We’ve finally made it to the Shanti Bhavan, and let me tell you: They’re not kidding when they say it means “haven of peace.” Mango grove? Got it. Flowers? Everywhere. Palm trees, paved walkways, puppies? Yep, they’ve got all that, too.
See?
Photo by Kate Lord
Jancy and Prathibha gave us a tour, and were pretty much awesome. Prathibha is a senior this year, while Jancy will be gradating in a few short days!
Photo by Kate Lord
This is the girls’ dormitory, where they both sleep:
Photo by Kate Lord
The main school building consists of two levels of classrooms around a main courtyard, where the kids have assemblies–and where they’ll be graduating later this week.
Photo by Kate Lord
Each grade gets their own classroom, where they stay for the majority of the day (except when they leave for music, art, or lunch!).
Photo by Kate Lord
There are fruits growing everywhere here. These gooseberries grow toward the front of campus, but aren’t ripe–which I learned from Prathibha only after I popped one in my mouth.
Photo by Kate Lord
Also not ripe: This starfruit, which Prathibha picked for me. She likes us though, I swear!
Photo by Kate Lord
On my list to try soon: jackfruit!
Photo by Kate Lord
And behind the teachers’ house where we’re staying, there’s a whole grove of mangoes!
Photo by Kate Lord
Today, all the kids are working hard on prepping for the graduation ceremony. They’ll be performing all kinds of dances, and they’re already looking pretty impressive. Kate and I? Our dance skills could use some serious help…so for now at least, we’re sticking on the sidelines!
Photo by Kate Lord
Tomorrow we’re tagging along on a sari-shopping trip for the graduating girls–stay tuned! (And for those of you leaving questions, we aren’t ignoring you; promise! We’re collecting them all and will answer them in a post soon.)
