Myself and three other volunteers came into the city today for a little, but needed break from Shanti Bhavan. It's so nice to be out at the school and away from traffic and busy life, but it's also nice to come and get real food once in a while. We toured around the city a little today and I've decided that it's the dirtiest place I've ever been. Millions of cars spewing nasty exhaust so badly that the smog doesn't just sit in the air above the city, but down on the street level as well. We toured the shopping district and a few temples before heading out the house we're staying at for the night. The trip was supposed to be about 20 minutes to the town, but because of massive traffic, it took about two hours.
We're staying with a teacher from our school for the weekend in this gated community that is amazing. I'm planning on laying out by the pool tomorrow and may even get a massage in the morning. I bought a Vogue India for my pool side reading. There is this store called Fab India that sells all these "Made in India" tourist things, so I think we're going to stop by there tomorrow as well.
Other than that things at school are good. My second grade learned how to play Bingo this week and they are now obsessed with it. They are also learning how to write a short story which has been kind of a challenge. They're a handful, but have gotten so much better and I love them all so much! I'm surprised at how attached to them I've become. I would love to bring them all how with me, they are such amazing kids.
The 10th graders started their big tests this week also. Every 10th grader in India has to take a standardized test that basically determines their future. They do one subject a day, about a two hour test, for two weeks in March. They've been really stressed about it, but since they've been studying for about 10 hours a day for the past month, I think they'll do great.
Life is good here, I have no reason to complain. I wish you all could be here and experience the peace of Shanti Bhavan. I'm over the top happy and can't believe that I've more than 1/2 way done. Hopefully the first half doesn't go by as fast as the first has. Love you all and please keep in touch!
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