Siddhartha. Place of dreams. The children here are just charming: I was greeted with a screwed up piece of paper to the temple.
Siddhartha – as we all know, the name of the Buddha – is a magical place. Who knew the passing noise of the trains would provide such a fitting backdrop to a place of learning. I’ve always thought that the best way of getting the measure of a place is found in the loos. Obviously, this principle has held me in good stead. Needless to say for such a fine establishment, the Siddhartha toilets are pristine: the plumbing was exceptional.

The journey is perhaps the best part, 40 gruelling minutes on a ‘semi-luxury bus’. Hayley fell on an old lady. Once there, I was distraught to learn that we would only be doing afterschool classes this week. Still, I was more than happy to undertake the journey even if for only an hour’s teaching.

The children are actually rather good at English and greatly enjoyed our games, such as sentence bingo. Luckily for us, the bright little kiddies quickly got each concept we threw their way. They dominated ‘in the market’ and ‘what’s in your village’. Near and far seemed a step too far though, but we did not relent. They totally get it now. Winning.