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We started our program today with some goal setting and discussion. Bela talked to us about the cultural differences and some things to avoid. She told us a story of a volunteer who went to a village school and very nearly ended up married because she didn't understand what was being said...
Apparently she was talking to an elder and the lady asked her if she wanted to get married, the 19 y o then agreed thinking yes one day I will get married. Things went along and the old lady started talking about a wedding and the girl was very excited to be seeing a wedding, they were even making her a dress! Bela was out visiting the village and asked the people who was getting married when she saw all of the decorations. That was when the lady told her it was he girl from the program and one of the village men. Very awkward!
Hopefully this won't happen...
We were taken for lunch to a beautiful restaurant not far from the flats. It was south Indian food. The experience was different and interesting. He CCS staff sat with us and showed us how to blend the flavored as we ate...beautiful food!
When we got back we learned that due to the unseasonable cold weather here that some of the schools had been closed for all of this week. Because of this, we will all be placed in the Earth Saviour community programme. This has facilities for a crèche, junior and high school as well as an aged care home. We will be split into pairs and working with small groups of children of a variety of ages. We are keen to get to the placements tomorrow.
Then we were taken to the clothes shop to buy some appropriate clothing to wear to our placement. Some were disappointed that the clothes were expensive at $20-30 dollars for a dresslike blouse and $10 for pants. Interesting... I wonder how much we would normally spend on our clothes back at home?
We have enjoyed bargaining in the street markets!
- comments
Dinnes Family Hey Tess checking blog each day and great to hear you are all travelling well and now at ccs to begin another adventure. Would be good to see a recent photo of you.
Alison Loving the blog, sounds an amazing experience! thanks for the updates