle of the river for the sun to set</p>
<p><img title="Sunset-001.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Cy8HLg8UOQb_rFiqAmPsaz3GXbLkUI3OugWIvOOUGnMXoldO5e-CR9hxRx3Z-Bgo9eyEssSGzhaFwzLfzq_SGEWya6aoR1IRmFnb7Ohae9vRr-3Sf3TPnsuM4WgVI-kIlgWxvZ_VJrs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Sunset 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and when it did, it was time to go back for dinner.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-3305159182812221872017-09-07T10:11:00.000+01:002017-10-12T13:24:10.110+01:00Safaris in the Selous Game Reserve<p>The <a href="http://www.selousgamereserve.net">Selous Game Reserve</a> is approximately 55,000 sq km in size or putting this another way, it is bigger than Denmark. It is however one of the lesser visited Game Reserves which to us is one of its attractions.</p>
<p><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/199">Unesco</a> classify the site as a World Heritage Site:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Large numbers of elephants, black rhinoceroses, cheetahs, giraffes, hippopotamuses and crocodiles live in this immense sanctuary, which measures 50,000 km2 and is relatively undisturbed by human impact. The park has a variety of vegetation zones, ranging from dense thickets to open wooded grasslands.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>but here as elsewhere, poaching is a major problem. Because of this, <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/199">Unesco</a> have added it to their list of World Heritage sites in danger.</p>
<p>The way the safaris were organised for us was that we met our guide at the camp, then boarded the safari jeep which was a long wheel base </p>
<p><img title="Safari Jeep.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkZv9BEKJC2xVcsD4HZIJLPh6vUK5NEhCdjj4parxqBmP-ruuC76XbwrHVGH53BO2fRgMl9QjTI0MUYTVZKRhBFscE6R9vp-2BgFXpGRWqY7byH6QfN7bJYWce_1mQlKi773Ts-LbWWo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Safari Jeep" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>4WD with tiered seating so that everyone got a good view over the heads of the rows in front. Not that this was a problem for us - on the first day there were 3 of us and on the second day just the 2 of us (plus the driver / guide). We were later told that we were travelling in between the summer peak and the autumn peak and hence everywhere was relatively quiet. </p>
<p><img title="Selous Entry Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDk_ysdKPLjsWTdwCtk0dzVcqi00G6Dvv8jzt3ebPeouYvRKfgGAk6c_IuBVMKG-Q7rqvLsFxMnyABW5wms4e4JtCvufuK5s2aubhBd0_l31qzXbnQ0fQIHbDipBo41JephZYZI_e7fg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selous Entry Sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The road into the Selous is a dust track. The Reserve is unfenced and hence animals cross the reserve boundary at will. </p>
<p><img title="Selous Entrance.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1DmIkd1C0hr-hCr5vvme7NIcV10kcoXXdW5nszs9gGgxuzuMVb8Hj22bxlTZslv-xdBfwPXIHZRMVeICXmtcH9shbzmZqju2yZqeh6Ijp5QB4ofZI3ADdyAaAhy2P6vu8uRfAZTw3a8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selous Entrance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The actual formal entrance for visitors such as us was adjacent to the Mtembre airstrip. The entrance also provided the last chance to go to a conventional toilet before going into the park (once in you just find an appropriate bush……….)</p>
<p>The total fee to get into the Selous Game Reserve was around $77 per person per day and was made up of a $50 entry fee, a $15 conservation fee plus VAT. On top of this you have to add the costs for your guide, transport, food etc. Going on a Safari is not cheap! There are park rangers who amongst other things stop vehicles to check that the passengers have paid their entrance fee.</p>
<p><img title="Lunch Day 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4j3r1pBaxrVqlw5mIr2LgV9mMY69bYWWCftAJtL07dMXUmLxveKkbs9h4B6gsrHbnTCniLXbO7CiZmE3aIKAjeE0wxwOrLRimCdl3BAu0MDzumGUeyv0YxtNX3G2l2sarOz5FBPhzLU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lunch Day 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>For us, lunch was far more of a luxurious experience than we had expected with a table,</p>
<p><img title="Lunch in the Bush.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjBBJtSnM2XN6ECKXZF6s8r73teYiIagF7zlKk2xYInfMzTAEQjBOx2o95WLRa9-rv0Ec7VddA84g92e4FNcvrd9rABjB2oEl4U0C-ZkDC0t7MADim6aqk6ct4eP91q2tzsD1MgNVyxM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lunch in the Bush" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>chairs, table cloth, cold drinks and more than enough food to feed us all.</p>
<p><img title="Lunch View 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi303W6nB_Qia7HMpoKI0ELdGXKTEXgPI_ESKJs8zYOmpSpX7iYkCfpW_-7mdJrmGrUDhm-BTTDJGTyndfeJfCRYlwbePadUN7Q1d8teg4CB9h5wIaqu9S3E0dxUpd_qFRrXDGjGrM0AP0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lunch View 1" width="397" height="115" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our guide chose a spot with a view and this was one of the scenes which entertained us during lunch, a herd of Impala running along the lake shore in front of us.</p>
<p><img title="Hippo Jaw.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHx3BwD8FVjyZn_wJx1eFtt-KuP9xbmuVHO-OlOWrzk9oW2zpA-Q59eVSSMRhYpQHuHbsVen0ITQlggubIUKE3G3YK2Ec03zYzpvDTgJRKw59Ri2HL4nP95J2sljvsmF5H92ErfW4EPM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo Jaw" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>On the first day, our lunch was adjacent to a Hippo’s Jaw </p>
<p><img title="Hippo at Lunch Time.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUjsfruwHn9UHxxMPWDMOjZzMTkZArOXYLRnlG5O_mA9es0kpLFK-yg6uOUqHZ952JEtJo0Q20KxxXEGZ__S2gqkyEYJrrEyu5gxbptYG0tVV4Mzz1bVUdn0RHUilZO_ho9oLTpKYh5k/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo at Lunch Time" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and on the second, a Hippo was enjoying its lunch in front of us.</p>
<p>We went on two whole day safaris and I am sure a long minute by minute account of each safari with lots and lots of similar looking pictures would be rather boring to any reader. Therefore I have combined the couple of hundred pictures I took into a few "groups by animal”.</p>
<p>The way our safaris worked was that or guide drove along one of the “roads” leading into the reserve and whenever he saw something of interest, he would stop and point it out. His eyes were far sharper than ours and invariably he saw everything first. He would also drive slowly looking over the side of the van into the dust on the road for animal tracks or droppings. Sometimes he would just turn off and head into the bush towards some animals / trees / water or something. We knew not what.</p>
<p><strong>Impala</strong></p>
<p>The first animal we saw was an Impala and these were to be a few of the many hundreds we would see during the day. They are extremely numerous, they are very pretty and graceful and make a nice snack for any hungry lions.</p>
<p><img title="Impala First.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCWFN3gwadR6fJmT7qjKwYXn9zRhRaNSp8kykvA_u4eliuLBo32OnkHburoxtKaXHy6-tWMGMJ9Qc9cnXBEwouBNiOIypriuYJN6vxK_nRnUALENVGaxK7oejoJscl3Fma3jL3JuTekk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Impala First" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="impala 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zQrCS1WGl3Ze4ogIrygz8jeDxdYyV7mnX2ACatm_iwWXsOpszuIBpuxUPuj2sZIUHPyRxb3y1r1sx4oQsAepUdUAEp7zWnLdthHgcRvlw7Q6wOgfdrEUGU1eXBf8zZUi1CqBTYxKG30/?imgmax=1600" alt="Impala 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>They are at their most vulnerable when drinking and hence are very nervous at this time.</p>
<p><strong>Lions</strong></p>
<p><img title="Lions 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2s-57FKXdOo11Gz7OvuTjxXhyphenhyphen77nlLrwBN9gNs3JQt7EDP-bFigSC_afvegdD-nWm1DELOwKkhE4ExMJ67dHOPoZiw9wrwxlo4R0389Y45hdi_ICMW115s2MyaVTD867S6in_5Nglvk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Lions are on everyone’s “want to see” list. Our guide saw some vultures circling in the air and decided that lions must be somewhere in the area - they were. We approached a shelter built for visitors to sit in and look over the bush from a nice shady vantage point. Someone else however had got their first and taken it over for their post lunch snooze in the early hot afternoon.</p>
<p><img title="Lions 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPP-dEr0DQhyphenhyphenRWGbOtIL3-SbJhClBJJlucUy9Flvh2PWzjE7chW0zM1rD5Oco_IHMyl61gPrRfkU6yZQoOklD4EzVcIF1LGNpJxy9x3wYx22Dc4TYsD3hHKcuChIL7YCwEdc3lULv4-Q/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We stayed in the jeep - we were however feet from them and could count their every breath. There were two male lions (we were told they were brothers) and seven females.</p>
<p><img title="Lions 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsCZaCvsmgF-BR1xzbPGqeN4nHbMj9OWp0NrkPquxxp2TwTXlpCYBDtaTf-sJuhznVh8H2MDipyg9SP5WkXLEL0r18Fbk9PfNUp1M8j8FtITJawRm27E24SJeVshTeRvYsiGqNs2wqqM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions 3" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Lions 4.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsD5lMyjLS9TfHODjdQATFIg07tFbfglmC8iOTgKvkaW0Kuj00DUrrxTptyc_af_1CMU8ZyvZGUnOgtoI2vTo-s8csef4KqleujsQxynNGKhNTxQE81sA_WiFUtRJIsurZllwXa2GJNU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions 4" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Lions 5.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93GVOHv7aIToMP1qaqtKteZfjRomgYJj-wKI81dCqHwwOPjhboDeBmgJfJYle0pE2j6eZqasuvNyZZfHwuRbfuBM8tqESmxsBu0FklfHP45ZezLPm1Sd6sLXY7o-Pt9CE-AjyIGOyne0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions 5" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I am sure that had one of us got out of the jeep, they would soon have been the next snack. </p>
<p><img title="Lions and Jeeps.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLKPj-ER3juan3BLutG287T6yWWzQddJAOWurHeqzcQsroiORNJEf2SNBAdcWReLWKSKsIFrlBUIb798VwWVABoANhbWapTRfA7xY3pCJzIJMHLH8wV68NyadOElBXkAbKWXpo75GlR0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions and Jeeps" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This photograph shows the problem which exists in game reserves when a prize animal is found - lots of jeeps turn up to see it at the same time. These lions were ringed by seven jeeps, all trying to get into the best position for a photograph. This was the only time we had to share some animals with others, however if we had gone to one of the northern parks, it would have been a constant feature. </p>
<p><img title="Lion King of the Pride.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Dpxrzi1dtoLxUTLTs8DqkKPqNUkK3U2GXjq3xGBTXKgRMfjYPFxRZnQPnMij7G22umVq-Uw1HGu7I9sc-E7q5UDwq85eC_30dy-6QqIcmfNH1qiSvhSR-GYh6NejVxjRYaWOQhj1IZE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Lion King of the Pride" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>The leader of this pride however ignored all those taking photographs and just relaxed. </p>
<p>The same pride was involved in the death of a young hippo the following day and these pictures were taken by some friends of ours who did the same whole day safari.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="P1070598.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yMhZkNeA8TvGVw2Eu2OUdq0OJWwLTuB14MhUpWQeGXeKgzvSQU1V70xakSd1Piel0KV-02Nrhks3ztPXFKrr4OlmnDV6-nP1UTaNFs90YVwZpg4EWmFq-NeiWoy-ACRNeQXDWSd7uYc/?imgmax=1600" alt="P1070598" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fully grown hippos are too large and dangerous even for a pride to attack unless the hippo is very weak. It is likely that this young hippo was isolated from the rest of the pod or was ill and not able to put up a fight.</p>
<p><img title="P1070609.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F6pj9fwausdvVg2hyogWRmEgJyTeKLhYhnLl2Fs6lGXGo0J3_LrciWIrz5-m3u6cfwgOxelddE7LJ6fgX8em85dhqpPCSze_BUv-D7guledM-Tku01iwlUPBAgGsFpU2cAIjmPCE49g/?imgmax=1600" alt="P1070609" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="P1070612.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRirRgn-AFJjdZhaJ8iiWbNI7I09-IQWdlSZhMP_MMw9POrSCRqnSQoWFwQbtIoni2bCErKXUuc97OVAkLSGr92R-9Ys4kkppQqTU7tPkHaGz3m9GCcTdrvLv-b5rRzB-mipiKgHQw3U/?imgmax=1600" alt="P1070612" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>And as usual, the vultures were waiting for their chance to eat what was left.</p>
<p><strong>Elephants</strong></p>
<p><img title="Elephant Family.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCxj2vYu7WtO-z44edjZ5CUt30IHxBElr6KwBqmQg0axmbsbYanUlHd_PETmrA4JqUBjiGOj0rqgVcY2sBEl2A1yY44KZplpqyahY925M8-eqx2JeIhxXJljD2ZInWK35eDNt-KbHJss/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Family" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Elephants are on everyones "must see” list and after a bit of searching, we found a family of four including a calf.</p>
<p><img title="Elephant Drinking 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPup-dXWXuqoiSaxFXEpc2dMKUb3e2SEoSzm9zffqQoBwPGHwSiU8Pz1sMYGX_Z0aHSMygvc7HVx0K_WGr7VvrEjY_cpvsUOTP_jPLIbYG9oRjXrN31FFhmsoKkjWq3TwoNDvKoBqVA8o/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Drinking 1" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were given a demonstration of how to drink using a trunk</p>
<p><img title="Elephant Drinking 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiX34WgR8b_1TYYdhibHj-fzCPat5gnxws4_bHGhtDGjzujFcfEBqz67JgMAYWpvt77-2GUh_n_Q0xynowrGsrxOqi5CakRxU5IEUTTd7pvEA35TS52U8uRZoXcdZ6sAcSujh9uQTiMY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Drinking 2" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Elephant Drinking 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QB-T9BTh6yNwElanwzkTY7FJMIXwqcZ4h9W019Gkaq2roXC4oDY7uITNBcHrsOOtRJhe6Fn8XjQXOpkXrT_qUPOCLS631SnXh9R4pepiUUy_9fGcVkK8MqtPxpv8yXQ6Hd-9d48Fxk8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Drinking 3" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>with the water eventually being squirted into the mouth.</p>
<p><img title="Elephant Drinking 4.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh661ZLLuQiKZjSJyhxsZXQ2r3NBFUhri_cKjn73P_5cva9BKyttt_aMMn3WwGPLODOLk0bx_UwwgjL4pPevnTbVNgYpf_W-TnpYEdQiX5Qwed4lucOwA24Bmqp6rK4Sf9MD8MkbrEI954/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Drinking 4" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were told that sometimes frogs get into the trunk and therefore the elephant has to spend some time sucking it out which is what it is doing in this photograph. </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Calf.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05CBRR7b4CHe7hsGDE49jSSX483melNELmgFqFkXAP7VcY-Ld-AhBIMygoeNQnlcQhTM9H3XH_lIbKVPDv4t7z6_WowwiEN51eChrDHEORI6tV-x0icYBz8vygqlWNC0NXlCRub1T2wo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Calf" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is the calf we saw </p>
<p><img title="Elephants Mudbath.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GH0gVnDP7fJEjp_uKJ0tUuKWWxbhLcTRO3_6J-5woHmS4YJ8R_-bUlfDGHgrImqJIucb4rGU9-5GIXczhlZ9XpTR4LA60InGzqmiIOfY1HbFbgNkmU8Vmu-POpCmlTOGogfrrxw0chU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants Mudbath" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>and here it is with the next in line having a mud bath.</p>
<p><img title="Elephants Does my bottom look big.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBjR62Puhw0GXfww8xH3LPyGsFhc_ZGKmW6EnoS3v7TXWAg4eOjl4hnLEq5ySB1cvlH2Bztf1Xpy9ws9zL9C5DzP5cA5blwpnOY0YzbJ4mKUZo0X5XdCXeEQOE8AKNaPxiYwgIzMNxF0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants Does my bottom look big" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This photograph has to lead to the question “Does my bottom look big?"</p>
<p><img title="Elephant ears out.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9gaLVLVKfxkpuE81UzFThKmFVKNJ3HXO8fWfqvMaJRlbu70ri_6AmAuKjDyK-iFOHFkz25jI-OmlJ9rcm7V4gE4tUCzG7V1o6xP3a1SSjQb3TecVO6R0jSk-UXWjzat6AWN4V6hvjss/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant ears out" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Elephants will show aggression and tell you to back off if they feel threatened as is the case here. The mother is protecting her calf and indicating that she is becoming displeased by fully showing her ears.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Bull.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIDsCaQCLpJhCyxDElNS-60mreF_U6DpBEXGYAgzVFsvIupbz8-V_c8krt2VYVJ0_gSwYcg5dds9uZFB5WKznkXPwdNlr8Cg4k8NFsP2cYWY-ar6xRBpgfF3Q2Ix5sFllUGxebz42YPo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Bull" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>On another day we met a large bull elephant who was not very pleased at being followed. </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Bull Crossish.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNIUvhgRrJqLYk8wUbUtEaqRkTvEq8QVk9pCscYwawqB6JOwIi_kB3v07M8ERbtmSzEuBC7KUXaKe5x_G0D-aaFkz3N55oy6mJqMtKf3EJWTLCy2HXQkJI49UvnV4OaeO-XDDtv6oeCQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Bull Crossish" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It did the ears routine at us and also charged us for a couple of metres before stopping</p>
<p><img title="Elephant shaking tree.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y1FmkqPoA2GUVMKBh5FgsL76J0Y3Z0jHL_8zMvAqLp-rRtBWOkyheI49u8X0a7MgEmVlI1ZKcJAkF63ARv0hw3BKPHChOA68U4HUEiz3aHkYKqz7l-f6PZLcMdFbA0lEOkkjqcQJiXM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant shaking tree" width="309" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and then proceeded to show us how it shakes a tree to bring down fruit. Note one tusk on each side of the trunk - a hard push then either knocks the tree down or dislodges the fruit. </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Skull.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ttN7D25DIUt2vbyqdyY9zvVgEH07d3k9sIV2tjQkK1lIdb4L-FzFG87k2rpk5xmls8G7a9tc0gWEE5-TYAjnndy_OE9YWO-V7mWsXeF98XU7xElUKdVmGQSlWho1QyBfoyNS2KBtScQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Skull" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Death of course comes to elephants as well us other animals and here is a small elephant’s skull picked clean for us to see.</p>
<p><strong>Giraffe</strong> </p>
<p><img title="Giraffe First.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rRnxZx4XqDgtarspJrjGXmMUM0n7z70bWpqEoMgQKQTZgDnU7ZSr0cTRSNpvEqY1RMBoH6Et6fn-80_KfppEec3QQNLmSvNGUloz2gz8kgFLLdJYZmcPw8RvKmbwTxIpcOyaJtJ0pRk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe First" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Giraffes are superbly camouflaged when in the bush </p>
<p><img title="3 Giraffes.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2zJSCsPEi__IOCJ-AdKX2nHygFX9CkqHSl29ddCeiL5MLMPIYDLt_G1WfV8q1UgRFxHBwfmU2T7ifd7pML4NGFr0DFlHVU1sX5P94qtdOA9b9umjDzsV54KhHDUFyITsDXkiMteJKzI/?imgmax=1600" alt="3 Giraffes" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and also are very watchful - these three kept a close eye on us and would never let us come too close by galloping off whenever we did. </p>
<p><img title="Giraffe Drinking.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Yv0iOklOBh3dJsLN4pQhGKPkyRUsZviZmeAvKv6AQlgEWG03o1dqGDsA4xRiZ7-2GU3SVFusvzsFFOnCfopDSm1ifncmIBfPgeJm03JcPgai_dgHA0aejkW2tW0XBU8WXrmj0L_VZk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe Drinking" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Giraffes of course have some trouble when drinking because the water is a long way down. </p>
<p><img title="Giraffe Calf Drinking.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9zTPWQ4pkKZIhSzDiGCotloD3UlCrtfd215uIiTZQHAdMyUOztAeeyIhm1PmCuefs-FFseG1HlA1sViSopB_F2IVAT2AMDpxIOCRDr8sYWWlBGj6CXuktsq78blZ5Hss6Ap0Ht5jCDM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe Calf Drinking" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>They are also very vulnerable at this time. </p>
<p><img title="Giraffe and Impala.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKEUqVfCXT9k_1XtlakDPiJx8Boh_fRNTR9SdDG1pEGqB1xbx4lKyRQi0xNhu49RvNHEdofByClOyjHwr3GM6MXmKaoZWIGYmeDzy-1AXKIdXxwmgwGB3T0KvhOHUBNwtjv89RFRgs-w/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe and Impala" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Giraffe Neck Bones.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpcP88DVialIh17QIMdW7QYadrJucBvyw379km9D5-RJ04ad2FFV3Qg-buMNeVvWRwbYEfCQDXM8J2scJWSZwEqeMlUcPYsDy1cmDnYqMHcf-JBa88zfr-W3SpdwhMfZ4EJw5K6uXy_k/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe Neck Bones" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>These are some of the neck bones of a giraffe which died following a fight. They fight by hitting each other with their necks.</p>
<p><img title="Giraffe Legbones.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtYM9Mxndj8Fe3NYWTx6Mb26l54If1Vit_Tl8b0zK7y8EARh9cWL3WX_0KveF6vDDn9IMwXGMKQzmnw7Fj6w9SLG3Hcat6aAiXhLYpkD-SX-2EMQDnKP18xHNQ4yVPQTz3dE-C8Nmcgk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Giraffe Legbones" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This shows the relative size of their leg bones.</p>
<p><strong>Hippopotamus</strong></p>
<p><img title="Hippos.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eNLTVLyVXXgIQ7icXMHWf6lSNZ5mz4ZH-tTDb3QwoewCQxh1ZLXhJfu-o5C-OdkfqEi6FvminPeaVtwUbp2jfvlJ-Bf3Ej85e700yDRRQJw1TCOs5SmdZuZFOlPDIf1LEZ9MfixX9G4/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippos" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>Hippos are very dangerous animals although they look quite comical and nice. Much of the day is spent in the water keeping cool - here is a pod of about 12 hippos.</p>
<p><img title="Hippo 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRczjF2RbnGbGFSIWt8dQjdB1dzR8WnIIa8Pr-vmzJQWPtb7il6gfuHUuaaCq2GkcNWNID3wlkcRn778Xerc6La0FlLOKq4cN4C5G3G4KKc0FDcemeyg_wk9P94uMTgRmg80usxtY24tI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>They eat a prodigious amount of green vegetation every day</p>
<p><img title="Hippo Track.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8qJSiWRzq3jpEhW5yqy3p9dE33zkE1j3w7I-1_ASoCBVoAjrb2M1tiLS9a4sAAIMlqTqIclgLCJa6WvoHXSvCn7B_6nLZs3Hy8PhL9AAyV7dqhUGYiW4B1f6iSpYae3FbiY29BU0eiY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippo Track" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and generally keep to set paths when walking about the bush. </p>
<p><strong>Vultures</strong></p>
<p><img title="Vultures 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr37o__ortEiXJ9E8HhlJ3m5rAGYLP6qOpJlQjrdZm3GKyyhAftrjVaMGOUa7v0efH5Pv7N62lW8ZGW7sA-5ibsEyx8xJfD83U6hGQWzHFg7PUzsEtowNr_03L_mcrxyNdZUikyMxkbrk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Vultures 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Vultures are of course scavengers</p>
<p><img title="Vulture 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFzy4w6uKwlMDRIRN1ix1zuf9_4mjxrpkBSeXgtAkLYZpC_qrFDGdh70BwoF63hhxapfv0d-FbzLov82Af83O16zBoscGX_sgiheXkQD4xLITkGL9_5GX2WOw2HPVtRIWdR85mD46RsM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Vulture 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and generally get a bit of a bad press.</p>
<p><img title="Vultures feeding.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK_lyOFv8VhSRQxEL-G_HUE5t23nFv39Ga59867iF3-MPAOEOpr-9HRDuuAVZvHRBoto_Rs4H0JhDhiUyPQdwiJZL7-Iy51du7IfZPCIVhiLte1eYosTe97RYN4ufFz3d1J97j9OMmZM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Vultures feeding" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>These are fighting over the last fleshy remnants on the skull of an impala. </p>
<p><strong>Wildebeest</strong></p>
<p><img title="Wildebeest 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0xRvdXU6QHKkkzEJtcbPWt41kW7ul_BbCgj2VN9tuw1i7VOJXKYiKCGEdyh0Nz1wkUyG0-wDATGi7k0ZUQm30CESxkMJYZi5NHQ9rHeZV_GuRZg9I2esBUXWQXPsa7_Bq9HzSZUsSzE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Wildebeest 1" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><strong>Water Buffalo</strong></p>
<p><img title="Water Buffalo Suspicious.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0hjXm_ZgbE5SHq6caK_NbMDuWaybh7vfTSwxW-kLpTOjO9Oj9Qb-qf84m9U1U1ZgrxHEsjEJ25c9dXOAfEi8s-i8yyGvw5NP73RQWbSLKJXuGW41dWe3aJD0NBIjtzEFG3fn6r5yDRE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Water Buffalo Suspicious" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Water Buffalo are one of the big five and are dangerous when they charge. </p>
<p><img title="Water Buffalo 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL-sTp60_yHbseXPuPX0xBhcT1WiNjV0qCzqT-2tmg84HIUfS7Zu7jrF9Xi8bQz09rVhfu14yyIurgq_hQdK3GdxhotNUGVMwJMaqog2IFW2ddmdKgtDzSQBGSwKrClamhyphenhyphenslZynPJmo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Water Buffalo 2" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>They also are very suspicious and it took some while to get close enough to observe them properly. </p>
<p><strong>Zebra</strong></p>
<p><img title="Zebra First.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ87vhTk7ZKvmrstIZ_eFPfttrMigr0PF3JcsZWfeZfEKbGACscWYYtYU-BO888YJXjfqGz07WVi3kNSvokgOESHbA5lAeWvMfbvZk6mG2D8U4I6RlZB7tyJ4pqVMe98W8IwB0CTZjHs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Zebra First" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The black and white camouflage on a zebra is surprisingly effective</p>
