An action-packed week for UniBreak volunteers in India

COUNTRY: India
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Health Placement
WRITTEN BY: Helen Huang

We had another great week here in Palampur, participating in our first proper Indian yoga lesson on Thursday! It was definitely different (and probably more authentic) than anything we'd ever done before. While some of us seemed like professionals, the rest of us struggled - yoga is meant to be relaxing isn't it? Yet some of us were left out of breath, with muscle pains and headaches. Hopefully we'll fare better next lesson.

Our weekend challenge was trekking in Triund. The climb was 9km in distance and 2.8km in altitude- Bear Grylls style. On the way up we were all glistening with sweat, yet it was also cold when the sweat evaporated into the mountain air. Soon it began to rain, to the point where we didn't know whether we were covered in rain or sweat. The route was treacherous, with rocks and trees everywhere, as well as numerous cow and donkey paths that needed to be dodged. Fingers crossed we lost some weight. Yet again, the group was split into two halves: those who are excellent trekkers, and those who are not. During the struggle we managed to make friends with the volunteers from the mysterious other house.

Despite the strain, it was totally worth it as the summit was beautiful. We were greeted by friendly cows and horses, which also acted as efficient alarm clocks the next morning. We then hit up Mcloudganj, where we visited the Dalai Lama's temple. Even though it was supposed to be his birthday, we were too slow getting down the mountain, meaning that by the time we got there the celebrations were over!

We didn't have any time for recovery, as we (and our sore legs) were back at placements again the next day. This week some of us began observing surgeries. It was mostly just gallbladder removals, but there was an amputation of an arm and a toe, which caused a girl to faint. Blood is too gory for some.

During the week we also managed to have dinner with our Spanish friends that we made on the trek. It was wonderful as we were treated with meat (a rarity in our vegetarian house) and dessert. The cherry on the top was when the bill was paid for by our In-Country Partner!

Week 2 of our Palampur program has been as hectic as the first, with little time for rest! This weekend we'll be catching the border ceremony in Amritsa, amidst the projected 45 degree heat. Wish us luck!