Steven: June 11th, 2007

We got up to the school today around 10 AM. The students had their weekly ‘flag ceremony’ at 10:30, which we got to witness. It appeared very military junta like as they recited lines of allegiance over an anthem. It’s stuff like this along with all the talk in the textbooks of people becoming ‘contributing citizens’ that gives me an odd feeling sometimes. Classes got rolling at around 1:30, basically every class meets for an abbreviated amount of time in the afternoon. This is probably to give people a chance to get back to the school from their homes. The weather was also really pleasant today, overcast with a nice cool breeze. Just that factor makes everything so much more enjoyable, it’s such a drag when it’s so bloody hot outside.

I helped Anthony (‘Tone Dawg’) by teaching the sixth graders while he looked over the fifth graders. The topic of the day was rounding whole numbers. After going through a few examples and asking them to solve some problems I still felt that they did not totally get it. However I only had 30 minutes to work with, but I think they got the gist. Trevor and I also observed the deaf students and an English language class. It was great watching the deaf kids talk about their weekends. The teachers here are all very helpful in showing us sign language. Every night I learn a couple of new signs, today I learned plate, dog, cat, fork, spoon, evening, table, and many more. I hope I can lend a hand in the deaf classes at some point.

I should also mention that I gave squid a try at lunch at found it to be quite good. I don’t think I would have ever considered eating some of the things I’ve eaten were I to be in America. It’s probably a combination of being really hungry and wanting to experience a new culture. They are also really big on this vegetable called ‘umpalaya’ (bitter gourd). It’s alright when it’s cooked with eggs, but otherwise it’s almost inedible. The beef here is not good, it’s extremely tough and like chewing rubber. The fruit is fantastic, especially the mangos. I have not had any pineapple despite the proximity of the huge Del Monte facility… Well I’m about to go to bed, I think I might take away the mosquito net to be cooler, doesn’t seem too buggy tonight. As I was coming in tonight I heard some rustling in the leaves. When I turned my flashlight on to investigate I discovered a large caribou staring right at me. Yet another dose of random wildlife.