So the weekend started with a trip to the markets which I loved. Opened most nights till around 9 these markets hosted a huge selection of vegetables, meat, baked goods, homewares, toys, clothing, stationary and craft supplies. It's a one stop shopping spot! However vegetarians beware, avoid at all costs the meat section unless you want to catch a glimpse of a guinea pig shaven and quartered or a cow's stomach or any other edible animal part.
After lunch it was off to Seeds because the staff were hosting a parents meeting to discuss the importance of hygiene and give other advice to ensure the welfare and academic success of the children. Some of the children came along with their parents and helped set up for the event. During the meeting we passed the time with these kids playing cards, drawing, thumb wars and completing a word search and sticker book I bought from home.There is one particular card game that they love that takes foreeeever to finish.
The thing I really like about these kids is just like regular kids they will squabble from time to time about the rules of a game or who's turn it is, but they sort it out fairly quickly among themselves. From a teaching perspective I was really impressed when the kids shared the sticker book I gave them with no trouble at all. Without any instruction they helped each other and took turns in placing the stickers in the appropriate place.
It may sound trivial but from my teaching experience turn taking skills is not to be taken for granted.
My Spanish speaking blooper of the day was asking the boys if they wanted to play a new juice rather than a new game. In my defence the words for juice and game in Spanish are quite similar
After the meeting I was fairly knackered as I think the last couple of crazy weeks getting ready to come over to Peru and my journey to Huaraz was starting to catch up with me. So Jacob one of the other volunteers and I went to get some Chinese (yes there is Chinese food in Huaraz a couple of restaurants actually). The meal was super cheap 10 soles which works out to be about 4 Australian. It tasted quite nice until at the end when I found a little cooked grub which I'm pretty sure wasn't meant to be there. Ah well extra protein hey?
Afterwards I had planned on an early night. Very boring I know staying in on a Saturday noche. However after going to bed at about 8 (can't remember the last time I did that), I woke up again at 12am and with a whirlwind of ideas and things to do wizzing around my head I didn't get the best sleep after that. I think the thing that is really playing on my mind, is making the most of my time here and achieving as much as possible while also overcoming the language barrier. As predicted my limited Spanish is proving a little frustrating but this is only my 3rd day here and with some hard work, plenty of tutoring and time with the kids I'm sure that my Spanish will improve.
Today (Sunday) I'm just catching up on a few internet jobs at the kitchen table while Madie and one of the girls from Seeds are baking cookies and doing their nails. Madie is so generous with her time with the kids outside of school and has a wonderful relationship with them. There is no doubt that she plays a significant positive role in their lives, which is really inspiring for me.
This afternoon I'll get stuck into my Spanish as I have a lesson booked at 6pm tonight and then every night this week to give my Spanish a grande boost.
Hasta mañana
ps
I will post some photos soon I promise
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