Market Time

Today I ventured to the market in Tres Rios. It was magnificent.  It felt like the city was alive, there was music being played at the band shell, little snow cone carts that people were frequenting and a large crowd of people walking through the market.  Our group stuck out like a sore thumb, four gringas, two taking photos of everything they could (I was sadly one of the photo takers), one blonder than blonde.  I like to try to fit in, but today it just wasn't in the cards.
After the market I came home and did my 28 sun salutations. I have to say, 108 is really going to be a lot. It takes me around 40 minutes to do 28 salutations and after-wards I am pretty tired. I haven't been able to get them in every day, but at least every other, and when I do it is great, I feel amazing. The day that mom arrives I will be on 50, so we'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow I am heading to Irazu with a couple of Costa Ricans and another American. Irazu is a volcano which is currently active about an hour outside of Tres Rios.  I am very excited to see it, hoping to take a lot of pictures etc.
Friday I taught my first lesson at school. The lesson was an 80 minute block, that's right, 80 minutes of expecting first graders to sit still without any transitions. Wow this is going to be difficult! I'm working on adjusting to this challenge as well as accepting it.  I have two goals that I am hoping to work on while I am here; 1: implement some form of morning meeting, something short and not too crazy, 2: work on differentiation in the classroom, these students need it so badly, there are so many levels including the few  (Breanna identified) special ed kids.  I am also personally working on the fact that I can not change the education system here, I need to work within it and do what I can.  This has been a large challenge for me.
After my lesson on Friday I ended up working in math with the students as the teacher was, well I am not sure where she was.  It was horrible, I wanted to cry! The student's were extremely dis-respectful, laughing at me, mocking me, and didn't care at all what I was trying to say.  I pulled out every trick and strategy in the book I could think of. I am glad that Kattia (my co-operating teacher)  came back when she did, otherwise I truly think I would have walked out of the class room. It appears that classroom management here for me is going to be a big challenge.  I have done okay in this area in prior situations so this is going to be extremely difficult. I better start learning new tricks.
I am hoping to post new photos of the Volcano tomorrow when I return. I hope this blog find's everyone feeling peaceful on a Saturday Evening.

Also, salutations to my wonderful family who is getting ready to head to the lake tomorrow. I will miss all the fun and the cribbage games. I am sure you will all get along without me just fine, don't worry too much!

Market photos