Colombians love to celebrate! We had the opportunity to go to a great fiesta thrown by the school for Teacher's Day. We were invited to the party only a few days before the event; which is more advanced notice then usual. We were told that we MUST cancel our classes for this big event, because of coarse a party is much more important then teaching any class (just one example in the difference of priorities.)
We arrived on time to Uniminuto, which of was way too early, to be greeted by 3 buses ready to shuttle the teachers to the restaurant where we would be for the rest of the evening. As we jumped into the bus to wait for the rest of the teachers to arrive we received an envelope of tickets; one ticket said rum and one ticket said food. I thought how nice it was to include a drink for everyone with their meal. To my surprise I found out that the ticket was not for one drink but for a bottle; Colombians sure know how to party. Needless to say everyone had a great time; drinking, dancing, and eating.
Later as I was thinking about this great night; I thought how strange it was to have such a party. I know that in the States the schools that are struggling would cut such an extravagant party first or at least cut back. Perhaps we didn't need to have 3 buses or a whole bottle of liquor or such large portions of food, etc. Whereas I enjoyed the party I can't help thinking that maybe if they had cut back then they could afford to put the money towards what I would consider more important things; the school is certainly lacking in more then one area. Maybe this is yet another difference in our cultures (can't say that I didn't enjoy it!)
We are now at the end of the semester and it seems like we just started yesterday. It was difficult to say goodbye to the classes that I loved teaching but it is also very exciting to know that I can start all over again with new groups of students next semester. All the students were so thankful to have been OUR students and they showed their appreciation in many different ways but one class went above and beyond my expectations. After I gave my very difficult final exam to my Friday night class they returned to the classroom to surprise me with a giant cake that read "Tank you teacher." They presented me with gifts and as we all enjoyed the cake they played a slide show of Virginia with Metallica music, perfect. Although I may have stumbled through my first semester of teaching it was very nice to see that they appreciated my hard work.
Now for a great two month vacation!
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