<p><img title="Zebra.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_r9pl0EK9_5x2RxV8-x3MGKFq5cQu68DVsW_GJC-lBnKX3RDNJywpdczDQo1ts_pP-zB-4BH4QS-mNho57bau8QNCk6NcZPbgUfIIrj233voDaCwYmLQz1N6dZvgDBriWMCJRpsSfxA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Zebra" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Zebra Backsides.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRMTyp9Nfh1JPGQpuDIpz8IkfI3FbivYTDATSDeZHbG2rrGeCgYDDvJ62lx2t9I1fUELXNDjyOipaGskMtUIGruxpdv0gdlYRwIvw6WCp83xu9G8L6KyNBTOTeNq1XJ0QI1rfPjJru8c/?imgmax=1600" alt="Zebra Backsides" width="399" height="267" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were told that the pattern the stripes make on their rears is unique to each zebra (as is that one a giraffe) and they use the pattern to recognise each other. How this was proved I do not know.</p>
<p><strong>Crocodile</strong></p>
<p><img title="Crocodile.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jNbyLJY9jWv9A0u8NWgVyzxLnL8PRp3i7_5mGWaDZRolHyEIKEFKd4Vu0aRV_tXSYprw7HqmgQNRsz-LXeFnJVYDo8LBKISgwIDe9MtjlGyjeFjHZDx1IpJL4ubBd8OIbl5eunfliOY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Crocodile" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>No one likes the crocodile and there were a lot of them here ranging from small ones to enormous ones. </p>
<p><strong>Weaver Bird</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Weaver Bird Nests.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6svwBJnLfkX0YVs_a56k4vm5QFGDlK65Z2dz8eNhcmWI3KOnw0kPST-tjZ_laV1wk6BVgliSWD2mwItiW8xA67g_6C3V4iGFYPorY4x2PCIPS7YcvS-HbVvk0DQAHZXusQY2AsUcnOG0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Nests" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Weaver Bird weaves a nest in a tree using whatever grasses are around.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Weaver Bird.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHONUXlVCwNgw8aSHJcTGY96Z6_KprHMmBlb_-jbc9QyLySb_-yHisaj8Ku07Nb0S2vxcdWN08SulAhD8lG8XPjC5a62QFVEN20LZArz-dNizE-vdEWNdCo0-QGvhDsam4EVkkef7Klc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird" width="398" height="223" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Weaver Bird Nest.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbdS-JaItTNb5paLmgZa1-GZL2JL_qYor5etOIM-JGz0iwfWANT4lM59_9jJ4iNnKJWbQbhFwYHPcJH4HYbhPurWUhK73D-kohye0VnEAaG42USxLl41uPXf9t63fOEnj0V3A0zsYLl4/?imgmax=1600" alt="Weaver Bird Nest" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The nest has two entrances / exits so it can escape if a predator (usually a snake) comes in through the front door. The nests are remarkable creations.</p>
<p><strong>Warthogs </strong></p>
<p><img title="Warthogs.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E7SbrYwixLE38I_DekyqxwNfHMwDb33bC_Dun8z1DrTor3xfqKDPynkvoksjWBSBo-adkmeix86iwQ51f13PGMw2DX6nwnlAz5RrvBUFrAj6QTJPF-1_sSjInFFpBuz8uqjoi8xehhQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Warthogs" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Warthogs are dangerous and will charge and gore you with their tasks.</p>
<p><img title="Warthog.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYatJw_usS5oFScWVlvMX9Yp0O8Xw66EQvXLB6Ocw3smwtQUfAmR_1cCfN7eXLJNuxybVMhLwv3uunisXwBqlcBw0eeAgmPS698DJKHkftBtVN1e-SCPKbhZGm0zzp0hft53ljQJu-fZA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Warthog" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Keeping a safe distance is a good idea.</p>
<p><strong>Hyena </strong></p>
<p><img title="Hyena.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwtIXnbsehF7FDH4VuOw_Nx3zPu7UssHmNnmrbLv-sC5vhPUCvZl4w_r-h45IdD2QsJUBzA6HfRagIKHV34lDD8V3N0ppxegnyUYVW9poTtGdVrxd_5u_6rRynWY2xyawVmBF2q3XmPI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hyena" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We came across a few Hyena hiding in the bush. They were very well camouflaged.</p>
<p><img title="Hyena 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBmyZJhAqY_qiU8IVHSfmamYHrpNXM-O9ZKcw3xD58mHkQoPjk6ApJE1aU98d655r1h5tdqEII5Z8vveL9xxnUEkBYxTmDmkbr9rTFisl5nx_u6zlnq9YRNWwnfqxzJjm2b4g9oC5lnw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hyena 2" width="399" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Hyena 3.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDKMBYdibQ9rycDkQI2NU9g6JtCMasYTgKGcTnkLgnZYL1lDDRXuqu1AaqH6X-Zk897ksEUMdy3A-UmzOZX6Iqv85yUPnFl60nO2jbsKmnvqNjPN5JBTNawEpHrkC9B_u76XsCtBgjgw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hyena 3" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Hyena Poo.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg3IsOkZY7di6bKCAuOujsQlHjW79HbM-PrNZDY6HGS1__IjWhvn0twSVf32IoIMUHppiHqP4iZQ9InMre6UYolejVaKiWuv4Q03haGgNAzgwZ2Fp8bOGy4GRzDGUiPiwE_O60agZA4s/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hyena Poo" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The Hyena eats everything including the bones and hence its poo is white because of the bones.</p>
<p><strong>Monkeys - Baboon </strong></p>
<p><img title="Baboon.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBBCrgpvBMlOwB309tv2RGUwDrVT-ZINrVZe45zdwTHykI4G9-_KsSpt_z-PWtoslR6sH_NDzzOtvT6tXqVBQ8Dr4RUELq7as8AjP2Q0VKKrzlX5iTwAFk5XVphPiuI-N_JhPQevs2Fk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Baboon" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Baboon 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic42tpuj8Oac3WOiAPiX-8BswTslJUwa36hgm3jaKV65Knd82eWd3_nR2e7DBtM2zbztxTHXCYqk6HiDp3Nhw_M6h-VbD5OHjfGZbeUf8k0lbr1dHL-ympdeHN9tbpImMmAiwpztO87UU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Baboon 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>There were numerous monkeys of different breeds throughout the park. This is a baboon and often they are seen in marauding troops.</p>
<p>and Finally - a <strong>Boab Tree</strong></p>
<p><img title="Boab Tree.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAszvM1IxgcOnNc3hkaeJtNhfXF6cq4eGS-CcLabMFMKKYBFYkkVVog77TSy0Mg3-SWaGxJ5YBib3Rlit5Z2Wh4DIBHgr5xWXT2Ym0FhOYCHjvJEyRcSFae0Zb1srFNaXzYRojs3NCD0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Boab Tree" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We started to love Boab Trees when we were in Australia and knew that they were said to have originated from Africa and we did see a few here.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-28557094689941638202017-09-06T11:52:00.000+01:002017-10-12T13:13:39.599+01:00Getting to the Selous<p>To get to the Selous we have to fly from Heathrow to Dar Es Salaam (changing planes at Doha) and then get a very small tree hugger from Dar to the Mtembere Air Strip. </p>
<p>As is usually the case, getting to Heathrow was simple but boring and takes about the same time as the drive on a good day when the M25 is free flowing (an increasingly rare event at the moment).</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-08-23 at 20.28.09.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK6bfRi9rOF0zTl4M82dj3NnyfVGmBshnSkErPjgLrJfDHe-seqmlDJWL4ednc_ZoOJJ54nOzKXTo276Vjbwa_EcEr5xdFqOKr9AjmLf7vl3KpQR3M80qDvGmvgRaM1mlO6-uA18AnPw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 08 23 at 20 28 09" width="399" height="183" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our Qatar Airways flight arrived in Doha roughly on time despite the enforced air corridor diversions in the Gulf States area due to the political dispute in the Gulf.</p>
<p><img title="Doha Landing View.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutTvThfI__bQSkWZSwGdG2-lm5_D5r2PCQloyojl5a_JZRPf3PaECl08FwhoDmRl8wVSUNKcQHINyCSa1gH0CnX6sizIQmKCn4MCrtUL8GE6nDvwFwgTRh94FO0aUumPhccODadLMDjM/?imgmax=1600" alt="Doha Landing View" width="399" height="296" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our Airbus 350 had a number of external cameras and it was interesting to see almost the pilot’s view of the Qanat Quarter and its man made islands as we approached the airport.</p>
<p>Doha airport is extraordinarily large and spacious airport, at least it seems so to us. We had been prepared for careful searching of our hand baggage when we arrived in transit but in the event, we were bussed off the plane and then shown into the terminal through a side door.</p>
<p><img title="Doha Bear.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqM93YrOejL68_8XaYPGGa1WcJDVQfHDu9SOcaBNsNc-JWbihsj-Dqyoq0YOaRUxQ_x72bWcQHNYjK1ihc0rrdfHPWk_GUC4gGNPAZ6sT_iNt3IcaHwWl6EFFZOB4efmJw-tHuz3hR9I/?imgmax=1600" alt="Doha Bear" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The airport is known for its Large Bear, quite why they have one we do not know. We found it quite a boring airport compared to somewhere like Changi where they make an effort to ensure that transit passengers are entertained. Here the only things to do were to shop in high end shops, to use the free WIFI or to buy food.</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-08-23 at 20.34.07.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YFDLecFwnI5okGISZ17g5QlmetdDSAZFlLI8jvUK99JFh8YJGQdvkKZ8CeEbEXVOvPdXyotc_6G3zz1yWonL2oEj7c5x4bC1pv3L32donrTCz3PqXdZyvRHjCpY6uI5HxzcCChaDIZk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 08 23 at 20 34 07" width="399" height="254" border="0" /></p>
<p>Around two hours after arriving in Doha we are onboard a smaller plane (only one quarter full) heading down to Dar Es Saalam, this time with a diversion on take off to avoid flying over certain Gulf States. </p>
<p><img title="Horn of Africa.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wue_FX_6gdc4MAA5xKpVSHyyY5bySHgmVeXEKlLc71dCMM9_ZDikXPGBmtfXDA46G49zG6KgztIZXM5zrggfrQnom-zUhVRSTTuQNYVANG08CoEQkEtvtDOYVb82-_1UYFqGkA081CI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Horn of Africa" width="399" height="225" border="0" /> </p>
<p>Not having been to East Africa before, it was interesting to see how barren the landscape around the Horn of Africa was, and indeed the landscape did not start to show traces of green until we were approaching Tanzania.</p>
<p>Dar Es Saalam (Dar) airport does not have a good reputation and is particularly bad for those who have chosen to get their visa (essentially a tourist tax) on arrival. We got ours before we left and it was a remarkably efficient process with our passports being returned with visa, three days after we had posted them to the consulate. For us, it took only minutes to get from the plane to the chaos outside of the terminal where we boarded a small van to take us to the domestic side of the airport.</p>
<p>Although one can get to any of the Game reserves overland, an easier way of getting there is to fly. Coastal Aviation are one of the companies based at Dar airport who fly out to various airstrips in the game reserves.</p>
<p><img title="coastal-aviation-flights-tanzania.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i4ynDkIY_S4MtpQU4Rbt4PuA77X0M1SozQIeO473sVJ-vLD3DbsPR1Ted_vbcDPMN9XbSj5uA8gddMkcMITPstLtPb2z4PXk7JDhb7V4zD3vMu49qGKcIiI4wnVyazYjO3ZxTBCfkbk/?imgmax=1600" alt="Coastal aviation flights tanzania" width="317" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>The planes used are small and very strict weight limitations are applied - luggage must weigh no more than 15kg.</p>
<p><img title="Walking to the plane.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFhpKjKvs_YD5xvEENuzvhYa5nykqX_4v096Fhrr9UJaTLJO6m-Ply7pt9fRyqvPtnCuUumx1uMuIsCXoFMBx49BQjE_ZkKu0D-mqUOAoc222HYHdCB9UgzJFck0lWRpe7TbAu6ltDk4/?imgmax=1600" alt="Walking to the plane" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This Cessna Caravan has 12 passenger seats although we found out on our way back that it has 13 because they have no co-pilot on these flights and the extra passenger has to sit up front.</p>
<p><img title="Climbing on board.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVr9IFlujyDxshotl_ZnrhN0PbUtEk4gure3lRw64uEon19g4lPAnR7dZ8D9xx6rMi-mYyuzYMn-IwulkNraw0FYdWrKkhmLtGZI5cP2E7nfFju5k9Q7njhNrDd1KSicf9dOPUHv8lEaI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Climbing on board" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We have little experience of flights in small planes and none of the informality of being told to walk across the runway and look out for planes coming towards us.</p>
<p><img title="The Pilot.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoG_NcnSFeEuhVQULEhqLEUB6t75bWsxFTYq38lP-DqRUPYRV14Q4sOCnyUjXuWKFC4QUcPtwZbocFckzaNJuNzxDILhyphenhyphencoQbpJx42Kkb4cQ6r3B3xh0A-Bci-buycRnPliU6uTwDVrs/?imgmax=1600" alt="The Pilot" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our pre flight briefing involved the pilot leaning over his seat and telling us he was very experienced, there was water at the back and escape doors at the front and one at the back. With that done, we set off.</p>
<p><img title="Air Conditioning.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cEaA1NYEe-rVC9zsbpgb0hQpdP9KhEXwrlct_OVR8AGv6iLGoGHutd_l-ynmBB71-lVBjJc5Vp3ferLyzk5rOQCHHp1PIlf0uDZvMSs6NKanSnIiMKS6VraeoolGZZ7VfwS8WVpGEig/?imgmax=1600" alt="Air Conditioning" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Air Conditioning whilst on the ground and taxiing was provided by leaving one of the doors open !</p>
<p><img title="Another selfie.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3TTn2fVCvCY6atciyOtklf0QGpCMgZ3Grl_tN64Xh6ZdE7uNFUmfGb0FY4-zoPF8nuDJuTForZa3-5bN8xFkAPMNrDzB-OsazCnICyxC4Ja5cK7IJdHvBV92inOdl7gaALT_gwxS6W0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Another selfie" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I think this selfie says more than enough about Pat’s reaction to yet another interesting travel experience.</p>
<p><img title="Take-off.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQim169r9OM8uvFu4_OhYu2gW6StUbi5tNzImD_xXOOpEuhTktd6ocD6kb1X3a3acp6PL33CbxjCHDfLmv8ovelZiQUCj2AMASixlmgZP_2n1Dur32LR9IAhQc2PrA7W-3q8GtRE4vQqU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Take off" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Take off seemed much more of an effort than in larger planes</p>
<p><img title="We are in the air.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMYsH08nTYAdtKL2D2xL34K1S3zkqQXCUNgZAxuOn2TvUrxIf-__5twlcjQSH7AUuqQlEeHHDAtLzB4nFgiWLmrDqk4uZ19MI4kfUlasWmP4tiqjw4iAKNV_taUdGRJpoUdjiInMO_P8/?imgmax=1600" alt="We are in the air" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>but it managed it quite noisily</p>
<p><img title="140 knots.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtpb7GzOyZwcqPiCLZyyAyuAVUjOYOqyskbecs7zrF166hw1r2pplSFb3SiyIsnKE0jQGzXmHKwnIeBsuMiOxemmbdNa07J9yNkiSn5FlXKoA38wlbNblQtIPm7asXPxV40LJYxOP3x4/?imgmax=1600" alt="140 knots" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and soon we were cruising at 140 knots across Tanzania. </p>
<p>There are seven airstrips in the Selous Game Reserve each positioned to serve different camps. </p>
<p><img title="selous_airstrip map.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sazaV6SDDvEYFvPYwW-GxzBCa70frtZsvftpbuxK_wm04JSyfrUerj2aPZxJpWqSz1OnpM2QQxihUD1Az3DmfIh1Qvjo-czluWLbUykl__d5-FY9Gmt2WzN3sAdgsB-SD7aiUiSwDn8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selous airstrip map" width="399" height="258" border="0" /> </p>
<p>On our way to our destination, we landed at two other airstrips to drop off passengers and hence saw much more of the bush than we had expected.</p>
<p><img title="Bush 1.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_2F2uOMRr0RPvrzI2Y_jelAutmHz8rCGP1NVOgifHYcJHFCLOzIBMrR2JDUHXMM0aqBnv6W6RaS2pVtBzvKhrTE__zqxMpLdUvMWf-rrny-HXrDR2VNPsAu6bD6cO-D9A8o-e0566yg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bush 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The only other bush type landscape we have experienced with which </p>
<p><img title="Bush 2.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_icq_zEsgsBO1SwDuKb3W20B3OL7i_hVT0_fIFXTrzrRxZ1V39fRAZCiPdYQNT2-2wxyTYimuCResFdWURL2wcERPIZqd2KnW6dkP4oW025zjnlH2dFhUQl6wlkQjpLFPgI5Bfp0u5k/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bush 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>we could compare the Tanzanian bush was the outback in Australia. This did not look quite as harsh. </p>
<p><img title="Refuji River.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjuOj6RxWJuQaBs4t7pQLXAHx1M-yH9rEKaUq4I1wVvZxkb2RwFlkSlOzX6O4LMKT80wpP5Ttug0daPT5-3r3lLZl0bru0iAQDBm45kQbwGdd9mgQ6772fEXvs3k5EZgf7XzHICBnBPo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Refuji River" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is the main river in the Selous at the end of the dry season and it was said to rise many metres during the wet. </p>
<p><img title="Bush Airstrip.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpNudWJXUwwAkqfB7qHRKglwmbysK1WG-fJUa0cqEwoouQTZmg5E14RPf5DqXBQelAJFVM2e7pybXKeh7qSOlhj-oITk_6qJLlG44Gf3kfmnxJ7psHMI-xYDyPk7udat3f8gDcKuw35c/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bush Airstrip" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Airstrips are simple flatish stretches of cleared bush with few (if any) facilities for anything.</p>
<p><img title="Hippos.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wcVFcBinaxmj3HlOwVFSKaugUNJ81DEEWLIY7G7ja38rPMAER4pnQOqsjdye-MyBSte10CWSJcAuzKRgiYWMP9GqCdVlCvbG5LnQwFIXq6jRm5pVi6ygmvAQ1XZ2st6gc3vM-nJCilE/?imgmax=1600" alt="Hippos" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Some animals could be seen from the air - here a large pod of Hippos and some Wildebeest </p>
<p><img title="Landing Strip.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kPcmPl4cMC-6CA2xk9hwjqFp_1bgc_hYK_V6s4NZ2LTtncRJk552gbouy8ciKO1bitVTxmBZFlSv1FpxYALDzjqhIvrgUoxGDQTc9_aYcT2f3G1RUU-hhNsmHj_JaZRyVS1WU-Lf3T8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Landing Strip" width="398" height="182" border="0" /></p>
<p>We are flying to Mtembre Airstrip which from Google Earth looks like this</p>
<p><img title="Mtembre.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwG5UpMW4aNWixlfwENjogHXCyIBFHPgApHqj9uX2_ncc9-Q1W_63Ph3NJDuv3ZClA-qou6Kpc98BFMMeTHPD5HAMCceFU3qMuem2WCdtDogiEKN4zgjg2PaHKG85b3QOS83ng9TshDI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Mtembre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and as you pass it looks like this and is close to the river. </p>
<p><img title="Mtembre out of focus.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd6odckeytL6ylMBY_eV5ygZuaJ9IHuzYzem8rMfjr1xfejQlaCMNR_Jc2fPniaMzDUqJ3tDvXI-H0ypSWLb81fz6qQKnnn9qgey5C59lFjkYnF8xTYkExbjaISzYamfW7KtKZsSHQk0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Mtembre out of focus" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is approached from either over or towards the river and we came in over the river. </p>
<p><img title="Four Passengers get off.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqE3bld3btVWNdVXR8gI3lDpRAqoQwfCGog1BnMfql3GXgexzsNcTLpAnS-sh_WYf8LDbYcLTAqP19vFpcBKHoSCeiQt2tMAY7KcX-gyf_2gjOEZ0JzTjB1HMoHpV0TCBQJ-P-wct-WIY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Four Passengers get off" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Having landed, the remaining four passengers got off and we headed for our jeep to take us to the Selous Riverside Safari Camp. The airstrip is at the entrance to the Safari Park and had </p>
<p><img title="Mtembre Fire Department.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V_cGQfmc4Ra_uXanbipVq1bSLWFJt4P2G4OZbm9RtytDZzl3VuqJyJ1udq_N4pDqvARgvHTBkMImPEWreBp8UevHvjCHAJ2aVJVJMrcwIXJNFj4l9KZfFjBdWGNI0RyluLq4z1gc0JA/?imgmax=1600" alt="Mtembre Fire Department" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>an airport fire station,</p>
<p><img title="Airport Terminal.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcSJQZKzYbI9E9sn2piIPFjAjEyaZE4YtamccIxjtkXlAlES0QgYLF4JQKI7vCzueOA6MFs7s_D4ETzgUupa6lJvu9mnmJbNrt5Im8yCzFomta2u4YhpPKjecE5LmpilK5XtW1mqpwug/?imgmax=1600" alt="Airport Terminal" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>an air conditioned terminal building and toilet facilities. It was more likely that these were here because it was the entrance to the Selous Safari Park and that visitors liked to use the facilities before they went further in where you had to use a nearby bush or tree if caught short. </p>
<p><img title="Runway Baboon.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzTY7DjPn9yzGDv4-HEXtPnwKWWLGv6lefozBHyLdRyGBncQGrIWhEoGJxlPDh8CR1IRmgZKFzQBEBOYSlwNmIhIrSvrj2wjjKWzIrTF_oq-olcZxBI-5wfcHeZBc3bn3PDIpmIplMPg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Runway Baboon" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>One of the problems of bush airstrips is shown in this picture. As we left in our jeep, we drove down the airstrip and baboons had already taken up residence in the centre of the strip. For this reason, landing planes often make a low flying pass over the airstrip partly to check its condition but also to clear it of animals before they land.</p>
<p><img title="Our first giraffe.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYhT3K8W3TQ-8vrpppiWIG4Xk_vC7vjQMZjn1DnUEnBq_-b9EAUHqCTNjop7fKoxA5rNONkRe7GFBLspC8A8Yma4F7PtElF1NXQ5faYOuWg7NDO5wEBxFin8CopUDZJXsBiwN6q6cWOg/?imgmax=1600" alt="Our first giraffe" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Warthogs.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKGAvoiyhZwEmkgZEFrhDp2VTKKDTx233FLGq1PJPeKY4FYzalkBP0lywZM_hAEVTy2BPGRzWLVoEeHFEZUr5wmo8mxjWcCu77D2PxVXG5cDInjvw43RXeM7GSduedxzVUGI77wi-KXw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Warthogs" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Immediately we saw our first animals close up: a giraffe and some warthogs. We were to come across far better the following day but certainly these were a great pleasure to see.</p>
<p><img title="Track.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQjdS5NOdE94O4058gvkX4AJvpT4udp0hANLOTielDOsN-P2ypALJL_PEBjEnobXZvetc9IP-zZ-Y9zz_u5fZOttskzRYazWm0OlfJ0k7zcc0khtVN0bdbZJkh3lFQyNpzZo3P0dRopY/?imgmax=1600" alt="Track" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was typical of the tracks we drove along</p>
<p><img title="Road.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ejGbMvTB2bweTn1DXF3D50ltaw_NxVrSaUCl8PcW_DAinybP7ZJU9dNnNedOlsaotnVVKzw5YjL00WfDqzM6ZBptzULfQ8FFc6XN-UaZu2nwIo6hZvkJ40qTHSEGZFLuzt1tLU2Z-nI/?imgmax=1600" alt="Road" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this typical of a rolled dust road</p>
<p><img title="Road Hazard.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8GkNGQp90SUOGUWaBf38mL8-x6-NBZhay11G7b2mVhKofDWokugXK9FN-at-G1rJybUI4NKivB7kw_4YdePtxQJf8ysBzeL7_wp3ZtVyAeJslCRFIbrRUWqAP-SSyC8nTTooHpq7Lj0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Road Hazard" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this motorbike with wood laden across the rear rack an example of the interesting road hazards we came across. There were very few vehicles on the roads because the area is very poor and there are only a few petrol stations out in the bush and none in this area. </p>
<p><img title="Selous Sign.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Be9H9C6NBZIua_3BQyERBn481PomvOM9a3TAjENo1FjsRKc41W7IX39kKF0Y6YBsvsg6sabHyxrPES3v9sTn6l4iZXrCxVkfdCvLFKB_0ZSXB17ksG9mhuxJE8rkg4hwjYz3lgdoRZ8/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selous Sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>And so half an hour after landing and 23 hours and 42 minutes after closing our front door in the UK, we arrived at the Selous Riverside Safari Camp and we</p>
<p><img title="Tent.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAZiu-36bY7TKx6NIxm3GT39uxkXS39wcJY7cmLJxZGjM1bYZQ4CxQBtHiuX1O9dP8WV_r4mvS9vni_MJkvG5uVc4ncuY0ve28OWwihLOsl4KmIwAk3fNffHu8l08dq0F1gL9Z30KPPo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Tent" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>were shown to our rather grand tent,</p>
<p><img title="Four Poster Bed.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawb_aV5hUlYWwHIljTb_cHc6Sr1dBmRSd7M5KXHoJHQo94RYEvzXdNUdhSMCOrlnY_Eh_8u9T5ey1wufNWv9EyLQm0iA4C1upy9KAesjyejAseNzvub_HukYzGMvMvuQVc40rnaAdkes/?imgmax=1600" alt="Four Poster Bed" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>with a welcoming four poster bed complete with mosquito net, and looking forward to dinner, a cold beer and sleep.</p>
<p><img title="Breakfast Tea.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujTGRuyS1suy86SbeJL-IvWCuxSqwm95dbRa4_AlccF1inNYwWmK5BDZy6rkP_Gn72DcWZIkfmyTm3RsQjsl9tnpH6fMBAhTEVmD8SjkHQBnrActxMpqWs58R2zXdFHsaLABQFvwUa-E/?imgmax=1600" alt="Breakfast Tea" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>At an agreed time everyday, a DIY Tea and Coffee tray was brought to our tent.</p>
<p><img title="Selous from Air.png" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VsqYs0dP4sef8p4-5yKJCIxVzKUsFv0pJEhnMBfNjdglqDmm0Kj2YsijSov2CWG5lRC73c-CM64c6Z6N6gjsjYZWOMcUq13rBW7cNsLFFaMeLtp7CpjVpdyKpCsp_4eXtd93bLmyC_w/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selous from Air" width="398" height="219" border="0" /></p>
<p>The Camp consists of a number of sheltered tents arranged along the river bank with a central patio and dining area.</p>
<p><img title="Pat on Patio.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2N3HAJtTw1LB3tKB1nkGFXMwHAKLwjRbJ__hdHAh27Y3qkVS0_lronFfPlcliF4G0vd0edYLU9Yd5_kUooNoHce9DpXd4JGQaWURapTs0JclksSXfZgcBda4WE54bYZMk2vPq074oV0/?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat on Patio" width="399" height="225" border="0" /> </p>
<p>This is the large patio adjacent to the central area</p>
<p><img title="View from Patio.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmQhYZEHlC5VnXZO4HQdMDrOvK4THebDvmsMFKzPjWrk1ApjIUJ2EPyxk_ddYPNFM17KYXGQxmG4ep0w3RiQezhAgs7RSreUKbdCbn-8fhz2k_kqyYs4v8y2ZL6jqt74IRG9JM2_0lxI/?imgmax=1600" alt="View from Patio" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this is the view which greeted us every morning. Directly in front of us is a field of maize which the farmers have to guard every night from marauding Hippos who regard the maize as easy food. The problem for the farmers is that mosquitoes come out at night and thus there is a significant risk of malaria.</p>
