Today we went to one of my favorite colonies--Bethel Nagar. I love the independence found in this colony. It is so refreshing. It seems the patients in this colony have their own brand of fierce independence--the most independent being the ones who seem to have the least physical independence such as these two....or three I guess:
This man has no fingers or toes and is pretty close to blind. His wife is helpful and firm with him--sometimes to the point that I felt a little bad for him. But he himself was really happy. I was doing blood pressure and blood glucose today and as soon as he sat in my chair I asked him how he was doing and he exclaimed (and very enthusiastically) "I am fine!" but not in a loud I can't hear well sort of way, just in an energetic happy way.
And this lady-----not only does she get around on her scooter but she gets around well. And FAST. Im pretty sure I have written about her before, but I just had to highlight her again because I love her.
And the fact that I can't remember either of these patient's name frustrates so so badly.
Here a few more pics from around the colony today. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many times Ive been able to work in the colonies I still always end up having a meaningful and touching experience. They really are special--I would even go as far to say sacred--places.
After the colony we stopped at Pulipaakam Hill/Temple afterwords. Climbing up the hill in flip flops in the hottest part of the day wasn't so fun but the temple and experience that awaited us up top was. First off there was this guy--straight from National Geographic right?
Usually the priest at temples are really private but this one wasn't so much. He and all the temple staff were for that matter. They showed us around the temple and instead of just pointing to were we could look in at things they let us go into the chambers--and take pictures even. I have never been to an "open" temple like that before. It was really really neat.
I didn't get the closing our eyes memo on this one......
And this is why we tell volunteers not to touch the animals:
Right before we left the priest was leaning up against this pole so I had to take one more picture. His friends started saying this was his sexy pose......its probably a good thing we were on our way out. And that we had Bryan with us.
We took some pics of the view on way back to the trail head. That my friends is Chengleput Lake. Im not sure if that is it's official name but that is what I'm calling it. I love the train in the second pic. I still have yet to ride an Indian train--I guess its good I still have an uncompleted Indian bucket list, it will give me more of a reason to come back one day. As if I need more of one. :)
