Last Of WInter at Timbaktu

Shiv and Mr. Verma up on the roof with Simhachalam, getting the solar panels fixed

Sharat examining the new solar panels on my roof at Saregama

We just about caught the last few days of "winter" I guess at Timbaktu. It was really cool when we arrived there in the first week of Feb but ten days later, around when it was time to leave, I was already kicking of my blanket at night and even the cotton bedsheet at times, as the weather had heated up considerably.

Angela loves her new attire

The highlights this time round (apart from the workshop) were: getting my solar panels in place with help from cousin Shiv and Mr. Verma the solar expert whom he brought along; Angela being hijacked on her way to Saregama by a gang of ladies who had come for a conference to Timbaktu and being packed into a sari, and the enthusiasm shown by a whole bunch of people for the new project started jointly by some of the members of Timbaktu like Bablu and Mary, and people from Basicindia. "Neu Anfang" (the new beginning) as the land is called is now hot property with several of us wanting a piece of it. Hopefully things will fall in place and in a couple of years we will have shifted base from Timbaktu to the new land, which everyone agreed is a beautiful place.

English lessons at CK Palli led by Meher

Meher, Chandran and Jyotsna meanwhile kicked off the English lessons for members of Timbaktu Collective at CK Palli. Meher was in great form, getting her students to practice speaking, and sing songs in English like the Boogie Woogie song, accompanied by actions which included wiggling the hips, which had everybody almost rolling on the floor with amusement.

For the most part it was a peaceful stay, and as usual we ended our visit with a bang up Barbeque feast at Bablu and Mary's place on the last day: chicken, potatoes and sweet potatoes, spiced with yet more talk about our new project.

My new mini solar panel which can power the light (below), and a mobile among other things

Solar powered LED lamp which runs for up to 16 hours on one charge

For more pics see my facebook page:

Timbaktu Feb 2011