It’s so funny what your body’s response is to some kind of drastic change in lifestyle.
For me, these past few days I have been incessantly tired, lazy, and a giddy sort of satisfied. I think that the shift from constant stimulation, parties, huge workload, and the rose-colored newness of travel to the soft comforts of familiar place and company (and the sun and splendor of tropical Miami) has caused my brain to shut down and simply float nonchalantly through the day.
Which isn’t such a bad thing. I have no real agenda, though I would love to scrapbook the heck out of my college years and finish reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. But, other than that, no real care in the world.
Well, that is a lie. I had a visa scare for the past couple days. The Chinese government apparently changed the law regarding new, incoming teachers; they are now required to have two years experience. Aston School, my future employer, spent a week convincing them that I was, in fact, awesome (their words, not mine… but, also mine). The government finally gave in to the obviousness of my très magnifique persona and decided to grant me entrance. However, the office was to be closed until the 7th due to public holiday, and to, afterwards, mail me the letter and for me to apply for the visa would certainly take much more time than I had. I would have had to stay in the US for an extra week, week and a half period.
However, last night I got a call from my correspondant at the school informing me that they had the letter in their hands! I should be able to leave on the projected date, baring any complications. Whew!
I also found out that I will be a full time sub, as I am starting very late in their semester. I will be living with an Australian girl, in the complex where most of the teachers live. Though I would have loved to have my own classes, I think this will help me to perfect on the fly instruction, improv-teaching, and experience a variety of the levels of English knowledge. AND in my free time, I can perfect my Australian accent. Win-win-win!
This weekend I got the chance to catch up with two of my best friends. Talking for a little over an hour each, I ran up our phone bill while listening to their sweet vocal melodies… accelerando due to the 4.5 month gap since our last conversation. One is still in college, and our conversation, though extremely fulfilling and laden with laughter, left me feeling reminiscent about those days. The other conversation was equally wonderful, but left me feeling, again, very reminiscent about that career I left behind; she is now a teacher at a suburban elementary. I really do miss teaching little kids, as well as the friends that I have made over the years. I know that, once I get this travel bug out of my system (which may take longer than anticipated!) I will return willingly to the profession I devoted myself to long ago.
Also, I got a sunburn from laying outside for an hour. Talk about Gringos. I should be their poster face. LAME.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
From Parties and Proclamations of Love to Peanut Butter and Parents
Once again, I am back in 'Ze States, as some with accents might say.
Since my parents recently (well, it’s been a year, so not that recently!) moved to Miami, I feel that these mini between-destination pit stops work out well to my advantage. I get a few weeks of sun, poolside lounging, fresh fruit, and lots of Spanish. Talk about relaxing! Coincidentally, relaxing is just what I need after going 100 miles an hour (and then some) my last days in Peru.
Friday night, we all decided to take it easy in anticipation of the TEFL party to come on Saturday. We hung around Gloria and Kaitlin’s apartment (members of our TEFL class, as well as our exclusive clique, The Fanny Pack), drinking rum and boxed wine, and playing games. We laughed uproariously until the wee hours of the morning. It was a blast; many times, low-key nights like this make the most memories.
Saturday night was the big night. We had been told about the TEFL party at Maximo since the day we arrived in Cusco. People raved about how fun it was, and how all the long hours and endless workload of the TEFL course was all worth it in the end. The volunteers of Maximo Nivel were also invited, as well as the Peruvian students. There was free alcohol and free food. After 2 weeks of excessive typing, overbearing deadlines, and just plain much too much thinking overall, this party was our escape from reality as well as our celebration of completing the course. And, oh, did we celebrate.
We danced like it was nobody’s business, forming circles and hooting for those in the middle. The bar was dry before midnight. The DJ was inundated with requests, such as Thriller, and, our theme song, Karma Chameleon by the Culture Club (don’t ask). Our students from the mini-lessons were there, and, as it turns out, were quite the partiers as well. It was simply awesome to get to know them a bit more casually. Later, we were told that the party, which is held every month, hasn’t been that awesomely crazy in awhile. A+ in partying to the TEFL class of September, 2008.
Then, Mark and Ken, managers of Maximo, held a little graduation ceremony for us. Kaitlin ran up enthusiastically and began high-fiving everyone when she mistakenly heard ‘Kaitlin’ instead of ‘Vaila’, but other than that, no problems. Vaila and I took the mike shortly after, reciting a poem I had written for Mark in celebration of the end of so many long hours spent together. Laden with inside jokes, I’m sure for the casual bystander it was quite uninteresting. These things always are; the important thing, however, is that those involved were clutching their gut in intense laughter.
One of the nice things about this course is that our group of 8 spent so much time together. We all became so close in this short month, so embedded in a routine. It was very, very difficult for me to leave.
It was around this time that I began dating a Peruvian, who shall go under the pseudonym of Latin Lover. Latin Lover was the first Latino I have ever dated, if you can call 5 days, with a known deadline, that. While I looked at this as a casual, pleasant coexistence for the next few days, Latin Lover became imminently smitten with me, professing his love on Day 2. Over the next couple days, he would rarely leave my side, even facebook stalking my photos through the college years. He even displayed pangs of jealously when seeing me in photos with other men, 99.9% of which were just friends. It was the most intense relationship I have ever been in: at least a full 6 months of emotions packed into 5 short days. Surprising me at the airport with a small gift, complete with a love note, he waited with me until I had to go through security. This was all very sweet, and I almost felt a bit nostalgic that I was leaving this caring of a man behind.
