T+40 Something......., A Hard Day's Night, Part Two

We arrived in Ahmedabad about 3:30 am local time, approximately 34 hours from leaving home. We met three more team members who began their journey from North Carolina, California and another from Harrisburg. We were met by several smiling faces, among them one of the coordinators of this surgical camp, Kiran Patel who couldn't have been more gracious. They loaded up our bags into the back of a sort of extended pickup truck and we boarded the bus for a 2+ hour drive south to Khambhat.

Several of the group certainly hinted at our ages at the sight of this bus which conjured up images of Woodstock and comments like "I haven't smelled that since the last Grateful Dead concert, or "roll 'em if you got 'em." Spirits were good despite the fact that we were all a bit delirious from lack of sleep. So off we went like a band of pseudo gypsies in the darkness with a few laughs, a couple cases of water, and some dry snacks provided by our hosts. Just one more cramped legged event and we would arrive at our surgical camp destination.

As our first sunrise in two days began, we spotted an elephant walking with its owner, many camel drawn carts, cows just hanging around and even some goats. As early as it was, there were people walking and driving about, and apparently school is in session on Saturday as we saw children with their book bags headed for a day of learning.

Our first stop: Cambay Hospital, a sprawling compound of very old to relatively newer buildings, a veritable labyrinth of connected structures. We were treated to breakfast -- how many meals have we eaten since our last sleep???? --- some welcome information and then we unloaded the medical bags before heading to the Vardayini Guest house on Station Road. Did you read the blog with the Google Earth photo last week? Well, that very spot is about one block away! As we surveyed the town from our 4th floor hall open area we watched dozen of long-tailed monkeys playing on adjacent rooftops and roof patios. We will surely keep our door closed, and locked as to not welcome any uninvited simian visitors from intruding while we sleep tonight. Our home away from home is, well, basic. A hot shower consists of using a large bucket and giant ladle. The bathroom is much like one on a boat, that is it's an 'all in one situation.' After a very brief rest we headed back to the hospital to set up supplies and screen patients for a few hours -- work beings early tomorrow .

Our hosts had a dinner for us at a restaurant across the street which is apparently a local favorite. A note to my friend, Karen Chrestay - while you might be horrified thus far, this meal would have won you over. It was right out of an episode of Anthony Bourdain - I half expected him to walk in at any moment. Not much of an idea of what exactly it all was, but I devoured every bite and cannot wait for the next cuisine adventure - Indian Food, Local style.

It is now 9:52pm local tome Saturday night and we are headed to sleep. This Hard Day's Night has come to a close, for tomorrow is a new day. Not sure
when this will post as we have some WiFi issues tonight. Tomorrow we begin our job of making a difference in the lives of friends we have not met and in our own.

Thank you for reading. Sweet Dreams,
Cheryl