And finally...!

We are all safely back in England now so it seems fitting to close this blog with what was probably the funniest moment of the whole trip.

On the way back from the elephant sanctuary we went to a beach a couple of miles from our hotel. As the breakers were coming in from the Arabian Sea they threw up lots of spray as they broke against the sea wall, so the girls started to stand behind the wall and dodge the spray as it came over. All very safe but slightly damp fun!

The sea wall with waves breaking

We're brave!

Getting slightly damp

But its fun!

You can't get me!

A fraction of a second after this last picture a massive wave came in that simply flattened the girls to the ground! If you've ever been ten pin bowling you'll get the picture. Their faces as they spluttered their way back to their feet was a picture!

Needless to say it was a very wet group that returned to the hotel!

Signing off from India 2014!

Our new best friends

There was one shop in particular that we got to know quite well in the few times we visited - it was run by a wonderful family of mum, dad and three lovely young kids. Of course, they were very pleased to see us (and our money) but they were genuinely decent, hard working people and we warmed to them as they tried to eke out a living there.

The shop's shrine - money received was always offered here first!

Harrie G in particular took to the young daughter who was so incredibly bright and funny. Harrie has started on a bit of master plan - to leave a lasting legacy from our visit - so you may be hearing some more about this in September.

The plan unfolds - asking questions for a school 'project'!

Can I fit her in my ruck sack?

And Ms Whitbread wants this one!

Visiting the school before we left!

On the Wednesday before we left we had the opportunity to visit our project school to meet the pupils and staff. This provided a real sense of closure on that part of our challenge - because of religious festivals we had not seen the school in action at all.

We were also able to present the Headmistress with funds left over from out project budget. It only  came to the equivalent of £130 but it was greatly appreciated and we got the feeling that it would go a long way within the school.

Excited young students - seemed really happy to see us.

No school uniform here - just lots of bright colours

Lessons outside quite common

Showing their work

With the headmistress after presenting her with some cash for her school

Lots of noise and excitement

Giving out our gifts to a junior class

Very pleased with their tennis balls

It's a stand off!

These guys were very boisterous

Here's a sobering thought on this last picture. These guys were really very excitable and loud. At one point a male teacher came into the room and they sat down silently in an instant. After he had left I asked them whether the teacher was strict. 'Yes'. 'Does he hit you?' I asked. 'Yes' came the reply! It really was a different world!