<p><img title="Central Area.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMq24N0bSxLC8-84kfCv43vMHXGPrsDrZq_1mZHtDtaDQbwS5EXL1tj-Z4LNagPP80sxAAFZ8UrLyq62ZSoJAySFpkbyyqSQ5-bAGgKHuI7Nzwsaxf2SUTLKXkwFP_F0zVibSyybJr3A/?imgmax=1600" alt="Central Area" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The central area itself is a very large thatched open sided hall </p>
<p><img title="Central Area.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDDfn8mwX6N-qhWW098fkoQtIYU4iKv3bTvb1RnmpO63sIbFTg6kWP5q5OhanQThv-6aBjHpDSmytC55Aq8HkfPkBJJ2fT6xegxC8b2vlS-gdXvHkdRPhDKsCvc418yagtOjClI22qgQ/?imgmax=1600" alt="Central Area" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>with dining tables and comfy seats </p>
<p><img title="Tips Box.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjWa5Xka1wHch6O6qNjA2kNTp0x0mbsi1a0nMFVNJZLgmav_TKGWUno3dgrLOKhPO4ONyySH44F2MBU71ek5JYStOeSRau_foE3S9an8NjxE9yYK-Xg0iphdbcNsibtB1gwJ71RJVjSs/?imgmax=1600" alt="Tips Box" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the all important Tips Box, the contents of which are shared amongst all staff with the exception of your waiter and your safari guide (who are tipped separately).</p>
<p>This area was also where the bar was located.</p>
<p><img title="Bar Prices.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQor1NHi2WdHHK8cJ94apqm3QNnwbFzTTT1Bq3n4b-cgE2ID7N0_rnj-zX2nn84WEEdMexlLJrBAtaiVBrK_ZkTcnnZ7lb_q4hRVqoNxvTetz7-ZuX5jbccmjcL70AeW59WWrDbDJ5abU/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bar Prices" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Taking into account the isolated location, bar prices (in $US) are quite reasonable.</p>
<p><img title="Bushbabies.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0MUkt8eesHcb8y8ES90JuNHSI_wnHV9ItYpe-bhCI9lvjK3nAlKRDyfxSbN7a6Ct16Lnv90tVL0mvpKgPD3sGhjT7D0psIaooABiSyE0PDqKnlkEnOy_3EudcHNuic11MzUW46e4vAw/?imgmax=1600" alt="Bushbabies" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>And every night we were entertained by the side of the bar with Bush Babies who were tempted out by a plate of bread. For their small size, they made an alarmingly loud screeching laugh. </p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-87374643070377932232017-09-05T18:07:00.000+01:002017-09-11T15:03:22.747+01:00Off to our first Safari holiday<p><strong>Off to our First Safari holiday</strong></p>
<p>We have never been on a proper Safari however that is about to change. 15 months ago we had the idea of going on a Safari in Africa and because this may be the only time we go on one, we wanted to ensure that it was a good experience. Following discussions with a <a href="https://www.audleytravel.com/inspiration/wildlife-holidays">travel agency</a> which specialises in safaris (amongst other things), we took their advice to book then (2016) in order to gain early booking discounts and to get exactly the type of safari we wanted.</p>
<p>Firstly we are going to the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania (staying at the <a href="http://www.selousriversidecamp.com">Selous Riverside Safari Camp</a>) where we are told we might encounter many of the “must sees” with the certain exception of the rhinoceros. It is located in the southern part of Tanzania which means it is less visited than the popular reserves in the north.</p>
<p><img title="map-tanzania-selous.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfSPKRz_bhv_fCRYcAvq4cbF8ht3mjCWrBgYyhjuy7mUVOI8NsdeRkf5OrKxu4TyYbmzUlPK3HA2KBwUd5cy74yKilYzCVn2Ko3OzhVoM2QTAFyNZGQNH7yVeDh7DmD4LStd48Z81V3U/?imgmax=1600" alt="Map tanzania selous" width="234" height="300" border="0" /> </p>
<p>A "less visited reserve" was one of our wishes because there are tales of more safari jeeps than animals in some of the northern reserves.</p>
<p><img title="Tanzania-Zanzibar-map.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgw5PuVa1P43lqLeA29Ld26QlmzWaealkRMmHlpUgNTer7oxYXZmWSan09MiUkzBCoUT0Pp1umwr7JL19X8R1tuBB8I8niQHyagi9OuETao6fF4TBgqgksjA6xCxhCUygqJz1zI9Yjuo/?imgmax=1600" alt="Tanzania Zanzibar map" width="204" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>After the safari, we are flying to the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar for a week’s R&R at the <a href="http://www.breezes-zanzibar.com">Breezes Resort</a> on its south east coast - spa treatments for Pat and reef diving for me. Then we fly back from Zanzibar via a refuelling stop in Kilimanjaro to Doha where a change of planes will bring us back to London. </p>
<p><img title="Selfie.JPG" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lHo-jDtLk9EgKKjqYqNeaZGcCmrsosaLx0aJY8pK3vzyiRfGcoPZuvvkxCS5R_dca0_ythga-3aDig8UTVDZYgU1hyphenhyphen3fX9gcohSLG9Z_6n1fBU0UDRLMYuFKEUEz7328wYH5qwwlBmc/?imgmax=1600" alt="Selfie" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>And so a Tuesday evening in early September finds us on the train into London where we will get the tube to Heathrow having decided that the risk of trying to drive around the M25 during an evening rush hour is not something with which my blood pressure can cope. </p>
<p>One thing which is still obvious is that my selfie-taking skills have not improved !</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-83107103176927459042017-02-07T20:03:00.000+00:002017-02-26T14:48:12.962+00:00Coming Home: Day 6/5<p>Although Google Map route planning says the route we covered in Sri Lanka of over 900 kms could be</p>
<p><img title="Sri Lanka Route.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHtb-56X8c0/WLLG822UDxI/AAAAAAAAp14/_GJMp-rDHkc/Sri%252520Lanka%252520Route.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Sri Lanka Route" width="249" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>driven in 20 hours of non-stop driving, we very much doubt it. Sri Lanka has few major roads and hence drivers patiently proceed at a slow pace and it is better to arrive than try to arrive speedily. The only vehicles we saw driving very fast were the public buses and we were frequently overtaken by them in the most unlikely of sensible places.</p>
<p>The journey home from Colombo was easy, tiring, boring and long. We first flew from Colombo to Mumbai on a plane which would have made RyanAir seem spacious. Mumbai airport was very nice and a good place to change planes.</p>
<p><img title="Coming Home Selfie.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ab0vNGH44IQ/WLHkbxV4XJI/AAAAAAAAp0o/1tm6XBCUAqM/Coming%252520Home%252520Selfie.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Coming Home Selfie" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We forgot to take our usual very bad selfie on the way out so here is one taken on the way back at Mumbai when we were waiting for our plane to London.</p>
<p><img title="Flight Home.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTi3zXFVojY/WLHkdh1EIaI/AAAAAAAAp0s/ldoncgVRMxI/Flight%252520Home.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Flight Home" width="399" height="263" border="0" /></p>
<p>We flew very slowly back (I base this statement on the fact that the BA flight leaves 15 minutes before but arrives 1 hour before us) but without incident.</p>
<p>And so, too long after we left our hotel in Sri Lanka, we were home again ready to resume our normal lives and prepare for our next trip.</p>
<p>Our summary view of Sri Lanka is that it is a very beautiful place with a lot to see. We would like to go back there sometime but take a bit more time over it.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-18487529363541547032017-02-05T18:05:00.000+00:002017-02-26T14:47:50.870+00:00Seetha Amman Temple, Ella, Udawalawe National Park: Day 5/5<p>Today is our last full traveller day in Sri Lanka because we start to fly home tomorrow evening from Colombo. On our way to the National Park at Udawalawe where we are going on a “end of day” safari, we pass Seetha Amman Temple which we stop at despite our feeling of being a bit over-templed.</p>
<p><img title="Temple 7.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N10hkVRmvOE/WLHDGIBDPsI/AAAAAAAApyQ/0pl6YfOD9QA/Temple%2525207.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 7" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This temple is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by (Vikram) King Ravana, and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her in the Hindu epic, Ramayana.</p>
<p><img title="Temple 4.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qj8-lyAtTO0/WLHDBGr0y9I/AAAAAAAApyE/WfYtXamrHAU/Temple%2525204.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 4" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions (marked in yellow) which are said to be the footprints of Rawana’s elephant.</p>
<p><img title="Temple 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NSJ3ok9eyfk/WLHC5yHrhcI/AAAAAAAApx4/D3k_NcGRU3Y/Temple%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Temple 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D8ubpIDeCtc/WLHC8abWDzI/AAAAAAAApx8/iw0cY8V0-YE/Temple%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 2" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Temple 3.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n67OA16WC5U/WLHC_6zZn6I/AAAAAAAApyA/e95cZaq47jk/Temple%2525203.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 3" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Temple 5.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xb573P5ujSw/WLHDCgkQ1KI/AAAAAAAApyI/sE88qDlWLzU/Temple%2525205.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 5" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Temple 6.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iimgn0HBHt8/WLHDEmY75AI/AAAAAAAApyM/-SDx8tg7RzE/Temple%2525206.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple 6" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The temple was built around 1998 and there is an account of why this spot was chosen together with an assertion that there has been something religious on the site for over 100 years <a href="http://amazinglanka.com/wp/seetha-amman-kovil/">here</a>.</p>
<p>One our way south to the game reserve, we stopped for refreshments at a tea house in Ella.</p>
<p><img title="Tea House.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EqFjD4n3JW4/WLHYepEBr7I/AAAAAAAApy0/ALwfnlpjH-c/Tea%252520House.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea House" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The view from the garden was superb</p>
<p><img title="1041 metres.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lF56v6pweU4/WLHYfqMGxDI/AAAAAAAApy4/_LBx4ckwW6E/1041%252520metres.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="1041 metres" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Ella is also where you get the train to Kandy, a trip which is said to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, certainly one of the best in Sri Lanka. </p>
<p><img title="Train from Ella to Kandy.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vmnct1QFuv8/WLHYds17k9I/AAAAAAAApyw/ftGU-MrlXTo/Train%252520from%252520Ella%252520to%252520Kandy.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Train from Ella to Kandy" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We heard the train making a great deal of noise as it departed and some while later we could see it on the far side of the valley - it is the red line in the middle of the picture above. There is a nice blog account of the train trip <a href="https://nerdnomads.com/sri-lanka-train-travel-ella-kandy">here</a>. If ever we come back to Sri Lanka, this has to be on the ‘to-do” list.</p>
<p><strong>Udawalawe National Park and Game Reserve</strong></p>
<p><img title="Location of Reserve.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obEkHmdeFpE/WLHeXeQ-NHI/AAAAAAAApzc/Zl4NTD-QHug/Location%252520of%252520Reserve.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Location of Reserve" width="213" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We drove south for quite a long time, average speed on Sri Lankan roads seems to max at about 40 kph. Eventually we got to the Game Reserve but drove past it in order to get to our hotel </p>
<p><img title="First Elephant.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WI8IrzEAbqc/WLHeUV3QqOI/AAAAAAAApzQ/fMHGuyXN6M0/First%252520Elephant.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="First Elephant" width="400" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and in doing so, we saw our first elephant of the day within the reserve. An electric fence runs around the reserve and the inmates soon learn to keep away from it.</p>
<p><img title="First Elephant Swimming.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AfhTcJGcEis/WLHeVSooRPI/AAAAAAAApzU/yGBmiEdNwYI/First%252520Elephant%252520Swimming.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="First Elephant Swimming" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Later on we were to see the same elephant swimming in the lake.</p>
<p><img title="Safari Jeep.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YwZ5gMz4C08/WLHelJeqmcI/AAAAAAAAp0I/b3pZuixq58Y/Safari%252520Jeep.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Safari Jeep" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We went on our safari in very comfortable 6-seater jeeps, more comfortable in fact than our coach.</p>
<p><img title="Reserve Map.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1N0RSoHN02Q/WLHeYbA9n8I/AAAAAAAApzg/r0drmqxgCMo/Reserve%252520Map.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Reserve Map" width="399" height="287" border="0" /></p>
<p>The game park is quite large and we were only to go to a small area in the middle of the bottom of this map, to the right of the lake.</p>
<p><img title="First Elephant in reserve.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGY6OQWtR5E/WLHeWQbsTtI/AAAAAAAApzY/w6Y-u3BNkzc/First%252520Elephant%252520in%252520reserve.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="First Elephant in reserve" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Having seen these two elephants just inside the gate, we felt that at least the trip was not a waste of time because we had seen elephants.</p>
<p><img title="Scratching that itch.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZxOTXvypiDY/WLHebmjnMlI/AAAAAAAApzo/KF0PYzZ7Tr0/Scratching%252520that%252520itch.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Scratching that itch" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Over the space of the next two hours we saw many more elephants all of which were completely used to the jeeps and so took no notice of us and we came within feet of them on many occasions.</p>
<p><img title="Mother and Calf.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56dTG2ak188/WLHeZaeKTYI/AAAAAAAApzk/v8GbICA2kS4/Mother%252520and%252520Calf.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Mother and Calf" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Here a calf is imitating its mother who was about 10 feet away from us. </p>
<p><img title="Family out walking.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2h7LujE0W7M/WLHehYhGeXI/AAAAAAAApz8/fXHMqrx9m24/Family%252520out%252520walking.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Family out walking" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This family were going to the lake for a drink. </p>
<p><img title="Birds.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Usq2wiUErTI/WLHefNriRJI/AAAAAAAApz0/HWDxe2ATknU/Birds.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Birds" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>There are enough birds to keep any ornithologist happy. These are Bee Eaters</p>
<p><img title="Peacock.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KEFYiqYyTuw/WLHejhDaQNI/AAAAAAAAp0E/WMKOjPkQMT0/Peacock.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Peacock" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and we saw lots of peacocks here (and elsewhere in Sri Lanka).</p>
<p>As an aside, on the way back to Colombo I saw one of the most unusual motorway signs I have ever seen</p>
<p><img title="Danger Peacocks.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NkgEhTErALE/WLLJT4TEHCI/AAAAAAAAp2Q/xJlOd8V-Y54/Danger%252520Peacocks.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Danger Peacocks" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>saying “Danger Peacocks ahead”. <a href="http://www.sundaytimes.lk/140824/sunday-times-2/peacocks-tragic-dance-of-death-on-expressway-114831.html">Peacock accidents</a> were even worthy of a story in one of the local newspapers.</p>
<p><img title="Crocodile.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewAcsw1pEew/WLHegCiXAQI/AAAAAAAApz4/9HQhMbkJicE/Crocodile.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Crocodile" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>There were also crocodiles which were not as exciting to us as they were to others since we had seen more than enough of them in Australia, </p>
<p><img title="Water Buffalo.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUmY8pA83PQ/WLHeoL2MulI/AAAAAAAAp0Q/ZNa6OfWAuxU/Water%252520Buffalo.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Water Buffalo" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and herds of Water Buffalo,</p>
<p><img title="Macaques.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bJXHiUtJymk/WLHeinyEtSI/AAAAAAAAp0A/ecwvZyN19PQ/Macaques.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Macaques" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and at dusk, trees full of Macaques. </p>
<p><img title="Sunset over the lake.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCRon7MG4uA/WLHecjBBWCI/AAAAAAAApzs/p1Z77l3oNyY/Sunset%252520over%252520the%252520lake.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sunset over the lake" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Sunset was very beautiful over the lake</p>
<p><img title="Sunset with birds.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gw7scEWlX9M/WLHemcv1qAI/AAAAAAAAp0M/XbdnuZl67WY/Sunset%252520with%252520birds.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sunset with birds" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and also over the reserve plains.</p>
<p>We thought that the safari was a very enjoyable last event of our time in Sri Lanka. </p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-35605714505463939262017-02-04T17:57:00.000+00:002017-02-26T15:03:32.909+00:00Botanic Gardens Kandy, Glenloch Tea Plantations, Nuwara Eliya: Day 4/5<p><strong>Architecture (some) In Sri Lanka</strong></p>
<p>I usually record something about local architecture and that in Sri Lanka showed the usual regional variations you get in most countries. Given that our starting point was what we had seen in India, Sri Lanka in general seemed to start higher up the scale. </p>
<p><img title="Old SL.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VKQD09XCVc/WLALdcNv-6I/AAAAAAAAptA/wALcVOBWl1c/Old%252520SL.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Old SL" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>In Kandy we saw a lot of relatively basic buildings</p>
<p><img title="Old 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7PAVn7MtWU/WLALbUCvqNI/AAAAAAAAps4/36UyPJR4OEg/Old%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Old 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>with a large amount of corrugated roofing still in use.</p>
<p><img title="Old Buildings.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiIvcQtIjfE/WLALcTis-xI/AAAAAAAAps8/Vm0HcFI77ss/Old%252520Buildings.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Old Buildings" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Invented around 1840, corrugated iron spread throughout the colonies and therefore it was no surprise to see it here. </p>
<p><img title="Art Deco Regal.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZSI5YZ8vQb4/WLALhpMdDcI/AAAAAAAAptM/a2kbjDk91sg/Art%252520Deco%252520Regal.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Art Deco Regal" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>Tucked away here and there were some buildings with architectural merit such as this cinema which quite clearly has some Art-Deco tones about it.</p>
<p><img title="Film Advert.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmAxffgcxJk/WLALi1pYGkI/AAAAAAAAptQ/HX-xdPI7VmE/Film%252520Advert.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Film Advert" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It was showing the latest Sri Lankan blockbuster, Aloko Udapadi which would have been fun to see had we had the time. </p>
<p><img title="Pizza Hut.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOJRDOU8Gu4/WLALgr5Zp9I/AAAAAAAAptI/QREmR65O1dE/Pizza%252520Hut.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pizza Hut" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>There is of course a growing amount of western concrete design appearing here as in all other countries.</p>
<p><img title="Modern SL.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GEnMofo5nAc/WLALaIy7FII/AAAAAAAAps0/53uBusfKN9c/Modern%252520SL.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Modern SL" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>I include Pizza Hut and KFC simply to show that they are here and just as ugly and brutal in their impact as they are anywhere in the world.</p>
<p><strong>The Botanic Gardens</strong></p>
<p>Our day began at the Botanic Gardens which started life as a Royal Garden in 1780 and became a Royal Botanic Garden under the British in 1821 and is said to have over 4000 species within. Although the fee to get in is expensive at around £8, it is about 1/2 that of Kew Gardens and here as in most places in Sri Lanka, locals get in for a very reduced price.</p>
<p><img title="RBG Entrance.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PEfdT--TVF4/WLBuioeQtWI/AAAAAAAApuI/BP8N2dCsGiI/RBG%252520Entrance.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RBG Entrance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The gates look appropriately regal although entry is through a ticket booth to one side.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="RBG Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3G64c1zpz8/WLBuklRkXxI/AAAAAAAApuQ/Qk40UQTxDnk/RBG%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RBG Sign" width="157" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="RBG Map.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZRjigjQuBZo/WLBujpPF7MI/AAAAAAAApuM/OEPP2TYSsRw/RBG%252520Map.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RBG Map" width="279" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is laid out as one might expect with lots of specimen plants as well as plants specially planted in memory of an occasion.</p>
<p><img title="Pond.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K-r8KApPLiI/WLBuhmxfZcI/AAAAAAAApuE/9sxJ4Fx0ngg/Pond.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pond" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This pond is in front of the Orchid House </p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="Helicona Rostrata.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fw0F2tQW5wE/WLBuY09R43I/AAAAAAAApto/3RGAEgK_M0c/Helicona%252520Rostrata.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Helicona Rostrata" width="168" height="300" border="0" />and this plant was also growing outside of the Orchid House - Heliconia Rostrata or the Lobster Claw - a name which is obvious from its shape.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The orchid house was packed with prize specimens but also someone keeping a watchful eye to ensure that nothing disappeared.</p>
<p><img title="Orchid 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLHdqQpzpHI/WLBuc9MXp5I/AAAAAAAApt0/-p9xZVSdJdA/Orchid%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Orchid 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Orchid 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-36rCQ81BC1k/WLBueTFiUyI/AAAAAAAApt4/5d696Z7BvvQ/Orchid%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Orchid 2" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Orchid 3.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjK3-4rdX2E/WLBufdMbkXI/AAAAAAAApt8/3Sv4UTwXTQs/Orchid%2525203.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Orchid 3" width="399" height="252" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Orchid 4.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W6G2tNLDGP0/WLBugegvjDI/AAAAAAAApuA/34wXD-E4mUM/Orchid%2525204.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Orchid 4" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Although good, we thought that the display we had seen at Changi Airport last year was better.</p>
<p><img title="Orchid Welcome.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QmfvJi01RdU/WLGQ8X4MLOI/AAAAAAAApxU/v5ULp6Y31uo/Orchid%252520Welcome.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Orchid Welcome" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>As an aside, above is an orchid garland we were presented with at one of the hotels we checked into. </p>
<p>There was a Jack Fruit Tree growing nearby</p>
<p><img title="Jack Fruit Tree.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aTla0NK6gGk/WLBuaFIP4MI/AAAAAAAApts/iT3YwJj2oeg/Jack%252520Fruit%252520Tree.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Jack Fruit Tree" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Jack Fruit.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6lZ-WtkGmM/WLBubbogNWI/AAAAAAAAptw/UELDuy_7O30/Jack%252520Fruit.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Jack Fruit" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>with large examples of the fruit hanging on it almost ready for picking and eating.</p>
