Vejalpur - CEPT Uni - Seva Cafe 2

Today i had been asked to visit one of the Ahmedabad (*Amda-bad) Ultimate youth coaching practices in Vejalpur. Jumping into a ricksahw i was taken a far distance to one of the suburbs on the outskirts, South of the city. Arriving at the destination i was instantly surprised to see the most bizarre street yet.... one side had a huge gated entrance with around 5 guards, the opposite side looked like a disused building, bland, very large, no glassed windows, no clear playing area but was heaving with activity. Guessing the side i was meant to be was on the busier side i walked in.

I was instantly greeted and introduced to around 50/60 young people, adults, mums and dads...all evidently highly surprised that i was i there. It was later that someone explained that the huge block of modern flats opposite were occupied by some of the highest Bollywood stars. Yet across from Bollywood was my first experience of what it is to live a tough childhood. Of course cricket was commencing, and it was great to take a 2nd slip catch to a 5-year-old who had been teaching me how to catch properly; the fact he then came over (knee height) and shook my hand very professionally was great!

In the picture above you can see the little space that frisbee training, cricket etc. are played. Glass on the floor, blocks of cement and rubbish, yet many of the children just running about with no shoes. Many things were a reality check at this point, not only the lifestyle these children were forced to grow-up in, but more the fact that they were outstandingly skillful! in cricket, frisbee, they were throwing forehands about 40m, flat and accurate at the age of 7. A clear example of determination!

An example of Indian graffiti; A certain Sachin Tendulkar, average compared to the opposition i was facing.

After playing a couple of points in a small game and leading a little training session, i was invited in to some of the homes for chai. I don't have any pictures as at this point i was too busy just taking in the experience for myself. All the families lived in a room 5x5m with a toilet/shower addition. Average family of 5 in each room and a total of 2,000 rooms in the 3 buildings, each about 300m long. Lead up onto the roof, we sat with around 5 families altogether, comparing experiences and stories as the light fell. Around 2/3 hours later and many laughs, jokes and chai comsumed, i left for home 14km away.

For me this was the purest moment i had experienced so far.

The next day came and the search for a suitable place to hold a workshop for my project began. Leaving the office i talk the 10minute walk to Kavan's house.

Ashram Rd (outside the office)

(the challenge of crossing the road, top tip just close your eyes and keep walking forward)

Every single walk is full of experiences, this being one of my favourites; Billy this is how you are now going to be taken for a walk!

Don't know which one looked happier, the dog or the boy??

After scabbing a quick bike hop we had reached CEPT Uni, which is one of my favourite places in the city along with CEE & Law Garden. Here the students are great, atmosphere is lovely and is simply a beautiful place to relax and spend the evening. This being my 5th time.

little footy pitch in the centre of the campus

some super grass banks to lye down and lose track of time and sweat.

This is where myself, Kavan, Rushi and most students chill out on two tall grassy banks opposite the library building. Grab a freshly squeezed banana milkshake from the cafeteria, or lemon water and watch the eagles, parrots, huge bats and one bird that looks like a large kingfisher but brilliant blue with the brightest red beak.

This little critter was cute and amazingly camouflaged as a leaf..

Now if you look carefully you can see him just off centre to the right (slightly darker green)

I am going to give you a couple of pics of CEPT Uni and some of the local residents and buildings...

Rushi found his true love

Another mini cricket game later and we were just about ready to make a move.

Tonight was Seva Cafe 2 (Indicorps Style). Banter would be involved for sure. So arriving at Seva cafe with no idea what we would be cooking or what was on the menu we got our aprons on and did a bit of prep to make sure the tables and other bits and bobs were ready for the customers. Seeing a lot of familiar faces was great, quite a few had come from my last trip to Seva so spirits were high!

Everyone working hard clearing up and sorting the cooking stations and deciding roles for the night ahead. With customers arriving at 7pm we had 2 hours to prep and cook.

Today's menu finally finished and decorated beautifully. Milkshake would be made from Oreo's, ice cream and a splash of milk! yummy! Here are my attempts at interesting photos of Seva:

Time for the team to get cooking; on your marks, get set, cook!

I was given the proud job of presenting and making the bruschetta; humous and pesto with tomato. It was a key responsibility and the initial feedback was high with good compliments. At this rate i thought the promotion to Oreo milkshake maker would be imminent, however this proved to be too complicated and my credentials were not strong enough. But unofficially oreo milkshake hand-made is so lush!

Like you, I am still confused about the video conversion: the discussion about serving tomato ketchup with Oreo milkshake is an interesting idea, but not too sure on its success?! I think i am going to try to find out the actual background to this idea...
With a rough team of nearly 15 or more we were highly efficient, which proved to be crucial as we had over 70 customers on this slightly cooler Saturday evening.

Jaidip and Priyanka looking as happy as always!

An action video of the team

With tonight's Seva menu also being to celebrate a birthday, it was great to close the night with a huge group meal and chorus of 'Happy Birthday' with lots of laughs and a chance to eat this amazing food. Although the video is not great, hopefully you will get an idea of just how many people enjoy volunteering at Seva.

So after the evening of fun and banter it was home to sleep and a very early start!