Week one- Morgan Denyes
Sunday:
If there is one thing that you need to know about Chileans, it is that they show their affection through food. In other words, no matter how stuffed you are, they will fill your plate back up. For example, in the past hour I have been asked if I was hungry by everyone in the house and every time my answer has been no. At first I felt like I was offending them, but the oldest son told me that they just want to make sure that I do not starve. I responded with "trust me, I will ask for food when I am hungry, its just that I don't eat a lot".
Today we went to a Chinese restaurant and it was AMAZING! I know what you may be thinking ... "A Chinese restaurant, really?" Yes, really! The Chinese restaurant that we went to is nothing like the ones in America. While I unsuccessfully attempted to read the menu, my host sister asked what I usually get at a Chinese restaurant. Later when the food came I said to her " wait i didn't place my order!", and she responded "Don't worry I told my mother and she ordered it for you". At this restaurant there was a very large lazy-susan in the middle of the table and we used that to put the entrees and scoop the food onto our plate from the many different choices.
After stuffing ourselves we then decided to order some dessert. I obviously ordered Tres Leches. It was like fireworks in my mouth! The top layer was marshmallow fluff and in-between one of the layers was something very similar to a caramel and it literally melted in my mouth. I offered my dessert to everyone at the table but they all said "No, it is yours to enjoy!". I will have to order it again because it was spectacular!
Sorry for the mouthwatering pictures! I couldn't help myself!
Monday:
Today was my very first day at the school that I will be teaching at for the next three weeks. In Santiago, for the most part, all of the buildings are land locked, so there is nowhere else to go but up. At my school there are three floors, the first floor is elementary school, the second floor is middle school and the third floor is high school. I am teaching 3rd and 4th grade so I am between the first and second floor throughout the day.
This morning started with a tour of the school. The school is completely open to the outdoors and the classrooms all enter to the courtyard in the middle of the school. Behind the school there is a miniature track with a field in the center, to the right of it there are a two tennis courts. The cafeteria is in a building behind the main building and above that is the gymnasium.
After our tour we walked to the main courtyard and found all of the students waiting to welcome us to their school. After the principal said a few words she dismissed the kids and within seconds all of the young kids swarmed to us to say hello! With their glowing smiles and warm hugs, I have become overjoyed to be seeing their friendly faces for the next three weeks.
Moving on, I learned today that in Chile, the school schedule is much different than schools in America. On Monday my students have Math and English in the morning and then Gym, Science and Music, yet any other day of the week the schedule is much different. After I helped teach math this morning I spent the rest of the day preparing a subtraction activity to help prepare them for their math test on Thursday.
Tuesday: I taught my very first lesson to my third grade math students. The purpose of this activity was for my students to create two three digit numbers from the cards that I gave them and subtract them to try and get the smallest answer possible. Whichever team created the smallest number got a point and the first team to three points won the activity.
My students did an excellent job of listening and working with their group members to come to a solution. Although I did struggle a little with making sure that I was giving my students comprehensible input, I feel like they are very prepared for their math test on Thursday. Overall I was very pleased with how the lesson went and I look forward to many more.
Wednesday:
Stop 1: Palacio de La Moneda
This beautiful building is where the president of Chile works. Unlike in the United States, the president does not live in the Palace, but rather comes to work in the morning and leaves to go to their residential home. While on our tour we were lucky enough to witness the "Changing of the guard ceremony" that is conducted by the officers uncharge of guarding the Palace. Each group of guards work for two days and when it is time to switch to a different group, a changing of the guard ceremony occurs. It was quite beautiful to watch as the officers and band did their routine to the sound of the music.
Stop 2: The Main square of Santiago
After watching the ceremony, we walked around the city to see some history and breathtaking architecture. While down town we walked through the Metropolitan Cathedral. It was absolutely breathtaking! While writing this blog I am having a very difficult time describing the beauty of the church. From the intricate paintings, the massive murals, and the historical architecture I was left absolutely speechless.
Stop 3: Cerro San Cristóbal
To get up to the top of the hill, and by hill I mean a very large hill, you must either take a funicular, a gondola, or take the 45 minute steep trek up the road to the top. Once we got up to the top of the hill, the view was extraordinary! Even though it was a smoggy day, I was still amazed at the 360 degree view of the city.
Wonderful photos and commentary, Morgan! I really enjoyed looking through and reading all of this. I agree that Chileans are definitely a warm people and show affection with food. If you say you're hungry (or even if you don't), food will magically appear. haha. Great first week observations! -Jeremy
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