Since then, I’ve received emails about how much he misses me, and that, when I return to Peru as promised (which I NEVER did!), he will be waiting for me. Needless to say, if I wasn’t freaked out before, I am definately now. I guess I just have that effect on men. Or are Latino men just that passionate?
After that last goodbye, my flights were simply loooong, with extra o's to accomodate for the 18 hour travel time. Due to the fact that I was EXHUASTED, written in caps to add extra EMPHASIS to the degree of tiredness, I slept most of the way. It was really disssssappointing, no significance to the misspelling, to see costs of everything go up so quickly outside of Cusco; in the Lima airport, I paid 20 soles for a cappuccino and muffin at Starbucks. Later, I encountered a Papa Johns, oddly, which advertised a personal pizza, side of cheese sticks, and a large Coke for only 17. Damn. The Panama City airport was not much better. There was only 1 restaurant there, selling huge sandwiches for way too much money. The rest of the airport was cluttered with hundreds of shops selling designer purses, perfume, clothing, luggage, and electronics duty free. There were tons of Chocolaterias, which sold numerous Hershey products for much more expensive than retail price. This was a very bad place to be hungry; there was a man who had set up a hot dog stand, but aside from this and the small restaurant, there was no real food. I never thought I’d say this, but I waited 3 hours to eat eagerly the airline food provided on the plane.
So, in conclusion to which is probably too much detail on the last week, I am at home. It is so nice to be back with my family, whom I have missed a lot. I never really got closure from The French Disaster, by which this past summer will hereby be known. These next two weeks will be focusing on healing the remnants of those scars and preparing to put myself out there, yet again, in Asia. I have caught up on my western TV (the Office and Greys started Thursday, so I made it back just in time!) and many of my current events. Also, I have been eagerly pursuing sleeping and dog petting as new hobbies. AND eating light yogurt, JIF peanut butter, English muffins, Coffee Mate, and ice water EVERYDAY. It’s good to be home!
Since my parents recently (well, it’s been a year, so not that recently!) moved to Miami, I feel that these mini between-destination pit stops work out well to my advantage. I get a few weeks of sun, poolside lounging, fresh fruit, and lots of Spanish. Talk about relaxing! Coincidentally, relaxing is just what I need after going 100 miles an hour (and then some) my last days in Peru.
Friday night, we all decided to take it easy in anticipation of the TEFL party to come on Saturday. We hung around Gloria and Kaitlin’s apartment (members of our TEFL class, as well as our exclusive clique, The Fanny Pack), drinking rum and boxed wine, and playing games. We laughed uproariously until the wee hours of the morning. It was a blast; many times, low-key nights like this make the most memories.
Saturday night was the big night. We had been told about the TEFL party at Maximo since the day we arrived in Cusco. People raved about how fun it was, and how all the long hours and endless workload of the TEFL course was all worth it in the end. The volunteers of Maximo Nivel were also invited, as well as the Peruvian students. There was free alcohol and free food. After 2 weeks of excessive typing, overbearing deadlines, and just plain much too much thinking overall, this party was our escape from reality as well as our celebration of completing the course. And, oh, did we celebrate.
We danced like it was nobody’s business, forming circles and hooting for those in the middle. The bar was dry before midnight. The DJ was inundated with requests, such as Thriller, and, our theme song, Karma Chameleon by the Culture Club (don’t ask). Our students from the mini-lessons were there, and, as it turns out, were quite the partiers as well. It was simply awesome to get to know them a bit more casually. Later, we were told that the party, which is held every month, hasn’t been that awesomely crazy in awhile. A+ in partying to the TEFL class of September, 2008.
Then, Mark and Ken, managers of Maximo, held a little graduation ceremony for us. Kaitlin ran up enthusiastically and began high-fiving everyone when she mistakenly heard ‘Kaitlin’ instead of ‘Vaila’, but other than that, no problems. Vaila and I took the mike shortly after, reciting a poem I had written for Mark in celebration of the end of so many long hours spent together. Laden with inside jokes, I’m sure for the casual bystander it was quite uninteresting. These things always are; the important thing, however, is that those involved were clutching their gut in intense laughter.
One of the nice things about this course is that our group of 8 spent so much time together. We all became so close in this short month, so embedded in a routine. It was very, very difficult for me to leave.
It was around this time that I began dating a Peruvian, who shall go under the pseudonym of Latin Lover. Latin Lover was the first Latino I have ever dated, if you can call 5 days, with a known deadline, that. While I looked at this as a casual, pleasant coexistence for the next few days, Latin Lover became imminently smitten with me, professing his love on Day 2. Over the next couple days, he would rarely leave my side, even facebook stalking my photos through the college years. He even displayed pangs of jealously when seeing me in photos with other men, 99.9% of which were just friends. It was the most intense relationship I have ever been in: at least a full 6 months of emotions packed into 5 short days. Surprising me at the airport with a small gift, complete with a love note, he waited with me until I had to go through security. This was all very sweet, and I almost felt a bit nostalgic that I was leaving this caring of a man behind.
Since then, I’ve received emails about how much he misses me, and that, when I return to Peru as promised (which I NEVER did!), he will be waiting for me. Needless to say, if I wasn’t freaked out before, I am definately now. I guess I just have that effect on men. Or are Latino men just that passionate?
