AGS India Immersion Programme 2017/18

Deck the halls with bowls of curry Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la (There was supposed to be more after this but I've sat here for half an hour now and can't think of a suitable word that rhymes with curry – all suggestions welcome in the comments section.) Christmas in India has been a 'foreign' experience to say the least. You certainly wouldn't know it was someone important's birthday (unless you are Lachie Dickson who's been singing Happy Birthday in honour of his dad all day – happy birthday, Braden!) It's been a bit strange, and a bit tough, being on the other side of the world from those we love on a day like today. There's been no decorations, no ham, no crackers, and it's made this place feel even more unfamiliar – as if it needed the help. Fortunately, when it's been difficult, we have had some quality company to sit with us and throw an arm around our shoulder. And when it's been joyful, we've had the same to share ...

Anon India is cool But it is very dirty Photosynthesis

Rowan Burns Can you feel the love tonight?                     The peace the evening brings.                     The world for once in perfect harmony. With all its living things. Can you find your heart's desires? It is where you are. It's Enough to make this wide-eyed-wanderer. Just being here with you. And if you feel your soul ignite. The way this place can cling. The land at ease but ridden with irony. A Christmas spent afar. This is meant to be sung aloud. Feel free to request a personal rendition.

As the JP Superfast carries us into Christmas Day, we are all thinking of the families we have waiting for us in our respective homes. We cannot wait to hear your voices today. In the meantime, we thought it would be cool to give you all a little snapshot of where we're at as we approach a very different Christmas. Nikau- Looking forward to that first phone call back home. Will- Seems strange to me that it is Christmas Eve and I feel none of the buzz I would normally feel at home surrounded by family. Instead surrounded by a different family on India's retro sleigh. Cam- Will Santa keep up with the Indian railway timetable? Missing the family at this special time, I know they'll be missing the spirit of Christmas (me). Mr Crook- Instead of a drop of brandy, a mince pie and carrot for Rudolph, Santa will be having a drop of hand sanitiser, a train samosa and a mosambi fruit tonight before heading out on his sleigh! A different ...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the train not a creature was stirring, not even a foot-long train station rat; The stockings were hung at the end of train beds with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas would soon be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of paneer tikka masala danced in their heads. In just over a couple of hours, we will wake the boys for possibly the strangest Christmas of their lives. Indeed, Christmas Eve has resembled nothing like it normally would. I must admit that at this time of the trip a little twang of homesickness hits me, as I think about family and friends back home. We can't wait to talk to you all tomorrow. But before that, here is a quick sickness update, followed by our Indian Christmas Eve. Please excuse the relatively brief summary but, to be honest, we haven't done an awful lot today, and the group has loved it: Will Pretty, Lachie Dickson, and Aaron Wyllie are la...

Raymond   If there was one place where "rules were made to be broken" it would have to be on Indian roads - it is a place where everyone is in a hurry, yet no one is on time.   A conglomeration of cars, buses, bicycles, tuk-tuks and pedestrians (footpaths have been occupied by peoples' homes and stores) congest the pothole riddled roads, taking the concept of "every man for themselves" to the next level. Absolute pandemonium ensues as each vehicle fights for every available space on the road. Drivers blatantly ignore and violate probably every known traffic rule. There is a ubiquitous sense of disorder as even the police struggle to govern the traffic. Obsessively using the horn is a rite of passage, even in the most unnecessary of circumstances. Indicating is a foreign concept as well as giving way; perhaps even driving on the correct side of the road is yet to be introduced to some in this country. Road lanes are simply arbitrary l...

Roni Chapman A local legend started by Will Pretty states that If you stare into a mirror and repeat "I am a mental fortress" 5 times, you will be protected from any sickness by a higher power. It is believed that the origin of the the following came at the time of the 'Fall of Kolkata' a.k.a the "Fall of the 11", where hope was drained from The Untouched half of The A.G.S India Pilgrims who sat beyond the walls of room 401; the morgue. While it is rumoured that former pilgrim, and current staff member Tom Rapson was the true founder of the following, the modern practices inspired by Will have appointed him to this title.  While Aaron Wyllie and I weren't necessarily going to join the cult following (from the likes of Lachie, Boswell, Josh H, and Ollie) to His teachings, we were certainly close followers. As with any religion we differed on our interpretations of The Teachings; such as whether you are able to be protected by...

Josh Hamilton The room - it is barely 2 meters wide and is approx. 2.2m high (simply perfect). Two lights stick out of the multi-functional roof providing a nice dim beam down to the bunks below. The ceiling, in certain cabins, has A.C. and can rarely have an extra dangling green fan - striking fear into us all. We are very fortunate to be in one of these cabins. There are 2 antique square A.C. vents loosely screwed into the limited space of the roof above - the vents do look like they could fall apart at any moment, but they work!  Below there are 6 bunks - each are 1.7m long (with Tom and Leo the only two not hanging off the end), roughly 60cm wide (everyone comfortably fitting), and containing 80cm of head space to adjust in (no problems there). The top bunks hang from short rusted poles, hidden away by a thick blue piece of fabric, which are firmly positioned into the ceiling with some hefty and practical 15mm bolts.  The beds - these ...

