Saturday, January 30th

Field Trip Day! Today we went to Southall in Western London, in the Borough of Ealing. We went there for our UK Culture and Community class. Southall is primarily a South Asia residential district, also known as "Little India". The population is mostly Indian and Pakistani. When we arrived in Southall we went straight to the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, one of the largest Sikh temples outside of India. When we entered, we had to remove our shoes, cover our hair with our scarves, and wash our hands. I was surprised that the men also had to cover their hair, and were given a bandana to do so with. We entered the Darbar Sahib, the main hall where the holy text (words of Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib) is kept. Our guide led us up in small groups to the Guru Granth Sahib on its throne to see it and pay our respects. We followed the example of the many devotees walking up to it to pay their respects. On entering the hall, devotees walk slowly and respectfully to the main throne, say a quiet prayer, and then bow to the Holy Scriptures. I was pretty nervous as I approached the throne, because I didn't want to do something wrong. I bowed and then it was over. When walking through the temple, we were instructed to keep our hands clasped in front of ourselves as a sign of respect. It was really interesting to learn that Sikh temples typically have a large kitchen in them that serves the public for free. It is meant to serve the poor and needy, but no one is turned away. We went down to the kitchen and joined the cue. We collected a tin tray and were served spinach, peas and cheese, lentils, yogurt, sweet rice, and a piece of naan. Typical Indian meal. It was pretty good.

After we left the temple, we were given three hours to wander the city, as well as go to one more Sikh temple and one Hindu temple. Both of the temples were fairly similar to one another. We did not have to cover our heads to go into the Hindu temple though. After going into a few different temples, Allyson and I went to a beauty salon and got Henna tattoos.

We met our group back at Gifto’s Restaurant, an Indian restaurant. It was pretty good. I had a guava soda that was awesome. They had ordered for us, so each table got the same things, chicken tika masala, vegetable masala, lentils, a cheese curry dish, and naan bread. People thought the main vegetable dish was too spicy, so I had most of it to myself! Allyson was crying after a couple of bites. I didn’t actually think it was very spicy, but I guess I am used to eating with my father. I was so full when we left.

So apparently London has no crayons. I went to eight stores when we got back from Southall to look for crayons. I asked for crayons, crayolas, markers, colored pencils, and finally had to go primitive and ask for coloring utensils for children to draw with. No body had any idea where to get them. I needed them for my primary lesson on Sunday. Just had to hope that one of the other teachers would have some.