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Published: June 24th 2009
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So they tell me I made the local news Sunday night. I didn't see it, but.. it's kind of cool I suppose 😊
Sunday I woke up really really early and left my house at 4:45 to take a bus outside of town to climb a mountain to watch the sunrise. wow. Chile has an interesting affect on me. It was FREEZING.. and I waited with a few friends for 2 hours... The Aymara new year starts with the first rays of light on the solstice. So we waited. and waited. and waited. and waited. and finally started seeing light around 7:30 because of the fog from the ocean. lol.
It was really interesting to see the traditions and rituals though, and everyone was extremely eager to talk to us gringas about why we were there and to tell us about this celebration of theirs. They gave lots of gifts of food and drink to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), gave toasts about the unity of the indigenous Aymara (from Peru, Bolivia and Chile!) and danced and ate. Us Iowa girls joined in the dancing much to their delite
, but I spent too much time talking to people to get to eat , it was all gone save for a very tough piece of meat when I got to the food. (we were debating what animal it was.... llama anyone? haha)
Sunday afternoon I pretty much slept and then went to visit a host family from last year. The mom is pretty young and we caught up for 3 years and it felt as if no time had past 😊 I love these people.
Monday.. was my first class. Anyone know Murphey's Law? haha.. My classroom was occupied, my assisting professor forgot about my class, my supplies were locked in my Mom's trunk on campus and she left without telling me so I couldn't find her, half of my students didn't show, my 7:00 class started just before 8, at 9 the power went out.... we thought they were shutting down campus so we asked the security guard to turn ours back on and we found out it was a problem with the circuit in our sala only... lol.. so we finished the last hour by cell phone light and a streetlight outside. Had a few mishaps in class; two girls designs washed completely out...but really. overall. it was fun 😊
I am teaching future teachers; reminds me a lot of teaching to the college of edu at UNI (for those of you who know me, you know my thoughts on this). It's... interesting... and I've learned they are all the same and have similar mannerisms, whether in Iowa or Arica. They are really interested in learning how they can teach this in a modified way in their classes in the future though, so I spent today looking around the centro for fabrics and tools and inks they could use. I wasn't expecting that much interest in it, but I should have, because it is my ultimate goal to spread this so naturally i'd want my students to spread what they learn.
I can tell already that this experience will be unforgettable and will teach me miles and miles.. about teaching.. and life...
Anyway, hope all is safe stateside (or wherever you are to my friends overseas). I heard some icky weather reports from Iowa and the midwest, hang on tight everyone!
Adios amigos. hasta pronto
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Yeah Ames! I wish you were on the news here...all we have is jon and kate seper8 on tv...you would be a much better story. I can't wait to hear how your classes go, and I think that planning for 7 but starting at 9 sounds pretty chilean to me XD. PS...since when do you get up at 4 in the am?