Friendship Exchange India 11 Nov-24 Nov.2014
As a new E- Rotarian, who never went to any of these outings before, I was very curious how this trip would be.
I joined the “ Houston - Texas “group in Delhi on 10 November, along with 5 Rotarians of different Rotary clubs in the Houston area (District 5890). From the first day, we were welcomed by Rotary Jaisalmer 3052 with so much hospitality and warmth, I cannot express. The host families in Jaisalmer, Kota and Udaypur were very loving and made our stay extraordinary beautiful.
The program offered was very busy and sometimes too many clubs to see for one day, and arriving very late, we had late, but tasty Indian diners. I think one day we saw 7 different Rotary clubs.
We got so used to all photographers, interviews for the local TV and newspaper and being covered with marigold wreaths, that after 12 days I was wondering why nobody was giving me such attention any more. (Smile)
But I know that when our queen from The Netherlands Maxima can take a holiday, I can stand in for her! I was trained in these days to be treated like a queen.
Friendship was the main item; well I did enjoy the conversations and interactions with the Rotarians and people on the various projects very much.
We visited an eye surgery hospital were the local Rotary club gave a German made operating machine for cateract operations. We visited a college were we interacted with the students; many wanted to study in USA for several reasons. We went to see a small but very nice blind and deaf project that impressed me, and a project for education in Pushkar where we interacted with village woman and visited school classes, very down to earth and well structured.
I do think Rotary makes a difference in peoples life. Talking to people in India made me once more convinced that we as Rotarians can contribute to better lives.
Thanks to Rotarian Surender Talwar who made the program and organized the trip, we all had a lovely interesting time.
Veroniek Kerssemakers
E -Rotary Houston .