So, my first week has finally come to a close, and it has been one of the longest weeks that I have had in a while, mostly because of my brain getting used to new surroundings and being truly independent. I would say that because of this, I have been quite the emotional rollercoaster, but I know that this is just part of the process and I will eventually become accustomed to my surroundings. Thankfully, I have a wonderful host mom, Sandra, who is very friendly and very patient when it comes to me speaking spanish. She also happens to be a spanish teacher who works with beginning spanish speakers! How perfect! Now, before I came, I did review a little bit of spanish and I thought I would be equipped for most of the basic topics. I was wrong. So, I actually borrowed Sandra's extra spanish workbook for practice and I am trying to practice everyday. One point that Sandra always tries to emphasize when I get frustrated is "poco a poco" which means "little by little". I will just have to use the method of "Baby steps". Eventually I will get to a point where I can successfully have a smooth conversation with someone, but that will not be today.
Since most of this week as been school, I cannot say that I have gone exploring yet, but I hope it will be soon. One highlight did happen on my first night here where there was a parade of multiple percussion ensembles or marching bands from high schools. It was very fun to listen to all of the different rhythms and see the different presentations each band had while they were marching. In other news, I experienced my first 10 second earthquake. I was in the classroom with everyone, and then all of a sudden the ground began to shake. Thankfully, nothing happened and earthquakes do not happen often here, so I am not worried. It also happened at the perfect time because I was in charge of a discussion and I was blanking on what to talk about next and that is when it happened. So, the earthquake saved me from an awkward silent moment.
Also, my experience at my school has been wonderful. I have been paired with a teacher who definitely has a lot of personality. During one of our breaks for the first day, we ended up singing a karaoke version of "Summer Nights". How many people can say that? lol. He is a great example to follow for how to handle the kids, so I am already learning a lot. I have also been learning about the fact that a teacher wears many hats for their job. For example, since we needed a dance choreographed and the choreographer was too expensive, so we were the choreographers. This semester we will be covering Costa Rican folk music, Costa Rican dances, hymns, rhythms, etc. I will also be helping out with the 5th grade band and choir. Since music is required for everyone in elementary school, I still have everyone's name to learn. But, at least I have started learning the names that I need to know (aka "the troublemakers"). Even though there are some trouble makers, all of the kids are wonderful to work with. : ) .
Now, I apologize for my lack of pictures because the places that I wanted to take pictures (like the parade) are really great places if you want to get your camera stolen. But, as I adventure more...I will have more to show. This picture is taken right outside of the house that I live in. The mountains are beautiful to look at every day. Unfortunately, the picture doesn't do it justice.
I will write next week : )
Adios!
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