11.30.2012
A Series of Unexpected Events
A Series of Unexpected Events
After waking up at a reasonable time, we were treated to Lal's amazing coffee. After that, we packed into the bus and headed up to St. Peter's Higher Secondary School. When we got there, the class started off with a debate about the effects of media. Some subjects that came up were celebrity idolization and exposure to violence in movies, TV, and advertising.
The next activity was a discussion about three videos. The first video they showed us was about a motivational speaker, a man with no arms or legs, who was still able to accomplish anything he wished. It was a wonderful inspirational video. Some students went up to the front and shared their inspiration after seeing this video. The next one, a video of the 9/11 attack was a big shock to us, and we were totally unprepared for a response. Mark and Jennifer, despite the initial shock, talked about the impact of the attack on the United States and how it changed us. They also explained that it was a very touchy subject for us. The third one, chosen by us, was a section of Barack Obama's acceptance speech after the election in which he talks about some of the issues facing our country. The students that responded all thought positively of President Obama. It's weird to think that there are people on the other side of the world who follow American issues and politics. They even brought up his reaction to hurricane Sandy, something many students in the United States wouldn't know. The biggest lesson from this visit was that we should pay more attention to issues outside of the United States and learn more about the world around us.
Our final activity at the school was a game called password. The goal of the game is to get someone to say a certain word only by describing it. For the game, we used words that were given to us at our last visit. These were words that the students were studying in English class. It gave the students a chance to practice their English while also enjoying their time with us.
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| Our game of password. |
After heading back to the house for homework time and lunch, the girls went down to try on their saris at the sewing center. Despite a few mix-ups, all the girls were satisfied with their new attire.
With the whole group back at the house, we walked down to the garden in front of the clinic where a plaque had been set in honor of Susie Keeton, who had passed away last year. She was a key pillar to Bridges to India and Hope Charities. We held a small ceremony in her honor, and a few people spoke about the impact she had in their lives and some favorite memories with her. It was a simple and beautiful ceremony, and she is greatly missed.
Our next destination was St. Mary's Metropolitan Church in Changanacherry. It was built over 150 years ago, and it still looks brand new. Inside was a huge, breathtaking altar depicting Jesus on the cross. One man there was nice enough to show us around.
The next activity was shopping. We mostly bought large pants, pillowcases, scarves, and other cloth-related products. In the middle of the shopping center, a pipe burst and started spewing water into the air and onto the pathway. Luckily someone was able to plug up the hole before it caused too many problems. We were all very happy with the gifts we had bought.
After dark, we headed off to the Parrinel Hindu temple. It was very festively lit up and was playing loud music. Walking in, there were three elephants chained to the floor wearing well-decorated headdresses and enjoying a nice meal of leaves and other various greens.
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| The Hindu Temple |
Earlier in the day, we were invited to a badminton club. There, we were beaten by other teenagers who were well-practiced in the sport. After a few matches, we were treated to some cold drinks. After that, we were on our way.
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| Nathan showing off his skills. |
Our last stop was the grocery store. Everyone was running low on snacks, and we wanted to stock up. We headed back to the house for dinner and our final meeting with Karl and Jennifer. They are returning home today, and we'll miss them in the coming week.
XOXO,
Sean and Maya
11.29.2012
It’s been a long day.
Today we were awoken at 4:30 am to take rickshaws to the train station. Our train was scheduled to leave at 5:10 am but our motto, “hurry up and wait” unfortunately rang true again so we did not depart until 5:30. Everyone was excited to adventure Trivandrum, but given the time we all appeared to have preferred to be snuggled up in our silk sacks and bug nets.
When the train arrived, we all were a little skeptical of its condition. It did not smell great, but as usual we were up to try our hand at a new cultural experience. At the early time the train wasn't too crowded, so we all were able to lie down on the fold out beds spread out throughout the train’s cabin. After the three and a half hour train ride we felt well rested and ready to explore Trivandrum’s sights.
When the train arrived, we all were a little skeptical of its condition. It did not smell great, but as usual we were up to try our hand at a new cultural experience. At the early time the train wasn't too crowded, so we all were able to lie down on the fold out beds spread out throughout the train’s cabin. After the three and a half hour train ride we felt well rested and ready to explore Trivandrum’s sights.