Callan It's strange being in a place where Christmas matters so little, when I've been brought up to see it as the ultimate time for coming together as a family to celebrate and give. While I've grown out of the giddy excitement that accompanies Christmas as a child, and I certainly won't be waking up at 4am in anticipation of opening presents, I've realised that there is a certain comfort in all of the gaudy Christmas decorations that line the streets, the same old Christmas carols that play in the background, and the eager countdown to the 25th. All the little things that contribute to the Christmas spirit.  I very rarely celebrate Christmas in my own home, but to be away from family is tough. Without that sense of togetherness and a wholesome Christmas meal, I fear that 2017 may feel unresolved, missing that familiar conclusion. On the other hand, maybe a departure from the usual festivities will create an everlasting memory of the C...

Ben Lerner I believe largely that the problems of India (mostly) come down to two things: Overpopulation and the societal emphasis on having children no matter the circumstance, and the lack of awareness for the rights of women and the unequal view of men and women. When going into Asha I saw the mission of a woman, Dr Kirin Martin, to try and combat overpopulation through healthcare, and the lack of awareness for the rights of women through education. Asha started amidst a cholera outbreak in slums, when Dr Martin recognised that no work was being done to combat this outbreak. She used her qualifications as a doctor to sit in the middle of a slum, surrounded by everything from rats to pigs, and immunize people to try and prevent them from getting cholera. She realised through this that nothing was being used to target the minimal healthcare in slums and improve it, and decided to start Asha as a means of providing healthcare to people in slums, as well as edu...

Nikau   Nga kai pai mo te puku   BRAT. The four foods that are guaranteed to ease the stomach lining after a mad case of Delhi belly. Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.   After witnessing a number of our boys (and staff) fall victim to the notorious Delhi belly over the course of the trip, as well as having my own little experience in Darjeeling, I felt that it would be appropriate at this time- now over halfway through our tour- to share with you all what it was exactly that saved my life during this dark period of the tour: BRAT.   First of all you do not need to be in Delhi to experience the infamous Delhi belly. A number of us quickly realised this almost immediately & early on in the trip- and still do to this very moment. You cannot run, you cannot hide from it, some people either get lucky (Mr Jordan and Tom) or become unfortunate. But generally, no one is safe.   In Darjeeling I was fortunate enough to be close to a normal ...

Ryan Donovan and Ollie Schnauer  While visiting the New Zealand High Commission on Wednesday we were treated to a slice of a home. New Zealand tea, scones and raspberry slice were all served after an insightful discussion about the High Commissioner's role. Afterwards, we were fortunate enough to get a tour of the compound. Ollie and I were hard done by, ending up in a group with Tom, Reuben, Mr. Jordan and Mr. Crook. The entire staff. Mr. Crook took the formal tour as an opportunity to conduct some 'business research' - an interesting approach to say the least. While in the Deputy High Commissioner's office, Tom Rapson went next level. While discussing careers and the like, Tom decided to pipe up and ask the Commissioner what she was up to for Christmas and New Years? This was followed by a very awkward period of time where Tom was in backpedal overdrive. After getting himself out of the situation we said our goodbyes and left the room. However, Mr. Crook was n...

As good as it was to see the photo of the group outside the High Commission in New Delhi, it came as a bit of a surprise to actually see everyone after 3 weeks of being away. In that time I've become used to reading the blogs every morning - looking forward to news of new experiences, people and places. Call me old-fashioned but the real genius of the blog is its reliance on words over images, contrary to every trend in social media today. In our mind's eye back in New Zealand we are sharing these experiences, in surround sound and full technicolour. Some images are more welcome than others - George's legs and Michael's nappy are two that spring to mind a little too readily for my liking! - but in due course these will recede and make way for others. As I write from a very muggy Coopers Beach, I am trying to imagine the upcoming train journey to Mumbai and wondering whether it will be more starched tablecloths and silver service or livestock in the aisles and peopl...

  The Invitation by Oriah     It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.     It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.     It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.     I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.     I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitatio...

Our final full day in Jaipur today and despite some illness, this city and its people have served us very well over the past couple of days. So much so that Zac Morrow has decided he wants to become a camel driver when he leaves school just so he can come back to the desert state of Rajasthan. Whatever floats your boat mate, but university is also not a bad idea…     With no other questionable career choices to report, I'll get into things but not before a quick PSA: in preparation for Christmas Day, please note that the boys will be ringing their respective families at some time between 6-8pm (NZ time) on the 25th. If you haven't done so already please email your sons on their personal Indian email addresses with the NZ number/s you can be contacted on at that time of the day.     Thank you! Now here's the download:     Sunday 23 December   Sickness Update – Cam MacFarlane and Leo Smith are back to their chirpy selves and ha...

