Im so surprised I havent updated in a week. Ive havent had many chances to write here and when I have the time the internet in the office is down! Over the weekend I went to Pondicherry, a small coastal town that was once a French colony, with the other volunteers. It was great. I had a much needed weekend away from noise and pollution. I asked Kim along. She left Manipur in July because of the conditions there and is now living in Hope Home with her uncle, Obed. She is about the same age as us and helps out at Sahakanagar school. She had an absolute ball. It was a weekend of firsts for her. It was her first time to drink orange juice (!), eat pasta (!), drive a motorbike, go to the beach and swim in the sea (!). Monique, Kim and I left a day earlier (Thursday night) and took an overnight bus to Pondicherry because Kim had to be back by Sunday morning. On Friday we visted Auroville, an international 'city' in the making. Even though I dont quite agree with its vision and values it was a fascinating place to visit especially the Matrimandir. Oh, before that we went to Reppos beach and walked around. In the evening we met up with Rachna, Thomas and Stephanie who had arrived on a later bus and had French food that night. Mmmm On Saturday, it was beach day. We decided to rent bikes and cycle to the beach. I thought it would take us ages to reach Reppos beach because it was 7km away but it didnt. I havent rode a bike in ages and I forgot the fun of it. I think what made it such a pleasant trip was because we were surrounded by palm trees and thatched huts.

I only worked at Sahakanagar school in the morning today because this afternoon Stephanie and I went to Christ College to give a presentation about Parikrma to attract some local volunteers. Its really weird. The college takes in students from year 10 to 12 and also degree and grad students. And all students (yes, including degree students) have to go to classes from 9-4pm Monday to Friday and there is half day classes on Saturdays! Oh my I couldnt survive in such a college/uni. On top of that, the teacher told us there is a 90% attendance required! After that we hit St Josephs College of Commerce which is reallyy near MG road. We spoke to the principal to organize a presentation time next week. She wants us to present to an audience of 200 students. Please help me..I hate public speaking

[Im in this internet place...and the owner is playing backstreet boys! lols. I havent heard the song in ages...and cant think of the title. Oh wait, the lyrics is "backstreets back alright.." its cracking me up!]

Tomorrow is International FOod Day! woo hoo Im making chinese fried noodles. Im crossing my fingers that it will come out fine again. I had given it a go last night for dinner. Im also making jello! I brought three flavours but I only have one rectangle plastic box. I want to make three layers. Oh dear that means I should get back home asap because I need to wait for each layer to set before topping the next layer. Im going to Hope Home again tomorrow night. Im so excited.

[ahh the internet guy has pressed replay on the same backstreet boys song...its a sign that I must leave this place]

I got my photos burnt on CD! but I had trouble uploading them. Ill try and get a photo or two up on this page.

bye now

p.s. I havent updated you all about my sandals. You have probably read from my previous posts Ive been having a headache with my sandals breaking. Well I have forgot to tell you I am on my 5th...yes FIFTH pair of sandels. The fourth one broke yesterday...inconveniently on my way to home after school. I had to walk barefoot for about 400m...:( Ive become fast friends with the shoe owner near the school cos I brought my last pair from him. I was given a discount on the first time because I assured him I would be back buying another pair of sandels ( I just knew my new pair was going to break). And it did..while I was downtown. I brought a pair of sturdy ones but it broke y-day. Now I have a new (well its gotten really dusty already) pair and I have a guarantee from my new friend that if it breaks again I get a new pair. whew. lets see how long this pair will last!

p.s.s. I had something else to say but I forgot..what was it? OH YEAA
whoever is reading this and knows me, can I have your postal address pleaseeee. I would like one of my remedial groups to do some creative writing besides writing stories. And I was thinking if they could write postcards to Australia, US, Hong Kong, UK wherever. And you can kindly (nudge nudge) write back. so could anyone help me out. just e-mail to my addy: luraah@gmail.com

thats it. I had really better get going. jello is waiting
byeeeee