May 19...The school bell rings...

Back at school...I just can't stay away! :) I am spending the day in my mom's classroom. She teaches kindergarten.

The day started off at 1:30 a.m. when I woke up to the sound and sight of thunder and lightning. I also thought it felt a little warm and realized that the power was out...well at least part of it. I guess there are three circuits (not sure if that is the right word) in my mom's apartment and two were out. I guess I should be thankful because the circuit with the ceiling fan still worked so I could stay a little cool. There was also one small wall light that worked in the bedroom.

After attempting to go back to sleep for awhile, I finally got up around 4, I think, and I decided to read using the one small light that worked in my mom's living room. Bryan...thanks for sending a book with me. My mom woke up at 5:30 for work and thought I had been up all night.

I had decided to wait until morning to take a shower, so now I have to take a shower in the dark with cold water...lesson for the day...Don't gamble with the power in India because you are sure to loose. A shower at night is better than a morning shower in the dark.

We left the apartment headed for my mom's school and it was still raining. We got on a share ride (see the picture of the little yellow vehicle in the previous blog). It cost 10 rupee (about 20 cents). There was already three people plus the driver on this tiny little vehicle and they thought there was room to add two more? ....well...I did want to spend time with the locals, but this is very close! One guy got off, but it was still really full. This little yellow buggy thing reminds me of something from an amusement park...maybe a cross between a go-cart and bumper cars. I asked my mom if I could ask the driver if I could drive...my mom elbowed me and told me to be quiet. I don't think it would have been an unreasonable request...maybe I will ask when I am not with my mom...heehee...I won't tell her and will just show her the picture later, if I pull off this adventurous task! :) So, we then had to catch a bus (3 rupee, I think) and then walked across the street to her school. I was somewhat wet and my feet were muddy at this time, but at least it was a little cooler.

I met some people from all over the world at my mom's school. She had 11 children in her class and only 3 are from the USA. Wow...what an amazing experience for children to learn about valuing different cultures and diversity.

Well...the day has now started and the air is full of laughter and singing as the children start their day.

So...what else have I learned today...Lesson # 2...Don't travel to India without: 1) flashlight and 2) umbrella or poncho.

later...