Josh Hamilton To see India's landscape is spectacular; to connect with their people is unforgettable; to experience their numerous cultures & religions is captivating, and to immerse ourselves in an unfamiliar environment for a month creates memories of a lifetime. These involvements piece together the meaning and the purpose of our trip. On top of these learnings, I have experienced the true purpose of our isolation in India. It is to teach us the importance of communication to create and further enhance relationships, it is to show us how privileged our lives really are in New Zealand, it is designed to further connect us with our families and friends we value at home, and it is to teach us to appreciate their influence they have to our happiness and our success. I have experienced a shift in emotion only a few days ago when I grasped the true importance of loyalty towards my family and friends. I have realised to always make the most of the tim...

Ahhhhhhh, Jaipur. Blue skies, crisp(er) air. It feels good. Jaipur is Rajasthan's largest city, and is famous for its jewels (the cricket team is known as the Royals), as well as surrounding desert scenery. The purpose of our visit to this wonderful city is again to unwind, as well as reconnect with some of India's great people, in the form of our tour guides (more to come on these men). However, before I get into today's events, I must wish Roni Chapman's grandmother Annie an enormous happy birthday. We hope you are enjoying your day, and older brother Bennett ('15/16 tour participant) is looking after you back in New Zealand! By way of a sickness update, George Skinner is gooooone from the sickness ward. Cam MacFarlane and Leo Smith have all but resumed full duties – you can't keep these boys down for long. Friday 22 December 5:00am – the group is woken again by the Hare Krishna group walking past our windows. This time, however, it serves...

Miller Our four days in Delhi and Agra have gone faster than even the earlier days of the trip, faster than the days in Kolkata, Darjeeling and Varanasi.  From here on in I can only expect for things to gain further velocity.  The things we did in Delhi and Agra felt quite touristy:  visiting the beautiful Taj, Jama Masjid, Agra Fort, the red fort, eating at a butter chicken restaurant, and walking around in Ali Baba pants.  This feeling was a nice change of pace from the hectic days in Kolkata and Saraswatipur, but at points I felt as just one of the many Western tourists that were visiting the capital, still it was another aspect of India to be immersed in.  One thing we did that was a bit different was visit an NGO called Asha, Asha means "hope," in Hindi and that is what the organisation tries to bring to the people of Delhi's numerous slums.  So far, Asha is able to operate in 12% of the slums in Delhi, but from what we saw in a slum Asha has b...

Callan As I've travelled away from my own family, and become part of a much larger and smellier one, I've come to appreciate what really matters. Who's there for you when you fail an exam? Who's there for you when you've had a rough day and have no one else to turn to? Who's there for you when you've just seen a place that brings you to tears and makes you question how life can be so unfair? Family means certainty, support, brotherhood. Family means love. My understanding of what family can mean has shifted, and my appreciation of family has finally reached the level at which it should be.  As teenage boys, we're expected to be hard, insensitive and unemotional creatures, but the calibre of the lads on this trip has been made clear to me by their honesty and willingness to open up. The debrief sessions have been an invaluable part of my experience in India, and I have learnt just as much sitting around in a dingy Delhi hotel r...

Josh Roberts In Varanasi we stayed at Hotel Surya, built for one of the great kaisers of Nepal. The place was fit for a king in every way - a striking contrast to the streets of India. Inside the palace walls I eat my buffet breakfast: chocolate pancakes, mango juice, and omelettes to order. Breakfast is followed by a half hour massage session, complete with 'soothing' music and moody lighting. I then head up to my room. Thankfully, Hotel Surya has a subscription for the 'English Movies Pack', so the next hour or so is spent watching Peter Parker run up buildings in a red Lycra suit. After this entertainment it is past midday and time for lunch. The options are numerous and the choice difficult but I settle eventually for a buffalo chicken pizza complimented nicely by a cold coffee with ice cream. Life is not easy. As I ate breakfast that morning I had an interesting view. The hotel complex is surrounded on all four sides by a high ...

Raymond, Lachie, Leo, Aaron Over the past four days, we have all had the immense pleasure of being treated to the soothing comforts of Hotel Namaskar. No expense has been spared in this homely haven, leading us to feel compelled to share our glowing reviews with the reader (for some reason, it does not feature on Lonely Planet). There is an immediate appeal as you walk into the rooms. After 15 attempts to hit the correct light switch, you are welcomed by the playful pink paintwork around the walls, topped off with a lick of glossy white on the ceiling. Whilst perhaps slightly stained, the marble appearance of the floor tiles gives a sense of unparalleled luxury, and at the same time provided us with a rock solid surface to manoeuvre across. As a testament to the hotel's commitment to customer comfort, we were treated to the serene sound of our own personal water feature- an array of leaky taps in our bathroom. Better still, multitasking has never been ea...