After that last goodbye, my flights were simply loooong, with extra o's to accomodate for the 18 hour travel time. Due to the fact that I was EXHUASTED, written in caps to add extra EMPHASIS to the degree of tiredness, I slept most of the way. It was really disssssappointing, no significance to the misspelling, to see costs of everything go up so quickly outside of Cusco; in the Lima airport, I paid 20 soles for a cappuccino and muffin at Starbucks. Later, I encountered a Papa Johns, oddly, which advertised a personal pizza, side of cheese sticks, and a large Coke for only 17. Damn. The Panama City airport was not much better. There was only 1 restaurant there, selling huge sandwiches for way too much money. The rest of the airport was cluttered with hundreds of shops selling designer purses, perfume, clothing, luggage, and electronics duty free. There were tons of Chocolaterias, which sold numerous Hershey products for much more expensive than retail price. This was a very bad place to be hungry; there was a man who had set up a hot dog stand, but aside from this and the small restaurant, there was no real food. I never thought I’d say this, but I waited 3 hours to eat eagerly the airline food provided on the plane.
So, in conclusion to which is probably too much detail on the last week, I am at home. It is so nice to be back with my family, whom I have missed a lot. I never really got closure from The French Disaster, by which this past summer will hereby be known. These next two weeks will be focusing on healing the remnants of those scars and preparing to put myself out there, yet again, in Asia. I have caught up on my western TV (the Office and Greys started Thursday, so I made it back just in time!) and many of my current events. Also, I have been eagerly pursuing sleeping and dog petting as new hobbies. AND eating light yogurt, JIF peanut butter, English muffins, Coffee Mate, and ice water EVERYDAY. It’s good to be home!
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Amys of Thursday Share Thier Conflicting Experiences, and Kindly Remind Amy of 7:06 to Take Her Schizophrenia Medication
Yesterday and today were polar opposites. Unfortunately for the Amy of Thursday, this was the negatively charged end of the spectrum.
Breakfast wasn’t even set up when I got downstairs, so I grabbed a nearly black banana from the communal bin of fruit. I simultaneously sipped the leftovers of yesterday’s coffee… that is, until I saw a small, round, black body with 4 sets of immobile, upturned legs floating uncomfortably close to my lips. No more coffee for the Amy of Thursday. No more banana, either.
In class this morning, the homework I assigned the previous day (which, to my dismay, my professor later strongly advised the class against, saying it was a horrible homework activity) took much too long to go over, causing my lesson to crumble into insignificant morsels of learning. Ugh. Mediocre reviews this time, which was expected… but I was still bummed. I hate not being on top of my game.
The day dragged on endlessly, and class seemed to hold absolutely no interest for me today. During lunch (which couldn’t seem to come a moment too soon) a few of us went to a back street restaurant and got a 3.50 sol menu, which was unbelievable. For close to a dollar, I got a hearty bowl of soup, a chicken wing, a cup of rice rice, and a large potato. Makes me rethink those $.99 singles I inhale from iTunes. That’s one thing I just love about Peru: things are just too freakin cheap for their own good. Or mine.
Speaking of steals, I decided after class that I was going to go crazy get my haircut. When I found out that it was only 40 soles WITH highlights included (around 15 dollars), I decided, what the heck? Carpe Diem… and seize those bargains as well if you have an extra hand.
After 2 hours of sweet pampering by a man wearing ladies flared denim, I felt like a new person. The Amy of Thursday Afternoon. There’s nothing like a little ‘you’ time; I know ‘I’ definitely needed it.
Tomorrow, the Last Cusquenian Weekend begins. We have A LOT of things planned, most of which involve wine and food, pisco sours and 1 sol ice cream. I’m poised to thoroughly enjoy myself with no worries; I’ll be at my health spa of a home Wednesday afternoon!
I can’t believe how quickly this month has passed! My first South American experience was definitely a great one. The people here are so different from those of Europe or the United States. They are truly friendly. Cabbies, storeowners, and even random passer-bys take an interest in me, wishing me luck and happiness in life. The people at Maximo Nivel are awesome too. It is a really nice language institute, one that I hope my school in china mimics. I guess I’ll find out… in 3 WEEKS! AHH! That's something that Amy of 3-Weeks-From-Now will have to tell you about.
Breakfast wasn’t even set up when I got downstairs, so I grabbed a nearly black banana from the communal bin of fruit. I simultaneously sipped the leftovers of yesterday’s coffee… that is, until I saw a small, round, black body with 4 sets of immobile, upturned legs floating uncomfortably close to my lips. No more coffee for the Amy of Thursday. No more banana, either.
In class this morning, the homework I assigned the previous day (which, to my dismay, my professor later strongly advised the class against, saying it was a horrible homework activity) took much too long to go over, causing my lesson to crumble into insignificant morsels of learning. Ugh. Mediocre reviews this time, which was expected… but I was still bummed. I hate not being on top of my game.
The day dragged on endlessly, and class seemed to hold absolutely no interest for me today. During lunch (which couldn’t seem to come a moment too soon) a few of us went to a back street restaurant and got a 3.50 sol menu, which was unbelievable. For close to a dollar, I got a hearty bowl of soup, a chicken wing, a cup of rice rice, and a large potato. Makes me rethink those $.99 singles I inhale from iTunes. That’s one thing I just love about Peru: things are just too freakin cheap for their own good. Or mine.
Speaking of steals, I decided after class that I was going to go crazy get my haircut. When I found out that it was only 40 soles WITH highlights included (around 15 dollars), I decided, what the heck? Carpe Diem… and seize those bargains as well if you have an extra hand.
After 2 hours of sweet pampering by a man wearing ladies flared denim, I felt like a new person. The Amy of Thursday Afternoon. There’s nothing like a little ‘you’ time; I know ‘I’ definitely needed it.
