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Hi,
It's a couple of days before I'm about to leave and I'm quite nervous. It's funny how your home seems more comfortable when you're just about to leave it!
Bye For Now
Tom
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Posted By Tom Monaghan on 05 Feb 2008
I've got everything organised and packed and now it's just a case of
waiting to go. In truth, I'm really looking forward to going. I've been
wanting to go to India since I was young, and the chance to live with an
Indian family will give me a real insight into Indian culture. I'm also
really looking forward to teaching at the school. I expect it will be a
challenge, but an exciting challenge. I hope
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Posted By Tom Monaghan on 04 Feb 2008
My first week in India has been fantastic. I have settled in
surprisingly quickly and my homestay is very comfortable. Getting into
the airport after a sleepless flight, my baggage was delayed by an hour.
It eventually turned up, though, and the journey from the airport to my
new home really lifted my spirits. As soon as we turned out of the
airport I had to laugh in amazement because there was a cow in the
middle of the road!The food at my homestay is brilliant Eating with my
fingers was a challenge but after a while it just becomes natural.
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Posted By Tom Monaghan on 03 Feb 2008
I had great experience the other weekend. The school had it's annual
day, where all the parents, students and teachers were invited to an
award-giving ceremony and then the students put on a show. Awards were
not just for good kids but also for good teachers and good parents. When
the two teachers went up to receive their awards one of them cried and
said "when the kids feel pain I feel pain", which was very touching.
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Posted By Tom Monaghan on 02 Feb 2008
Two months in, and I’m still loving every
minute of my stay in India. I have the semblance of a routine, but every
day is completely different. Looking back, I was a little overwhelmed
when I first arrived in Bangalore.
The noise, crowds, pollution, heat, filth, beggars and hawkers were far
worse than I expected. Rickshaw drivers drive around in circles to rip
you off, beggars grab on to you and don’t let go, rabid dogs follow you
menacingly, dead rats litter the pavement, cockroaches scuttle up the
walls, curious eyes stare at you persistently and the only way to cross
the road is to walk out in front of dozens of honking cars.
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