Last Full Day in India

This morning we had a lecture on the settlement patterns in Kerala by Dr. Prabhakaran.  He explained how social structures, religious beliefs, and cultural practices have influenced the development patterns and structures.  The buildings they built were built to meet specific needs related to environmental contexts using available resources and traditional technology.  These patterns can still be seen today, but some of the social aspects that influenced them have died.

After tea we visited a local, public, government owned K-7th grade school.  We were able to interact with a class of 5th graders.  We interrupted their math class and all of the students quickly moved their things from the tables and stood at the sides of the room to let us sit down.  At first they were all so shy to talk to us.  Once a couple started talking, almost all of the students were giggling and asking questions and we were asking them questions.  It was a lot of fun.

I see that Pluto is still considered a planet here.  

We went back to the LBC for lunch.  Then a few people gave the presentation all of us students compiled to the people at COSTFORD.  A few hours after we got back to the hotel we had a farewell get together with a lot of the people that gave lectures or helped put things together for us.  Laurie Bakers son and grandson were also there.  As always, the food was great, and we all drank some questionable drink (typhoid? Ah!).  In a couple hours I'll be leaving the hotel for the airport for my 4:15 AM flight out of Trivandrum to Abu Dhabi.  Then to Chicago!  I'll be back on American soil by 3:30 PM Friday.  I can't wait to see everyone :)