Less than a week left...really?

I realized today that I only have 6 days left in Bueno Aires!  Time has certainly flown by.  Today I re-visited Belgrano Day School.  I managed to take the subte all by myself.  Naturally, I did get lost and had to ask three people for directions to the subte and one for which line to take.  All in all, it was a success. 

I visited the Kindergarten classes today.  I felt at home.  These are my people.  I got some great ideas for tracking student work!

Afterward, Margarita and I had tea and another Connito.  I need these in the Unites States but my waist is happy they are not (or at least I don't know where!!). Then we, once again, made our way on the crowded #44 bus to Escuela de Idiomas.  There I sat in on a class that was learning to combine ideas (sentences).  I also spoke to 5th and 6th level students.  Some had a lot to say, some did not.  Either way, they all have a special place in my heart for saying I look 18- 25. 

Now, it is time for a special dinner for Mechi, Cristina's daughter, who is leaving for Italy tomorrow morning!!

So many schools....So little time

Today is day 13 in Buenos Aires.  I am going to tell you something that will shock you and send you into a spiral of disbelief. Are you ready?

There were no toilet SEATS in the school I visited today.

(It's not certain but...) I was told it is against the law to have toilet seats due to it being less hygienic and the risk of children hurting their fingers.  Can you imagine? I can because I used it! Without a seat!  Crazy!!

Aside from that, these last two days have been VERY busy!  Yesterday, Monday the 27th, I went to Belgrano Day School.  This is (another) private school.  Here, Kindergarten (under age 5) is all in English, all day.  I met Janet Lenton, who is the Head of Primary, and Lorena Scigliano.  Lorena (Lore) is a former member of the R.I.T.E Program!  She visited Kansas for her exchange.   Most of my day was spent with Lore.  I learned many interesting things about her school.  In their school, they have "houses"; North, South, East, and West.  Each house is represented by a color; Blue, green, yellow, or red.  This made me happy because it made me think about Harry Potter.  My only complaint is their uniforms look like they belong in Slytherin.  BOOOO.

After my time at Belgrano Day School, I went to Escuela de Idiomas (again).  Here I was part of a Q & A session with students who are levels 2-4 English speakers.  Most classes were VERY shy and really weren't interested in talking.  Teenagers are the same in every country :)

Most people would assume my day would end, but that's absolutely not true.  After my time at the Language School, Margarita and I traveled by bus to a Rotary Meeting.  On this night, Nylia Monte (who visited Frisco with the R.I.T.E. program) was speaking about her trip to Frisco.  I was surprised to discover that this particular Rotary club does not have women as members (but the wives are very actively involved).  Nylia spoke, I spoke, we ate the most delicious food, and then it was time for bed.  It was a LOOOOOOONG day, but a VERY good one!

Today was a special day for me (but, of course, they all are)! I visited Glaux in the morning. Glaux is a private school where everyone learns English.  Students attend English four times a week for 40min.  Additionally, students have the option to attend 6 more classes of English each week.  Completing the additional classes during their program allows them to graduate as Bilingual (like an advanced diploma).  Here, another teacher - Natalia, was also a former member of the R.I.T.E program (she went to Idaho).  I was in the building with the very tall and very scary secondary students.  Although they were intimidating (at first) we quickly got off to a wonderful questions and answer session. 

After Glaux, I visited Nylia's school; Nueva Escuela Argentina 2000 (NEA 2000 for short).  This is a private, non-religious, bilingual school who instructs children ages 2 - 18.  The grades are divided into three separate buildings; Kinder in one building around the corner, Primary, and Secondary (across the street from one another).  I spent my time in Primary with the 3rd grade.  I was amazed and very impressed with the level of their English speaking and comprehension.  I was also impressed that each student was prepared with written questions for me to answer.  Nylia and I also had the chance to discuss basic procedures such as attendance and grading in her school.  All of the children were so enthusiastic about asking questions in English and I am so happy I was able to see Nylia's school!