<p>There are also trees planted by famous people who have visited the garden including</p>
<p><img title="Queen Elizabeth's Tree.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iMNwS6AcvmQ/WLLuOwnHcdI/AAAAAAAAp24/7oCdfyVFjUs/Queen%252520Elizabeth%252527s%252520Tree.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Queen Elizabeth s Tree" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="QEs sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4YgVeVx2VQ/WLLuQsj-a6I/AAAAAAAAp28/Mk5bqqGPxM0/QEs%252520sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="QEs sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>which was planted by Queen Elizabeth in 1981. </p>
<p><img title="Giant Javan Fig Tree.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMtn8F6OBpE/WLC-Hs0hgnI/AAAAAAAApuo/ii0fl1Z2Vp8/Giant%252520Javan%252520Fig%252520Tree.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Giant Javan Fig Tree" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I could go on posting pictures of trees and plants for much longer but I will finish with the Giant Javan Fig Tree which was planted over 100 years ago - its foliage covers a ground area of over half an acre (or over 2400 square metres for the metric amongst us).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Glenloch Tea Plantation</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The other thing (apart from Cricket) which I have always associated with Ceylon (and I use the original name here because that is what it was called when I was a child) is Tea. I am not a tea drinker but that did not stop me making a visit to the Glenloch Tea Plantation factory on our way to Nuwara Eliya.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya rose almost continuously and was very winding. As we drove along, there was a steady increase in the number of small shacks by the roadside selling anything to anybody and it was obvious that those living here had a lower standard of living that those in the cities.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Roadside Stalls.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bg3xZ-lFOuw/WLC-I5Ti52I/AAAAAAAApus/MrAT1w199SU/Roadside%252520Stalls.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Roadside Stalls" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">These are typical of the huts we saw selling anything they could.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Soon the hillsides were covered with tea bushes </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Tea on Hills.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8axlLPsIq5I/WLGOGJ3EC0I/AAAAAAAApww/Uw91_5WQ00w/Tea%252520on%252520Hills.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea on Hills" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Tea Bushes.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nZn7XazeqdA/WLC-JwoSJ-I/AAAAAAAApuw/sjbN_JfelUg/Tea%252520Bushes.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea Bushes" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">although we were not to see anyone picking tea - what we really wanted to see was the image on this box of tea</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Dilmah Tea-a.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wYo1vWw6kH8/WLC-K6yUUaI/AAAAAAAApu0/yW6jZSRI6yw/Dilmah%252520Tea-a.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Dilmah Tea a" width="300" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="SriLanka_TeaHarvest.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rou_gKMsOlg/WLF3iLr3_qI/AAAAAAAApvU/uBo9Crwo1Pk/SriLanka_TeaHarvest.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="SriLanka TeaHarvest" width="399" height="265" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">or this - namely rows of tea pickers with sacks on their backs………….</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Having been picked, the tea is taken to a Factory</p>
<p><img title="Glenloch Tea Building.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5Vw7BMLZmg/WLF3nQX78PI/AAAAAAAApvk/ScOGYmwAwJc/Glenloch%252520Tea%252520Building.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Glenloch Tea Building" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>for processing. Our tea guide knew everything about tea and told us </p>
<p><img title="Tea Explainer.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhTtkGY5bXY/WLF3xFsAFUI/AAAAAAAApwI/NuN_LROS-E0/Tea%252520Explainer.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea Explainer" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>at a fast rate how the picked leaf was turned into the tea we buy.</p>
<p><img title="Tea from plantation.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gsGHpSiMhf8/WLF3rrhOHnI/AAAAAAAApv0/J94wKobEVYc/Tea%252520from%252520plantation.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea from plantation" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The leaves are spread out</p>
<p><img title="Withering Tray.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qijggsJm7_M/WLF3vMH_BUI/AAAAAAAApwA/WUNMB0_mSgU/Withering%252520Tray.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Withering Tray" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>on large trays through which warm air is blown</p>
<p><img title="Withering air blowers.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ofS320Tt34A/WLF3wBxdc2I/AAAAAAAApwE/S0Uo_fd69S4/Withering%252520air%252520blowers.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Withering air blowers" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>in order to</p>
<p><img title="Tea to be withered.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T5cJIdVFipQ/WLF3t76wuuI/AAAAAAAApv8/Xot6t6zWupk/Tea%252520to%252520be%252520withered.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea to be withered" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>wither it and thus reduce its moisture content. </p>
<p><img title="Tea Roller.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rT1NJbkab74/WLF3suz06BI/AAAAAAAApv4/jlkuyFgEmHA/Tea%252520Roller.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tea Roller" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>The withered tea is crushed</p>
<p><img title="Rolled Tea.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2lkNfvIxYo/WLF3qpw60oI/AAAAAAAApvw/F1PGMefIpTA/Rolled%252520Tea.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Rolled Tea" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and sifted into various grades of tea</p>
<p><img title="Rolled Tea different sizes.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LatcICwEAWA/WLF3pgo9UsI/AAAAAAAApvs/upQyA3vpyK4/Rolled%252520Tea%252520different%252520sizes.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Rolled Tea different sizes" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>then fermented to create a taste</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Fermenting Tea.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m0aFJqmtNRg/WLF3kGdhnhI/AAAAAAAApvc/9SMxNtuexRI/Fermenting%252520Tea.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fermenting Tea" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">dried</p>
<p><img title="Drying Tea.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9gO-DeZm6ik/WLF3jI89yRI/AAAAAAAApvY/DDKX-pdTfu8/Drying%252520Tea.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Drying Tea" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and becomes the final product.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> <img title="Finished Tea.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DdO_4LbyUQM/WLF3mbzHYKI/AAAAAAAApvg/oMwHy29pNpQ/Finished%252520Tea.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Finished Tea" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This tea factory takes in 1200kg of leaf tea each day and produces 450kg of tea from it - the bulk of the weight reduction being due to the drying process.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A brief guide to making tea is <a href="https://www.twinings.co.uk/about-tea/how-is-tea-made">here</a> and a more in depth guide is <a href="https://equalexchange.coop/products/tea/steps">here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Golden Flush.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3qhPC27opes/WLF3of5k90I/AAAAAAAApvo/bAfMzhvJgoU/Golden%252520Flush.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Golden Flush" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Unsurprisingly, Royal Tea was said to be the best (and the most expensive on sale) but we came away with some. The price of tea has been rising over the past few months and the web says that in February 2017, in bulk the average price was around £3.40 per kg - doing the maths shows that it is a very low wage industry.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Nuwara Eliya </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The road on to Newara Eliya goes within viewing distance of one of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls - the <a href="http://www.srilankatravelnotes.com/NUWARAELIYA/RAMBODAELLA/RambodaFalls.html">Ramboda Falls</a> which are the 11th highest in the country</p>
<p><img title="Ramboda Falls.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykoVUF6xkhI/WLGOIVUMZHI/AAAAAAAApw4/sVV6blKTPLc/Ramboda%252520Falls.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ramboda Falls" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Ramboda Falls-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PzAhs_F4-I8/WLGOJdLpshI/AAAAAAAApw8/nUnMRUZPJsw/Ramboda%252520Falls-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ramboda Falls 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">and it was doing what waterfalls do.</p>
<p><img title="Travellers near falls.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhm2t-Z6pnA/WLGOEUCBIPI/AAAAAAAApwo/KA4xmXotvPQ/Travellers%252520near%252520falls.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Travellers near falls" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We met two travellers there </p>
<p><img title="Ramboda Valley.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QImoB6xYqCE/WLGOHaw708I/AAAAAAAApw0/okT4iB7tPe0/Ramboda%252520Valley.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ramboda Valley" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>who were looking over the valley below the falls. </p>
<p>It is an interesting town that is unlike any other we have seen in Sri Lanka. It is at 6200 ft and originally was a hill country station because it is much cooler at that height. It seems to have a desire to still emulate the original colonial era and perhaps also how the motherland is seen now.</p>
<p><img title="House for sale.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eln6bdN-sQs/WLGOLc91VBI/AAAAAAAApxE/ybIfYa6FTo8/House%252520for%252520sale.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="House for sale" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was an advert for large totally un-Sri Lankan type houses in a local gated community. The website on the poster even talks about log fires. </p>
<p><img title="Post Office.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1v5VnGETkg/WLGOKVtM8RI/AAAAAAAApxA/Z7ICKMqRbTU/Post%252520Office.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Post Office" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is the post office in the town and it would not look out of place in Surrey.</p>
<p><img title="Hill Side House.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iN82Q7WUELg/WLGWmqbHN4I/AAAAAAAApxk/1HG4Y7SSke0/Hill%252520Side%252520House.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Hill Side House" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This hillside house would look perfectly at home an English hillside.</p>
<p><img title="Topiary.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tSLIMk_IPVA/WLGOFUNct9I/AAAAAAAApws/Hg6e9qwTWKo/Topiary.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Topiary" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This however would look a bit odd in England - a topiary elephant picture snatched quickly out of the window of our coach as we drove by. </p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-84099279665558226912017-02-03T16:17:00.000+00:002017-02-26T15:08:52.591+00:00Spice Gardens Matale: Day 3/5<p>By now exhaustion had set in and so today we did only one of the three activities on offer, namely a visit to a Spice Garden in Matale whilst on our way to Kandy. </p>
<p><img title="Ranweli Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8zRnDNKEPOw/WK8VLWsxtxI/AAAAAAAAprk/FEwS8K6HR0s/Ranweli%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ranweli Sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is a small spice garden with a variety of plants on show </p>
<p><img title="Spice Shop.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVhOTEOs0T8/WK8VPPoGobI/AAAAAAAAprw/euyFD5_y6Nc/Spice%252520Shop.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Spice Shop" width="398" height="223" border="0" /></p>
<p>and a shop selling spices and Ayurvedic Medicine Products.</p>
<p>Obviously all plants are not going to be productive all of the year and hence we </p>
<p><img title="AloVera.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Euxutk6XZP4/WK8VC7dBNEI/AAAAAAAAprE/pDxt7GXUAyU/AloVera.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="AloVera" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>only saw a few, including the Aloe Vera (which we saw often last Christmas on a Caribbean island) </p>
<p><img title="Cloves.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-voEd1eug63Q/WK8VE1zHtFI/AAAAAAAAprM/uG_rOx54KzE/Cloves.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Cloves" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove">Cloves</a>, which I was pleased to see because I learnt in my childhood to associate them with Sri Lanka.</p>
<p><img title="Cloves on a tree.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6hiDz9pk9oc/WLLvf1QkkCI/AAAAAAAAp3I/hh4Esa8WG3Q/Cloves%252520on%252520a%252520tree.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Cloves on a tree" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>In theory I took a picture of them growing on a tree here but it was totally out of focus so I have borrowed one from Wikipedia.</p>
<p><img title="Jackfruit.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JWr_Kd7esAE/WK8VGOOPG9I/AAAAAAAAprQ/yEA75Z9v3Z0/Jackfruit.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Jackfruit" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Vanilla.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6UxhUbAXgQA/WK8VQMcD60I/AAAAAAAApr0/yG19xoAaf7E/Vanilla.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Vanilla" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Jackfruit and Vanilla (no pods growing when we were there) </p>
<p><img title="Pepper Piper Nigrum.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0wGRQLIczSw/WK8VJIxoJQI/AAAAAAAAprc/4SWx-o3H7Yg/Pepper%252520Piper%252520Nigrum.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pepper Piper Nigrum" width="169" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Pineapple.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S9rwfoFXfB4/WK8VKMXe-zI/AAAAAAAAprg/CegwC63pkYc/Pineapple.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pineapple" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Pepper (never seen this before) and Pineapple </p>
<p><img title="Lecture.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JWBmltQzXxQ/WK8VHC8qRjI/AAAAAAAAprU/ZqNM0NiS7hM/Lecture.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Lecture" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> We were given a lecture on the various products</p>
<p><img title="Ayurvedic Medicine Products.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pgoGgsUgv0w/WK8VDzjLoNI/AAAAAAAAprI/VLAaXwMyicw/Ayurvedic%252520Medicine%252520Products.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ayurvedic Medicine Products" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>together with smellings </p>
<p><img title="Smelling.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePPG3CEg8NA/WK8VMfJgE_I/AAAAAAAApro/jsh7mVMbGHY/Smelling.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Smelling" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and then an opportunity to purchase </p>
<p><img title="Spice Shop-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7G66GSPtIsY/WK8VNxSpHUI/AAAAAAAAprs/5jG-brRPtxw/Spice%252520Shop-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Spice Shop 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>as many as you could afford or felt was worthwhile. </p>
<p><img title="Mango Lassi-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Ln1pQvU10s/WK8VH_5zBjI/AAAAAAAAprY/opjh4avaTBc/Mango%252520Lassi-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Mango Lassi 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This photograph is purely here for self indulgence and shows somebody enjoying a mango lassi.</p>
<p><img title="Grand Kandyan Hotel Clock.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2YP963a2Olc/WK8hLviHB5I/AAAAAAAApsU/SmWVM1-En_g/Grand%252520Kandyan%252520Hotel%252520Clock.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Grand Kandyan Hotel Clock" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We stayed the night at at hotel in Kandy which had in its foyer, the gaudiest clock (about 5ft tall) we have ever seen anywhere in the world.</p>
<p><img title="View from Hotel.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1hQbVqdB3w/WK8VRJxEa7I/AAAAAAAApr4/UTiTbfASWLw/View%252520from%252520Hotel.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="View from Hotel" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was the view from the hotel as the sun set</p>
<p><img title="Kandy Town.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxOGTn65NPQ/WK8hMtGDJuI/AAAAAAAApsY/nts1fk5gpeM/Kandy%252520Town.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Kandy Town" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this was that in a different direction in the morning - Sri Lanka really is a very beautiful country. </p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-91287839960086127092017-02-02T14:32:00.000+00:002017-02-26T14:51:36.435+00:00Sigiriya, Polonnaruva: Day 2/5<p><strong>Jetwing Lake Hotel Dambulla</strong></p>
<p>Worthy of mention here is this hotel which we stayed at for two nights. Unfortunately because we were out each day, we did not get any opportunities to sample its facilities but there is no doubt they are very good.</p>
<p><img title="Jetwing Dambulla.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85ThMr5J0H4/WK26UtbAPcI/AAAAAAAAplc/bPzIyaU0fzg/Jetwing%252520Dambulla.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Jetwing Dambulla" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This was the view from our room of the hotel grounds (the swimming pool is a constant 4ft deep)</p>
<p><img title="View from bath.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZvdGU2fGjVo/WK26Vjg_SDI/AAAAAAAAplg/zJAl10JBqpQ/View%252520from%252520bath.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="View from bath" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this was the view from the bath(room) at dawn.</p>
<p><strong>Sigiriya</strong></p>
<p><img title="Sigiriya Map.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZ68sceJwEs/WK4PvnSzdpI/AAAAAAAApnk/IPKA-VDq0x8/Sigiriya%252520Map.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriya Map" width="384" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) is probably the most visited of all of the tourist sites in Sri Lanka. It is</p>
<ul>
<li>a 200 metre high piece of rock on the top of which was built a fortress,</li>
<li>its sides were decorated with frescos,</li>
<li>on a plateau halfway up a large lion shaped gateway was built and</li>
<li>a town with extensive water features was built around the base.</li>
</ul>
<p>The city has a rather blood thirsty origin and history which can be read <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigiriya">here</a>. Quite a good web-site about the rock can be found <a href="http://seelanka.net/sigiriya/">here</a>.</p>
<p>Whilst most of the original features are now in ruins or simply do not exist anymore, it is possible to see the general outline of the town at the base of the rock, climb the rock to the top and see some of the frescos on the way.</p>
<p><img title="Sigiriya A Side.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AJxJbY13nHM/WK4PryJ6NMI/AAAAAAAApnY/5FwlZdSn63Q/Sigiriya%252520A%252520Side.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriya A Side" width="398" height="127" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Sigiriya B Side.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JAkvTujYB0E/WK4PtBsMUTI/AAAAAAAApnc/oanroVcLxcg/Sigiriya%252520B%252520Side.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriya B Side" width="399" height="127" border="0" /></p>
<p>The tickets to get in are quite expensive to buy (around £24) and they are a work of art in themselves. They have to be represented at various points in order to gain admission to the next part - hence the three numbered tags on the ticket.</p>
<p><img title="Ticket Office-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8DWLjNlwCpk/WK4P6KQ9WvI/AAAAAAAApoE/-tUj8g81w_I/Ticket%252520Office-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ticket Office 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>At the entrance is the largest set of “do nots” and warnings I have ever seen </p>
<p><img title="Instructions for the tourist.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4OG_xb-336M/WK4QCvwyePI/AAAAAAAApoc/46CRwRMHk34/Instructions%252520for%252520the%252520tourist.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Instructions for the tourist" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>at any place we have been to. I am not sure anyone could remember them all and would in fact, be puzzled by some of them. The reason for the pair of handcuffs image will become apparent in due course. </p>
<p><img title="No Drones.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SD3wL0g7MpE/WK4PlYqA-QI/AAAAAAAApnI/FkOl1-CSkJg/No%252520Drones.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="No Drones" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Eventually, this “no drones” sign will no doubt appear as a formal symbol in the larger set of warnings.</p>
<p><img title="Inner Moat.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uuRz2BzR0hM/WK4PeQ1GxzI/AAAAAAAApm4/LsCZKJbdTVY/Inner%252520Moat.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Inner Moat" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>As a part of the defences of the city, there are two moats - this is the inner moat which was said to have been inhabited by crocodiles back in the days when the city was thriving. </p>
<p><img title="Miniature Water Garden.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EF9rPFsPkxc/WK4PgLJHBMI/AAAAAAAApm8/pu2imxnvc2g/Miniature%252520Water%252520Garden.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Miniature Water Garden" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Most of the cooling water gardens are now only showing their excavated foundations</p>
<p><img title="Water Garden.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fmYdCcnQkA/WK4P_Pz1AfI/AAAAAAAApoQ/g3sa6OCbEFk/Water%252520Garden.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Water Garden" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>but a few ponds still exist. It is said that the fountains within the gardens were fed from a large reservoir on the top of the rock and when the city was built, the rainy season lasted 9 months thus ensuring there was an adequate water supply. </p>
<p><img title="Sigiriya from the ancient city.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hTOf0C6BPsI/WK4PuYfzcbI/AAAAAAAApng/UxrPnTgBjuQ/Sigiriya%252520from%252520the%252520ancient%252520city.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriya from the ancient city" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>As we walked into the city, the enormity of the rock up which we intended to climb at least half way became apparent. It is around 1400 steps to the very top and about 700 to the Lion Plateau which was our goal.</p>
<p><img title="Sigiriyia Close Up.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FmmL3Me9vzs/WK4PwsP-kqI/AAAAAAAApns/NvZeeb5COSQ/Sigiriyia%252520Close%252520Up.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriyia Close Up" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>Steps and more steps</p>
<p><img title="Stairs.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1i5zR-7FUTw/WK4P1D_VIkI/AAAAAAAApn4/t-ABLp4mU28/Stairs.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stairs" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Stairs-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-irS0agnkDJY/WK4Pzj4RhJI/AAAAAAAApn0/nJ-hxJQfTCM/Stairs-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stairs 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>became all that we could see and we soon stopped counting. </p>
