Friday, June 13, 2008
Bangalore Part 1
-Day 1 to Day 3.
6 June (Friday)
Amazingly, I wasn't feeling very excited that I thought I would be. I just felt like a normal day for me, leaving Singapore for India. We gathered at Singapore Changi Airport early in the morning, check in our luggage and bide goodbye to our parents.
Many of us watch movies and enjoyed the television set in front of our seats in the plane.
After the immigration and collection of baggages, we went out of the airport to wait for the bus. We were greeted by the tour guide there. Most of us were not use to the air there, it was windy and sandy. We were blinking our eyes to prevent sand from getting in.
Bus ride to MYSORE!
On our way, we stopped at a 'kopitiam' for snacks.
Continued our journey from there to Mysore. It was a long ride. Very very long ride, many people took nap on the bus.
Arrived at Hotel Sandesh the Prince. Had buffet lunch there. The atmosphere there was so cool, it was so Indiana Jones. The waiters were dressed in cowboy outfits with leather boots.
Next stop was Sandalwood factory. No cameras were allowed, so no pictures. The machines in there were operating so loudly that most of us could not hear what the guide was talking about. From this, I conclude that communicating and speaking loudly is important. In the beginning, I was not used to the smell of sandalwood but after awhile, I got use to it eventually. Sandalwood can be turn into oil, which is very expensive, and also incense. :D
After the visit to Sandalwood factory, we visited the Mysore Palace. It was HUGE and there were many wonderful paintings in it. All the paintings were painted using natural colours, which means colours from vegetables.
Many of us remembered that there was a little boy or girl (I forgot) came to us to sell pens and he/she was saying...
"very hungry, very full"
Although this line has been the joke for us during the trip, I actually felt sorry for the little boy. I felt very bad for ignoring him and just leaving to be hungry.. :(
We checked in Hotel Sandesh the Prince, showered, had discussion in the conference hall and we had our dinner. I think the waiter or manager wanted to touch my camera, so he offered to help me take a picture. :D
We had our debrief session after dinner and also polish up our performances for the Orphanage and school visit.
7 June (Saturday)
After breakfast, we went to the Indian Silk factory, where cameras were not allowed again. the machines there were operating fast too and I really feel sad for the workers there. They may have hearing difficulties next time :( The winding of the silk thread, with the help of modern machinery, is done at a high speed of 800km/h.
We shopped for some silk scarfs, shawls and ties at their shop after visiting the factory. :D People from 2D shared money and bought a scarf for Mdm Yeo.
Lunch was at a resort. It was a really nice place. :D
NO CUT FRUITS! NO DAIRY PRODUCTS!
After lunch, we bus-ed to a coffee factory. We found out that there are actually four different types of coffee beans which are kept in sacks and stacked up. These coffee beans are then graded. They are washed to remove the skin that covers the fruit. Amazingly, we were told by the guide there that although they work there, they do not get a chance to taste the coffee because it is being exported overseas.
Long bus ride to Coorg and we checked in Coorg International Hotel. We had our usual debrief session, dinner, some games and we went to sleep :D
8 June (Sunday)
We were suppose to go to the Orphanage the day before but the kids were out.
The moment I stepped into the Orphanage, I was greeted with smiles from the little kids. It actually made me closer to them and wanting to go near them to spread the joy.
The kids there were not able to speak English and we gotta communicate with them through very simply English, actions and smiles from our faces.
With the communication problems, we had to enhance our expression and feelings for the tory telling to make it more interesting for them. The performers for the story telling were to rehearse at a corner while the others interact with the kids through some ice breaker games. We took loads of pictures after rehearsing, waiting for the kids.
-These black bags are gifts for the kids. :D It is filled with goodies inside. :D
Our performance.
Picture of the kids there :D
The exterior of the Orphanage.
Lunch was @ Coorg international Hotel. Long bus ride to Bangalore and we had Pizzahut for dinner :D
After dinner, we checked in to VT Paradise and we skipped debrief because it was too late.
9 June (Monday)
First day in school, Sri Kumaran Children Home. :) We were welcomed by the Principal followed by powerpoint presentations.
Shide and Wilson were in the Hotel resting with Mister Soh beacause they were not feeling well.
Then it was Ice breaker sessions and sports games. I played Volleyball together with Jonathan, Alvin, Jowie and the girls from Sri Kumaran,
The girls there were dam cool! They watch Taiwanese and Korean show! Some even listen to S.H.E songs! :D
Lunch was packed lunch from the hotel. It was quite nice:D
Then we left school and headed to the Hotel to pick up Mister Soh and Sam went back hotel to accompany the 2 boys.
Ascendas- The Tech Park.
More than 90% of it is owned by Singapore and its really clean and green in there.
It is like a mini estate there. There's mainly offices, apartments, shopping. So it is definitely possible for you not to leave the Park and stay there for long.
We went back hotel for rest and wash up and we headed for Mainland China restaurant. While Mrs Lim took care of the 2 boys at the Hotel. It was a really good meal.
Back to hotel for debrief and Mister Soh gave everyone a little elephant for what we have done at the Orphanage.