Tomorrow, the Last Cusquenian Weekend begins. We have A LOT of things planned, most of which involve wine and food, pisco sours and 1 sol ice cream. I’m poised to thoroughly enjoy myself with no worries; I’ll be at my health spa of a home Wednesday afternoon!
I can’t believe how quickly this month has passed! My first South American experience was definitely a great one. The people here are so different from those of Europe or the United States. They are truly friendly. Cabbies, storeowners, and even random passer-bys take an interest in me, wishing me luck and happiness in life. The people at Maximo Nivel are awesome too. It is a really nice language institute, one that I hope my school in china mimics. I guess I’ll find out… in 3 WEEKS! AHH! That's something that Amy of 3-Weeks-From-Now will have to tell you about.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Mystical Forces of Hot Showers and Light Yogurt
Though starting my day dauntingly early at 5:30am, things immediately got off to a raving beginning.
6:00 – took a nice, long, hot, steamy, and, for lack of better adjectives, simply phenomenal shower. This might seem like an ordinary thing to most Americans, but let me be the first to tell you that, in Peru, it is not such a trivial matter. I haven’t had a hot shower, to say the least one with such amazing water pressure, in a very, very long time. The heat was even consistent throughout: none of those frequent freezing and scalding spurts in between. On a scale from 1 – 10, it was maybe a 58. I think I’m underestimating.
7:00 – went down to breakfast. Against all odds, there, on the table, illuminated by a ray of light with no visible earthly source, was LIGHT YOGURT, naturally flavored with Splenda. I almost DIED; I simply ADORE light yogurt, but the house NEVER has it. After downing 2 bowls in a dream like fixation, as well as 2 cups of coffee (ready made), I was SO READY to take on the world and solve every international crisis existing today. It was that good of a morning.
8:00 – taught a smooth, fun, and very successful class. This week, I’m teaching about quantifiers, like jar, box, carton, that kind of thing, and it has been pretty difficult for the students to grasp. Today, I felt like they just got it; the power of hot shower and the aura of light yogurt seems to infect bystanders with instantaneous understanding and comprehension. Note to self.
9:00 – Started class. Nothing special.
12:00 – took our lunch break. I had a sandwich with cheese, ketchup, and basil that was shockingly mind blowing; who’da thunk it? Afterwards, we went to get ice cream, and instead, ended up with Crema Sucena, which is apparently ‘Mother in Law’s Tongue’. Ironically, it was sweet and lovely. A chuckle in the gut.
1:00 – re-started class. Again, nothing special... although the phrase “ambiguous genitals” did surface at one point.
3:00 – got feedback from my professor about my lesson this morning, and it was GREAT. I could feel the light yogurt smiling down at me from it's perch in the cloudless, aquamarine sky.
3:15 – saved a child’s life. During my cab ride home (which is an ominous experience in Peru... but unavoidable should you happen to be wearing four inch heels), the driver slammed on the breaks so hard that I flew out of the seat, slammed into the back of the seat in front of me, and then crumpled onto the floor. While the driver cursed zealously, I pulled myself up to see a 3 year old standing a few inches from the front bumper, looking more impressed at how quickly the car had managed to stop than the fact that he was still alive and able to wonder at this. All I could think of was, thank GOODNESS I took that shower this morning.
3:20 – gave the cabbie a 5 and asked for change. He said he didn’t have any, and, when I said I didn’t have anything else, the change MAGICALLY appeared in his pocket. I’m telling you, it was freaky.
3:30 – was informed that there was now wireless internet in the house. And that’s what I’ll be doing this afternoon.
7:00 – dinner time! Yes, I realize that dinner is 3 hours from now, but tonight it is fettucini-something-or-other (that's literally what it says on the menu) with cake, so it definitely makes my list of today’s miraculous boons. The chef in my house is seriously a culinary deity from some other universe. The food is THAT good.
8:00 – PUB TRIVIA! No elaboration need. But, wine and friends. Also, wine. And friends. Learning stuff.
As they say in Peru, Ciao!
6:00 – took a nice, long, hot, steamy, and, for lack of better adjectives, simply phenomenal shower. This might seem like an ordinary thing to most Americans, but let me be the first to tell you that, in Peru, it is not such a trivial matter. I haven’t had a hot shower, to say the least one with such amazing water pressure, in a very, very long time. The heat was even consistent throughout: none of those frequent freezing and scalding spurts in between. On a scale from 1 – 10, it was maybe a 58. I think I’m underestimating.
7:00 – went down to breakfast. Against all odds, there, on the table, illuminated by a ray of light with no visible earthly source, was LIGHT YOGURT, naturally flavored with Splenda. I almost DIED; I simply ADORE light yogurt, but the house NEVER has it. After downing 2 bowls in a dream like fixation, as well as 2 cups of coffee (ready made), I was SO READY to take on the world and solve every international crisis existing today. It was that good of a morning.
8:00 – taught a smooth, fun, and very successful class. This week, I’m teaching about quantifiers, like jar, box, carton, that kind of thing, and it has been pretty difficult for the students to grasp. Today, I felt like they just got it; the power of hot shower and the aura of light yogurt seems to infect bystanders with instantaneous understanding and comprehension. Note to self.
9:00 – Started class. Nothing special.