<p><img title="Bridge to Frescos.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNJuw5fGd7o/WK4PbdyPndI/AAAAAAAApmw/-hRbu8PYMug/Bridge%252520to%252520Frescos.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Bridge to Frescos" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>To get to the frescos and the top of the rock you have to walk across a walkway</p>
<p><img title="Walkway.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDAsfUbBaI4/WK6-ndAe1GI/AAAAAAAAppA/7kBQpeebNWw/Walkway.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Walkway" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>which was built to replace the original steps and path cut into the rock face. </p>
<p><img title="Spiral Staircase.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNwJT3IK5zI/WK4QBCeBkII/AAAAAAAApoU/kLMOs5HpIcg/Spiral%252520Staircase.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Spiral Staircase" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>To get to the remaining frescoes which are in a cave in the rock face, you have to go up (and down) a spiral staircase. There is now a “no photographing the frescos” rule which is very fiercely enforced by staff within the cave. Whilst we were there, a tourist ignored the rule and was being interrogated and having her details written down as we left the cave. Our guide said that at best she would have her camera confiscated and receive a heavy fine. Apparently Sri Lankan law includes the death penalty for defacing ancient relics.</p>
<p>These pictures of some of the very beautiful frescos are borrowed from the Wikipedia website and hence I have not broken any rules in including them here as an aide memoire for our visit.</p>
<p><img title="Sigiriya,_Wolkenmädchen_3.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CBCf0TfOv14/WK6-oWCD8UI/AAAAAAAAppE/d9hSbIxNlf8/Sigiriya%25252C_Wolkenm%2525C3%2525A4dchen_3.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiriya Wolkenmädchen 3" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Sigiri_Frescos-2.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VA6luwKLwOU/WK6-pZsNCWI/AAAAAAAAppI/CZjA2XsEgZo/Sigiri_Frescos-2.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Sigiri Frescos 2" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="fresco1.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IU4vPGO4G-A/WK6-qA0Do2I/AAAAAAAAppM/QPyOslkxVjw/fresco1.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco1" width="398" height="263" border="0" /></p>
<p>They are very beautiful and well worth the climb.</p>
<p>The Mirror Wall is another of the attractions on the cliff face.</p>
<p><img title="Mirror Wall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGdSKlGyFnU/WK4PkaCCGHI/AAAAAAAApnE/JYqDBB73s_s/Mirror%252520Wall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Mirror Wall" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Originally this was a polished wall (see <a href="http://seelanka.net/sigiriya/sigiriya-mirror-wall.html">here</a> for details) and far more of it existed than remains today. Examples of the notches originally carved into the rock to support the wall (referred to in the hyperlink above) can be seen throughout the site</p>
<p><img title="Notches in Rock.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IrjHOQ1sUi0/WK7SR_PJIoI/AAAAAAAAppc/On3i9cuW2tw/Notches%252520in%252520Rock.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Notches in Rock" width="213" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>such as in this rock in the gardens down below which had some form of structure built on to it.</p>
<p><img title="Mirror Wall Writing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWZsbqA-6fg/WK4PjFKTCMI/AAAAAAAApnA/CkWyRevXjLg/Mirror%252520Wall%252520Writing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Mirror Wall Writing" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>The mirror wall has a lot of ancient graffiti written on it and more can be found out about it <a href="http://seelanka.net/sigiriya/sigiriya-graffiti.html">here</a>.</p>
<p><img title="The old city from Sigiriya.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55ZKZbGcgbI/WK4P3quRV7I/AAAAAAAApoA/wlCCI5J-oqg/The%252520old%252520city%252520from%252520Sigiriya.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="The old city from Sigiriya" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Eventually we reached the Lion Plateau where the view of the countryside below was quite superb. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Two travellers.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q9XEwg6lUT4/WK4P8QFj6QI/AAAAAAAApoI/uQ0Qq5_PJjY/Two%252520travellers.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Two travellers" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">There were two travellers standing by one of the lions claws</p>
<p><img title="Stairs from Lion.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tAWfcUVF9Y/WK4PxxXIidI/AAAAAAAApnw/1gbkAv_klkQ/Stairs%252520from%252520Lion.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stairs from Lion" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Walkway on face of Sigiriya.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SqDVe7lijJg/WK4P9-NGeMI/AAAAAAAApoM/r13_cxIlJhE/Walkway%252520on%252520face%252520of%252520Sigiriya.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Walkway on face of Sigiriya" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and they told us that they were not going to climb the next 700 steps to the very top of the rock but were going to make their way down along narrow paths such as the above right, carved into the rock face.</p>
<p><img title="Defensive Rock.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4r0D6Z0ntLw/WK4Pcv70EfI/AAAAAAAApm0/70zD_UhOjpk/Defensive%252520Rock.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Defensive Rock" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>On the way down, we saw an very good example of how the original inhabitants intended to defend themselves when they were attacked.</p>
<p><img title="Closeup Sliding Rock.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_U-hiQuq6dI/WK7SToT5Z7I/AAAAAAAAppg/hecQD4OYpUg/Closeup%252520Sliding%252520Rock.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Closeup Sliding Rock" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This rock is stopped from sliding / falling over the edge of the cliff by the rock piles holding it up. In a time of attack some rather unlucky slaves would be sent under the rock to hack away at the piles. When they collapsed, the larger rock would fall down over the edge crushing anyone below.</p>
<p>Sigiryia is a superb place to visit. We were lucky in that on the day we went there, the sun was hidden behinds the clouds. We would not have wanted to climb to the top on a hot sunny day.</p>
<p><strong>Polonnaruva</strong></p>
<p>Around 60 kms southeast is the ancient city of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polonnaruwa">Polonnaruva</a> which became the second capital of Sri Lanka about 1000 years ago. Information can be found <a href="https://nerdnomads.com/ancient-city-polonnaruwa-sri-lanka">here</a> (scroll down a bit when the link opens). It is spread over a very large site and hence we only saw a few choice items.</p>
<p><img title="Possibly King Parakramabahu.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4OS7nPfzDC4/WK8JdhmPRcI/AAAAAAAApp0/CtIESe4sdig/Possibly%252520King%252520Parakramabahu.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Possibly King Parakramabahu" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is possibly King Parakramabahu although others think it is a Sage of the period.</p>
<p><img title="Possibly King Parakramabahu-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdB8dlwav6Y/WK8JevNDYHI/AAAAAAAApp4/dsP5ca4SPIc/Possibly%252520King%252520Parakramabahu-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Possibly King Parakramabahu 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>No matter who is correct, it is a very nice statue, beautifully carved and exudes a feeling of power. </p>
<p><img title="Royal Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yf9SGg_MVAY/WK4PpY286qI/AAAAAAAApnQ/fCdRyBFlLb4/Royal%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Royal Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Some distance away is the Royal Hall which apart from its obviously absent roof, remains standing in good condition. It reminded us of a much larger version we had seen at Persepolis in Iran many, many years ago. </p>
<p><img title="Royal Council Chamber Details.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BTUFfXYUmZc/WK8JfsX8UbI/AAAAAAAApp8/-nXZK8lKGVs/Royal%252520Council%252520Chamber%252520Details.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Royal Council Chamber Details" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> These lions are carved into the second level freeze around the base</p>
<p><img title="Walking Elephants.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfjnG3qBsyk/WK8JmP2OH8I/AAAAAAAApqU/42yQdKGpJx8/Walking%252520Elephants.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Walking Elephants" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and these elephants form the first level freeze - everyone is different and they have been carved to look as if they are walking in a long line, one after the other. </p>
<p><img title="Stairs into Council Chamber.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrPrwEJT6uk/WK8Jk58sLbI/AAAAAAAApqQ/zE8xNFDIQKU/Stairs%252520into%252520Council%252520Chamber.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stairs into Council Chamber" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is quite easy to imagine making a grand entrance into the Royal Hall by going up these stairs,</p>
<p><img title="Stairs Detail.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9DmwvDLmPU/WK8Jj8c-NwI/AAAAAAAApqM/H6sev8A17oM/Stairs%252520Detail.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stairs Detail" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>the sides of which have been carved to represent Dragons. </p>
<p><img title="Royal Pond.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCnR66KYdWQ/WK8JiwJ9z1I/AAAAAAAApqI/AcfX_PcmuSk/Royal%252520Pond.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Royal Pond" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This pond is the Royal Pond and would have been a grand affair its day.</p>
<p><img title="Royal Palace.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mYptYzYQkVI/WK8Jgk5dugI/AAAAAAAApqA/V1E_HqUvTec/Royal%252520Palace.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Royal Palace" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This may look a bit like a pile of bricks but actually it is a lot more. It is part of the remains of the Royal Palace</p>
<p><img title="Royal Palace-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIHWw2-3-Ps/WK8JhqFRzUI/AAAAAAAApqE/-Bi7V66tevk/Royal%252520Palace-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Royal Palace 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>but significantly it is built out of sun baked bricks with mortar holding the bricks together. From an archeological and structural point of view, back when this was constructed, building something at least three stories tall out of bricks and mortar would just not work because it would collapse under its own weight. Hence the equivalent of a girder structure was embedded within the building with tree trunks. The vertical places for the trunks are quite obvious here and the large holes were where the horizontal trunks were embedded. Thank-you Andante for teaching me this on one of our archaeological expeditions with you.</p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Vihara">Gal Vihara Statues</a></p>
<p>Nearby at Gal Vihara, are four Buddhas carved out of the rock landscape. Because they were entirely buried under soil until 1820, their condition is almost as new, albeit that they have lost their original painted colours.</p>
<p><img title="Standing Statue.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S24659AAEYc/WK4P2baZVRI/AAAAAAAApn8/fhyWUJzPnrA/Standing%252520Statue.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Standing Statue" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Above is either a Standing Buddha or possibly the monk Ananda (archaeologist argue about this),</p>
<p><img title="Sitting Buddha.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsRFzGNH7Jo/WK8JnN0zjvI/AAAAAAAApqY/OMRTVx2t1W0/Sitting%252520Buddha.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sitting Buddha" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this is the Sitting Buddha,</p>
<p><img title="Sitting Buddha Head.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3eN-GLvxyA/WK8JpS99NtI/AAAAAAAApqg/kx2cVgPImSM/Sitting%252520Buddha%252520Head.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Sitting Buddha Head" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>close up it is possible to see how superb the craftsmanship is. </p>
<p><img title="Serene Buddha.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CToJA6rhoCw/WK4PqpMhVAI/AAAAAAAApnU/qLvI8NEHBzA/Serene%252520Buddha.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Serene Buddha" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is known as the Serene Buddha and is one of the most beautiful pieces of carving</p>
<p><img title="Recumbent Buddha.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gVav23NC1Wg/WK4PodWrVPI/AAAAAAAApnM/8I4rdxmYyzg/Recumbent%252520Buddha.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Recumbent Buddha" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>we have seen in Sri Lanka. </p>
<p><img title="Vidyhadhara Guha.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hkp9JGAG6cE/WK8JoQfN8wI/AAAAAAAApqc/QWNH1tiCBC4/Vidyhadhara%252520Guha.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Vidyhadhara Guha" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Finally within a temple, is the statue of Vidyhadhara Guha. </p>
<p>Apart from the site museum which we thought was quite poor in explaining the site and also for no good reason, had a ’no photographs” rule, there was far more to see here than we had either the time or the energy to invest.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-19148561911487611892017-02-01T06:18:00.000+00:002017-02-26T14:49:27.221+00:00Colombo, Elephant Orphanage, Dambulla Cave Temple: Day 1/5<p>After the NID, a group of us set off on what turned out to be a rather too rapid tour of Sri Lanka.</p>
<p><img title="Sri Lanka.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlrBfzMpIWU/WKwhmcaQNVI/AAAAAAAApho/U5WoX88AWdU/Sri%252520Lanka.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Sri Lanka" width="279" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We have never been to Sri Lanka before and knew very little about the country other than that it is a Democratic Socialist republic of 21+ million people, about 1/4 the size of the UK, it is the 25 largest island in the world and that they are fearsomely good at cricket. What I also did not know is that the capital of Sri Lanka is <strong><em>NOT</em></strong> Colombo, it is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte which is in a suburb of Colombo.</p>
<p><strong>Colombo briefly</strong></p>
<p>Getting there was both easy and a pleasure because Sri Lanka Airways were very good. Due to the airport runway being closed during every daytime for repairs, our Sri Lanka Airways plane had to arrive in the early evening and hence we arrived at our hotel very late and we do not count that day as one spent in Sri Lanka. Similarly we do not count our last day because the whole day was spent in a coach driving to the airport.</p>
<p><img title="Military Parade.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYkDO0xs2BA/WKwhRS7lGdI/AAAAAAAApgs/FWi3bmxqYuQ/Military%252520Parade.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Military Parade" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>When we arrived at our hotel, in front of it were a lot of army vehicles - it was Sri Lanka Day on the coming Saturday and the army were rehearsing their parade techniques. However, this also seemed to require them to keep heavy lorry engines running most of the night in front of our bedroom window. Thankfully, fatigue won over noise.</p>
<p>We had a very brief drive aroundColombo the next morning. Having come direct from northern India, we were comparing everything to what we had recently experienced there.</p>
<p><img title="Grand Hyatt Columbo.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z8DkjjaRPOY/WKwhWvvQddI/AAAAAAAAphA/8PD8JM_IE_Y/Grand%252520Hyatt%252520Columbo.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Grand Hyatt Columbo" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is the Grand Hyatt Hotel and was until recently, the tallest building in Sri Lanka. Generalizing about Colombo, we would say that it is cleaner than northern Indian cities and the road traffic is more orderly. Those in our group who had been to southern India said that it was very similar and that of course would not be surprising.</p>
<p><img title="Buddha in Viharamahadevi Park.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lLC1nXuSoI/WKwhS2TRuxI/AAAAAAAApgw/0cSFcfOEP9s/Buddha%252520in%252520Viharamahadevi%252520Park.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Buddha in Viharamahadevi Park" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Above is the Buddha in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viharamahadevi_Park">Viharamahadevi Park</a> (which used to be called Victoria Park)</p>
<p><img title="Independance Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyD9D6WyGBE/WKwhXl177oI/AAAAAAAAphE/VJH0BI3ve8o/Independance%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Independance Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is Independence Hall, built in 1948 to celebrate independence from the British.</p>
<p><img title="Independance Hall Colombo.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sumuj--Ge_k/WKwhYl3iuBI/AAAAAAAAphI/X-psGK-xX3o/Independance%252520Hall%252520Colombo.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Independance Hall Colombo" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is a striking building both outside</p>
<p><img title="Pat Independance Memorial Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFMhH4M7WXA/WKwhnf9GAYI/AAAAAAAAphs/j9Sl9YCIkk8/Pat%252520Independance%252520Memorial%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat Independance Memorial Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and inside and is modelled on a hall in Kandy.</p>
<p><img title="Lions at Independance Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VXLdNY1xt4M/WKwhZpawqLI/AAAAAAAAphM/im7Pm4RBb0o/Lions%252520at%252520Independance%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Lions at Independance Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is surrounded by lions (one of the national symbols of Sri Lanka although there never have been lions in the country) </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Detail Independance Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnW4gVRxmiQ/WKwhUkb0NCI/AAAAAAAApg4/erdbc3paW4I/Elephant%252520Detail%252520Independance%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Detail Independance Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and has delicate freezes throughout </p>
<p><img title="Freeze Detail Independance Hall.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrUaZNgrrH4/WKwhVksOi-I/AAAAAAAApg8/PgmaLbmihCA/Freeze%252520Detail%252520Independance%252520Hall.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Freeze Detail Independance Hall" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>together with wood carvings from the 14th century Gampola Kingdom.</p>
<p><img title="Western Province Secretariat Offices.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dn43Izp7rbU/WKwhjmiV0NI/AAAAAAAAphg/g4-Wp3819jw/Western%252520Province%252520Secretariat%252520Offices.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Western Province Secretariat Offices" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Other buildings nearby show British influence from the time when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. This building is the “Western Province Secretariat Offices” (think of it as regional government offices).</p>
<p><img title="Railway Station.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rS4-kXKmy5s/WKwhckhjYuI/AAAAAAAAphY/orj8Vq8FAqs/Railway%252520Station.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Railway Station" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The British built a large number of railways throughout the country and I have included this badly taken picture (as we were going over a level crossing) simply because I like the station</p>
<p><img title="Railway Colombo.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wsHo9GQfshQ/WKwhblK37zI/AAAAAAAAphU/eWQ-XmaGl7U/Railway%252520Colombo.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Railway Colombo" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this one because the carriages look like they were still in the days of British rule,</p>
<p><img title="Train Engine.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0cHO8f2NKfE/WK8TwPurd_I/AAAAAAAApq4/CzyJSEStbOQ/Train%252520Engine.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Train Engine" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this one because the little one can see of the train says that it is a diesel from the same family as Thomas the Tank Engine. </p>
<p><img title="Postbox George VI-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smgWsyvsK4Q/WKwhahKajwI/AAAAAAAAphQ/9qK9s67py9M/Postbox%252520George%252520VI-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Postbox George VI 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Another Letter Box.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tljg_0-3LbA/WKwhofpAPJI/AAAAAAAAphw/GUXELUmfaBo/Another%252520Letter%252520Box.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Another Letter Box" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>As in many ex colonies, there are remnants of British rule everywhere. This George VI letterbox on the left has the royal insignia still showing and another one on the right is obviously exactly the same although the insignia has been hidden behind a plaque.</p>
<p><img title="Posting Card Home.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBMIoZEfwJA/WK8h3m0umJI/AAAAAAAApsc/8aQ876tO5R0/Posting%252520Card%252520Home.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Posting Card Home" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>As always, postcards were sent home. Two things particularly impressed us about the postal services - firstly the number of collections a day (here 8 in the afternoon with the last collection at 2030) and secondly how cheap it was. It cost us about 14p to send a postcard airmail to the UK and it arrived one week after posting.</p>
<p><img title="Clean Roads.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AmWjAvxMCfQ/WKwhTr5zg2I/AAAAAAAApg0/XK8tSSraMSk/Clean%252520Roads.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Clean Roads" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Also we were surprised at how clean the roads were and also the lack of potholes.</p>
<p><img title="Tuk-Tuk.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbgfVteY-Y4/WKwhe5h6lZI/AAAAAAAAphc/GjfGH5Tsabk/Tuk-Tuk.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Tuk Tuk" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Tuk-Tuks abound and they were generally in very good condition when compared to their Indian counterparts.</p>
<p>We suspected that Colombo had much more to offer than we saw during our very (too) brief tour.</p>
<p><a href="http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage/"><strong>Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala</strong></a></p>
<p><img title="Elephant Orphanage Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YozQRQtZjMw/WKwhkVTOz_I/AAAAAAAAphk/TUNZ6yaWKXA/Elephant%252520Orphanage%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Orphanage Sign" width="169" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>About three hours driving from Colombo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country - the elephant orphanage which is a part of the National Zoo. By the time we arrived, a number of the elephants had walked down to the Oya River partly for a drink but mainly (so it seemed to us) to have a bath in the river and a back scrub.</p>
<p>On the way down to the river, elephants do what elephants do</p>
<p><img title="Elephant Dung.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZJkOHQ5T1bQ/WKxtvezv-MI/AAAAAAAApiI/qC67sgDTD_Y/Elephant%252520Dung.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Dung" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>and so this picture will answer the question “How large in an elephant turd?” Their output is turned into expensive paper</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img style="float: left;" title="Poo Paper sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiVnHPUUAUU/WKxtwopw86I/AAAAAAAApiM/5D-0aYXbKBc/Poo%252520Paper%252520sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Poo Paper sign" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Paper Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nDadMf4mqLQ/WKxtxkFLQaI/AAAAAAAApiQ/pM4Ppv63Jew/Paper%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Paper Sign" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>which I suppose has a uniqueness worth the price.</p>
