Monday in India

Do you have an analogue watch? If you turn it upside down you will see the time in India. So it is currently 12.20 a.m. here and 18.50 pm with you! Today was a busy school day. The whole school celebrated Children's Day. This is a day given to children by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru because he loved children. He is known as the Architect of Modern India and was the first Prime Minister following Independence. It is held on his birthday. He was educated at Oxford and is Mrs. Indira Gandi's father. On this day the teachers entertain the children in all kinds of ways. Some schools close for half a day (in the afternoon). There are races and competitions. In Saupin's School the children held races against the teachers and also a three legged race. Mrs. Glare would have loved the part where the Aero-modelling Club launched their model plane round and round the recreation ground. First one hawk (sorry but not sure which sort) then another hovered above watching the plane. I was glad they didn't swoop! I met the Founder of Saupin's School today. Mrs. Saupin Ma'am. The children call the teachers by their first name and to show respect add ma'am at the end (or sir if it's a man), so the teachers are Nina Ma'am or Jasmin Ma'am. I wonder how our teachers would feel about it? The children make party hats and can win prizes. We also went to the Millennium School where the teachers - ladies and gentlemen danced a traditional Punjabi folk dance. The children were very excited and tried to guess who their teacher was because they were dressed in traditional dress. We went shopping this evening too in the local area Sector 17 and Sector 22. Mr. Winter, we are about 5 minutes from the cricket ground where the semi final of world cup was held. I will ask the children the questions as soon as I get the opportunity. Tomorrow is another early start - up at 6.00 am - hmmm not sure 5 hours sleep is enough!