Hey everyone, it’s Allie and Anthea here.
On the 10th we, Kathryn, Dani, Anina, Allie and Anthea, started our day by going to special care to give our donations. In case you don’t know, special care is for older/younger boys and girls who have disabilities and need extra attention. It was a heart warming experience to see the smiles on their faces when we gave them their new toys. The most extraordinary experience was spending time with the older boys. First, we gave them their ring toss game amongst other fantastic toys. The teachers loved the ring toss game and said that the game helped to enforce the color and number concepts as well as promoting good hand-eye coordination. We were able to teach the boys how to play the game and it was special to see that we were able to give these people such great happiness with such simple gifts. Next, two of the boys performed dances that they had been practicing and working hard on. They were so proud to show us their accomplishments and it was cool to see how much joy they got from it. We found it incredible how despite their disabilities, they were able to learn a dance and perform it with such confidence and ease. They even taught us a few of their moves, which was a great time.
After a big lunch of unknown but delicious foods I, Anthea, got a chance to go and play with the babies. Despite the fact that I came out covered in pee and spit, it was still a good time and the babies were adorable. One baby, who Kasha and Kathryn nicknamed “double trouble” took a special interest in my hair. He would not stop pulling, tugging and eating my hair. Thankfully, he got over it after the first half hour.
For dinner, both groups met up for a fancy buffet dinner at the fanciest hotel in Podanur. It was culture shock all over again. We took advantage of the steak, chicken and pop, not to mention the desert buffet and clean luxurious bathrooms. It was great to have the group all together again and exchange stories from our very different experiences.
After a full action packed day, we all went to bed as soon as we got back. Or, at least I (Allie) did, and I have now gained myself a reputation to be the first to pass out. Last night was the record, 9:00 p.m. while everyone else went to bed at least 1 hour after me.
Yesterday, the 11th, the GPS and FFC groups reunited for a very eventful one hour bus ride to Chinmaya, an international IB school. We are proud to say that a new India record has been broken by Dmitri, Aidan, and I (Anthea). Our small bladders did not hold up on this bus ride, as we had to pull over on the side of an Indian highway and pee in the bushes. Well, not exactly bushes, because apparently I (Anthea) ended up going on a woman’s property, while she watched and screamed at me the entire time. Don’t worry, I was totally oblivious. Thankfully, my embarrassing experience was forgotten when Dmitri decided he had to go again on the way back. It was hilarious as the locals found this so absurd that they stopped on their motorcycles, pointed and laughed. He received a standing ovation from the whole village and our bus. Have no fear Dmitri, we have pictures.
When we arrived we were instantly welcomed to their beautiful school. We were all blown away by the large field, campus, and impressive buildings. Our visit began with an extensive presentation by the students, sharing their CAS experiences. We mingled with the students and compared our IB experiences. We were soon put into groups for a TOK lesson by the Indian version of Mr. Martin. It was cool to see the different methods of teaching as the class was very hands on, differing from what we’re used to. We soon learned how intense the lifestyles of these students. Their day begins at 5:30 a.m. with a mandatory hour long jog, followed by their spiritual class. This is all before 8:00 a.m. The day is packed with classes, no spares, and the students said that they often work until 3:30 a.m. They have a 6 day week, so when we asked them about what they do on the weekends; they said “absolutely nothing”. Despite the intensity of their lifestyles, the students are still happy, enjoy living with each other, and attending their school. This experience taught us to appreciate York, especially for the Ontario conversion which these students do not have. We left the school to go to a meditation and yoga centre. It was a peaceful and spiritual experience. We wrapped up the day with a dinner out to celebrate Brigitte’s birthday. We got home and went to bed immediately as .we were exhausted from such a fun filled day.
Update you later!
P.S. keep the comments coming, we love to hear from you guys! (That means you, Mom, Dad, Carly and Nick)
P.P.S Marky Mark (Surchin) and Professor Harvey, we hope you’re impressed with our grammar as we managed to get into several fights aka Allie slapped me many times over punctuation and spelling.
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