How lovely it was to be welcomed into the Daniels family. I soon felt that I was part of their family and know that I now have good friends in another part of the world. The experience was really positive, everyone was very friendly and it was an interesting feeling to almost feel like a celebrity – why do the children want my autograph!!! Smiling faces, shaking hands and lots of questions – what’s your name, where do you come from, how old are you were just some of the many questions asked each day by the children and complete strangers!

Teaching was interesting -very different to England yet children are the same the world over, noisy, chatty, frustrating, happy, inquisitive. the school building itself was a trial in some ways as it was filthy and very noisy being right next to a flyover. No windows to look out of and dark dirty walls and floors, not an enticing place to learn in or teach in!

The opportunity to travel and see areas that could be reached easily on weekends was wonderful.

Living day to day in Madurai was always fascinating, more and more detail was noticed once I got used to the busyness of the place. Even being on friendly terms with the auto drivers and the shopkeepers, made my stay much more real. I really felt part of the city, something that no one would experience if just coming for a holiday. It will certainly be something I will treasure for the rest of my life.