Thursday Feb 17th

Hi All,
Sorry to be late with this but we lost wi-fi last evening, something which happens a bit here we gather.

Life, here has settled into a routine somewhat. Chapel after breakfast at 8:00am. Then we have spent the mornings in preparation for this four-day conference at Allahabad (to the North from here. A "short" 10 hour train journey awaits us next Tue). In the afternoons we have crossed to the Hospital campus and been meeting the staff. Two more interesting people yesterday. A fascinating time in physio learning about the various treatments for ulcerations and the importance of the surgical sandals ( "chappas", we think they are called) made for patients. We learnt that these too are stigmatising and that they are now trying to manufacture more trendy footwear but still with the microcellular rubber soles which are moulded to each individual foot. and then an interesting chat to the pharmacist.

Our evenings are atmospheric, it feels like being in a hill station under the Raj. The servants, gone now from serving us our supper. The place hushed with shadows and the tropical moonlight, the fans turning softly. And we spend our time doing puzzles and writing emails and blogging.
Bye for now
A & E.