Coconuts, campfires & cheerios...

On the morning of our final full day it was coconut time!

We happily took up the great opportunity to sample coconut milk from the trees on the site, courtesy of Shrini, the school's expert tree climber. Stevie D, the Rev (Simon) and Sparky (Mark) a.k.a the Deveraj brothers walked us up the drive to meet this great lad, who quickly shinned the nearest coconut tree and threw down some green coconuts. Once down, the top of the shell was hacked off with some pretty sizeable machetes only to form a small hole from which the milk could be had... lovely!

Mr Diver's new friend!

With some room still in our bellies, we walked back to have our final meal cooked by Beth. Afterwards we were happy to accompany Steve, Beth, Isaac, Eva & Murphy on a Deveraj family afternoon out to a coffee plantation in the local area. The three of us have never seen one before, and so it took all of us by surprise!

Middle Earth in Tamil Nadu!?

Once we returned from our trip out we headed straight to the school field for one final game of football with the boys! We were so pleased that, despite it being a school holiday, many children turned out for the game. Because of this we decided to take it seriously and shake the teams up a bit...

Team A - Sparky's select XI

Team B - The Squiry Gents

Now, Mr Funnell & Mr Coomer would like to say that Team B won, but this is an honest blog and so we have to admit that Team A were just too strong (including a strong performance from Mr Diver in defence) and the game ended 5-2. Fun was had by all and thankfully no-one was injured this time! Mr Coomer had a large smile at one point after scoring a beautiful free-kick. Mr Funnell walked off red faced after dropping the ball over the line whilst in goal... he will never play in goal again!

Tamil Nadu's Masterchef 2011

After a quick shower we were asked to return to the sports field for our send-off party, Gnana Deepam style. Mark Deveraj and a few students quickly started a fire and proceeded to cook a Biryani (rice dish) for 100 people! Staff and students from the hostels quickly turned about, and before long there was quite a crowd of hungry people ready to eat this fine dish.











With the leftover firewood, Steve Deveraj decided to make a fire. With the help of some students, an impressive campfire was made. At this point the students were asked to sit around the fire and listen to Steve & Simon give the three 'Doha Lads' a happy send-off. All three of us will admit that this was a happy yet sad moment and, as Mr Coomer put if perfectly to everyone that night, the experience has been a happy and humbling for the three of us. The girls and boys handed some lovely gifts to the three of us, aswell as a lovely card for everyone at Park House School.

Stevie D making a fire

And then it was time to eat...

Masters at eating with hands!?

Once food was eaten it was time to watch an outdoor movie. We were amazed at how Simon Deveraj superbly set up a large screen (which hung on the goal posts!) and a projector showed a Disney movie, whilst we all sat under the stars and watched peacefully with the fire still blazing. Once over it was time to say goodbye to not only some great students, but a wonderful bunch of young individuals. The three of us agreed that it was a sad moment, but we were happy to have had the opportunity to meet these people.

After a long and action-packed day it was straight to bed, ready for an early departure back to Salem railway station. After another 6am wake-up call from Murphy we were surprised to see a group of students waiting on the doorstep to say yet another goodbye!

After the students left for school it was time to say goodbye to our hosts. Simon, Sarah, Mark, Ruth, Josh, Hannah, Matthew, Jesse & Bella... thank you ever so much for your kind hospitality. Josh, you became one of the boys and we were so pleased you were there to join in the fun. Thank you for the Starbucks too! To Steve, Beth, Isaac & Eva... a very big thank you from the three of us for having 3 grown lads eat you out of house and home. Every minute in your home has been enjoyable and fun, with numerous moments of laughter. It really has been a great trip, largely because of you! We will look back on our time in your house with so many happy memories... boyakasha!

To the students, staff and anyone we have missed at Gnana Deepam School... THANK YOU!