12:00 – took our lunch break. I had a sandwich with cheese, ketchup, and basil that was shockingly mind blowing; who’da thunk it? Afterwards, we went to get ice cream, and instead, ended up with Crema Sucena, which is apparently ‘Mother in Law’s Tongue’. Ironically, it was sweet and lovely. A chuckle in the gut.
1:00 – re-started class. Again, nothing special... although the phrase “ambiguous genitals” did surface at one point.
3:00 – got feedback from my professor about my lesson this morning, and it was GREAT. I could feel the light yogurt smiling down at me from it's perch in the cloudless, aquamarine sky.
3:15 – saved a child’s life. During my cab ride home (which is an ominous experience in Peru... but unavoidable should you happen to be wearing four inch heels), the driver slammed on the breaks so hard that I flew out of the seat, slammed into the back of the seat in front of me, and then crumpled onto the floor. While the driver cursed zealously, I pulled myself up to see a 3 year old standing a few inches from the front bumper, looking more impressed at how quickly the car had managed to stop than the fact that he was still alive and able to wonder at this. All I could think of was, thank GOODNESS I took that shower this morning.
3:20 – gave the cabbie a 5 and asked for change. He said he didn’t have any, and, when I said I didn’t have anything else, the change MAGICALLY appeared in his pocket. I’m telling you, it was freaky.
3:30 – was informed that there was now wireless internet in the house. And that’s what I’ll be doing this afternoon.
7:00 – dinner time! Yes, I realize that dinner is 3 hours from now, but tonight it is fettucini-something-or-other (that's literally what it says on the menu) with cake, so it definitely makes my list of today’s miraculous boons. The chef in my house is seriously a culinary deity from some other universe. The food is THAT good.
8:00 – PUB TRIVIA! No elaboration need. But, wine and friends. Also, wine. And friends. Learning stuff.
As they say in Peru, Ciao!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Fanny Pack Vs. The Lazy Bums, Boxed Wine included in the Cover Price
There is a very good reason that I haven´t written in what seems like forever. Really, I promise.
This past week has been work week from H-E-Double hockey sticks, to use the politically correct term of the 90s. I spent from 9-13 hours daily in our little TEFL room, planning lessons, typing up detailed plans, teaching, and laboring over a rather intimidating paper on a concept of grammar of my choice. I chose the verb tense Present Perfect, which, if you weren´t aware, is one of the most important elements of the English language. With out it, we would literally not be able to form any type of sentence. At least, this is how I feel after writing 6 pages on the surprising dull topic of something so direly important.
This weekend, the run off from being so intensely overworked morphed us TEFLers, more informally known by insiders as ¨The Fanny Pack¨, into a mild form of lazy bums. We watched many movies and drank a healthy amount of cheap boxed wine in our own homes. Can´t beat that. We did make it out to the new McDonalds in Cusco, which was much more expensive than anything else in Plaza De Armas, but so worth the money. Though we haven´t been here for that long, our inate addiction to really crappy burgers seems to surface immediately when the opportunity arises.
This week, I am teaching one class, a Pre-Intermediate course at 8am, all week. Today I struggled; I made the mistake of planning an uber-creative, in-depth lesson, fit for about a 3 hour period. Teaching English seems to thrive on very simple lessons, something that my complicated self can´t seem to grasp. I´m sure I´ll get better as the week goes on.
Though I am looking forward to the serenity of home in Miami, I am very reluctant to leave Cusco. We really have a great group of people! We mesh well together and have a little too much fun by most standards. I was even asked by one of my students to tutor her. I am going to miss these people and this place a lot!
Well, it´s back to work. I am pretty sure I can be out of here by 4, at which point I will, once again, become the lazy bum of the weekend and watch movies with the volunteers in the house until night. I can only hope!
This past week has been work week from H-E-Double hockey sticks, to use the politically correct term of the 90s. I spent from 9-13 hours daily in our little TEFL room, planning lessons, typing up detailed plans, teaching, and laboring over a rather intimidating paper on a concept of grammar of my choice. I chose the verb tense Present Perfect, which, if you weren´t aware, is one of the most important elements of the English language. With out it, we would literally not be able to form any type of sentence. At least, this is how I feel after writing 6 pages on the surprising dull topic of something so direly important.
This weekend, the run off from being so intensely overworked morphed us TEFLers, more informally known by insiders as ¨The Fanny Pack¨, into a mild form of lazy bums. We watched many movies and drank a healthy amount of cheap boxed wine in our own homes. Can´t beat that. We did make it out to the new McDonalds in Cusco, which was much more expensive than anything else in Plaza De Armas, but so worth the money. Though we haven´t been here for that long, our inate addiction to really crappy burgers seems to surface immediately when the opportunity arises.
This week, I am teaching one class, a Pre-Intermediate course at 8am, all week. Today I struggled; I made the mistake of planning an uber-creative, in-depth lesson, fit for about a 3 hour period. Teaching English seems to thrive on very simple lessons, something that my complicated self can´t seem to grasp. I´m sure I´ll get better as the week goes on.
Though I am looking forward to the serenity of home in Miami, I am very reluctant to leave Cusco. We really have a great group of people! We mesh well together and have a little too much fun by most standards. I was even asked by one of my students to tutor her. I am going to miss these people and this place a lot!
Well, it´s back to work. I am pretty sure I can be out of here by 4, at which point I will, once again, become the lazy bum of the weekend and watch movies with the volunteers in the house until night. I can only hope!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Procrastination... pass the Coffee Extract
This weekend far exceeded all expectations! Friday, I met The Dad in his hotel lobby. After getting the organizational stuff out of the way with our tour guide, we headed out to see Cusco. I showed him the downtown area, where I lived, and introduced him to everyone at Máximo Nível. We ate lunch at a nearby café, which was recommended to me by the chef at my house. It was great!