<p><img title="Elephants in river-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6d9s9aKedac/WKxt11iat-I/AAAAAAAApig/2UmhlFBsL1I/Elephants%252520in%252520river-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants in river 001" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>There is a hotel / restaurant just in front of the elephants bathing place</p>
<p><img title="elephants in river-002.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kcMd1sahDfc/WKxt29mUfeI/AAAAAAAApik/9GJYcqnBuDM/elephants%252520in%252520river-002.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants in river 002" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and so whilst we had lunch, the elephants kept us entertained in the river below.</p>
<p><img title="Elephants in river.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-89M6DGJZbeU/WKxt34xHDvI/AAAAAAAApio/SxgY9JJrE-8/Elephants%252520in%252520river.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants in river" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>It was interesting to see how the elephants were obviously enjoying being sprayed with water </p>
<p><img title="Elephant Bath 0.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5L0XOrbn5vQ/WKxty-FNozI/AAAAAAAApiU/hJWzDsw9JTk/Elephant%252520Bath%2525200.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Bath 0" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and willingly lying down in the river</p>
<p><img title="Elephant Bath 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--KqDl5kh9S4/WKxt0yWD5lI/AAAAAAAApic/rXRZxZzTOhw/Elephant%252520Bath%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant Bath 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>to be scrubbed </p>
<p><img title="Elephant bath 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jqiGPHQf348/WKxtzw8apMI/AAAAAAAApiY/Vbodlo6cW3I/Elephant%252520bath%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephant bath 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>by their keeper. </p>
<p><img title="Elephants on Parade.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-86kOUjPl0fE/WKxt5qBIOGI/AAAAAAAApiw/TTZQNtepndA/Elephants%252520on%252520Parade.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants on Parade" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Afterwards they went back up the hill to a place where for 250 Sri Lankan Rupees (about £1.50 or $3 US) </p>
<p><img title="Fruit Feeding Ticket.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oW1vutiAFFg/WKxt437sFeI/AAAAAAAApis/eUSvNA2BRgM/Fruit%252520Feeding%252520Ticket.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fruit Feeding Ticket" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>you could buy a large basket of fruit pieces and feed the lucky elephant of the day. </p>
<p><img title="Pat feeds an elephant.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AesXYieq6lg/WKxt6hCXk9I/AAAAAAAApi0/ArkSFIOAk4E/Pat%252520feeds%252520an%252520elephant.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat feeds an elephant" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Here Mrs Harvey is making close contact with her elephant </p>
<p><img title="Pat feeds elephant.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxI48t7VrdI/WKyQoyVA38I/AAAAAAAApjg/WxVFZX1mpeI/Pat%252520feeds%252520elephant.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat feeds elephant" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>which seems to have got the knack of taking food from an inexperienced feeder</p>
<p><img title="Elephants Tongue.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xbCPefyXTE/WKyQl-31A7I/AAAAAAAApjU/YAr-M9ysihE/Elephants%252520Tongue.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Elephants Tongue" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Pat and Elephant.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZbg3GgoIQw/WKyQoNEyi3I/AAAAAAAApjc/8iZHs9fTQUM/Pat%252520and%252520Elephant.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat and Elephant" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>using its rather large tongue (described by the feeder as “Soft and Squishy”) without any problems. </p>
<p><img title="Feeding time.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M_vZwpJHq8A/WKyQm34aSxI/AAAAAAAApjY/X3TnI7tFbuA/Feeding%252520time.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Feeding time" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The younger elephants are not left out and there is a feeding arena to which they ran as soon as the keepers arrived in order to consume some of the 28 litres of milk which they drank every day for their first five years (51,100 litres approximately). We have never seen a litre of anything disappear down a throat so fast.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.srilankaview.com/dambulla_temple.htm"><strong>Dambulla Cave Temple</strong></a></p>
<p>The hyperlink above has a very good description of the temple, the caves and how to get there - far better than my account.</p>
<p>One recurring theme of this trip was to be Temples and another was that their commissioners / designers / constructors seemed to have decided, in the same way as in Europe, to build temples on the highest piece of rock around.</p>
<p>Drambulla Cave Temple is one such temple built 160 metres above the surrounding plain. The web reports that there are 364 steps to get there plus a number of long slopes - we did not count but 364 certainly seems a good starting point.</p>
<p>This has been borrowed from <a href="http://www.srilanka.travel/heritage_discover_the_past?article=32">this</a> website</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><em>Dating back to the First Century BC, the Golden Temple of Dambulla has been the centre of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike for 22 centuries. It is Sri Lanka’s most popular historic site. The Cave monastery, home to Buddhist monks is covered with exquisite 2,000 year-old murals depicting the life and times of the Lord Buddha. The shrines also house a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in various sizes and poses, including a 15 metre long reclining Buddha and vividly coloured frescoes on the walls and ceiling, making this the largest antique painted surface in the world.</em></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><em>To reach Dambulla’s rock temples, pilgrims and tourists alike must climb barefoot up the sloping ground and several series of stairs almost to the summit, 100 metres above the plain. From here, the strikingly distinctive rock fortress of Sigirya is visible, but the five caves or shrine rooms of Dambulla lie just ahead. All of these house multiple images of the Lord Buddha, either lying, standing or seated. The astonishing frescoes and the sheer size and antiquity of the caves convinced UNESCO that Dambulla should be preserved as a World Heritage Site.</em></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><em>The largest and most impressive of the caves, the Temple of the Great King, is 52 metres from one side to another, and 23 metres from the entrance to the back, with the sloping ceiling seven metres at its highest point. The entire surface of the cave is a mosaic of frescoes with so many themes and styles that it is easy to be overwhelmed.The paintings at Dambulla are representative of many different epochs of Sinhalese Buddhist art, although the classical school of Sinhalese painting (which ceased at the end of the 12th century) is not represented. The so-called New School supposedly influenced by the contemporary South Indian Deccan School — is less successful than the earlier indigenous art forms, using brilliant colour schemes with red and yellow predominating. It is not possible to date the Dambulla paintings precisely, since they have been over-painted throughout the centuries. Some, however, were originally done by Kandyan artists during the 17th century. </em></p>
<p>At the base of the hill upon which the cave temple has been built is another temple </p>
<p><img title="Temple at foot of Drambulla.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B9t8FrDmSx0/WK2WnG6q9VI/AAAAAAAApkQ/No3irTgAgtU/Temple%252520at%252520foot%252520of%252520Drambulla.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Temple at foot of Drambulla" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Stupa.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73buZFucEqw/WK2WmOgOjTI/AAAAAAAApkM/kUzB_-_qCyw/Stupa.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Stupa" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>together with a large Stupa </p>
<p><img title="Monk Statues.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oUzqOjXWnE/WK2Wk1DDCvI/AAAAAAAApkI/uiotb9iEPM4/Monk%252520Statues.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Monk Statues" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and also a long line of statue monks, something we were to see at other temples. </p>
<p><img title="Drambulla Caves.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omY_C0DjNl4/WK2Wi11_ebI/AAAAAAAApkE/e7aIgszldGo/Drambulla%252520Caves.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Drambulla Caves" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>When you eventually get to the top of the hill, have handed in your shoes and walked through the entrance gate, this is what awaits you. The entrances to the caves are within the white veranda.</p>
<p><img title="Cave inside views small.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q9WABRXEZdU/WK2Wpaf_udI/AAAAAAAApkY/vcVMQUS7S48/Cave%252520inside%252520views%252520small.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Cave inside views small" width="399" height="254" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this is the plan of the temple caves.</p>
<p><img title="Fresco 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IM6oQJvlFhY/WK2WqdFcntI/AAAAAAAApkc/DbUOTSlNAW4/Fresco%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Within the caves, the state of preservation and the detail within the frescos </p>
<p><img title="Fresco 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_rKc_Dk8hhA/WK2Wroml4NI/AAAAAAAApkg/BDwrAsyioHE/Fresco%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>is quite astonishing and makes the climb well worth while.</p>
<p><img title="Fresco 3.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQN7brpF6Rw/WK2WsbxG6tI/AAAAAAAApkk/y-eSxgJw63I/Fresco%2525203.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 3" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This is on the ceiling of a cave.</p>
<p><img title="Fresco 4.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bs-5WmAxh8A/WK2WttMfQyI/AAAAAAAApko/DZqiLduIncA/Fresco%2525204.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 4" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>this buddha seems to have been carved out of the rock wall within the cave, </p>
<p><img title="Fresco 5.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ek0joBm04iw/WK2WuoGfv7I/AAAAAAAApks/IBaXmwi4B3U/Fresco%2525205.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 5" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and there are over 50 Buddhas within one of the caves, all arranged in line. </p>
<p><img title="Fresco 6.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vT1EEXGlNVQ/WK2WvvKEPTI/AAAAAAAApkw/LjQqqie3L8M/Fresco%2525206.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 6" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>This shows the size of one of the larger caves </p>
<p><img title="Fresco 7.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2NQoPE-9sgo/WK2Ww86KpRI/AAAAAAAApk0/mArK1_wO9V0/Fresco%2525207.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 7" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Fresco 8.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slAAqUmdnNM/WK2Wx3tXMYI/AAAAAAAApk4/6POCbBkcpv8/Fresco%2525208.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fresco 8" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and here we have some fine detail of two of the carvings.</p>
<p>As well as the caves, there is of course the view over the countryside below </p>
<p><img title="View from summit Drambulla.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQQenSy3Uwk/WK2WoeRpEqI/AAAAAAAApkU/mTLzfzNixsY/View%252520from%252520summit%252520Drambulla.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="View from summit Drambulla" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and this is what we saw towards the end of the day. </p>
<p>The route today was</p>
<p><img title="Day Two Route.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5t9fuiCWjOk/WK2Z8i1vRjI/AAAAAAAAplM/4tDPbxeCsgU/Day%252520Two%252520Route.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Day Two Route" width="366" height="300" border="0" /></p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-60092120721747584922017-01-30T23:44:00.000+00:002017-02-20T16:54:21.920+00:00Thoughts on vaccinating in Bhiwadi<p>This was the fifth time we have been to India to vaccinate and every place we have been to has been different.</p>
<p>The Rotary Clubs in Bhiwadi have been by far, the most enthusiastic clubs we have worked with. On our penultimate night we all met to consider how the process might be improved next year and amongst the suggestions made were:</p>
<ul>
<li>every group to carry vaccine with them and to vaccinate on the spot as they go door to door and down the street</li>
<li>the team approach of swamping an area with vaccinators was the most effective method we have used anywhere</li>
<li>it would help if we had one Hindi speaker within each group because having got them to the door, sometimes they need encouragement to allow their children to be vaccinated.</li>
<li>it would also help if we all learnt a few phrases in Hindi to say to people, we do not have to be able to hold a conversation, we just have to be able to talk to them</li>
</ul>
<p>It was estimated that we vaccinated over 3000 children during our time there thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Bhiwadi.</p>
<p>We shall go back to India again next year, where we do not know but we will continue going until Polio is completely eradicated from the world.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-63023347895325683502017-01-30T20:51:00.000+00:002017-02-20T21:52:29.794+00:00Follow-up day in Bhiwadi<p>Follow-up day traditionally is the day when door-to-door checking starts and every house is visited to ensure the children inside have been vaccinated. This time however, follow-up was simply more vaccination and we started at a Ragpickers camp in the town. </p>
<p><img title="Squatter 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5AOqf4uJmc/WKsTSsUlbvI/AAAAAAAApfE/eUshg_y3RLw/Squatter%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Squatter 1" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Ragpickers are amongst the poorest classes in India and make their living doing what their</p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Homes right sorting left.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lvUDanlgre0/WKsTJ4EvTxI/AAAAAAAApeo/dWFJm8RYuzY/RagPicker%252520Homes%252520right%252520sorting%252520left.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Homes right sorting left" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>name suggests, collecting rags and anything else thrown away which can be sorted, recycled and</p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Recycling Pile.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSBCHfo0D6c/WKsTKwE18RI/AAAAAAAApes/C7fPK5U0Hr8/RagPicker%252520Recycling%252520Pile.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Recycling Pile" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>then sold for a very very small amount.</p>
<p><img title="Squatter 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krQ3STYKiDY/WKsTTiBfKlI/AAAAAAAApfI/OAns1FBlMnU/Squatter%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Squatter 2" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Here their “houses” are adjacent to some flats bit separated from them by a brick wall.</p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Water Pump.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JE9LD8ZhQs0/WKsTM4H5PkI/AAAAAAAApe0/1krWT5gqpGk/RagPicker%252520Water%252520Pump.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Water Pump" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>The camp was relatively tidy and spaced out, water comes from hand pumps which bring up water from the water table which will be not more than 15 metres down (the maximum depth from which this pump will bring up water). This is also the depth to which water from the toilets or waste from open air defecation will sink to. Hence the obvious health hazard. </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker washing clothes.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ls5gkuP0zVM/WKsTL16cjHI/AAAAAAAApew/E6oB6OZ9O8U/RagPicker%252520washing%252520clothes.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker washing clothes" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Despite their poverty and very basic living conditions, everyone (bar one whom you will meet later) was very pleased to see us.</p>
<p><img title="Ragpickers Camp Geoff Bike.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GIDhMNWaSkE/WKsTN3EI50I/AAAAAAAApe4/07ez2nne3_U/Ragpickers%252520Camp%252520Geoff%252520Bike.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ragpickers Camp Geoff Bike" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Their houses are made from anything they can find </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home outside-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QCpqq6qU5FI/WKsTF0561pI/AAAAAAAApeY/-kyGag_OWt0/RagPicker%252520Home%252520outside-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home outside 001" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>and hence look rather basic. </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home Outside.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hy1FG-OVB4/WKsTG-SY7zI/AAAAAAAApec/-YZa1gkh_DY/RagPicker%252520Home%252520Outside.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home Outside" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were impressed with the general tidiness here </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RF5iiuSQPME/WKsTI31G54I/AAAAAAAApek/9ituDYuWeeI/RagPicker%252520Home.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home" width="399" height="266" border="0" /> </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home Bed.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2B8LpgSnv9w/WKsTDqL2Y1I/AAAAAAAApeQ/2uYM-a6LWpM/RagPicker%252520Home%252520Bed.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home Bed" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>when compared to those we have seen elsewhere. </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home Inside.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDKddxs5S0E/WKsTEo-ScZI/AAAAAAAApeU/Ffcrpg2UsnU/RagPicker%252520Home%252520Inside.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home Inside" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Inside most of the houses evidence the relative poverty of their owners </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Home Satellite Dishes.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xln9RKtyeHA/WKsTH654YxI/AAAAAAAApeg/5GcZPhLfNzM/RagPicker%252520Home%252520Satellite%252520Dishes.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Home Satellite Dishes" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>but poverty does not mean that you cannot have a satellite dish (no doubt recycled) ! </p>
<p><img title="Pat Vaccinating in Ragpickers.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rtHR-RHZK1o/WKsTBTqAdVI/AAAAAAAApeI/XPjMcTobvP4/Pat%252520Vaccinating%252520in%252520Ragpickers.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat Vaccinating in Ragpickers" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>As usual, our vaccination process was fast and efficient </p>
<p><img title="RagPicker Geoff attracts children.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e4yYO1Sj1rw/WKsTCpRu9FI/AAAAAAAApeM/fAV0grPUXC8/RagPicker%252520Geoff%252520attracts%252520children.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RagPicker Geoff attracts children" width="200" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Geoff failing to stop child crying.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynCquX5pNyI/WKsS_lvNeLI/AAAAAAAApeA/xhbs868fs0Q/Geoff%252520failing%252520to%252520stop%252520child%252520crying.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff failing to stop child crying" width="199" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and Geoff was welcomed by almost all of the children in the camp.</p>
<p><img title="Geoff and RagPicker CHildren.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ROkzXhJY8QE/WKsS-v_AlXI/AAAAAAAApd8/b7QWdEfghao/Geoff%252520and%252520RagPicker%252520CHildren.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff and RagPicker CHildren" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p> Having completed vaccinating here, we went off to our last vaccination point which was at a Rotary sponsored home for retired cows.</p>
<p><img title="Retirement Home Entrance.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2QqMK9ilGU/WKsTQoW7UPI/AAAAAAAApe8/H65QCeTRcx4/Retirement%252520Home%252520Entrance.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Retirement Home Entrance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>For Hindus, cows are a sacred animal and hence they are not killed when</p>
<p><img title="Cows greet me.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_3ga4eVYFOE/WKsS9ebTrnI/AAAAAAAApd4/ONkAaf_rE4A/Cows%252520greet%252520me.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Cows greet me" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>they reach the end of their useful life but allowed to retire and die gracefully (at least that is what we were told).</p>
<p>The Rotary Clubs of Bhiwadi have established a methane project at the home and when we went their to vaccinate, we also saw how the project works.</p>
<p><img title="Methane 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n22pKQPH6Sc/WKsT5zPKTbI/AAAAAAAApfQ/LpeekHlu5kg/Methane%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Cow manure is placed into a container where is ferments. As it does so it gives off methane gas,</p>
<p><img title="Methane 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FjzEInmAG6Y/WKsT63XSJ7I/AAAAAAAApfU/EqhzbThpEJg/Methane%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 2" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>the waste products are collected </p>
<p><img title="Methane 3.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cgwjStuT708/WKsT72In0hI/AAAAAAAApfY/PAtq-rcKXhQ/Methane%2525203.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 3" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>dried and used as fertiliser</p>
<p><img title="Methane 4.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nurpRFPhrPY/WKsT830kTyI/AAAAAAAApfc/0S0rr-UkD_0/Methane%2525204.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 4" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the methane gas is collected in a gas holder (similar to the method used to store gas in gas holders in the UK).</p>
<p><img title="Cow Gas Kitchen.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VaVve-Oxzog/WKtlGwdXjwI/AAAAAAAApgQ/yn1uRIjgwhU/Cow%252520Gas%252520Kitchen.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Cow Gas Kitchen" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>It is then piped into a nearby house</p>
<p><img title="Methane 5.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ApmcPOb1J4c/WKsT91HVPWI/AAAAAAAApfg/-VZHCBWUGBA/Methane%2525205.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 5" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>for use on a cooking range</p>
<p><img title="Methane 6.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vXW2jt6wuR4/WKsT-5Ckm6I/AAAAAAAApfk/dT-VsV-PYUU/Methane%2525206.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Methane 6" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>or a household light. A very impressive project and a great idea.</p>
<p><strong>What does Polio Vaccine taste like?</strong></p>
<p><img title="Geoff Vaccinating Pat.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pQrMXtv9gg/WKsTAX9WDbI/AAAAAAAApeE/6TWWcCefd5o/Geoff%252520Vaccinating%252520Pat.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff Vaccinating Pat" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>We had always suspected we knew the answer and we found out when Geoff vaccinated Pat.</p>
<p><img title="What does Polio Vaccine taste like.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p_JLpqGBrPo/WKsTRv8h2mI/AAAAAAAApfA/8uO2N1Lv464/What%252520does%252520Polio%252520Vaccine%252520taste%252520like.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="What does Polio Vaccine taste like" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>What do you think the answer is?</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-16672598337120695512017-01-29T20:43:00.000+00:002017-02-21T11:41:57.412+00:00National Immunisation Day January 29th 2017<p><img title="Assembling.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZ7LQa9Pv4U/WKrFkI1FPQI/AAAAAAAApbM/coSxSjPiQMA/Assembling.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Assembling" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Most of the team this year had been on at least one NID before but as always, there was a certain amount of nervous tension in the air as we assembled in our hotel foyer waiting for our bus to arrive. </p>
