Classrooms...

It will come as no surprise that KCS finds itself lost in the middle ground that is somewhere between school and building site. I mean, hell, I think that some fluorescent jacketed automaton of the HSE would probably flee screaming. Yesterday's school inter-house quiz is an excellent example. Trying hard to imitate University Challenge (but taken so so much more seriously: at practice - yes, quiz PRACTICE! - yesterday I think at one point the poor kids were facing at least three Paxmans at once), it needed to ape the modernity: a music and video round essential. Held in class 6's new classroom posed a small, but, in that entirely resourceful Indian way, surmountable problem - one of no electricity. No problem I hear you say... Simple. Run a thin pair of wires from the house 50 yards away, hard wired no doubt into a socket, and then simply tape it to the plug for the 4-way adapter. Safe as houses. Although of course it worked perfectly... Who needs PAT testing and electricians doing surveys anyway?

But I must return to class 6's room. It's gonna be a great success WHEN it's finished. Big, airy (something to do with no windows), and light: room for all sorts of educational activities. For me at the moment, as it is still under construction (the builders work round the children when there's lessons), these are mere details. It's actually a great source of sand, bricks, and wood for building lesson models and props for demonstrations. In many ways it will be far less useful on its completion. It transpires though that I am not its only fan. Twice, not just on a unique occasion, have my early morning eager foragings in class 6's laboratory been obstructed by dogpoo. Some canine mongrel choosing not one of the unmade litter strewn streets for his morning constitution, but instead a much trampled entrance to the newest building in town... Just another norm in great Indian life.

Righto, it's back to reality this afternoon, so first Sarah and I are off to the only 'patisserie' in the region, a notable gaff called 3Cs for breakfast. More next week...

Photos below are of the quiz, which was hosted by no less than Sheiramiss and Gilessir!