After the city tour (in which Dad confused the name Saqsaywaman, pronounced ¨Sexy Woman¨, with ¨Sexy Mama¨) we went out for tapas with all of the girls in our group. It was nice to have him meet the people that I am spending most of my life with right now.
Saturday was the big day. We woke up at 4am, and ate a quick breakfast. Though they only had ´coffee extract, ´ which was a bizarre, thick substance with a somewhat coffee-like taste, they did have Equal. I did not realize how much I missed fake, calorie-less sugar until this moment in time. Actually, I do realize it, every morning in fact, but I have buried this pain deep in my chest. There’s no use being depressed over something you can’t change… or buy in a store anywhere on the continent.
From Bus to Train, Train to Bus, Bus to Macchu Picchu, it took about 4 hours. But, oh my goodness, it was all worth it. Macchu Picchu is stunning. It is a city on top of a mountain, very well preserved due to the fact that the Spanish never touched it. I can’t believe that it was discovered only 100 years ago, meaning that it lay a secret for over 400 years!
I honestly can’t think of words to describe this place. It was simply majestic, stunning, and truly unforgettable. And our tour guide, Charles Darwin (I’m 90% positive that’s a pseudonym) was hilarious.
Saturday night, Dad and I went out for a drink with my friends. They really liked him, which made me happy. None of that ¨Oh, your Dad is here, so that’s really awkward and I’m not going to be myself¨ kind of thing. It’s nice to see that sort of acceptance, interest, and amicable relations between two different and important groups of people in life.
Sunday, we woke up early and checked out. Check out in Peru is from 8-9am! That, however, worked out well as it pushed us out of bed and into town. We did a lot of souvenir (which, as a side note, means ´to remember´ in French) shopping and art viewing. We went to church in one of the main Cusqueño churches, and then went to lunch at a nice grill facing a gorgeous fountain. After, we purchased a pretty piece of art (which amounted to 210 dollars total… a real steal!) made by a local Cusqueño painter. All along the way we were hounded by the mobile tourist sales people, pushing woven finger puppets, water color copies, and shoe shining on us.
Though I was tired from the long weekend, I was definitely sad to see him leave. I love my parents!
Today kicks off a long week in school. I teach everyday but Wednesday, and have 2 papers and 2 formal lesson plans due Friday. A little bit stressful, but nothing I can’t handle. If I could just get off blogger and facebook, I’m sure I could finish in no time… but that’s not how I do business. Procrastination is the name of the game… until Friday.
After the city tour (in which Dad confused the name Saqsaywaman, pronounced ¨Sexy Woman¨, with ¨Sexy Mama¨) we went out for tapas with all of the girls in our group. It was nice to have him meet the people that I am spending most of my life with right now.
Saturday was the big day. We woke up at 4am, and ate a quick breakfast. Though they only had ´coffee extract, ´ which was a bizarre, thick substance with a somewhat coffee-like taste, they did have Equal. I did not realize how much I missed fake, calorie-less sugar until this moment in time. Actually, I do realize it, every morning in fact, but I have buried this pain deep in my chest. There’s no use being depressed over something you can’t change… or buy in a store anywhere on the continent.
From Bus to Train, Train to Bus, Bus to Macchu Picchu, it took about 4 hours. But, oh my goodness, it was all worth it. Macchu Picchu is stunning. It is a city on top of a mountain, very well preserved due to the fact that the Spanish never touched it. I can’t believe that it was discovered only 100 years ago, meaning that it lay a secret for over 400 years!
I honestly can’t think of words to describe this place. It was simply majestic, stunning, and truly unforgettable. And our tour guide, Charles Darwin (I’m 90% positive that’s a pseudonym) was hilarious.
Saturday night, Dad and I went out for a drink with my friends. They really liked him, which made me happy. None of that ¨Oh, your Dad is here, so that’s really awkward and I’m not going to be myself¨ kind of thing. It’s nice to see that sort of acceptance, interest, and amicable relations between two different and important groups of people in life.
Sunday, we woke up early and checked out. Check out in Peru is from 8-9am! That, however, worked out well as it pushed us out of bed and into town. We did a lot of souvenir (which, as a side note, means ´to remember´ in French) shopping and art viewing. We went to church in one of the main Cusqueño churches, and then went to lunch at a nice grill facing a gorgeous fountain. After, we purchased a pretty piece of art (which amounted to 210 dollars total… a real steal!) made by a local Cusqueño painter. All along the way we were hounded by the mobile tourist sales people, pushing woven finger puppets, water color copies, and shoe shining on us.
Though I was tired from the long weekend, I was definitely sad to see him leave. I love my parents!
Today kicks off a long week in school. I teach everyday but Wednesday, and have 2 papers and 2 formal lesson plans due Friday. A little bit stressful, but nothing I can’t handle. If I could just get off blogger and facebook, I’m sure I could finish in no time… but that’s not how I do business. Procrastination is the name of the game… until Friday.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Excited Chaskaniowi Gets, Well, Excited
The national riots were supposed to roll over onto today, but apparently all of the Cusqueños were too tired from writing papers, observing classes, and attending a long and dissapppointingly boring Pub Trivia night. But we still got 3rd.
I, too, was tired from these same activities. However, I got up and did my 10 minute run, forcing myself to stick to my personal goal. I want to build up a ton of red blood cells so that I can be Super Runner when I return to the US. I will also wear my glasses at all times when I am not running, as to confuse my archnemesis-to-be.
