Staff training

More often than not the prospect of Staff training means a couple of days working through SOP's and risk management strategies... But as with everything else in India its not that simple. We where told that the training would be taking place at Camp Damdama a small camp located just 30km north of Delhi. We planned to be there for only 2 days and 1 night so where told to pack light.

Arriving at camp we where greeted by around 20 OB and MHE staff along with Ellie that had arrived the night before. Since we arrived late however, it was straight down to business. The day was spent outside going over the ins and outs of all of OB's policies and due to the fact that many of the staff spoke no English everything was explained in both English and Hindi. Twice the fun. The day flew by surprisingly quickly and pretty soon we found ourselves unwinding for the day. Food was prepared and a party was thrown to celebrate the birth of one of the staff members daughters. As such, a special occasion required an extra special meal, so tonight we ate fresh rams head. Shared between all of the staff sat out on the floor. The meal was complemented with a drink call kinnu, the local spirit at only 100rs for a 750ml bottle at 50% proof we had a very merry night. Of course with the miracles of liqueur the language barriers began to break down with all of the staff a little more at ease with there English and us with our Hindi. The night sadly ended early as Tuesday was going to be a big day.

JP trying his hand at cricket.

i thought it was a tan at first...

On Tuesday morning we awoke at 5:00am having brought our beds out of the tent the night before to take full advantage of the light breeze, that did little to reduce the hot night. The morning however was a cool 20 degrees with a good breeze. This was perfected for the early morning reconnaissance trek that was planned. The purpose of the recon was to check out a potential new trail for clients. the trek was nice and short and finished at a Hindi temple in Delhis green belt known as the ridge. However due to the season rivers excised in places that would be dry in 6 months time. So the locals have sourced a pedalo... i have absolutely no idea where from.  The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life including parrots, large lizzards as well as monkeys.

JP Enjoying the early start.

The ridge.

A unique river crossing.

Sadhus living a simple life away from people.

A slightly easier crossing point.

Back at camp in time for breakfast we filled ourselves up on good food to carry us through the day. Much like yesterday this day was mostly spent looking at facilitation skills and how they are used by Outward bound. We where also presented with the news that our 2 day stay at camp was now 4. I couldn't complain it was a lovely place. As long as everybody else could put up with the smell. The evening was spent much the same the night before however we could not unwind until after a trip to the butchers to buy chicken for the evening meal. After that had been completed it was a case of relaxing and enjoying the company of the guys around us. Excellently facilitated by an ample supply of daru. We also learnt a new card game called Gadha!

Paratha and chicken soup. An excellent breakfast.

J.P practicing his Hindi.

The butchers.

Daru.

enjoying the company.

The last 2 day consisted of general work around the campsite cutting back the grass and generally enjoying the piece and quite afforded by being outside of the capital. the original plan for Thursday was to catch a bus back home, however this turned into a car ride followed by 3 rickshaws and finally a short trip on the metro. I still don't really know why, but I have found that life is alot easier in India if you just smile and roll with it. Besides that guarantees a good adventure!

The first Rickshaw ride.