The day started with omelette, toast and a banana for breakfast.

We then walked a short distance through the busy streets to St Paul’s Cathedral for a sung Eucharist service. We received a warm welcome from the congregation and were invited for a cup of tea afterwards.

It has been busy around the parks and Queen Victoria memorial hall today as lots of families are out spending time together as it is the last day of their Christmas holiday. All children start back to school tomorrow after having a month off. 

During the walk around the gardens I spotted a chipmunk and lots of stray dogs. 

Then we went to the CRS offices to be introduced to the staff and learn about the amazing projects they do working in schools, medical and empowerment programs for women. 

We joined CRS staff for Sunday lunch which was delicious! While you might have been having a roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding I was treated to rice, cauliflower curry, popadom and shredded fried potatoes with ice cream and chocolate sauce for pudding.

We then returned to Bishop’s Inn to collect a jumper before heading back out to go on a boat down the Hooghly River which is part of the Ganges. It was a beautiful sunset as we sailed along seeing people washing their clothes, having a swim and paddling on homemade canoes. Can you identify the materials that they have used on the video?

One of our group spotted a dolphin.
As a class can you research which type of dolphin it could be. 

We then arrived at Swami Vivekananda Temple. The dock was bustling with people who had all come to celebrate the birthday of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. At 20 he became a temple priest there. He wanted a place where all faiths were welcome. He played a leading role in the modern revival of Hinduism in India.
 

We made our way through the crowds as it was getting dark, walking past stall holders selling jewellery, food and light sticks. As we walked a noise above us was deafening. A chorus of birds were in the trees settling down for the night. 

We had to take our shoes off and join the crowds to enter the temple. Music was playing as people watched the worship taking place. The men and women sat in separate blocks in front of the statue of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It was an incredible experience to be allowed to see and share in this special birthday party.

Tomorrow we go to school early so it’s time to go to bed. 

Maths challenge

I bought a can of Cola today and it cost me 125.00 rupees. How much would this cost in sterling?