Today, class was so long. It´s either the result of being in class for a whole week, the long hours spent at the school observing and writing papers, or the hovering knowledge that ¨The Dad¨ arrives tomorrow. It is most likely the latter; I am SO EXCITED to see my dad! I think that this weekend will be a really memorable one. I would think so, as Machu Picchu is considered one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World... and ¨The Dad¨is considered one of the 7 of the modern one.
During lunch a few of the girls and I met two spanish students here at Máximo Nivel. They were born and raised in Peru, and also had a good knowledge of Quetchua. I was surprised how much we remembered from the lesson yesterday, and we even learned a few more words. The man, José, called us chaskaniowi, which means ¨those who have stars in thier eyes.¨ I also fell with ease back into spanish conversation, learning a few new peruvian phrases... and recieving, once again, the comment that I have a very distinguised Spain-Spanish accent.
Well, it´s time to go back to work. I have 3 papers to write in an hour, at which time my brain will automatically switch into irreversible day-dream mode. Current popular topics include China, John Krasinski, and Thomas´100 Calorie English Muffins.
I, too, was tired from these same activities. However, I got up and did my 10 minute run, forcing myself to stick to my personal goal. I want to build up a ton of red blood cells so that I can be Super Runner when I return to the US. I will also wear my glasses at all times when I am not running, as to confuse my archnemesis-to-be.
Today, class was so long. It´s either the result of being in class for a whole week, the long hours spent at the school observing and writing papers, or the hovering knowledge that ¨The Dad¨ arrives tomorrow. It is most likely the latter; I am SO EXCITED to see my dad! I think that this weekend will be a really memorable one. I would think so, as Machu Picchu is considered one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World... and ¨The Dad¨is considered one of the 7 of the modern one.
During lunch a few of the girls and I met two spanish students here at Máximo Nivel. They were born and raised in Peru, and also had a good knowledge of Quetchua. I was surprised how much we remembered from the lesson yesterday, and we even learned a few more words. The man, José, called us chaskaniowi, which means ¨those who have stars in thier eyes.¨ I also fell with ease back into spanish conversation, learning a few new peruvian phrases... and recieving, once again, the comment that I have a very distinguised Spain-Spanish accent.
Well, it´s time to go back to work. I have 3 papers to write in an hour, at which time my brain will automatically switch into irreversible day-dream mode. Current popular topics include China, John Krasinski, and Thomas´100 Calorie English Muffins.
The correct answer is: What is Quetua?
Today was a national strike day in Peru. Though there have been little demonstrations here and there, this was crazy! All of the shops were closed, and there was not a single car on the roads. Instead, a flood of pedestrians hit the streets around 9am and formed a huge moving body, pushing up Avenida el Sol with banners, signs, and banging drums. Sitting in our little TEFL classroom in the language institute, it took everything for us to concentrate. Albiet a bit frightening for a foreigner, it was also very exciting to see some real ´fight for change´ happening. We did get a chance to venture outside during lunch hour (climbing through a little doorway in the gate pulled over the entrance to the school) to see the protest. We retreated pretty quickly though; the police were coming up the sidewalks with thier tear gas, semi-automatics, and shields. I thought it prudent to disaffiliate from the uprising.
It should clear up before 6, leaving us free to pursure our favorite Wedsnesday activity, Pub Trivia! Monday night was the first Llama Yo Mama DOMINATION! We won by about 4 questions, due largely to some really lucky guesses. At first, we thought that we had tied with another group, but it was later discovered that they had changed a 3 to an 8 on thier score card. Scandalous! The prize was a nice bottle of wine (clearly, the cheating was worth it!), which we toasted off to sweet victory. These are some really fun nights! Especially when we WIN!
The TEFL course is starting to pick up a little. We have four observations due by friday, of which I have three done. It´s really interesting to watch the english classes here. I am quite excited to branch out and try a few things of my own!
Also, today we had a Quetua class for an hour to put us in our students shoes. Quetua is the language of the Incas, which still exists here in Peru. Our instructor only spoke Quetua, his mother tongue, to us, and we really did a great job of learning! There was no written system to the language, so when the spanish conquistadors invaded, the Incans adopted thier alphabet. Some things I learned were:
Imaynan kashanki? How are you?
Allinmi kashani, qanri? I am well, and you?
Noqapas. Me too
Iman sutiyki? What is your name?
Sutimi ______. My name is ______.
Maymantan kanki? Where are you from?
________ mantan kani. I am from _______.
oq, iskay, kinsa, tawa, piska 1,2,3,4,5
chunka pusayoa 19
iskay warancha piska panchaq kinsa chunka iskonniyoa 2538
So, YES I learned a lot. Not that I will remember that tomorrow, or even today (I used my copious notes to write that little bit) for that matter, but it was definatley fun. I love language, and now I can carry this bit of Peruvian culture with me. Kusa!
It should clear up before 6, leaving us free to pursure our favorite Wedsnesday activity, Pub Trivia! Monday night was the first Llama Yo Mama DOMINATION! We won by about 4 questions, due largely to some really lucky guesses. At first, we thought that we had tied with another group, but it was later discovered that they had changed a 3 to an 8 on thier score card. Scandalous! The prize was a nice bottle of wine (clearly, the cheating was worth it!), which we toasted off to sweet victory. These are some really fun nights! Especially when we WIN!
