Carnegie School of Sport is once again making a splash in India

Day 1: The adventure began! Firstly from Manchester airport to Dubai where we were met with 20 minutes to get through security, jump on a train and into a lift to make it to our gate on time but we managed! Then off to Mumbai we went and were met by ISMS students who transported us from Mumbai Airport to Pune. We had a half way stop off in the 4 hour journey at a service station with choices of mcdonald’s starbucks and subway! We then continued the journey and finally landed at the hotel, dropped bags in the room and headed straight for dinner. We were all exhausted so a good night sleep was what was needed (despite the excitement of the next two weeks ahead).

Day 2: Welcome day at ISMS. We kicked off the day with a short journey to ISMS University, driving in India is such an interesting experience. The roads and rules are so different to England. The opening ceremony involved traditional fitting of head piece and learning about different areas of India with a presentation and dancing.

We also took part in traditional games of Carrum and formed relationships with the students. Three of us presented infront of the ISMS students about Leeds life and Leeds Beckett, this was a great experience to speak internationally!

Day 3: Pune City tour. This beautiful architecture is the Shree Ramji Sansathan and it was constructed by Nandram Naik in the year 1884.  Located in the heart of Pune Old town City, this temple was modified to withhold the majestic top of the temple. This temple is used today to hold festivals and celebrations within Pune. One of the groups favourite elements of this temple is the Indian Idols which are surrounding the temple - the design of this was both beautiful and intricate. Overall, the city tour was amazing experience filled with knowledge, food culture, and insight. The perfect way to spend a day in Pune

Day 4: After a great night in Pune, we were greeted with a lovely breakfast. The day started with a trip to the ISMS campus. Yoga allowed some everyone to relax and chill out throughout the session. Dancing after lunch was so funny we managed to just about learn 1 of 3 routines taught to us by an amazing group of ISMS students. Then we went and had lunch at the University, which was a variety of street food. After tour of the sports facility we came back to the hotel for some well deserved rest! In the evening we played a game of cricket against the ISMS students, this was such a great experience and the group sure put on a show!

Day 5: The day started with an informative history conference learning the origins of Badminton at PDMBA. Learning how the game of Badminton originated from the city of Pune, originally called the Poona Game, it was developed by the British army officers into the game we know today as Badminton. We later enjoyed playing friendly games of badminton, some more competitive than others, on some original courts which are still used for some elite level badminton. Followed by a spot of home comfort in some shopping in a local mall, not long before an early night preparing for the early start for an exciting few days that lay ahead.

Day 6: An early start to the day as  we headed to Snehalaya, a tremendous charity that serves nearly 20,000 beneficiaries each year.  We had the privilege of working closely with the children and caregivers in Snehalaya by delivering sports, crafts, relaxation classes and many other activities. Despite the unfortunate reasons why some may live in Snehalaya, seeing the children and women smile was certainly a highlight of the trip! After a long day of travelling and making friends with the wonderful residents of Snehalaya, followed some local traditional food. Tomorrow we have some lesson planned to deliver throughout the day to all different age groups. Therefore, an early night was required!

Day 7: Our second day at Snehalaya and a Happy Birthday to Ben! Everyone started off with their classes from the previous day: playing cricket, football, drawing, colouring and then a few watched some of the kids practising their march for republic day. It was then lunchtime followed by more activities that we had planned out the day before, this time with all of the children and it was amazing. We had some kids making friendship bracelets with their feet, rainbow plates created, football matches, volleyball matches and more. It was another fantastic day but it was time to say our goodbyes and make our way to Ellora to our hotel for the next two nights, but I’m sure it won’t be the last time at Snehalaya for some students!

Day 8: A trip to the Ellora Caves (built around 5th century) for us with special appearances from a monkey or two now and again! We also visited the Gailash temple: the worlds largest monolithic structure in the world and climbed to the top for a stunner of a view. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and provided such detail and insight to the adventure. He even treated us to a traditional Budist song in one of the echoing caves. The weather was glorious, perfect for an adventure round the caves. Followed by a visit the Silk Bizzare in the evening to spend some pocket money on skirts, scarves and elephants! :)