I could go on and on and on and on about my daily experiences but I must go to bed.  Tomorrow I am returning to Belgrano Day School bright and early to visit my favorite age group; (pre)Kindergarten!!  Also, prayers please, I am taking the subte all by myself.  Like a big girl! 

Estoy cansado

I think Buenos Aires is the busiest city I have even been to.  Everyone walks quickly (which I like) and is in a hurry to get from one place to another.  The calmest times are at the table.  Either for lunch or tea (coffee), it slows down and you get to savor every moment.
*Just a moment of clarity for myself*

On Wedneday June , I visited Colegio Belgrano Uno. Margarita and I took the subte to meet Dr. Fernando Arnesto.  He and I walked to his school.  There I learned how the school is structured.  Each classroom has approximately 25 students with only one class per grade (here they call it "form".)  There are only 450 - 500 students in the whole school.  The students have English classes three times a week (MWF) in the afternoon.  On Tuesday and Thursday, the afternoon consists of Art/Drama or Sports.  Art/Drama is the only optional course allowed.  Currently, the 5th and 6th grade is re-making the film "The Karate Kid" (it was interesting when a teacher in a karate gi handed a lap top to me when I arrived). Students are constantly in preparation for various English exams.  The 5th and 6th grade students prepare for Springboard or Quickmarch exams.  These exams are developed by the University of London.  7th grade students take the Preliminary English Test (P.E.T.) and secondary students in levels 4 and 5 (14 - 15yrs old) take exams developed by Cambridge Univestity; FCE - First Certificate in English or CAE -Certificate of Advanced English.  I was able to speak to three different levels.  The oldest students seemed the least enthusiastic....teenagers :P  The second group told me I was very pretty and looked like one of the Kardashian sisters.  And the third group (the youngest - 11yrs old) was the most formal.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time!

After my time at Colegio Belgrano Uno I, once again, visited Gabriel and his (other) level 4 adult English class.  They meet two days a week and it was interesting to learn that there is a placement test for the program.  Students do not automatically start at level one.  It was a busy day!

23/6/2011
I returned to Children's School to observe the English Teacher with the K5 (5yr olds) students.  Miss Carolina made me miss my own students!! She sang songs that I am familiar with and used discipline techniques and teaching strategies that I use in my own classroom.  These children were much more enthusiastic than the previous Kinder classes.  It's funny how much difference one or two years can make.

After a delicious lunch, I went to see my new friend Cecilia's classroom.  First she teaches one classroom once a week.  In this unit they were studying the United States (social studies).  I felt very useful in this subject!  They reviewed timezones and moved towards a unit about weather maps.  In this unit they learned the formula for converting Celsius into Fahrenheit.  The students were not the only ones learning on this day.  Now, I know the formula too!!  Her next class is "her" class.  They are currently reading " The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konisburg.  Today the students were to bring a picture of a painting; any painting.  Their assignment was to write a description of the painting.  Of course, this is all in English.  I can only imagine the hard work these students are putting into their work in a foreign language.  After their work and break, the students (once again) began to ask me questions about the United States and, of course, my personal life.

24/6/2011
On this morning, I was supposed to visit another private school but it was a religious holiday.  Instead, I took a "personal day" and watched movies and slept longer.  In the afternoon, Margarita and I took the most terrible bus ride (VERY LONG and CROWDED) to the school where she is  former headmistress.  The "Language School" teacher 4 languages: English, French, Italian, and Portuguese).  On this night, there was a presentation about Brazilian music.  It was nice to see the many parents and students who were present for the presentation.  Although I did not understand most of the presentation, I was able to learn some of the differences in Brazilian music (i.e. tempo) and watch and listen to some examples.

After the presentation at the Language School, Margarita and I traveled to my host's (Cristina M.) daughters' (Mechi) school.  She attends an Italian school and her class is traveling to Italy next week.  For their trip, they presented a fashion show!  It was a lot of fun to see the different clothing teenagers were here in Buenos Aires.  I also learned that the late-night culture also extends into the schools!  We were at the school until midnight!! Can you imagine a school in Frisco/Plano/DFW hosting an event for parents and students going until midnight?!  Well, I was very tired when Cristina and I returned home.  We ate, chatted, and then it was time to sleep!

