RCdeB
Members of the Racing Club de Blackheath dusted off their boots, dug out the knee straps and engaged in many vigorous training activities to get match fit for Shillong.
Shillong (1,496m) is the capital of Meghalaya, an area aptly called "The Abode of Clouds" as it is reknowned for having the highest rainfall of anywhere on earth. Fortunately it was the dry season and we were there to catch the cherry blossom season.
Meghalaya is a matrilineal state and we were half-expecting to field a mixed gender team, but we ended up with our usual mixed-ability team. There was a slight mix of ages too, with 2 sons and one Godson to help out with the running. We were also blessed with a wonderfully supportive group of WAGADs who yelled encouragement from the matri-touchline.
One warm-up game and two matches were held.
The warm up on a splendid 7-a-side pitch 4 for All Turf near Mawdiangdiang 30mins (no traffic) from Tripura Castle.
The 1st Match was at the wonderful Wahiaja stadium, Jowai against the Jainta Veteran 11.
The 2nd Match was at the floodlit SSA Stadium in Shillong against the Chief Secretary's 11.
In between these matches there were a lot of sights to see, some even more beautiful than the games!
Very sadly our stalwart man of most tours and organiser, Simon could not make this trip whilst he awaited a new bionic footballer's hip, we wish him well and look forward to seeing him on the pitch again soon!
Unfortunately Patrick dislocated his shoulder whilst making a 5-a-side save, thankfully he still turned up to shout abusive support from the touchline and take the kick-offs. Fortunately a somewhat younger, slightly quicker and possibly even more skilled footballer was recruited, welcome Gus!
Fly to Shillong
05:30 ready at Dehli Terminal 1D for Flight SG 2950.
Arrived and nearly had all of our bags, "It Shillong way to Tipperary..." etc
Foster party flew from Kolkata
Lunch at Hotel
Eve Cherry Blossom Festival concert - Boney M (4-5 hours drive each way with traffic!) or 18:30 drinks on the terrace followed by dinner, easy choice!
Football warm up 7-a-side Game at "4forALL"
Shopping for the shoppers at Police Bazar or Bara Bazar
Late beers and lunch at the Hotel.
Visit Cherry Blossom Festival - (still lots of traffic) Clean Bandit for the young
Gentle walk/hobble nr. Shillong &/or drinks and group eve meal at the hotel restaurant.
Sight-seeing day
Plan - "Proceed towards Mawlynnong for the living root bridge
Lunch at the cleanest village in Asia
Post Lunch proceed for the Boat Ride at Shnongpdeng
Return back to Shillong"
Actuality With traffic - left 9:00 got to Dawki, river and border with Bangladesh around 14:15 for lunch and swim, back via visit to living root bridge at Mawlynnong 16:45. No sign of a clean village!
Back c.19:30 for drinks and supper at the Hotel.
Football Game at Wahiajer Multi Sports Complex
RCdeB 3 - 2 Jaintia Veteran 11
(H. Bain 3)
Post Game visit Nartiang Monoliths
Return Back to Shillong
eve Visit Shillong Literary Festival
Leave from Shillong with TOUR GUIDE
Planned: "Proceed towards Sohra
Enroute visit Mawkdok Valleys,
Dympep View Point with zip-lining, Noh Kalikai Falls &
Garden of Caves"
Actual: Dympep Valley for zip-lining, Noh Kalikai highest waterfall drop in asia - 335m
traffic prevented cave visit
Evening meal at Rynsan, Shillong
good food in a very pleasant restaurant.
Football Game at MFA Shillong
RCdeB 1 - 1 CS 11
(Chris H 1)
Chief Secretary's 11 won after penalties
1-2
(Steve 1)
Police Officers Mess afterwards for party
Bus to magic, Mawphlang Sacred Forest for a guided tour
Lunch in the Hotel
Last minute shopping in town
19:00 bus to party at Aiban's family home
Announcements:
Man of the Tour: Peter West
Champagne moment: Hamish Bain and Alex Games Karaoke
22:30 bus back to hotel and bar
Buses for 10:45 Flight to Delhi for most
We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to everyone who made our stay in Megalaya so special. We are particularly grateful to Aiban for his incredibly generous organisation in arranging and covering the costs of the amazing pitches, match officials etc as well as drinks and dinner at the Police Officers Mess and at his house.
Thanks to this kind generosity we were very pleased to be able to make a donation to the Bethany Society which works with vulnerable people, those with disabilities, children, youth and women living in extreme poverty, particularly in remote areas of Meghalaya.
We are also extremely grateful to our helpful, kind and generally brilliant personal guide Babitlang, what a star!