Traveling through the bustling streets of Trivandrum, on our way to the first temple, Sree Padmanabhaswamy, we happened upon another smaller temple where we witnessed worshipers throwing coconuts as a blessing to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Following our fiery haired beacon, Mack, we arrived at Sree Padmanabhaswamy. We learned that to enter to the temple worshipers had to bathe in the holy (but not so clean) water to cleanse the body of impurities. We also were told that if all of the treasures discovered in this temple were given a monetary value, it would exceed twenty Billion dollars.
Turn you're sound on
Following our fiery haired beacon, Mack, we arrived at Sree Padmanabhaswamy. We learned that to enter to the temple worshipers had to bathe in the holy (but not so clean) water to cleanse the body of impurities. We also were told that if all of the treasures discovered in this temple were given a monetary value, it would exceed twenty Billion dollars.
When we completed our twenty-room tour of the palace, we all piled onto a crowded Indian public bus and set off in search of the Arabian Sea. After our thirty-minute bus ride we arrived at the southern coast of India. As Daisy warned us the undertow of the waves were monstrous, and even caught Lucy and Hunter by surprise, making them off balance, and consequently submerged Lucy completely (Uh Oh!).
With Lucy soaking wet, we traveled back to downtown Trivandrum and got a classic Kerala lunch.
With our bellies full, and some new threads for Lucy, we spent the remaining time shopping. Everyone bought at least one trinket and many of the girls purchased a gorgeous Indian bag. We shopped to the very last minute, allowing only forty minutes for us to walk to the train station and purchase our tickets. Sitting on the train, we’re all looking forward to get back to Daisy’s, shower, eat dinner, and pass out for the night.
Xoxo
Nathan and Lucy
P.S.
Mum, the Arabian Sea may have broken the camera. Fingers crossed!
11.28.2012
What a full day - no one had time to post!
Just a quick note before bed.
2 school visits today! Then Bollywood dance lessons! The day ended with an Indian martial arts demonstration right at our front door!
Just wait till you see the photos, videos and read the comments!
You'll have to wait though, we're out all day tomorrow on an excursion to Trivandrum. Hopefully we'll see the famous
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, our first Hindu temple.
Gotta get to sleep. Early train ride tomorrow. Everyone else is sound asleep.
Adam
11.27.2012
Second day at St. Peter's High Secondary School
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| Jenn bonding with her new frandz. |
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| Walking home from St. Peter's |
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| Post-Debate interactions |
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| Nathan, Sean, and some friendly boys |
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| Pals and St. Peter's Principal |
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| .The opening ceremony |
Superstars in Kerala!
Starting the day off right, the group came downstairs to a wonderful breakfast consisting of an Indian-style french toast (fried bread) with imported honey from Nepal and steamed plantains. Based on the lack of leftovers I'd say it was a successful meal made by Lal. After breakfast we all gathered around the living room and prepared for another day at St. Peter's High Secondary School. We were told today would be a "debate", or heated discussion. The main topics were family values and the influence of parents on children's lives.
When we finally got to the school we were greeted by the students all sitting in two rows of chairs, arranged in a circle. The second half to be filled by us. After introducing ourselves and giving details about our lives we sat down and began the debate. We were suprised at how up front the Indian students were, asking us questions regarding the high divorce rate in America and whether or not Obama is leading the country in the right direction. We were put to the test, but didn't fail to question them right back. One popular disscussion topic was whether or not the students approve of their parents ability to choose their bride or groom. I personally enjoyed Lucy Parkin's question on whether or not students are educated on being ecologically friendly and how India can become a more "green" country as a whole. One student replied with the point that the high population contibutes to copiuos amounts of trash on the sidewalks. Another added that although the government tries to regulate the amount of waste on the streets, it is difficult to stay ecologically friendly with the high population of India.
After the debate, we showed the students how to do the Hokey-Pokey. Initially, we felt like this would be awkward, but it turned out to be loads of fun. We also taught them how to sing "You are my Sunshine" and in return, they taught us a popular Malayalam folk song. After the hard debate questions everyone seemed willing to be a little silly while dancing. When we finished jumping around we were given free time to talk to each other. The students were eager to learn about us in a casual setting, asking us how we liked Kerla and what we did back in Oregon. This was a really nice way to get to know students and allowed us to ask them personal questions that weren't addressed during the debate.
