First Full Day
Trip Start
Aug 19, 2007
1
10
71
Trip End
Nov 20, 2007
Biratnagar,
Nepal
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I had my first full day of teaching today. It appears that Thursdays will be my toughest in that I have 7 classes running from 9:40 - 3:20. Tomorrow will be my easiest with only 3 classes. Friday's I don't teach because the students are in Arts classes all day so I have time to plan and....
I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the 7th graders English. They are smart and inquisitive. The 8th graders seem entertained by me especially the tallest student Shrijay and the shortest Pratik. I have no clue what they find humorous by me. In fact Shrijay was quite helpful for me today because I needed to ride home on the school bus and the bus driver was having trouble understanding me so he translated my questions to him. He then translated the drivers answers back to me. All I know was that it was the bumpiest ride I have ever been on...it felt like we were riding up and down the sides of Mt Everest the flat version.
Hindu women
.I also had those evil 1st graders for computers which was much easier and the 4th and 5th graders were entertaining too. I know I'll enjoy computers (ICT) and will have some work to do with English - speaking it and teaching it are two different ballgames
I was told that tomorrow I move into my place. I know I'll miss my AC. In this humdity its like doubling Cincy's humidity. I come home with my clothes all wet from sweat - no AC in the school.
The really great news is I met two people that have offered to take me trekking and exploring the surrounding area. There seems to be a plethora of things to do within 1-2 hours of here. I look forward to the photo ops then.
I have a few photos to add today of life on the street here and of a couple of my students and also my school lunch today.
Comments
Sacred Cows and Evil First Graders
M,
Splendid photos as usual! You do have talent there that adds so much to your narratives. Extremely interesting! The sacred cow looks as though it could use a good meal! Are they all so skinny? What do they eat? No grass? Or are there just so many that they overwhelm the food supply? Why do they view cows and doves as sacred? Were those animals picked for a particular reason? What do they do with the carcass when they die? Glad to hear you are enjoying the older children. The evil first graders still make me LOL. I can just imagine you surrounded by the tiny ones... Did you have to use your new Nepalese phrase, 'I'll beat you' during your class? Doesn't sound as though you had the urge to crawl whimpering under the desk! Glad it is going well. ~C
The school is so lucky
I am thrilled for your school that they have you to teach computers. I remember how awesome you were with the students in the past. I am not surprised that you have already developed a good rapport with the older ones - I remember how much my 5th grade students enjoyed you! I had to laugh at your story about the 1st graders though. I worked with that age group for the first time last year - what a different world. You have to admire those that do it everyday - all day - don't you? I am really enjoying your photos - you seem to have really captured the heart and soul of the people and places.
What?
'I have no clue what they find humorous by me.'
Whiskey, tango, foxtrot? You, sir, must be joking.
You've already informed us that, due to your high, lofty, TALL stature, you found the doorways to be too low to the ground. Would that be similar to the mirrors' placement on walls? Certainly, that must be the case. You simply can't see yourself in those mirrors without bending over!
Ah, yes...now I understand your clueless condition.
(cue: girlish giggling)
plethora?!
Please do not subject those poor kids to the word 'plethora'!
Congratulations
I have finally had the chance to catch up on your travels Mark! Sounds like this is an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy and thanks.
New Bike?
Hey Mark,
Is that Yamaha in the picture the 'bike' you mentioned that the school gave you to get around town with? Pretty cool!