Christmas at Salaam Baalak

Christmas at Salaam Balaak was intense. The decorations were so colourful and over the top that it didn't really feel like Christmas at all, more like an Indian wedding!! Our kids at Apna Ghar performed first (in the first video) with their songs - we are quite sick of hearing Jingle Bells and In The Jungle (Xmas song??)! A few boys did some amazing hip hop/breakdance routine at the end but my camera died so I couldn't even get a photo! Very upset, they were so good with headstands and everything! Afterwards an Indian Santa came in to give all the children choccie and lollies, they all went a bit insane trying to reach them it was half cute half scary..

Today Priya gave us chocolate truffles as a treat with breakfast and they were so yummy.. Or "swad" as they would say here. Off to work today, might try to teach them the 12 days of Christmas - will see how that goes! Have got Afzal in the afternoon, we conquered the letter "I" the other day, so proud! Printed him off a sheet with a picture of an ice cream and letter Is all around it and so now he goes "A B C D E F G H Ice cream... nahin.. I!" Although still struggling with any number after 4!

We are going out to dinner tonight just down the road and will exchange our Secret Santa gifts between the volunteers.

On Wednesday I bought a necklace for Rs15 and it's really pretty and I'm wearing it today. Tend to be quite tight with my cash as I can't buy much due to backpack size, but one necklace is okay! I have pretty much all my gifts for home now too, and sending them off tomorrow so I don't have to carry them around travelling with me. Hopefully shouldn't be too expensive and should actually arrive!!

I'm a bit sad that I only have one week left here - having so much fun with the other volunteers and always enjoy our crazy crazy placement. Although am looking forward to travelling soon - camel treks and ancient ruins here I come!

Merry Christmas everyone!