Back From the Dead!

I have officially been resurrected.  Well, my computer at least.  I am so grateful for techie friends!

Not much has happened since my last blog.  At least nothing major.  We did have spirit day at school last Thursday where we wore blue and yellow...our school colors.  I didn't feel like buying a school shirt, so I only wore the colors.  I have been "helping" with the basketball team, although it's more like I work out with them and then if they need an extra person, fill in during drills or practice games.  I suck at basketball and am too short, but I enjoy getting to work with my kids and getting to know some of the older kids.  Anyways, last Thursday, we had a teacher vs. kids game.  I, of course, played, boasting to the kids all day that we would win.

The basketball coach, Andres, who is the math teacher used to go to Calvert as a student and had a number of old basketball jerseys.  The "starting five," which were Andres, Leah and Hannah (the two student teachers), Danny (the college coordinator), and I wore the jerseys all day.  It was fun interacting with the kids using basketball as a topic.  At 430, the game started.  And you know, for a bunch of "old folks," we didn't too bad...at least during the first half.  Andres ended up not playing and just referring, and we got one of the first grade teachers, Ferman, to play.  At half-time, the kids were beating us 10-6, I believe.  We were able to get some good shots in and everything.  Well, Danny, Leah, Ferman, and Hannah had some good shots.  The only thing I was good for was sprinting down the court when the kids stole the ball to try to prevent them from scoring.  I usually beat them there, but again, short problems kicked in and I was usually unable to stop them from scoring.  The second half was disastrous as the adults were definitely feeling the age difference.  We went from running down the court to walking, and sometimes limping.  The kids ended up winning 20-8, but we tried...

On Friday, we didn't have school as it was Cochabamba Day.  All the teachers had to walk in the local parade.  Women wore white tops, black pants and shoes, and a light blue scarf.  Men wore white shirts, black pants and shoes, and a blue tie.  We were lined up shortest to tallest, with four rows of women between two rows of men.  We all looked quite dashing and I regret not getting any pictures.  The parade was supposed to begin at 8AM and as we were number 17 in the line-up, we were hoping to get down within two or three hours.  We didn't end up starting until almost 10!  We ended around 1130, so it wasn't too bad, but we were all impatient to get done.  We walked down El Prado, which is one of the major streets in town.  There were people lining up both sides of the street to watch the procession of schools and important clubs from around the city.

When we were done, the school had booked reservations at a nearby restaurant for Saltanias, which are similar to Hot Pockets.  They have meat (either beef or chicken) with potatoes and a gravy-like sauce in a bread type pocket.  It is absolutely delicious.  We ended up having a great time even though it was an exhausting day.

The rest of the weekend went well, too.  Hung out with my friend, Alexis and her husband David.  On Saturday evening, we all went to another American's house, Hilary.  She is from Nebraska, but has lived in Bolivia for about two years.  It was so nice to meet other Americans and just to have more friends outside of work.  Now, it's back to the hum-drum of school again, which I will write more about a little later.

National Day of the Pedestrian

Internet is working for the moment, so I thought I'd update....

The past week or so has been a whirlwind of kids and fun.  Teaching is slowly adjusting and the kids are getting used to me...I still have yet to get used to them. Lol!  They've been working on creating stories in groups, and I've enjoyed watching them get into their project.  Many groups chose to do horror stories, which I cautioned them to make it school appropriate.  But there are a few groups who are really being creative and it's been fun seeing them get into the stories.  

On Sunday, we celebrated "National Day of the Pedestrian," which is throughout all of Bolivia.  On this day, all motorized vehicles are prohibited from driving and the streets are covered with people walking and riding bikes.  Downtown, was covered with vendors and activities.  Giovanni took Leah, Hannah, and I downtown to explore.  We went to the Tennis club and was able to rent a third bike from one of the cooks.  The three of us went exploring Cochabamba for about an hour and a half, until Hannah started feeling sick.  She had been sick the past few days and, though, she had been feeling better, I think it was a little much.  We headed back and she returned to the Tennis Club to rest with Giovanni.  I also had to sit out for a while because the sun was causing me to feel light-headed and nauseous.  But, I soon recovered.  Leah and I headed over to a friend's for dinner, which was amazing...basil pizza. Yum!

The mountains and scenery has slowly been turning green and luscious.  I can't wait until the trees are in full bloom and the flowers are bright and colorful.  I've been meaning to post pictures of my adventures, but with my internet down, it presents a bit of a problem.  

Well, that's pretty much what's been going on lately.  Am planning on blogging more about the beep distinctions and a typical day for me, but that will be later.  Hopefully, once my internet is fixed completely.  If there are any topics you, my readers, would like me to address, please let me know!!  Until next time....