25/6/2011
It's tourist day!  I was very honored to meet Nylia Monte and her sister!  Together, the three of us took "the yellow bus" around the city of Buenos Aires.  This is a double-decker bus the allows people a chance to see the city and to hear important facts about the history of the city and its landmarks.  Nylia, her sister, and I nearly froze to death but it was worth every moment.  I saw so much history and everything....I felt like a child all day!  I was so excited on the bus and during our stops!!

The same night, I went to a Rotaract meeting in another city (almost 1hr away by taxi). I went with my new friends,  Gabi and Giselle, to witness the exchange of authority from one president to the new president.  I was very happy to be a part of this ceremony.  It's very different for me to see young people (18-30yrs old) involved in Rotary.

27/6/2011 (this is a long entry huh?!)
Today was very relaxed.  Gabi came to get me around noon and we went (by taxi) to a fair to meet Carlos.  We also met with two Americans, Justin and Katie.  Justin is currently living in Buenos Aires attending a local university.  Katie is his girlfriend and is here to visit for one month.  Guess what? They both speak Spanish.  Ugh.  We went to more and more fairs in the area, ate a huge lunch, and walked to Puerto Madero.  (The oldest area but the newest development.  It also is the only area with streets named after women).

Gabi, by the way, is a WONDERFUL tour guide!  After walking around Puerto Madero, we returned home where I napped and Gabi returned later for dinner.  I would have never imagined the pizza in Argentina would be better than American pizza.....WAY BETTER.

First Day of School!! (you know...Nemo style)

I finally got to see some for the education system at work here in Buenos Aires.  Today, Margarita and I viisted Cecilia's school; Children's School (http://www.childrens-boston.com.ar/home.php).  It is divided into three seperate buildings.   We visited the the three and four year old classrooms.  I felt right at home!  We followed the English teacher, Romina, to three different classes.  Each class has a classoom teacher and Romina is the "specials" teacher.  It's similar to the music teacher (at my school) coming into the classroom for a lesson.

As she retold the story of "The Gingerbread Man" I saw many similarities between the strategies she was using and those that I use.  As I talked to her about her instruction in English, I realized that their comprehension is not as important to their learning in English as it is for my students.  If I had been instructing these groups, I would have been pushing harder for the students to echo my words or to label the characters or colors, etc.  But, here it is more important for them to comprehend instruction in Spanish.  English is a bonus to their education at this age.  Romina explained that she wants them to become familiar with English as oppose to being able to use it (at this age).  That makes perfect sense.  It was definitely an eye-opener. 

After my time at Children's School, I went to visit a teacher who is a former participant of the R.I.T.E. program.  Gabriel is a teacher here in Bueno Aires.  He has visited Frisco as part of the Rotary Exchange as well as a "tourist".  He teaches English to adults at Lenguas Vivas.  The program is called "Lenguas en los Barrios".  The program is offered with an optional fee...yes optional.  I was able to meet with two classes tonight.  The first class is a "level 8".  This means they have been studying English for 7-8 years. 

We talked during their entire class period about my purpose for visiting, my education, my country, etc.  It was absolutely delightful!!! I was applauded and I really wanted to applaud them as well.  They are all adults learning to be fluent in another language.  I feel very inspired to go back to school or to find a personal Spanish tutor to become fluent.  The second group was level 4.  This group was much less talkative.  I don't blame them.  Their English is probably better than my Spanish. 

After meeting these students (who I will be visiting again!), I went to meet with some young Rotary members.  Their ages vary from 17 - 30.  I was very surprised.  I didn't even know about the Rotary Club (and it's many contributions to humanity) until I was introduced to the R.I.T.E program.  The longer I am here, the more impressed I am with the culture. So warm.  So involved. 

I also had the BEST flan I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE tonight.  Goodnight!

