On 17 December, the children from Yashodhara went to Alibag, a beach near Mumbai. For some, it was the first time they had seen the ocean. At first we had contemplated going to Matheran, a mountain pass and natural reserve, but the children wanted to go to “samudra” (beach, in Hindi) and spent all day talking about how much they liked to play in the sea. In the end, their wish came true.
They were thrilled to be going and got their clothes ready (in India, people bathe with clothes on) and a towel. During the bus journey, they listened to music, sang songs and attentively watched all the new scenery.
They bathed and played in the water for three hours, until lunchtime. They then had a picnic in a very nice garden near the beach, with hammocks and showers. After lunch, some of them rested in the hammocks. Hansa, Co-founder of Asha-Kiran, accompanied us and enjoyed the excursion as much as the children did.
On the trip back Home, they were all still and quiet, filled with the lingering scent of the sea and its treasures.
Eshana – live-in Volunteer at Yashodhara Shelter
