School and Studies

I may never complain about the snow and cold again! Yesterday, I was teaching all day in a room that seems to have more of a cool air exchanger rather than an air conditioner. The temperature, according to the website, was 35 C with a humidex of 43. Not to be indelicate, but I was sweating buckets! The sun seems pretty intense as well as this city is located close to the equator. I have begun to be like the local girls here and use an umbrella anytime I am outside. Instead of protection from the rain, I am using it as protection from the sun. I am drinking lots of water, but my ankles no longer exist. I must say that the weather is a huge hurdle to which I must become accustomed.
It certainly has been an interesting experience as I share ideas of how we teach in North America and the system that is established here. In our systems we are much more student centered; whereas the system here is more teacher controlled. The teacher controls the learning environment which is strictly mandated by the establishment. The teachers are under a great deal of stress because they teach to the test. There is not a lot of room for questions on the part of the students; the teachers impart their wisdom and the students must accept it. I am presenting new ideas to them; some of whom embrace with enthusiasm while others are more skeptical.
I went to another market today close to the university. I took the bus system again and just pointed to where I wanted to go and the attendant gave me the right token. I still get stares from people as I am on the bus. Some people will openly stare; others will be less overt about it. I’m not sure if they’re thinking “what on earth is she doing here?” or if they’re thinking “aww, the poor girl.” In any case, a smile works in many languages. I was able to buy some fresh fruit and I found some crackers with wheat bran in them—finally some fibre! (who knew that I would be excited about eating more fibre!) I bought some nuts, raisins and a few cookies all for 64 Yuan. It always looks so expensive when I get to the till; but that’s only $10.00.
So far, I have been 10 days without cheese, cereal, milk, salads, and Tim Hortons iced caps and English Toffee! So, I say the next time you are at Tim Hortons, you must raise a cup in honour of my ability to be deprived!