Back at the house we ate a nice lunch of Indian noodles and an array of sauces to accompany the dish. Now we're all getting ready to head down to the clinic and finish painting. Once our work is done, Daisy has planned for us to visit Changanacherry. There we'll visit a historical port and get some ice cream. Twill be fun, lol!
Xoxo,
Clur n Mrk.
When we finally got to the school we were greeted by the students all sitting in two rows of chairs, arranged in a circle. The second half to be filled by us. After introducing ourselves and giving details about our lives we sat down and began the debate. We were suprised at how up front the Indian students were, asking us questions regarding the high divorce rate in America and whether or not Obama is leading the country in the right direction. We were put to the test, but didn't fail to question them right back. One popular disscussion topic was whether or not the students approve of their parents ability to choose their bride or groom. I personally enjoyed Lucy Parkin's question on whether or not students are educated on being ecologically friendly and how India can become a more "green" country as a whole. One student replied with the point that the high population contibutes to copiuos amounts of trash on the sidewalks. Another added that although the government tries to regulate the amount of waste on the streets, it is difficult to stay ecologically friendly with the high population of India.
After the debate, we showed the students how to do the Hokey-Pokey. Initially, we felt like this would be awkward, but it turned out to be loads of fun. We also taught them how to sing "You are my Sunshine" and in return, they taught us a popular Malayalam folk song. After the hard debate questions everyone seemed willing to be a little silly while dancing. When we finished jumping around we were given free time to talk to each other. The students were eager to learn about us in a casual setting, asking us how we liked Kerla and what we did back in Oregon. This was a really nice way to get to know students and allowed us to ask them personal questions that weren't addressed during the debate.
Back at the house we ate a nice lunch of Indian noodles and an array of sauces to accompany the dish. Now we're all getting ready to head down to the clinic and finish painting. Once our work is done, Daisy has planned for us to visit Changanacherry. There we'll visit a historical port and get some ice cream. Twill be fun, lol!
Xoxo,
Clur n Mrk.
11.26.2012
First school visit
We started the day off with a traditional Kerala breakfast of rice, lentils, papadam, and delicious Kerala coffee. We then walked 30 minutes to St. Peters school, for a visit with the high school age students. We were very warmly welcomed into a classroom filled with dignitaries, teachers, and the most accomplished English speaking students in the school. We listened to several speeches about the culture and lifestyle of India, specifically Kerala. We then proceeded to watch a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony showing the unity of Indian culture and Christian culture.
Then we got a chance to interact with the students. We learned a little bit about their education, lifestyle, and ambitions. We also shared with them pictures and stories about our life in America, and our family and friends. We were quite impressed with their English, and how easily we were able to interact with them.
We ended our school visit with a traditional Indian dance program, including dances typically performed at a bachelor or bachelorette party, for the bride and groom. They also shared with us a dance praising God.
After enjoying their complex and energetic performance we shared with them a rendition of "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson, and included them in an interactive performance of "Cha Cha Slide."
We then said farewell to our new friends, and returned to the house. We enjoyed a lunch consisting of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and fresh sardines, and had a few hours of homework time. The girls went down to the sewing center to get fitted for our saris. the women at the center did not speak English, but were very helpful and kind. While the girls were being fitted for saris, the boys helped Lal pick fresh vegetables for dinner from Daisy's garden. Dinner was fish, sardines, lentils, rice, and fresh vegetables. We ended the day with a few heated rounds of a traditional Indian board game called carom.
Love,
Anna and Sophia.
Then we got a chance to interact with the students. We learned a little bit about their education, lifestyle, and ambitions. We also shared with them pictures and stories about our life in America, and our family and friends. We were quite impressed with their English, and how easily we were able to interact with them.
After enjoying their complex and energetic performance we shared with them a rendition of "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson, and included them in an interactive performance of "Cha Cha Slide."
We then said farewell to our new friends, and returned to the house. We enjoyed a lunch consisting of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and fresh sardines, and had a few hours of homework time. The girls went down to the sewing center to get fitted for our saris. the women at the center did not speak English, but were very helpful and kind. While the girls were being fitted for saris, the boys helped Lal pick fresh vegetables for dinner from Daisy's garden. Dinner was fish, sardines, lentils, rice, and fresh vegetables. We ended the day with a few heated rounds of a traditional Indian board game called carom.
Love,
Anna and Sophia.
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