Team 9: Ready, Set, Go!

With secret, undisclosed ambitions of experiencing the Amazing Race just like the ones we watched on television, we embarked on our very own Learning Journey. The downpour caused immediate worry especially to the ladies in our group. Although there were no video cameras recording our every move, no one wanted to fall in the middle of Little India.

Armed with our umbrellas, we trudged on to find our first challenge. Through the clues, we realised that we had to move downwards to the furthest end. There we solved questions and even had the chance to shoot some arrows next to an Indian temple. Since it was our first station and also the station's first group, the bystanders' curiosity was piqued and we drew quite a bit of attention from the public. Very soon, they must have figured out that we, the teachers, were the participants in a game, and our students were our station masters. What a reversal of roles!

Throughout the journey, we learnt so much about the Indian culture. We also gave a pat on our backs for knowing some General Knowledge, like the colour of royalty and the flowers used in a garland, which came in useful at the Q&A section . As part of the stations' challenges, we also learnt how to tie a saree and still had to share a meal of chapati despite being full from lunch. The chapati station is our group's favourite because we all got to sit down after walking the length of Little India and we were able to encourage each other to gobble down the dishes on the table. It was also unique to see how chapati was prepared and served to us piping hot from the pan.

The station we found most interesting was at Ganesh Textile where we were neck to neck with another group. Although we were there earlier, the other group had Mrs. Julia Raj! She did not even have to watch the saree demonstration. All she had to do was grabbed the saree, twirled it around and voila! It was done in record time while our group was still struggling trying to comprehend the steps.

The two groups both proceeded to the Arcade, where we repeatedly circled the building to find the "Ness." We came to realise that since it was already 4.30pm, the station masters must have packed up to head back to the end point. That was our most challenging station because, 2 groups' attempts were in vain, trying to find the elusive henna station.

Through this Learning Journey, we learnt that the Indian culture may be similar in some ways to other Asian cultures. For example, we pass on our cultural roots through songs and nursery rhymes and that our ethnic costumes are bright and colourful to add on to the festive mood.

All in all, this was one memorable experience where we bonded as a team! A big thank you to the organisers of this Learning Journey. It was definitely a fruitful and meaningful journey!

Mr Zulkarnain (i/c), Ms. Mazlinda (2nd i/c), Ms. Diana Thomas, Ms. Chong Siew Sia, Ms. Malyanah, Ms. Tina Woon & OM Tan