17 - 20 de junio

Hola amigos!!  I am having the BEST time here!  On Friday, a woman named Cecilia came to fetch my from downtown to take me to her parent´s house in Tigre.  Here I have had more food in three days than I have in three months. Cecilia, by the way, was sent to Kansas to visit American schools last year.  Hence the "Exchange" part of the Rotary International Teacher Exchange Program. 

I have met a lot of very nice people (I know that sounds cliché but it´s true) and seen quite a bit so far.  I went bowling with Cecilia, her boyfriend Eduardo, and their friend Gustavo.  I also got to meet Eduardo´s mother - Claudia, his sister (well, one of them...he is one of 10 children!!) Angie, and her boyfriend "Nacho" - short for Ignacio. It was SO much fun!  Everyone has made me feel "at home" and I appreciate it so much!

So here´s some noted differences/misconceptions (in addition to those on my last post):
- they do not have spicy food....even pepper on the table is not common
- they prefer salt to pepper....
- cars rarely stop for pedestrians, especially taxis
- the t.v. is commonly put into the kitchen, or a room that is for eating
- it is perfectly acceptable to go for a walk with your friends and have a small "picnic" while drinking yerba mate
- the keyboards are different...it´s not that hard but it´s not easy either
I´ll have to think of some more later :)

Tomorrow I will be back en centro/capital/downtown at Cristina´s flat and finally get to see some schools!  I know they will be different from my school and certainly different from the schools I saw in Malawi.  I´m really very excited!! Can you tell? 

Dias 1 y 2

Day 1 in Buenos Aires:

First off, let me tell you I was in Houston way too long!  I had a 4hr layover - which was fine...but then we had a 2hr delay due to some maintenance issue on our plane.  We actually had to de-board and then return to the plane.  Not fun.  The plane ride wasn't too bad, the dinner and breakfast was decent, and the kids around me did minimal damage to my psyche.  I arrived in Buenos Aires around 10:30AM (local time).  Next came passport verification and the $140 fee for entrance into Argentina.  Since they don't do visa's for tourists, you just pay once every 10yrs.  I got my luggage and headed towards customs: took about 10-15min but it was painless.  Luckily, right at the salida was a bright orange sign with "COURTNEY" on it!  Margarita and Albert(o?) were there waiting and we were off.

The streets are BUSY!  Motorcycle riders here are not at all like the ones in the United States (at least not without being a jerk). I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that a motorcycle rider could weave in and out of traffic...and no one cared.   Different standards for the road I guess.  Speaking of different standards....everyone kisses here.  Like in Europe and Hawaii.  It's completely fine...just kind of threw me off a bit :)

I am currently staying on the 8th floor home of Cristina Moralejo.  She and her daughter, Mechi -17yrs old, have a huge home here and I'm very grateful for their hospitality.  They have a live-in maid Ele who doesn’t speak a bit of English and I love that about her.  I really want to soak up as much of the language as possible but everyone keeps speaking to me in English!  I will NEVER openly complain to anyone here about that.

I would like to say that taking French for 3 years in high school was a complete waste of time.  I definitely should have taken Spanish.  Not only do I live in Texas…but many of the countries I would like to visit are Latin/Spanish (Argentina being one of them….I’d ultimately like to go to Spain!!)

I went to Cristina’s Rotary Club meeting last night. On our way I got to see a lot of the downtown area.   Some of it was breath-taking and some of it made me sad that people could be so passé about where the put their trash.  We went to the Circulo Militar .  This is one of the prettiest displays of architecture and history I’ve ever seen (personally….I need to travel more I guess).  I was able to take some pictures and just walk around with my jaw to the floor.  Then it was meeting time!  While the other 8 members chatted and conducted their meeting, I ate silently and drank some wine.   I had chicken with some sort of gravy stuff (yum) and these little potato ball things….yum again.  I also ate about 6 of the cutest little rolls I’ve ever seen.  Everyone was so polite to me, despite my language barrier.  It was close to 11pm when we were finished and piled into Susana’s (I think that’s her name) car.  We’re very thankful for squeezing into the car because it was raining!

