Day 6

We left the snow land hotel soon after breakfast to be driven to the Bal Ashram hostel which provides children with shelter and education.  At the start we were taken into a large room where we were introduced to the children that lived in the hostel.  We showed the children our photo books explaining our lives in Yorkshire.  Whilst some talked animatedly other found it harder than the rest. Once that was finished we started arts and crafts courses with the children and drawing everything from hand prints to maps. 

Outside was the area for games and we were split into teams with mixtures of scouts and the children.  Several were based around a slalom course whilst others were trying to throw a folded plane furthest.  Soon after we gathered into groups and helped tidy the rubbish that had collected in the rough running by the school.  Coming back to the hotel we started to pack ready for the trek.  Leaving the bags in our room we walked to a restaurant called “Chopsticks” that specialized in noodle dishes.  The second course were dumpling – like packages called Momos.  We arrived back late and as a result were late to bed.

Anthony

Day 5 – RUBBER DINGHY RAPIDS

We started the day as usual with as early 7:30 breakfast. This time was too early for Anna as she locked Jemima in their room even though she had been told to wait.  After breakfast we loaded into off roaders to go to the white water rafting. We met the worst driver in India, who beeped at armed men, skipped army check points and nearly ran into army trucks. Once on the water we started what the boat captains called games…. Swapping boats, jumping into the water and splashing each other, this was when we weren't going down massive rapids. At the end Andy decided to jump onto another boat and proceeded to empty it of its occupants. We saw some of the best scenery so far today whilst on the water…. It was breathtaking! On the way back the driver seemed to get lost on a straight road and then asked us for direction.

In the afternoon we went into Leh where we decided that we needed to embrace the local traditions and bought traditional clothes. We have enjoyed the challenge of buying local merchandise and attempting to barter with the shop keepers. People have bought Meditation Bowls, which make a very “Therapeutic” sound.

By Jamie, Andy and Oliver 

Expedition leaders report from trekking

Just had a text. Looks like they have managed to find a phone signal. All is fine . Enjoying trekking. Resting at Snowlands tomorrow. Next report likely when return from trekking Thursday. thanks. Neil

latest report from leh

Just heard from the expedition leader- everyone has been visiting a local school in leh today and it has been an excellent day and a rewarding experience for everyone. I m writing this blog rather than the Explorers themselves as there has been a powercut and therefore no Internet access in Leh before they depart for the trekking . Needless to say, the Explorers tell the story much better than I do sat at work several  thousand miles away!! Its just fantastic to hear what they are up to and  that everything is fine.
Please remember on the trekking there is no phone or internet access so reports will be few and far between for the next few days, but I will pass on anything I hear.

Neil

Day 4 – Seeing his Holiness the Dalai Lama

Today has been extremely busy! We set out (quite) early this morning to walk into town to join the hundreds of locals who had gathered to witness the arrival of the Dalai Lama into Leh. We had hoped to present him with the contingent necker as it is customary to give scarves, but unfortunately he drove past with his window up. A local policeman recommended that we go to the SPP station, where we might be able to find someone to pass it on for us. We decided to go after lunch, and made our way back to the hostel for a bit of a rest after all the excitement of the morning.

When we returned to the SPP we spoke to another policeman. He suggested the best thing to do would be to deliver the necker ourselves, to his house in Leh. We were really surprised and very excited at the prospect of visiting the Dalai Lamas house, so we wrote a letter and put together a gift including our continent necker and badge, and a box of Yorkshire Tea. We also included a postcard in a stamped addressed envelope for him to return to us! We’ll let you know how successful we are in delivering the gift later.

This afternoon we had the chance to have a look around Leh and visit a few shops (what else?), where we discovered that James W is a keen shopper and barterer. Dave C however needs some practice! After a short stop back at the hostel, we set out for our first walk of the trip, up to the Stupa: a shrine at the top of a hill with gorgeous views out over Leh and surrounded by mountains.

We made it back for dinner and our Lake Louise test. We’ve had a few more poorlies but we suspect it might be due to the sun rather than altitude or the food. Hats and suncream religiously from now on! We do seem to be acclimatising quite well in general though, hopefully we’ll all be fit and ready for the trek on Thursday.

Time for bed now,

Lots of love,

Sarah and Emily xxx

p.s. Sarah says “Hi everyone at home, having lots of fun and staying safe. Missing you. Couldn’t find a simcard hence why I haven’t contacted but you should have been looking at the blog anyway so that doesn’t  matter! See you all soon. Lots of love xxx”

p.p.s Emily says “Hello! I am having such a good time and love India so much! Thinking of you all, hope you’re all well. Love xx”

Day 3!

Day 3

We’re in Leh! J

Its colder which is a definite plus, it’s also less humid which means we can actually breath!

We got up ridiculously early, like REALLY early as in 2 o’clock… which went well for us all. When we were at the airport we decided ,wisely, to get some McDonalds which was very smart and delicious and not spicy like the KFC turned out to be! The flight was pretty bumpy but the view was amazing.

Leh’s really pretty although we haven’t seen most of it from our bed since we’ve all slept most of the day to catch up and acclimatize only waking up to eat and go for a little walk around Leh and see what we can buy tomorrow. So far all we’ve (Lily and Ellie by the wayJ) suffered from is tiredness which made us a little grumpy and feeling a little bit sick up until today around 5 when we went walking and got back and ate some amazing custard and bananas.

Josh is casually taking pictures of us two and the others having conversations , so it’s safe to say his mum will have some weird photos to look at when he gets home, James is still being extremely energetic and happy and the other James got his Taylor Swift fix today and definitely cheered up:L

Erm.. so that’s about all we did today J it was a good day just getting to relax!

Lily and Ellie

ps

From Lily to her mum: hi! I miss you and please look after mr. Tiddles and I can’t wait to see you , please remember to look out for 1D related stuff to fill me in! :*

From Ellie to her Mum : hiJ  I miss you all and thanks for persuading me to take two nutella’s per day. Life saver. Also , please bring my Sherbet Pips and Kerrangs too ! :) I can’t wait to see you all! Bye! :*

Day 2: A day in dehli

First we woke up and had toast and other food for breakfast, After this we went to old dehli and met up with The Salaam Balaak trust, The tour guide took us through the slums, Where we saw alot of interesting people. He took us to the shelter where we met the children, We interacted with them and learnt a new handshake. After this we went to Macdonallds for lunch which was very nice. After this we encountered a storm. Once the storm died down we traveled over to a school, Where we played games and had a lot of fun with the kids, they were very friendly and we had a great time.
By sam corrigan, Sam cameron and tom lee.