Diary report of being in India, october 19th

Diary Entry, 19th of October, Ann-Kathrin

When we came down this morning exceptionally everyone was awake. Like every day we had tea and toast for breakfast. In the car we heard loud music until our host brother told us that he and our host sister were in a bad mood, because they were sad that we were going to leave. Both started crying and Laura, Johanna and I felt very sad, too. But they had to promise that they won’t cry again that day so that we could enjoy the last day together. Although we were late for more than 30 minutes, a lot of pupils came after us, even the teachers. Then finally the presentations started. The Indians prepared a nice atmosphere in the primary school where we had a beamer and a screen. During the break we got bananas and something to drink. After that everyone expected that we were allowed to leave, but the planning changed again. I was looking forward to buy our suites for the diwali festival the next day but I did not get that chance. I was mad. Before driving to another Vasant Valley Public School for younger children we had lunch in the cafeteria. In the school we met sweet open children and Edwin tought them a “Boogiedance” from Germany. We got some light refreshments and then started to visit a shoe factory. We went inside the factory to see how they make shoes. Everywhere were so many toxic atmosphere gases that one asks oneself how people can work there for such a long time. I felt pity. Again we waited for over an hour, but then we got a present in form of gym shoes. We all were very thankful. Our host brother was waiting at school. When he told us that our host father did not eat anything until we were coming back home I first realised how much they integrated us in their family. All the three of us felt bad so our host family tried to make us feel fine again and brought us to a market where we could have a look around for souvenirs and also could order a suite. In the evening there was a dinner at Praneta’s house. We did not stay that long, because Laura was a bit ill. After the packing we played cards like every evening and talked about similarities and differences between both our cultures and plans for the future. Our lovely host sister cried a lot. I knew that I was going to cry the next day as well. We were lucky to stay this week with this wonderful, anxious family. We had so much fun and I am sure that I will miss them a lot. I can not wait for them coming to Germany next year.

Daily report, Saturday 19th October, Laura

The presentations of our projects which we had worked out in small groups the previous days took place in school today. Actually it was planned that the presentations start at 10 o'clock, but our teachers arrived because of another item on the agenda only an hour later, though, the complete planning delayed. At 11.30 we could start with the presentations. All groups introduced their results in short lectures to a certain topic. Many groups use powerpoint presentations to the better clarification of her results. All pupils were integrated in the presentations and it worked well. All pupils assembled in the day room and we did good informed after the presentations were ended, that our program was changed at short notice for the repeated time. Instead of a free afternoon in the guest families a visit of a school and a shoe factory stood on the program. We had still lunch together before we set out. Then we went to another school by bus. We were very cordially greeted there. They had prepared something to drink and eat and led us through the school building. After we had said goodbye, we drove on to the shoe factory. Arrived there we were received with a very nice speech. We then were allowed to visit the factory in smaller groups and exactly have a look how they produced sport shoes and footballs. The inspection and the facts, which were explained to us were interesting ,but because of the heat and the extreme smells inside the factory some students didn´t feel very well after the inspection, so the atmosphere was a little subdued. After that, it came to a discussion between a teacher and some pupils but after a while the people calmed down, however. All pupils were picked up back at the school and could spend a little time in their guest family´s. Later in the evening, there then was a small celebration at the house of Praneeta and her family. We were eaten jointly and spent some time together before everyone returned into the guest families and a long day came to an end.