 
We arrived to Cristina’s home to find the electricity out again.  Luckily, I was wearing heeled boots and climbed up the spiral staircase to the eighth floor.  I am definitely getting my exercise.  Essentially, I went straight to bed, put on my pajamas, put on my headphones to my Zune (since I don’t have my sweet “Nature Lullaby” station on Pandora) and passed out.

Day 2 in Buenos Aires
Well, Margarita and I were to begin our day at 9am.  At 9am Ele called Margarita only for my to find out she had been ill all night!  Poor Margarita!  I spent the day hoping the Internet would be resolved (it’s not) and watching Harry Potter.  I caught up on some sleep and repacked my suitcase.  Margarita came to “fetch” me around 4pm.  We walked (yes, more walking) to Barrio Recoleta. (http://www.barriorecoleta.com.ar/)  It’s a community.  We went into a grand cemetery.  Really.  It was breath taking.  There’s so much history there!  We also visited the church next to it.  Catholics know how to make church pretty. We took a moment to check out the Centro Cultural.  I saw some local/modern art.  After that we strolled around some more and ended up at Oasis Resto Bar for dinner.  I had a tostado capressse and Quilmes (beer).  Not bad.  We were full and then set out again to find the right bus to take up back to the house.  We walked A LOT again and eventually got on the bus.  Guess what? The electricity was out again!  8 more spiral flights of stairs!!  I read some of my book (Eat, Pray, Love - seemed appropriate for this trip....kind of) by candlelight until the electricity came back on.  I've showered and now here I am with electricity and internet.

Days 3-5 I will be going with a woman named Ceclia to the "country".  I don't have any idea what to expect but I'm told it's pretty!  I doubt I'll be getting on to a computer but you never know.


Thank you for your prayers.  I love you all!  Hasta luego amigos!

P.S.  I'm going to add my pictures to Facebook and Shutterfly.  

Love Field is so quiet

Ok, so I'm sitting here at Dallas Love Field and I'm feeling GREAT.  I just downed a Sugar-Free Red Bull in the car and I'm at total ease.  You may thing, wth? Shouldn't you be bouncing off the wall? The answer is no.  Uppers (caffeine) typically slow the hyper children down.  Those who share this space with me should feel lucky.



I really hope that I represent Frisco/Frisco Rotary Club/FISD/Texas..../USA? in the best way possible!  I want to be sure that I get all I can out of this experience, as well as leave a positive footprint in Buenos Aires.  More to come later.  Time to let the Mac Book charge so I can watch Harry Potter on the plane.

2 Days Away?!

Well, I will be leaving in 2 days!  I have two days to get so much done!  I'm so excited!!


Last week I went to the Frisco Rotary Club meeting at Dave & Buster's.  I was so impressed with the amount of charitable giving and community involvement of the Rotary Club.  The more I know about their purpose and works, the more proud I am to be representing the Frisco Rotary Club in Argentina.  I hope I don't disappoint!  In addition to the club's generosity to local organizations, I was excited buy the humor and light-hearted exchanges between the members. 

I have a picture of Nicole Krasa, President of the Frisco Rotary Club, that I'd like to share but I haven't quite figured out how to get it on here.  I'm sure by the end of my trip I will have mastered the Mac Book AND Blogging.

Got a Mac Book

I met with Audie Adkins today to receive  Mac Book for my trip.  Needless to say, I'm a PC girl!  This should be interesting.  (A BIG thank you to the FISD Technology Department for the loaner!)  I am going to do my best to blog often and keep all interested parties thoroughly informed. 

I want to be sure to thank the Frisco Rotary Club for allowing me to be a part of this exchange program.  I know I will learn a lot about the education systems in Buenos Aires and hopefully I will be able to share something with them as well.

Ok, now all about me:  I have no started packing but I did so a little shopping for the trip.  It is currently winter down there so I want to be prepared.  Luckily, I have two contacts in Argentina who are happy to help in any way!  Thank you Nylia and Rodrigo!!  I know I'll be prepared so don't you worry!  Ok, I think I've had enough of the Mac Book for the moment.  7 days and counting!!