Wow! I've been here 4 weeks already!

Had a change of plan for the weekend and ended up in a place called Tiruchirappalli which is 2 and a half hours North of where i am based. It's really nice here, very hustly and bustly but it has a really nice feeling about it. We went to see 2 temples yesterday, one called Rock Fort temple where we had to walk up 500 steps, a bit exhausting in the heat but it felt good to do some exercise! I really miss running! Will have to do loads when i get to NZ and Oz! Then we went to the biggest temple in India which was pretty impressive! Now i've seen that all other temples will be fairly mediocre! It has been nice getting away for the weekend and i think i'm going to try and do something every weekend as it's nice to have a change of scenery. I'm planning the trip down to the cape in a few weekends time as there is an organised one with all the volunteers so it will be better than heading off there on my own. Next weekend is a trip to Kochin which is in Kerela, it's a long journey but it should be fun. Life on the ashram is still really good, i have been doing lots of teaching and really getting to know the girls, it get easier day by day. They are all so sweet and it's so intersting finding out about them and their families. A lot of them are sponsored by various chariites in different countries. I had to fill out loads of forms the other day for 3 girls who were being put forward for sponsorship and take their photos. Still loving the food and (touch wood) haven't been sick yet! So many people have been, i must have a rock hard stomach!! Our cook is so lovely she always tries to make different things for us and it's fascinating to watch her cook, she has a gas stove but in the orphanage kitchen they just cook on open fires, again i love going in there and just watching what goes on. Although quite pleased i don't have to eat the food as the kitchen is pretty grim!
I'm learning lots of poetry at the moment as i study with the high school girls every evening and they have to memorise all the poems, i'll quote them to you when i get back!! They really struggle to pronounce some of the words, it's good fun trying to teach them. Although it can be difficult as most evening we have a power cut and then we just sit around with candles and of course studying goes out the window!
I still haven't quite got used to the Indian head shaking! They shake their heads as we do when we say no but they mean yes, maybe and sometimes no! It's all very confusing! They also make a sign with their hand which again can mean all 3! I am just about coping with all the staring! Everyone stares at us! All the kids ask you "How are you?" "What's your country?" "Whats your name?" and then that's all they know so end of conversation, sometimes they ask "What's your father's name? "what's your mother's name?" It's all very repetitive but very sweet!