We left RTU at 8:30am to go on a 2-hour bus drive towards Madurai. We began by visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple, with huge towers on the all sides. After giving up shoes, bags and phones before entering the temple, we walked around the ancient structure admiring the statues and art whilst learning about the culture meanings of the things we were looking at. We then continued into the 1000 pillar temple displaying lots of Hindu heritage. This room included many Hindu statues of gods and depictions of past events.
As we left the temple we went to get lunch which many regarded as the best food we’ve had all trip. We soon went to a shopping centre similar to Myer where we bought gifts for our KK’s given the night before.
As we returned to RTU, many of the boys took the time to relax after a tiring couple of weeks. Soon after we attended our final mass in India, with Jono’s Uncle as a special guest who had travelled six hours to visit us. The boys and girls from the nearby hostels greeted us with the usual joy we’d seen over our time here, many of the boys upset as they realised this may be our last time seeing these children. After the final dinner we had our final reflection of the trip, exchanging our gifts (including Joerie’s Bollywood movie for Joel, Jesse’s Speed Sunnies to Toby and Declan’s two 1.25L bottle of Bovonto (Indian Coke) to Mr Wilson) while also providing a kind affirmation about the gifts recipient. As the joyful night came to an end with all the boys united, the group reflected on our wonderful trip and prepared for the long journey home.
Declan & Darcy
India Outreach 2019 