On our way to the dinner we stopped off at Athupatty, a small village just outside of
Manapparai. For 10 years they applied to the government for a bridge for them to use.
During the monsoon season, they had to wade thigh deep 40 feet across the swollen
creek to get to the town. Finally the government built one. Actually it was army engineers
who constructed it. Now they feel part of society.
There are 45 people in 15 families. Four families own milche animals and that brings in some income.
Others work as labourers. Men earn 1500 Rupees per month and women only 800.
They have an immediate need of a toilets. The village has no sanitary facilities.
All the houses were cement except for one. A gypsy owned that house. He had come and asked
if he and his young family could live there. They allowed him to construct a bamboo hut.
The villagers would like it if it could be replaced with a permanent structure.
We stopped at the neighbouring monastery for a chat and some refreshments –
fried corn flakes, quite good – then off to the dinner.
There were about 13 in attendance. Since 4 were guests, it was a small group.
We had presentations, speeches, and then more presentations and speeches. I spoke for 30 minutes
about Brighton Rotary and its projects and on the reason for my trip. Interesting discussions followed.
After the meeting we met outside in the courtyard for dinner. I had chats with a few of the members
but it was obvious that people were trying to avoid me. Possibly because of their English.
I will relate more when I get back home.
Back to the house for the night.