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Published: January 22nd 2013
After a very hectic schedule, I welcomed the opportunity to stay in the middle of a coffee plantation, sit out on the veranda basking in the sun, and wake to the sound of birds singing each morning. Our journeys to, from, and surrounding the areas of Hassan and Belur may have been quite long but it was so good to see some countryside again. The highlight for me had to be the visit to Shravanabelagola where we climbed barefoot up the vindhyagiri hill to a Jain temple. As well as enjoying getting my first bout of exercise on this trip, I took in fantastic views of the city and the gommateshvara statue. We visited two other temples during our time in the Hassan district – the Hindu Hoysaleswara temple at Halebeedu and the Chennakeshava temple complex at Belur. Both of these are amazing architectural feats. A special puja ritual was performed for us and Angie was adorned with a rather grand flower garland – a great honour.
The next excitement was visiting three polio immunisation booths. I had the opportunity to give polio drops to two children – it was not as easy as you think! It was good to see a group of children attending one of the booths and the commitment and hard work of the Rotarians and healthcare workers manning these booths was greatly appreciated by the families.
We also saw rotary in action when we visited a school’s Interact club. The young ladies all spoke with great enthusiasm and confidence about the activities they are able to engage in through rotary. It was really good to hear young people talk this way; they clearly valued the experience and I’m sure they all have bright futures ahead of them.
Back at my host’s house, I started reading the best book about yoga I have ever come across and was inspired by his views on yoga and meditation. All in all, even with all the extra visits that were slotted into our visit to the Hassan district, I felt it was a place where I could spend some quiet time reflecting on what we have experienced so far on our journey. Reading the yoga book will make my journey home slightly more bearable but I don’t want to think about that just yet, as there is so much more to see and do here!
Di
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Pauline Wright
non-member comment
Such a varied day
Hi Di, Great to read this blog and to hear about your day seeing Rotary in action via an Interact Club and the End Polio Now campaign. Really liking your blogs and the photo of you administering the polio drops is very moving. Your personal interest in yoga sounds like it has moved to a new level - I look forward to hearing all about that when you return - remember you do need to come back !! Members of RC of Carlisle Castle send their regards to you all.