Latest news from Hereford! Our Heritage friends describe the first few days

Namaste!

We landed at Gatwick, on the 12^th in the morning, went on a whirlwind tour of London for the next one and a half days.

We visited Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Madame Tussaud’s, the London Eye, the British Museum, Big Ben and numerous other important heritage buildings.

Travelling across the beautiful picturesque countryside was a blissful experience. On our arrival at Whitecross, Hereford we were greeted by the smiling and cheerful host families. The children from both the schools were happy to meet each other

At Whitecross, passing through the innumerable corridors, colourful classrooms and the bubbling dining hall full of happy children lifted our spirits which even the rainy weather and chill breeze could not dampen.

Watching the Whitecross and Heritage students greet one another on Sunday evening we had to remind ourselves that they hadn’t actually met before, but thanks to Facebook, emails and telephone friendships had already taken root. By the time we met them all again for our pre-school check-in on Monday hosts and exchangees were looking like it was an everyday occurrence.

Walks in the countryside, bowling, dinner out and shopping have already been undertaken. As well as a taster of life as a Whitecross student, including early morning football training, a visit from the Sheriff of Hereford is eagerly anticipated as is the planned excursion to take in some Herefordshire countryside, history and culture.

Heritage school - back in Hereford 2013!

Wow - it doesn't seem a moment since we climbed aboard the plane and said goodbye to our friends in Kolkata back in January. And here we are in October, welcoming teachers and students from the Heritage back to our little corner of the UK. We hope they have a fantastic time - we'll try and post some news and bits and pieces over the next week.

Photos from the last couple of days

We've had a busy and exciting couple of days and here are a few photos. A tour of the city and a visit to Chowbaga, the local village were both extremely interesting. Talking to the potter in the last picture we learnt that he earns 10 Rupees for every 90 cups he makes. He reckoned he could make about one thousand cups in a day. That means he earns about £1.20 a day with which he has to feed and keep his family. It was a very thought provoking visit for all of us. 

The students did a fantastic job in the assembly this morning - 1500 students and teachers packed into a massive hall! We're getting ready for the Kolaahal tomorrow which is a kind of school fete. There will be lots of music, competitions, food and stalls. Whitecross has a stall where we'll be offering traditional games like pin the tail on the donkey!

The time has flown by!

Ambassador Taxis 

Whitecross and Heritage students at Belur Temple

Sign outside St John's Church

Cookery class

Ashlee mixing it up!

Fishmonger in Chowbaga

Chowbaga schoolroom

Fast food stall

Bicycle repair

Traditional cooking pit

Potter in Chowbaga

A trip round Kolkata

Yesterday we went on a great tour of the city. We took loads of pictures and we'll try and post some later today. Kolkata is an incredible mix of cultures – we saw Hindu temples, English churches and ornate palaces all mixed up in a city that is crumbling to pieces but also brand new. The shopping mall we went to for lunch would not be out of place in any British town.

Our hosts are taking brilliant care of us and have been showering the students with gifts and treats. Today we are visiting a local village to see what life is like there. Hopefully we'll manage some swimming and some time on the climbing wall too!

Thinking of you all in the snow – keep warm!

Day Two at the Heritage School

We were extremely privileged today to be invited to visit a state run primary school in a local village. The families of the children who attend the school live on about two pounds a day. Speaking to the headmaster it was clear that education is a lifeline for communities like these. The experience was a very thought provoking one for all of us. We were shown round the school and met the children in their classrooms. Mrs Leonard gave a talk about Herefordshire and we showed our achievement evening presentation.

Rhys shows some of the children pictures of his own family.

Tom was a natural when it came to relating to the children. They adored him!

The children were brilliant!

Mrs Leonard with some of the mums. In the background is the school playing field.

Later, at lunch, Craig failed the Chilli Challenge round two. This is the moment the heat took hold.

Our first day at the Heritage

We had a wonderful welcome from Mrs Sapru and all the staff at The Heritage School. We've been to some lessons, eaten some amazing school dinners and even found time for a swim.
Tomorrow we have more swimming and sports planned, a visit to another school and round two of the Whitecross One Day Series International Chilli Eating Competition!

Sunday in Kolkata

Whilst the students enjoyed time with their host families, here are a couple of photos to show the staff trip to the Indian Museum - our thirst for knowledge never ends!

Looking forward to meeting up with the students again tomorrow for our first day in the Heritage School.