<p><img title="Coach being labelled.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vALyfo5Soj8/WKrFoKy6okI/AAAAAAAApbc/kHBHx6okaEM/Coach%252520being%252520labelled.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Coach being labelled" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Just to ensure that people knew who we were, our driver affixed a banner to the front of the coach - we were amused by the fact that the coach said we were tourists - we were of course nothing of the sort.</p>
<p>The NID was to start at the District Hospital</p>
<p><img title="Market outside hospital.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N1T4bXlBsP8/WKrFjFAmR4I/AAAAAAAApbI/M0fosIkKHQw/Market%252520outside%252520hospital.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Market outside hospital" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and as is always the case in India, what might to the inexperienced look like chaos outside was perfectly normal for India. </p>
<p><img title="Bhiwadi Hospital.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16Cg0DOw9ho/WKrFlJe_i8I/AAAAAAAApbQ/xll8TjTDqC4/Bhiwadi%252520Hospital.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Bhiwadi Hospital" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>When we arrived, Polio Vaccine was already being distributed from the hospital,</p>
<p><img title="Geoff Delivers Vaccine.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oiwGtCuCwn4/WKrFo6G55LI/AAAAAAAApbg/TTjS4vTExCo/Geoff%252520Delivers%252520Vaccine.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff Delivers Vaccine" width="361" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and Geoff the Polio Bear supervised some leaving on motorbike</p>
<p><img title="Polio leaves on bike.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dw0efjYx_rc/WKrFzRLyKGI/AAAAAAAApcM/V9cDGqH1770/Polio%252520leaves%252520on%252520bike.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Polio leaves on bike" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>in its insulated containers </p>
<p><img title="Polio leaves on foot.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jPNtdXa1xPs/WKrF0QgD1yI/AAAAAAAApcQ/2EKAZqNRxrs/Polio%252520leaves%252520on%252520foot.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Polio leaves on foot" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p> or being carried by polio workers. </p>
<p><img title="Hospital Tent.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GkF8mjbfQAs/WKrF8-O-R5I/AAAAAAAApcw/9kws7g7kQh4/Hospital%252520Tent.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Hospital Tent" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>A tent had been set up in front of the hospital </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="NID Inauguration.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mS10jIrQQfA/WKrJzQXBTvI/AAAAAAAApdE/OYDcgxKRWD4/NID%252520Inauguration.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="NID Inauguration" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>with a banner proclaiming what we were there to do </p>
<p><img title="Inaugeration Speaches.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJozUA0qC1E/WKrJ0e6XjmI/AAAAAAAApdI/gg0HDT-e1k8/Inaugeration%252520Speaches.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Inaugeration Speaches" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>there were speeches encouraging us all to work hard</p>
<p><img title="Vial and Marker.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--TsAmStr5tg/WKrF6unWqUI/AAAAAAAApco/FVb-IOPPPwo/Vial%252520and%252520Marker.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Vial and Marker" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Polio Marker pens were found plus the all important bivalent vaccine </p>
<p><img title="The First Vaccination Bhiwadi.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y3t3cEHgIlk/WKrF4xFHDvI/AAAAAAAApcg/B0nrnS5in20/The%252520First%252520Vaccination%252520Bhiwadi.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="The First Vaccination Bhiwadi" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the first official ceremonial vaccine was given to a particularly unlucky child </p>
<p><img title="Geoff is vaccinated.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--98xzwluTu8/WKrFp_H5MqI/AAAAAAAApbk/4i46fqbfPc8/Geoff%252520is%252520vaccinated.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff is vaccinated" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>followed by Geoff being vaccinated yet again. </p>
<p>It was then into the coach and off to our first vaccination station which was on the side of the road in the middle of a nearby suburb of the town. </p>
<p><img title="Loudspeaker TT.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WeUDqul9OvE/WKtko9iTs5I/AAAAAAAApgE/9oN0IGSix-8/Loudspeaker%252520TT.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Loudspeaker TT" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Initially we were accompanied by a tuk-tuk with a loudspeaker on it to announce we were there to vaccinate. It disappeared however after a short time and was never seen again.</p>
<p>Our technique this year was to flood an area with vaccinators ensuring that every house was visited, every street was gone up and as much noise was made as possible. This should be compared with the technique of earlier years which was to go in threes to a vaccination station and either wait for news of our arrival to get out into the community or to walk around shouting out that we were there.</p>
<p><img title="Roadside Booth.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxLJImR5aZ0/WKrF2Z6O6-I/AAAAAAAApcY/rGkzEu452nA/Roadside%252520Booth.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Roadside Booth" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The reason that Rotarians go to India to vaccinate is because we are unusual and we attract far more children to vaccination booths than is the case if they are staffed only buy local vaccinators. </p>
<p>It was soon obvious that the new technique was very successful because we were mobbed with children and their parents seeking vaccination.</p>
<p><img title="Busy Booth.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojOEwt6BPP4/WKrFnKAOoQI/AAAAAAAApbY/bl5k8NiLmcw/Busy%252520Booth.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Busy Booth" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Soon we were swamped with children </p>
<p><img title="Bringing children in.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKw0ldGhODA/WKrFmP7Rw4I/AAAAAAAApbU/5GIC1_x6YCM/Bringing%252520children%252520in.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Bringing children in" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and the team spread out into the surrounding streets and houses leading more children back for vaccination. </p>
<p><img title="Pat brings child.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXfFGCmmoqA/WKrJ3MmU1qI/AAAAAAAApdU/mTpMOvpVKjo/Pat%252520brings%252520child.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat brings child" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>It surprised me how trusting parents were in letting us take their child to be vaccinated and how willing most children were to come with us.</p>
<p><img title="Girl bringing sister to be vaccinated.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_pqiciVkXk/WKrFqvZTw1I/AAAAAAAApbo/n4WmEg-KFNo/Girl%252520bringing%252520sister%252520to%252520be%252520vaccinated.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Girl bringing sister to be vaccinated" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our efforts of the previous day were obviously successful because many older brothers and sisters brought their young siblings with them to be vaccinated.</p>
<p><img title="Inside town.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFJCr-_on-U/WKrFsjpqklI/AAAAAAAApbw/FgoHADVyZEU/Inside%252520town.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Inside town" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Vaccinating in the streets is an experience unlike anything you will experience elsewhere in the world</p>
<p><img title="Town Street.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIg6NwPmsj0/WKrF5rYp6HI/AAAAAAAApck/rtPNuLEW-DE/Town%252520Street.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Town Street" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and working in unsanitary conditions is the norm for most of the places we go to,</p>
<p><img title="Next to the booth.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ds0HFuOtLkY/WKrFvT4GG2I/AAAAAAAApb8/zo-Ra_przzg/Next%252520to%252520the%252520booth.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Next to the booth" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Wildlife in the town.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AmTjYbMyiyY/WKrF7-OZFnI/AAAAAAAApcs/x3jS3zrt6dI/Wildlife%252520in%252520the%252520town.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Wildlife in the town" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>hence we are very careful with our personal hygiene (we also took three different types of antibiotic with us just in case).</p>
<p><img title="Table ready for vaccination.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I4OlIn8YvyY/WKrF3YTPP8I/AAAAAAAApcc/MgBbq4md_kA/Table%252520ready%252520for%252520vaccination.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Table ready for vaccination" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>A vaccination station is often no more than a table with an insulated box containing the Polio Vaccine.</p>
<p><img title="Polio Poster.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvTaOCURsOk/WKrJ6QNcRZI/AAAAAAAApdg/Vie3z4UJCp4/Polio%252520Poster.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Polio Poster" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Sometimes there is also a poster on the wall. </p>
<p><img title="Pat Vaccinates.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VihN6Lqe6i8/WKrFwXZOxpI/AAAAAAAApcA/eq-BRId_S8g/Pat%252520Vaccinates.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat Vaccinates" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Mothers were often more willing to approach a women for vaccination than a man, hence we tried to ensure that all groups had at least one women in them.</p>
<p><img title="Paul Vaccinates.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-juxP4wKVnuI/WKrFxXiBelI/AAAAAAAApcE/YK7Dms0GY1g/Paul%252520Vaccinates.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Paul Vaccinates" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Vaccination is a team task with one person giving the vaccine </p>
<p><img title="Paul Vaccinating.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3S47kTZSH9A/WKrFyciHIwI/AAAAAAAApcI/6YlGIUovT7M/Paul%252520Vaccinating.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Paul Vaccinating" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and another marking the little finger of the left hand with an indelible purple marker pen </p>
<p><img title="Pat and Paul Vaccinate.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCLnyeGopug/WKrJ4VZAk9I/AAAAAAAApdY/sBkPHVuLN3E/Pat%252520and%252520Paul%252520Vaccinate.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat and Paul Vaccinate" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and often the child is given a small present such as a balloon. </p>
<p><img title="Score Chart.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcgSqgI-khU/WKrJ2YwkObI/AAAAAAAApdQ/_bTVxIi8Vls/Score%252520Chart.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Score Chart" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Counting how many are vaccinated is either done using a form like this where you cross off the next square on the form or simply counting up the number of vials of Polio Vaccine used - in the hands of a skilled vaccinator, each vial has enough vaccine for 20 children.</p>
<p><img title="Polio patient.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8pgfng3vb4A/WKrF1EEGgLI/AAAAAAAApcU/jexZnS9V5f8/Polio%252520patient.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Polio patient" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>At one of our stops, we were assisted by someone who had suffered from Polio as a child and was coming down the street with a loud hailer encouraging parents to bring out their children to be vaccinated so that they did not catch the same disease which he had done.</p>
<p><img title="Lunch.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWTvWePc_Gs/WKrJ5ZZEd6I/AAAAAAAApdc/iGqFK_NFKH4/Lunch.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Lunch" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Lunch was eaten on the run, a snack purchased from a roadside stall. As a general rule, we do not mind eating freshly cooked food if we can see how it has been handled. Salads are an absolute no and drink is also a no unless it is made with freshly boiled water or comes out of a new can or bottle.</p>
<p><img title="Being Watched.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMoXc1ftjyI/WKtkqxEDfFI/AAAAAAAApgM/HLwmGgfBO1g/Being%252520Watched.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Being Watched" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>When you have lots of people watching you,</p>
<p><img title="Come Down.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITFlh2nL9Ic/WKrJ1WeqLwI/AAAAAAAApdM/HTqyhfTAX3E/Come%252520Down.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Come Down" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Inside Flat Hallway.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gYKI7EF7QBA/WKrFrpcIj5I/AAAAAAAApbs/T_R5pV0VlQs/Inside%252520Flat%252520Hallway.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Inside Flat Hallway" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>encouraging them to come out and be vaccinated is an important part of us being there and sometimes we have to go into hallways or houses to get them out. </p>
<p><img title="Middle Class Flats.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_xW-AG9gxc/WKrFtaa3JfI/AAAAAAAApb0/1RMy38KMfJ4/Middle%252520Class%252520Flats.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Middle Class Flats" width="200" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>As well as the poorer areas, we also visited some of the new high-rise flats occupied by the wealthier Indian middle classes.</p>
<p><img title="Gated Flats.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EE-iJeGrMd4/WKtkp9RIoZI/AAAAAAAApgI/lg_7LV2-BfU/Gated%252520Flats.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Gated Flats" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>For vaccinators they present a very different problem because people often have no idea we are there to vaccinate or cannot be bothered to go out to a vaccination booth - they expect the booth to come to them.</p>
<p><img title="Middle Class Park.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tObBujwQP0I/WKrFuaYPLZI/AAAAAAAApb4/u-0o1i_HGwY/Middle%252520Class%252520Park.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Middle Class Park" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>Compare this children’s playground </p>
<p><img title="Just outside flats.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDzqfwxHzE0/WKrJyWCxblI/AAAAAAAApdA/RCxIV_iaQRE/Just%252520outside%252520flats.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Just outside flats" width="399" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>to this child’s playground some 100 metres away. His parents had a business ironing clothes from a table / shop just outside of the entrance of the gated compound shown above.</p>
<p>We vaccinated over 3000 children on National Immunisation Day - the largest total we have ever achieved.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-26192683855700872722017-01-28T11:21:00.000+00:002017-02-26T12:18:30.302+00:00Pre-Nid activities in Bhiwadi<p>The day before the NID is usually spent on awareness raising events and also visiting some of the host club’s service projects. We noticed this year that the number of "Polio Immunisation Tomorrow” signs out in the general countryside was very much less than in previous years and hence this year this type of awareness activity is even more important.</p>
<p>In Bhiwadi, we were initially divided into three groups and taken to three different schools in the area.</p>
<p><img title="Bharati School.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TmjwwpSiefI/WKmWq7-MgkI/AAAAAAAApWI/aQOdutGDYwI/Bharati%252520School.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Bharati School" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My group went to <a href="http://www.bbpsbhiwadi.com">Bal Bharti Public School</a> in Bhiwadi, which is a private fee paying school in one of the villages near Bhiwadi.</p>
<p><img title="School assembled-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CEYn_7VxvR8/WKmWrg78aTI/AAAAAAAApWM/cRV3W13_HeU/School%252520assembled-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="School assembled 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Many of the school’s pupils were assembled to welcome us</p>
<p><img title="Schoolassembled.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgUGA5pOajo/WKmWspD0j3I/AAAAAAAApWQ/DK-pjPhb7K0/Schoolassembled.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Schoolassembled" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and a welcome sign which had been produced overnight. </p>
<p><img title="School Welcome Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWLRrVZOQq8/WKmWuWRkqfI/AAAAAAAApWY/hbU6zEPc6nU/School%252520Welcome%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="School Welcome Sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>incorporating the usual messages.</p>
<p><img title="Programme.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vYRu4MFGpT4/WKmWtgVd_HI/AAAAAAAApWU/t0rrrRGNQm4/Programme.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Programme" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>When we sat down to one side as guests of honour and I opened the folder in fromt of me, I found I was giving a short speech on Polio followed by a Question and Answer Session.</p>
<p><img title="School Dancing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8dvOsLW26U/WKmWvS_hAkI/AAAAAAAApWc/_JQMCPZzEWU/School%252520Dancing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="School Dancing" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>As we have now come to expect, there was more dancing</p>
<p><img title="Dancing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n_Z0CkxspUA/WKmWxT_9mVI/AAAAAAAApWk/0zRwA9_-O0g/Dancing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Dancing" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and also singing</p>
<p><img title="Singing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ItZ6GLgSRY/WKmWwZwVEOI/AAAAAAAApWg/RKAkYz58roU/Singing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Singing" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="School Speach.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KywDLClJ3ZQ/WKmWyagXbaI/AAAAAAAApWo/tlyhH7riWyM/School%252520Speach.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="School Speach" width="398" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>I gave an impromptu speech about Polio and the importance of everyone in the audience ensuring that tomorrow they were vaccinated if they were under 5 and if they were older, that they brought their younger brothers and sisters to be vaccinated. The questions from the school pupils were extremely searching and showed an interesting understanding of the issues associated with Polio vaccination and care for those who have had Polio in the past.</p>
<p><img title="Ram and Geoff.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nGLsPyGo_g/WKmW13slyuI/AAAAAAAApWs/aAPqO2D2vTE/Ram%252520and%252520Geoff.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ram and Geoff" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and then the President of Bhiwadi Rotary Club “Ram Prakash” introduced Geoff to the school and explained why he was there.</p>
<p><img title="RPS Public School Bhiwadi.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZE9CGicM58/WLKo6fHKykI/AAAAAAAAp1g/XTe4b8rA628/RPS%252520Public%252520School%252520Bhiwadi.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="RPS Public School Bhiwadi" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Exactly the same activity took place at the schools visited by other members of the team. Above is the private fee paying <a href="http://www.rpsdharuhera.edu.in">RPS Public School</a> which is a favourite amongst the middle classes in the area. When you get further down in this blog entry, compare this classroom</p>
<p><img title="RPS Classroom.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1HsnBBP5VU/WLLHlKt6kNI/AAAAAAAAp2A/DrKhgtrCrWw/RPS%252520Classroom.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="RPS Classroom" width="399" height="104" border="0" /></p>
<p>at RPS (a picture taken from their website) to that in the Balwadi school we visited in the afternoon. </p>
<p><strong>Service Projects in Bhiwadi</strong></p>
<p>We spent most of the afternoon visiting various service projects sponsored by the Bhiwadi Clubs. Perhaps amongst the most unusual Service Projects I have ever visited was Moksha Dham - a rotary sponsored and supported Hindu Crematorium.</p>
<p><img title="Crematorium.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y6he5vXHgJ0/WKnEafKwDWI/AAAAAAAApXE/5dOlYpcjzv4/Crematorium.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Crematorium" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>From the entrance, one can see a large</p>
<p><img title="God.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k4uYc9waJKo/WKnEeoWLZsI/AAAAAAAApXU/vj40PSy5HUA/God.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="God" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>statue of a Hindu deity </p>
<p><img title="Rotary Sponsored Crem Sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgFyEb-dbGo/WKnEbmmuooI/AAAAAAAApXI/nSV5jwviaik/Rotary%252520Sponsored%252520Crem%252520Sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Rotary Sponsored Crem Sign" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and immediately behind it the Rotary symbol atop a monument.</p>
<p><img title="Freezer.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J2YqKQEfIAY/WKnEgs-iJZI/AAAAAAAApXc/tttTBKrtDDE/Freezer.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Freezer" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Inside the gatehouse is a fridge / freezer used to store bodies until the family have assembled for the cremation. </p>
<p><img title="Firewood.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8IFiIhYFhc/WKnEdqEI1RI/AAAAAAAApXQ/Yw_j1v5OweM/Firewood.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Firewood" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Adjacent to the site is a large word store and sawmill</p>
<p><img title="Pyres.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rGX1iCbk4c/WKnEc3Y65GI/AAAAAAAApXM/6Y3ORp8QoG4/Pyres.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pyres" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>whose product is used to fire the funeral pyres. There is space for six to take place at the same time. </p>
<p><img title="Pyre.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWjHiphe2L0/WKnEfmy0xrI/AAAAAAAApXY/39RWpJPDrxk/Pyre.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pyre" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>but only the remains of one was alight when we were there.</p>
<p><img title="Ambulance.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZeK_tMA468/WKnEhgSMWtI/AAAAAAAApXg/SRkeJ6mylas/Ambulance.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ambulance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The club also sponsor an Ambulance</p>
<p><img title="Ambulance-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zDRT3NmiG5Q/WKnEinv7NyI/AAAAAAAApXk/D_M4bss4vh8/Ambulance-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Ambulance 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>which although somewhat basic when compared with those which I ride in, it does provide an essential service within the town. I suspect however that the conditions of the roads and the traffic jams would affect its response time.</p>
<p><strong>Training Centre</strong></p>
<p>Another of the projects was a school and training centre for the wives</p>
<p><img title="Training Centre.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5D_nts8Mn7I/WKnEjhO8ZjI/AAAAAAAApXo/yMKk4p4E6Bs/Training%252520Centre.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Training Centre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and young children of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadia_Lohar">Gadia Lohar</a> community. This is a nomadic community who are ironworkers by profession and move on from one place to another as jobs appear and disappear.</p>
