Friday, August 6th was the big day; two massive 60-seater buses were ready and waiting for us at 8 am. The destination was "Happy Land," a small water-park about 2 hours driving from Kovalam. Meirion and Babs, helped by staff-member Vineeth, had prepared a kit with fruit, sweets, water and pocket money for each of our students and staff. We met in the SISP Centre to remind everybody the rules for the day, then Meirion and Babs handed out the bags (even the "boss" got pocket money) and we were ready to roll.

As is customary in India, within 5 minutes of setting off, the bus aisles were transformed into dance floors with dancing to all the latest Molly- and Bolly-Wood hits. There was so much pent-up excitement! But on arrival at the park it was amazing to see how disciplined the students behaved. I was so proud!

The children quickly changed into bathing costumes: boys in T-shirt and Bermudas, girls in sari or cherudar (even the guys cover their upper body in the pool). Everyone then ran excitedly into the park!

Our children were easily spotted - all students had their SISP blue T-shirt (a gift from Alan and Val who, last year, helped obtain a major Rotary Club donation). The playground was the first goal. What a riot! Then the carousels, then the windmills ... and ultimately the water slides, the wave pools, the flumes... They were tireless! So full of energy! The children, however, sometimes forget that I am no longer young; with five children on your back and around your neck in the water, paddling around is fun but can be a little dangerous ... meanwhile, the staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The lure of the cool water could not be resisted by some ladies who ventured into the water, sari or not. Mrs. Kumari, Mereena, Sindhu, Siva all braved the water to join in the fun.

1 pm and it was time for a delicious Chicken Byriani lunch, after which, with full bellies, it was straight back into the park. Their luck was not over - thanks to their pocket money they could snack on ice cream, soft drinks, ... and later there was a very welcome short break for tea with milk and fried bananas.

When the park finally announced at a quarter to six that closing time was approaching it was quite a task to get everyone out of
the water, but all were delighted to receive a Happy Land T-shirt and a bag of popcorn.

Smiling faces all day! Unsurprisingly, on the way home, some of the youngest ones already had heavy eyelids, but there was still dancing to the very end. It was a wonderful, carefree day, full of fun. Thank You, Meirion and Babs. For everyone it was a unique and unforgettable experience. Never before have our students had this chance, something which most of them couldn't imagine ever being able to afford.

Paul