Cold Curried Cauliflower

Dear all,

I have now been in Manali for 3 days. Apologies for not writing sooner, we did come in to town on Wednesday, but all of the town was without power as they were making repairs!

Manali is really beautiful; from my room at the school I can see across orchards to snow capped mountains, and down the valley it is full of pine trees. It's so picturesque. And so quiet. Like a whole other country compared to the noise and pollution of Delhi.

When we got here, we were met by Alosius, who is the husband of our GAP rep here, Frenny. They are both so lovely - we spent some time at their house yesterday (it is a 10 minute walk from the school so Celia and I will probably visit often) and felt immediately like part of the family. Tomorrow, Aloysius is taking the 4 of us (Me and Celia, and Alex & Elise who are at a school in Naggar, about 40 minutes away) to the snow line and then to a waterfall on a mini trek.

Our placement is absolutely lovely. On the first day we had quite a lot of doubts as noone seemed keen to talk to us, and it was all a bit strange and new. But now we've got to know some of the children really well (hide and seek is an instant icebreaker), and 'Auntie' who owns/runs the home and school has warmed to us. She worries about us all the time, and checks we are happy with the food. She went to town and bought bananas especially for us, and cornflakes also appeared at breakfast this morning!

We do not start teaching until Monday, but have been given a long-term project of organising and redecorating their library. It's not a very big room, but definitely has potential and we are already coming up with ideas.

There is so much going on here all the time, but when it comes to writing about it it's really difficult. I have been keeping a quite detailed diary every day though, maybe next time I get online I will bring it with me for ideas!

I can definitely say that I am in love with this country and this town; the smells, the sights, the people (except the men who are a bit dodgy) and even the cold curried cauliflower for breakfast! If you count in weeks, I have been here for one, and am only at the school for another 16, and in 18 weeks I will be flying home. It will go so quickly and already I don't want to leave.

TTFN,

Philippa xxx