7 June 2010 (Day 3)

We set off to Saraswathi Vidyalaya School after breakfast at the hotel. It was their first day of school after a long holiday. When we reached, we were overwhelmed by their warm reception. The chairman, principal and staff of the school received us with open arms. To accommodate our arrival time, they delayed their morning assembly so as to seize this opportunity to introduce us to the whole school. The students were excited to see us. Even the people from the media were there to cover our visit. Many of us felt like superstars for the day.

For the lesson observation, the students were divided and attached to 3 different classes while the teachers were guided to tour around the school which comprised of students from the age of 6 to 18. After which we were treated to a performance put up by their Indian dancers just for this occasion. Mrs Thiagayson thanked them for their hospitality and presented the hand-made souvenirs made by our students to the staff and students of the school.

The school hosted us to a sumptuous lunch with traditional Kerala dishes and encouraged us to try eating without using cutlery just like the locals. Many of us gamely took on the challenge and tucked into our lunch with our hands for the very first time.

The afternoon was spent at the Science and Technology Museum where there were many exhibits on display, and the Planetarium which reminded many of us of the Omni Max Theatre next to Singapore Science Centre.

Before returning to the hotel for dinner, we stopped by the Handicrafts Emporium to buy some gifts and souvenirs to be brought home, as well as the local provision shop Spencer’s for some snacks. The air-conditioner was not turned on in Spencer’s due to a blackout earlier. Instead, all the ceiling fans were operating at full blast to cool the store but to no avail. With a huge crowd in the store, the air inside was stiflingly hot.

Another blackout occurred moments after we had just returned to our rooms. It was pitch dark inside the rooms and along the corridors as well. Fortunately the power came back shortly and brought an end to a very eventful day.