<p><img title="Balwadi school sign.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcB6iXoNEdM/WKnxQVTjKXI/AAAAAAAApYs/yWC5VyP07HA/Balwadi%252520school%252520sign.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Balwadi school sign" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Called Balwadi (Bal = small children, Wadi = a kind of home), if this school did not exist, it is unlikely that anyone in the community would gain an education.</p>
<p><img title="Rotary training centre.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UOf2-8wFB_A/WKnxLNdcmVI/AAAAAAAApYc/2S34LNqVznw/Rotary%252520training%252520centre.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Rotary training centre" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The wives attending the beauty element in the skills training centre immediately started</p>
<p><img title="Henna in progress.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2s5Ypox7ko/WKnxPDZwVbI/AAAAAAAApYo/rfO3QJ2cFio/Henna%252520in%252520progress.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Henna in progress" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>offering Henna decorations to anyone who was willing to sit down. </p>
<p><img title="Pat Henna.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQJThRtjxGA/WKnxMYsOFZI/AAAAAAAApYg/LVZrS7fKiLw/Pat%252520Henna.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat Henna" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Pat Henna-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m2CyTmpbrCA/WKnxOPA1J8I/AAAAAAAApYk/9u7C8ll4qhk/Pat%252520Henna-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat Henna 001" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Pat of course was a willing subject and came away with a nicely intricate but not over the top hand decoration.</p>
<p>In another room, there were a number of women learning sewing skills</p>
<p><img title="Women in Sewing Class.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IWt6fwX2DeU/WKnxRWjnwQI/AAAAAAAApYw/kxgid7x6qjc/Women%252520in%252520Sewing%252520Class.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Women in Sewing Class" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>using hand powered machines.</p>
<p><img title="Women in sewing class-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-37y39J0g_eE/WKnxSZm8vOI/AAAAAAAApY0/fc4oxq9QZxs/Women%252520in%252520sewing%252520class-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Women in sewing class 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>The idea was that they would gain a skill which they could take with them if they move on with their family and thus always be able to get some employment. The club had set up a scheme whereby they could buy their own sewing machine at a 50% subsidised price if they wanted to. The club also had a plan to set up a small business making clothes for children attending the local schools staffed by ex-students still living in the community.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="I meet a class.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bLdTiRHj_lg/WKn8bCf64-I/AAAAAAAApZQ/-b8EUthdXpY/I%252520meet%252520a%252520class.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="I meet a class" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p> <img title="Concentrating.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iKjIPZZ2P6A/WKn8cJrJHUI/AAAAAAAApZU/HlusWolhS6k/Concentrating.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Concentrating" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Geoff was very popular in the classroom and despite our interruption,</p>
<p><img title="Balwadi Classroom.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-__z2AdzZL7Y/WLKo5AhCDnI/AAAAAAAAp1c/TrXHBX2_pLY/Balwadi%252520Classroom.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Balwadi Classroom" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>many of the children were more interested in completing their work than is us.</p>
<p><img title="Classroom.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7W5S6kHF0bA/WKn8dZNPFGI/AAAAAAAApZY/4nd5D-s4V-w/Classroom.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Classroom" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Classroom-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cvgQ8Ve7RHQ/WKn8ec3zviI/AAAAAAAApZc/_K4hc74YHjc/Classroom-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Classroom 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>Although teaching resources appeared thin on the ground,</p>
<p><img title="Class at work.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A6gC21Yuvzw/WKn8fRwkFmI/AAAAAAAApZg/N4o0brnTjNU/Class%252520at%252520work.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Class at work" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>overall there seemed to be a quite concentration on learning and good class discipline was obvious.</p>
<p><strong>Drains and Toilets</strong></p>
<p>It was obvious in the areas around the school why India has to keep vigilant about Polio. Adjacent to the school was a community run toilet, part of the campaign to reduce the estimated 65% of the population who do not have access to (or do not wish to use) a proper toilet.</p>
<p><img title="Community Toilet.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJqXMqAgs54/WKn8gyLpG3I/AAAAAAAApZk/Q1oF1IT4f6Y/Community%252520Toilet.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Community Toilet" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>There were also bullocks being used for (amongst other things),</p>
<p><img title="Fuel Production.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qxrvwXGpU0w/WKn8h6ikkkI/AAAAAAAApZo/Hl0GMtRwNbI/Fuel%252520Production.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Fuel Production" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>cooking fuel production.</p>
<p><img title="Dung pats.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iM_sVoe-bfc/WKn8i5yX4iI/AAAAAAAApZs/Wj9EkFDrL0A/Dung%252520pats.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Dung pats" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>However a little further away, there were open sewers</p>
<p><img title="Drains 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgW6kGPbMfE/WKn8j5l5GxI/AAAAAAAApZw/6WxYOzsAPR4/Drains%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Drains 1" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>carrying exactly what you might fear they carry</p>
<p><img title="Drains 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kC38S5yniOE/WKn8kzPSWfI/AAAAAAAApZ0/cZZVfspqI34/Drains%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Drains 2" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>and acting as a potential means of spreading a disease such as Polio</p>
<p><img title="City Street.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgxt-dqmwik/WKn8mIsylFI/AAAAAAAApZ4/l6wZWK-jZGk/City%252520Street.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="City Street" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>whose primary means of transmission is through faecal contamination.</p>
<p>There were a number of other service projects we visited, overall an astonishing number showing the determination of club members to be true Rotarians.</p>
<p><strong>Government Hospital</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Bhiwadi Hospital.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HG4dT4vy8mE/WKn8pRri5mI/AAAAAAAApaE/WtdHo22YRnI/Bhiwadi%252520Hospital.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Bhiwadi Hospital" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Our final official activity of the day was a visit to the Government Hospital to meet the Chief Medical Officer of Health - the man responsible for the organisation of tomorrow’s NID. Here we reviewed how tomorrow would work and discussing the slightly different (to that we have experienced elsewhere) method of approach they intended to adopt.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="Corridor with Polio Boxes.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RF2lLTYPBBE/WKn8oNM6IsI/AAAAAAAApaA/K2WHo5iSWaE/Corridor%252520with%252520Polio%252520Boxes.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Corridor with Polio Boxes" width="168" height="300" border="0" /> <img title="Polio Cool Box.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grLLVL7AmIE/WKn8nXIs6LI/AAAAAAAApZ8/tUtJA7a-2ro/Polio%252520Cool%252520Box.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Polio Cool Box" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>Here the vaccine is stored until the day and then distributed in cool boxes, many of which were ready for packing the following day.</p>
<p>An important part of the briefing was to ensure we all understood the need to keep the polio vaccine cold when we were administering it. All polio vials had a themo-sensitive marker on their side which changes colour if the vaccine starts to get warm.</p>
<p><img title="immunisation-program-in-india-22-638.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bjipqt26I3I/WKn_wJ13R0I/AAAAAAAApaU/mZiEN0cgyaU/immunisation-program-in-india-22-638.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Immunisation program in india 22 638" width="399" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="immunisation-program-in-india-23-638.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nqDGyT3BT0A/WKn_xIUliXI/AAAAAAAApaY/5yZoSPQ3BSM/immunisation-program-in-india-23-638.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="Immunisation program in india 23 638" width="399" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>We were now ready for the NID tomorrow after we had been to dinner that evening with members of the clubs.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-52855475477492306002017-01-27T12:22:00.000+00:002017-02-26T16:02:46.614+00:00London to Bhiwadi and the Rotary Briefing<p>This year we were accompanied on our immunisation work by “Geoff the Polio Bear”. All of the Rotary clubs in District 1240 were given a Polio Bear by the District Governor. The idea was that he/she would be taken on travels around the world by club members, they would pay the club a fee which would then go to Rotary Foundation for Polio Immunisation, and they would take a picture of him wherever he went. </p>
<p><img title="Geoff at Terminal 4.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lBKEne9E8no/WKg8g9HkEsI/AAAAAAAApTM/SKCy92WFfPc/Geoff%252520at%252520Terminal%2525204.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff at Terminal 4" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>So Geoff (having adopted the name of our club President) went with us to Terminal 4 to fly to Delhi as an important member of our Polio Immunisation Team and within a few hours he was in India. We had exactly the same difficulties having our fingerprints taken at Delhi Airport as we had last year and it was a very exasperated immigration officer who finally stamped our passports.</p>
<p><img style="float: left;" title="Geoff in the airport.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TSIQAqeyWrA/WKg8iymkG7I/AAAAAAAApTU/BcTkPwxlULY/Geoff%252520in%252520the%252520airport.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff in the airport" width="200" height="112" border="0" /><img title="Geoff with garland.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7pFALI0tteY/WKg8h0UIjnI/AAAAAAAApTQ/puA27GxQ0Tg/Geoff%252520with%252520garland.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff with garland" width="168" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Geoff was soon wearing his welcome marigold garland together with the usual insects which infest the garland - a reason why the experienced traveller to India usually takes their garland off as soon as it is polite to do so. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Friday before the NID starts with selling the very important (and compulsory to wear during the NID)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Geoff and Yellow Shirts.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6m-2zIbJAqc/WKg8j-ipk7I/AAAAAAAApTY/uSfuUSpLj9c/Geoff%252520and%252520Yellow%252520Shirts.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff and Yellow Shirts" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">yellow shirts to those who do not have one, then a briefing from Rotarian Raman Batia</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Raman Briefing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZE9dnuulBz4/WKg8k_ppbgI/AAAAAAAApTc/YAt1BnWucUg/Raman%252520Briefing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Raman Briefing" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">who has led the campaign to eliminate Polio in India for many years. The content of the briefing changes slightly from year to year and this year focused more on the end game for Polio.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">One of the challenges for the Bhiwadi group was that overnight our numbers more than doubled. Last year, the groups which went to Karnal and Ludhiana were affected by riots occurring on the road between where they were and Delhi (there is more information on this in the blog for last year).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This year the prospect of more riots during the NID suddenly appeared in the news and whilst they were getting on the plane at Heathrow, the decision was taken not to send them to Karnal but to try to transfer them to Bhiwadi. It is to the credit of all concerned and in particular to the President of the Rotary Club of Bhiwadi, that by the time their plane landed in Delhi, additional hotel rooms had been booked, the coach had increased in size and the vaccination programme in Bhiwadi had been adjusted to accommodate them. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="Paul and Paul Blue with group.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-woG87fGgMAc/WKg8llRHM8I/AAAAAAAApTg/pyIOH3cHexg/Paul%252520and%252520Paul%252520Blue%252520with%252520group.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Paul and Paul Blue with group" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So the two groups found out that they had been combined into one when they were given their destination briefing in Delhi - to their credit they all accepted what had happened without complaint and regarded themselves as one larger than expected group.</p>
<p><img title="Bhiwadi.10.gif" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NoTPLnzCcqQ/WKg_B6HU2HI/AAAAAAAApT0/RW2TUh5rOH8/Bhiwadi.10.gif?imgmax=1600" alt="Bhiwadi 10" width="399" height="247" border="0" /></p>
<p>Bhiwadi is a growing industrial town about 65 kms (two to three hours drive down and then off National Highway 8) south west of Delhi. We knew very little about the town before we went there other than that its population was in excess of 100,000 (55% male), the predominant language was Hindi. It is also in Rajasthan but only just over the state border with Haryana. They had very successfully hosted an RIBI group the previous year.</p>
<p><img title="McDonalds.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OxccRfuPDc/WKiRzQw7WGI/AAAAAAAApUQ/zrzUgAqkdDE/McDonalds.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="McDonalds" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>On our way there we stopped for lunch at a McDonalds - to many Indians a company which is a symbol of success and the new India although I would have to say that the new India has not yet arrived in many of the places we go to as Polio vaccinators. Being a vegetarian and having suffered their poor offerings for vegetarians in the UK, this would normally have caused me to grimace and say no thank-you. </p>
<p><img title="McDonalds Meals.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--XLxDIEUC8E/WKiR0cijaZI/AAAAAAAApUU/4nMl6gV46AA/McDonalds%252520Meals.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="McDonalds Meals" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>However, being in a Hindu area, I knew that beef would not be on the menu and therefore there was a greater variety of vegetarian offerings as well as chicken.</p>
<p><img title="Maharaja Meal 1.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWyXnpiJBiY/WKiR1etnAoI/AAAAAAAApUY/B5nze787t_4/Maharaja%252520Meal%2525201.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Maharaja Meal 1" width="200" height="112" border="0" /> <img title="Maharaja Meal 2.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16HU_jmQ3lM/WKiR2S0PMfI/AAAAAAAApUc/8ftziC2pk78/Maharaja%252520Meal%2525202.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Maharaja Meal 2" width="200" height="112" border="0" /><br />The <a href="http://www.economist.com/content/big-mac-index">Economist’s BigMac Index</a> says (if I have interpreted it correctly) that even when taking into account the poor performance of the £ against the Rupee after Brexit, when this blog was written, BigMacs were 33% cheaper in India than in the UK. So I splashed out on a Veggie Maharaja Mac Meal (cost 240 rupees or roughly £3)</p>
<p><img title="maharaja-mac-veg.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XwHw1kDWsnM/WKiR3bq3TrI/AAAAAAAApUg/KfWtuTAchRg/maharaja-mac-veg.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Maharaja mac veg" width="340" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>which is the above plus french fries and a drink. It is impossible to eat politely and therefore I made no attempt so to do. McDonalds also offered the advantages of reliable food hygiene, clean toilets and able to serve 20 people quickly and cheaply.</p>
<p>Awaiting us when we arrived were drums (so loud that I have cut the sound track from a video I took at the time and use it as the ring tone on my phone)</p>
<div>
<p><img title="Welcoming Drums.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ynypn9vD7kM/WKiRyszKXKI/AAAAAAAApUM/WOUMn-3VN_Y/Welcoming%252520Drums.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Welcoming Drums" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and numerous members of the town’s three Rotary Clubs and its Inner Wheel Club </p>
<p><img title="Welcoming Dance.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuiKi0JLW0g/WKiRxirNhjI/AAAAAAAApUI/wGsu-ugU2FI/Welcoming%252520Dance.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Welcoming Dance" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and much dancing went on </p>
<p><img title="Inner Wheel Ladies Rotary Welcome.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pOCBIoBweGs/WKiR4LDD13I/AAAAAAAApUk/RW9hhpQXOpI/Inner%252520Wheel%252520Ladies%252520Rotary%252520Welcome.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Inner Wheel Ladies Rotary Welcome" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="Awaiting Rotarians.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5HRkeQQIfs/WKiR4wINKVI/AAAAAAAApUo/E2-mcsjuciU/Awaiting%252520Rotarians.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Awaiting Rotarians" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>together with garland presentation and marking us individually with a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilaka">Tilaka</a> as a gesture of welcome before we were allowed into the hotel. I can safely say it was a unique welcome which we have never been given elsewhere and typical of the hospitality we were to experience during this tiring long working weekend.</p>
<p>That evening the Rotary Clubs arranged a reception for us and all of their members and families.</p>
<p><img title="Geoff introduced.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kt4_t1vp4xM/WKl9e_CfIQI/AAAAAAAApVY/O0IZgkt2xP0/Geoff%252520introduced.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Geoff introduced" width="398" height="224" border="0" /></p>
<p>There were speeches (here Geoff is being introduced to them)</p>
<img title="Dancing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w9uPYYmO9W0/WKl9glOmVMI/AAAAAAAApVg/MOg2Kyf11Fg/Dancing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Dancing" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img title="Dancing-001.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bCfUwMInPAg/WKl9hqcvZ0I/AAAAAAAApVk/QWDVtzcCdxk/Dancing-001.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Dancing 001" width="399" height="225" border="0" />
<p>Yet more dancing both from professionals</p>
<img title="Yet more dancing.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2-cREUYhKA/WKl9fvVFGGI/AAAAAAAApVc/27lnr-CHK8M/Yet%252520more%252520dancing.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Yet more dancing" width="399" height="225" border="0" />
<p>and amateurs</p>
<p><img title="Pat presenting a broach.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JjCfv4Tqi_E/WKl9ig8w2wI/AAAAAAAApVo/SH_KPZYH_l0/Pat%252520presenting%252520a%252520broach.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="Pat presenting a broach" width="399" height="225" border="0" /></p>
<p>and mutual presentation of brooches and other items, here Pat is afixing an Inner Wheel brooch upon the President of the Inner Wheel Club of Bhiwadi.</p>
</div>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045043906110420632.post-72675341650788664452017-01-27T10:03:00.000+00:002017-02-21T11:37:29.504+00:00Polio Worldwide January 2017<p><strong>Progress in Eradicating Polio</strong></p>
<p>The number of cases of Polio world wide has continued to drop and in 2016 there were only 37 cases of Wild Polio Virus (Afghanistan 13, Nigeria 4, Pakistan 20) and 5 of the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus. (Lao 3, Nigeria 1, Pakistan 1).</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-02-18 at 10.10.39.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLpcMP2Cmik/WKgmAs83mSI/AAAAAAAApSw/ogUgzni1QJA/Screen%252520Shot%2525202017-02-18%252520at%25252010.10.39.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 02 18 at 10 10 39" width="361" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This map (dated February 15th) shows the distribution of all of the cases worldwide in 2016 plus the 1 case to date for 2017.</p>
<p><img title="Screen Shot 2017-02-18 at 10.11.18.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4xKnCIzoF04/WKgmCYtfbwI/AAAAAAAApS4/ixos94jPjeQ/Screen%252520Shot%2525202017-02-18%252520at%25252010.11.18.png?imgmax=1600" alt="Screen Shot 2017 02 18 at 10 11 18" width="392" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>This map shows in more detail, the location of cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. As always, most of the cases in 2016 were close to the border between the two countries. Up-to-date details can be found <a href="http://polioeradication.org/polio-today/polio-now/">here</a>.</p>
<p>Although the last case of Polio in India was in 2011, there is still great concern that unless India continues to take extreme precautions, Polio might either reappear or slip over the border from the remaining two major countries where it is still endemic.</p>
<p>India’s plan for the post polio world includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>in April 2016, switching from an oral polio vaccine (OPV) designed to combat three types of wild polio virus (known as trivalent OPV) to one designed for two types of wild polio virus (known as bivalent OPV). This is because Type 2 Polio Virus has not been seen for many years and is therefore said to have been eradicated.</li>
<li>introducing (the injected) Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) from 2015 with a target of totally replacing OPV with IPV in 2018/19.</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the problems of using OPV is that because it is a live (but very attenuated) vaccine, there is a risk of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus being a source of Polio in the community.</p>
<p><img title="NewImage.png" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iezgKo5eEbo/WKgmDRTyCrI/AAAAAAAApS8/e5LJ3LvG1FU/NewImage.png?imgmax=1600" alt="NewImage" width="365" height="138" border="0" /></p>
<p>India has an ambitious plan to make immunisation of all children at birth and then during their early years, the norm. Children will be immunised with BCG, HepB and Poliovirus at birth, and then Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Hib, Pneumonia and Rotavirus at 6 weeks plus many more vaccinations in the coming months and years - essentially a programme which is regarded as the norm in many other countries.</p>
<p>Currently more than 26 million children are born In India each year and <a href="http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/3/Immunization">Unicef estimate</a> that infant deaths in India comprise some 20% of the world total, a figure which routine immunisation will help to reduce.</p>
<p>However as at January 2017, the current level of Routine Immunisation is 65% in the better areas and considerably less in the worse areas, far short of the generally accepted 95% required to achieve “<a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/protection/">herd immunity</a>” (see also <a href="http://www.vaccinestoday.eu/stories/what-is-herd-immunity/">here</a> for an explanation). So it is mainly for this reason, that National Immunisation Days with live Oral Polio Vaccine are likely to continue certainly into 2018 and maybe into 2019.</p>Paul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04333661931987650016noreply@blogger.com0