Day 7 - Singapore (25 July 2019)
We started the morning with a presentation by Barbara Hong, the author of Failing Up. She is engaging and vivacious so it was a delightful experience! Her message was also reassuring, which was appreciated. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to her, take it and read her book too!
We then drove over to the Lotus Bridge International School. This one was a delight! It is a small school of about 150 students. The school was started with 7 students who were unable to get in to the government schools. The tuition is about $700 per month for primary students, and $1300 for secondary students. I still have a lot of research to do on the immense role the government plays in the school system. However, the visit was fantastic!
The school was started by a man who wanted to help children who couldn’t get in to the government schools. He also is a Sikh, so he set up a visit for us to go to a Sikh Temple and learn about his religion too.
From this instructional room, we walked upstairs to wash our hands and feet before entering the part of the temple used for the reading of scriptures and ceremonies. We were given (I think) their version of a sacrament-type food. It was sweet and kind of had the texture of soggy Golden Grahams. What an experience to learn about the Sikh religion!
We walked back down the stairs to eat lunch that they had prepared for us. There were only men serving us, which was an interesting change. They walked around holding literal buckets of food as they served us our lunch.
After several goodbyes and pictures, and a coffee table book for each of us, we loaded back on the bus to return to the Lotus Bridge International School for a discussion with the teachers.
We had lost some time, so our discussion with the educators from the Lotus Bridge International School was shorter than anticipated, but it was insightful. They thought we were from Finland, but other than that, it was great!
After our discussion and our pre-dinner dinner (refreshment), we drove over to explore Arab Street.
Since we ate a hearty snack, we weren’t really hungry. But when we passed a gelato shop where I saw you could get gelato inside a warm croissant? Sign me up for that one!
Continuing on, we found beautiful shops with glorious lights, rugs, and textiles!
When we found an alley that led to the mosque, we took it. Wow, everywhere you turn here is a new experience for one of your senses.
After we made it back to the rendezvous point, and then the hotel, a group of us decided to walk over to the Mustafa Centre.
After you figure out how to stand in a quasi queue, They zip tie your purchase shut before you can leave. What an experience!
It was a day full of new culture, sights, smells, and sounds. I am loving my experience in Singapore! 💕
We then drove over to the Lotus Bridge International School. This one was a delight! It is a small school of about 150 students. The school was started with 7 students who were unable to get in to the government schools. The tuition is about $700 per month for primary students, and $1300 for secondary students. I still have a lot of research to do on the immense role the government plays in the school system. However, the visit was fantastic!
We were given a tour of the small school, and then were able to interact with some of the students. I talked to several P2 (think 2nd grade) students about their school schedule, what they were learning, etc. Once they warmed up to me, we had a really engaging conversation!
The school was started by a man who wanted to help children who couldn’t get in to the government schools. He also is a Sikh, so he set up a visit for us to go to a Sikh Temple and learn about his religion too.
What a fascinating religion! They’ve been around since their first guru in the 1400s. They have five symbols of their religion that they call the ‘Articles of Faith:’ Unshorn hair, comb, garments, sword, and bracelet. They believe in one God, equality, unity, and the scriptures. They even sing hymns with scriptural verses.
When you first walk in, everyone must cover their head. Thy handed out bandana-like fabrics to those who didn’t have scarves.
From this instructional room, we walked upstairs to wash our hands and feet before entering the part of the temple used for the reading of scriptures and ceremonies. We were given (I think) their version of a sacrament-type food. It was sweet and kind of had the texture of soggy Golden Grahams. What an experience to learn about the Sikh religion!
We walked back down the stairs to eat lunch that they had prepared for us. There were only men serving us, which was an interesting change. They walked around holding literal buckets of food as they served us our lunch.
The Indian flavors and spices mixed together beautifully! They also served us a dessert that was like a sweet, runny rice pudding and crêpe, with sweet milk tea. Delicious!
After several goodbyes and pictures, and a coffee table book for each of us, we loaded back on the bus to return to the Lotus Bridge International School for a discussion with the teachers.
We had lost some time, so our discussion with the educators from the Lotus Bridge International School was shorter than anticipated, but it was insightful. They thought we were from Finland, but other than that, it was great!
After our discussion and our pre-dinner dinner (refreshment), we drove over to explore Arab Street.
I am amazed at how diverse Singapore is with its variety of cultures, religions, and attractions.
Since we ate a hearty snack, we weren’t really hungry. But when we passed a gelato shop where I saw you could get gelato inside a warm croissant? Sign me up for that one!
Continuing on, we found beautiful shops with glorious lights, rugs, and textiles!
When we found an alley that led to the mosque, we took it. Wow, everywhere you turn here is a new experience for one of your senses.
After we made it back to the rendezvous point, and then the hotel, a group of us decided to walk over to the Mustafa Centre.
It is kind of hard to explain, but it’s like Walmart, All a Dollar, Plumbing and auto supply stores, stationary, food, clothes, etc. rolled into one. Except there is not much room to maneuver, and you’re there with 3,000 of your closest friends at all times who act like it’s closing in 10 minutes, even though it is open 24 hours.
After you figure out how to stand in a quasi queue, They zip tie your purchase shut before you can leave. What an experience!
We saw a few different signs on our way back to the hotel before calling it a night.
It was a day full of new culture, sights, smells, and sounds. I am loving my experience in Singapore! 💕
Comments
Post a Comment