Well…  We did it!  We went to playgroup and survived.  Yaye!

The playgroup is run by a group of volunteer mums and is at the British Deputy High Commission Club.  Three days a week they take children from 0 – 2 years and on two days a week, they take 3 – 5 year olds.  It runs from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.  But you don’t have to be there at 9.30 am on the dot.  Thank goodness – because we didn’t get there until 10.15 am!

Someone arrived just before me, so I was able to follow her to the correct part of the compound (phew – I didn’t get lost!)

I was pleasantly surprised as I turned the corner and saw the scene before me.  There was quite a large playground with swings, slides and various climbing frames – and it was all in pretty good condition.  The area in front of the playground was full of Little Tikes ride-ons.  There was a large covered area where all the changing bags were left – with tables and chairs for the little ones as well as the adults.

As I walked through the gate, I noticed a couple of mums give me the ‘top to toe’ look and then carry on with their conversation.  I wanted to turn and run, but somehow managed to keep walking!

I spotted the registration desk (I had to walk through the Little Tikes ride-on area, past the covered eating area with the tables *and* the playground to get there!).  I handed over all the paperwork and paid my temporary membership fees (you can be only a temporary member for the first three months – until they’re sure you can meet all their attendance requirements, etc).  The fees for the year was £24.  Plus another £2 for each time we go (minimum of 6 times a month). 

Right by the registration desk, there were two rooms – one was full of playmats, bouncers, ball pit, books, blocks, and other activity centre toys.  The other had a couple of playhouses, a colouring table and other toys and activities for slightly older children.  

All this time – Vinay was just looking around at everything with wide eyes.  There were children running, crawling, screaming, crying and squealing in delight all around him – he didn’t know what to look at first!

We went into the first room – with the playmats and books, etc.  We looked at a book and played with blocks.  There were two other mums in there at the time – they didn’t stop their conversation to look at me or Vinay.  

Then we went outside.  And I saw someone I knew!  And then I saw someone else I knew!  Then I recognised two other people from my pilates class.  And another lady whose son was in the other Year 2 class while I was teaching.  

We had a snack, we played some more, we chatted.  And at 11 am it was time for songs.  Vinay was exhausted by this time since he’d missed his morning nap.  We sang a few songs, including his new favourite – Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – and then we came home.

It was actually not that bad at all.  And Vinay was very happy to be there (sigh of relief).

But now I know…  

Don’t wear any make-up (I only put on eyeliner today) – it’s too hot and sweaty.  

Wear comfy clothes – there was a lot of bending and squatting.  

Don’t wear low-rise pants (itchy c-section scar which couldn’t be scratched in front of other people!).

I’m quite looking forward to going back on Wednesday 🙂