I think belonging is the word which sums up todays adventures.

First, I explored what it means to belong at a truly wonderful primary school.  I was welcomed so warmly and learned what their programme of student development involved.  I have spent a large part of the week discussing and learning in a variety of ways, the deliberate actions and curriculum decisions taken to ensure that children grow in depth of character.  At the heart it seems to be a deep sense of belonging, that we all belong, we all contribute, and together we all succeed.

This was further developed in my amazing opportunity to visit the opening ceremony of the National Youth Games.  Here students showed the most incredible talents in gymnastics and martial arts, before taking their start of season pledge to be good sportsmen.  The stadium was incredible and reminded me of Stratford.

I then ventured to the Night Safari as I was assured that it was a must for tourists!  I started off feeling a stark contrast between the welcome and involvement of being in such a warm and nurturing community as the Singaporean Educational system, and being among the nameless faces of tourists.  I waited in a particularly long cue and started chatting to a fellow Brit; another lone female traveler, enjoying the must-see attraction.  In fact that commonality of being with a Londoner made a wonderful experience even more special.  I had a companion with which to share the wonder of being a stone’s throw (definitely not literally) from elephants, lions, tiger, bears, wolves and many other creatures.  I had a fellow southerner to exchange jokes with whilst watching the animal show.  I had someone to chat to on the night bus and metro home, discovering that her hotel was only one stop from mine.

I started the day with a wonderful Facebook post from my Dad and have been in constant contact with Brad and the girls.  I am so very grateful to have belonged here for a short week, and so grateful for the knowledge that I will be reunited with my nearest and absolute dearest within hours.