The TEFL course is starting to pick up a little. We have four observations due by friday, of which I have three done. It´s really interesting to watch the english classes here. I am quite excited to branch out and try a few things of my own!
Also, today we had a Quetua class for an hour to put us in our students shoes. Quetua is the language of the Incas, which still exists here in Peru. Our instructor only spoke Quetua, his mother tongue, to us, and we really did a great job of learning! There was no written system to the language, so when the spanish conquistadors invaded, the Incans adopted thier alphabet. Some things I learned were:
Imaynan kashanki? How are you?
Allinmi kashani, qanri? I am well, and you?
Noqapas. Me too
Iman sutiyki? What is your name?
Sutimi ______. My name is ______.
Maymantan kanki? Where are you from?
________ mantan kani. I am from _______.
oq, iskay, kinsa, tawa, piska 1,2,3,4,5
chunka pusayoa 19
iskay warancha piska panchaq kinsa chunka iskonniyoa 2538
So, YES I learned a lot. Not that I will remember that tomorrow, or even today (I used my copious notes to write that little bit) for that matter, but it was definatley fun. I love language, and now I can carry this bit of Peruvian culture with me. Kusa!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Cusco Tea Party, and Other Tales
Sunday, recovering from a near sleepless night of moderate food poisening (due to some raw veggies that my trusting american apetite failed to flag as dangerous), I got up early and decided to commit the layout of Cusco to memory. In a stroke of luck, I caught a nice parade in the Plaza de Armas, with a bunch of local schools, their teachers, and professional bands marching before some important people. I quite enjoyed it, despite the fact that the army, in full gear, with the tourist police, oddly, with much newer uniforms and guns, were standing by looking hungry for some action.
Later I met up with a some of my TEFL group at El Molino, the huge market near my house. I got 2 cds (amy winehouse and juanes) for 7 sols (about 3 dollars) and monopoly for 10 sols. Then, we headed to a nearby pizza resaurant, which was completely desserted. We drank the wine we had purchased at the market (a great argentinian red) and ate delicious pizza, amounting to 3 bucks a person. Later on, we spent the night playing an intense (well, for me at least) game of monopoly at Gloria and Kaitlin´s apartment. The horrible quality of the game made it all the better: the uber-stiff board that caused the pieces and cards to constantly topple over, the super thin paper money of only 2 different colors and insufficient quantity, the incorrectly priced properties, and the ´chance´ cards that had random pictures which did not correspond whatsoever with the card´s verdict. And, in case you were wondering, I dominated.
Today, I went for my first high altitude run. Although I could only go for 10 minutes, and I have been really wheezy and stuffy-nosed all day, it was definately a start! The locals looked at me like I was a crazy person, and the many stray dogs barked as I passed. That´s one wierd thing about Cusco; there are so many stray dogs roaming around! They have no collars, no visible owners, and pass the time lounging around the plazas and walking around the streets. I bet they were abandoned as pets for llamas, which attract a lot of tourist attention and revenue. Llamas are really cute, altough they have really bland personalities. I think I prefer dogs.
There has been a riot going on the past week. It has something to do with the rising cost of living and lack of increase in wages to compliment this. There was a huge march down the Avenida El Sol (the main street, where Maximo Nivel, my school, is) today during our lunch hour. Riot police are always present, loud drums accompany the shouts, and the traffic is really screwed up during the demonstrations. It´s all very heartening, though, to see the people fighting for their rights. Can you tell that I´m American? If my white skin, big sunglasses, or western accent doesn´t give it away, it´s my pride in individual rights against an oppresive government. Too bad there´s not a tea boat nearby to tip over. I bet that would show em.
Later I met up with a some of my TEFL group at El Molino, the huge market near my house. I got 2 cds (amy winehouse and juanes) for 7 sols (about 3 dollars) and monopoly for 10 sols. Then, we headed to a nearby pizza resaurant, which was completely desserted. We drank the wine we had purchased at the market (a great argentinian red) and ate delicious pizza, amounting to 3 bucks a person. Later on, we spent the night playing an intense (well, for me at least) game of monopoly at Gloria and Kaitlin´s apartment. The horrible quality of the game made it all the better: the uber-stiff board that caused the pieces and cards to constantly topple over, the super thin paper money of only 2 different colors and insufficient quantity, the incorrectly priced properties, and the ´chance´ cards that had random pictures which did not correspond whatsoever with the card´s verdict. And, in case you were wondering, I dominated.
Today, I went for my first high altitude run. Although I could only go for 10 minutes, and I have been really wheezy and stuffy-nosed all day, it was definately a start! The locals looked at me like I was a crazy person, and the many stray dogs barked as I passed. That´s one wierd thing about Cusco; there are so many stray dogs roaming around! They have no collars, no visible owners, and pass the time lounging around the plazas and walking around the streets. I bet they were abandoned as pets for llamas, which attract a lot of tourist attention and revenue. Llamas are really cute, altough they have really bland personalities. I think I prefer dogs.
There has been a riot going on the past week. It has something to do with the rising cost of living and lack of increase in wages to compliment this. There was a huge march down the Avenida El Sol (the main street, where Maximo Nivel, my school, is) today during our lunch hour. Riot police are always present, loud drums accompany the shouts, and the traffic is really screwed up during the demonstrations. It´s all very heartening, though, to see the people fighting for their rights. Can you tell that I´m American? If my white skin, big sunglasses, or western accent doesn´t give it away, it´s my pride in individual rights against an oppresive government. Too bad there´s not a tea boat nearby to tip over. I bet that would show em.
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