high school

Listening to the old tamil songs of the 80s, a surprisingly large number of them featuring Khushboo. Debating between New York, Pondicherry and Sri Lanka; leaving behind people, starting again elsewhere, going home for Christmas to Singapore which will always be the place that I grew up.

Watched 'The Class' today (think that the French name for it sounds much better, Entre les Murs) and it was good enough. It reminds me exactly what teachers have to do every day, how terrible most teachers are, the fact that they are human too and that they exert an extraordinary amount of power over children. It's not quite fair either.

I remember the RGS days with pinafores and all. Watching Kadhal Desam when it came out; sneaking out to Bedok to watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (at least twice I think) with a friend; stalking boys and giggling endlessly. I remember a French teacher who made the first year of my life in Singapore bearable. I remember his kindness, wit and sincerity.

I remember shouting at him too in front of a whole class; and him calmly taking it in.

Were those the days?