Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Will Stone - CI
We
left Jacksonville at around 7:00 pm and drove through the night for
around eight hours till we finally reached Miami. My parents had
arranged for us to visit our cousins down south for the first time since
I graduated from high school. My whole family took turns driving down,
with two people staying awake the whole time. It was my turn to drive
when we got off the interstate and made our way through the highways of
Miami to the suburbs of Kendall, where our cousins lived in a gated
subdivision. The security guard working the gate stopped us and spoke
only Spanish. Judging by his intonation, I assumed he was asking us
something, probably where we were going (given that he is a security
guard). I didn’t really understand what he asked me so I just responded
with my cousin’s address. The guard repeated his question (?) and I did
the same, this time with more confusion. He asked one more time and I
told him that my Spanish was very poor. The security guard shook his
head before he walked around the car and copied the license plate onto
his clipboard. When he finished writing he motioned us through, the gate
opening as I drove forward. I didn’t know it then, but the experience
with the security guard would be indicative of much of my visit with my
family in Miami. My cousins greeted us and had prepared a few air
mattresses for us to sleep on while we were visiting. I woke up early
the next morning and my cousin Alex was making coffee. His mom came into
the kitchen, greeted us both and said something in Spanish to Alex.
They held a quick conversation before his mom left to go get things
ready for the reunion later. Alex said that she asked him to go get
pastries before the rest of my family woke up and wanted to know if I
wanted to come with him to the bakery. It was a Cuban bakery with one
large glass display case with various and assorted pastries. The shop
keeper greeted us in Spanish and Alex responded, sparking a
conversation. I just listened and between their body language and
gesturing to the glass pastry case that Alex was requesting pastries,
but I did not pick up on any familiar words or phrases. I did however
start to recall what little Spanish I did know, which consisted
primarily of formalities, such as por favor or gracias or una mas.
As Alex paid for the pastries, we both thanked the shop keeper and left
to bring the pastries back to the house. On the way home we stopped to
get gas. Alex gave me his card and told me to put fifteen dollars on it.
I went inside to try and tell this to the clerk, but he only spoke to
me in Spanish. I said fifteen and he asked me two prices that I couldn’t
quite make out, so I chose the latter. Fifty dollars appears on the
check-out register and I immediately corrected him, saying I only wanted
fifteen. He told me to go pump the gas up to fifteen and then come
back. Upon my return the clerk handed me thirty-five dollars. I was a
little shaken about my complete failure to communicate resulting in
almost spending a bunch of money that wasn’t mine. Fortunately, Alex was
pretty understanding about the who situation. When we pulled up to the
gate, again we were greeted by the old security guard, only this time
Alex engaged his queries and we entered through the gate fairly quickly.
Alex told me that all he does is ask about the license plate and your
destination. Apparently he is the guard who asks this and it is of
frequent annoyance to my cousin’s family. When we arrived at his his my
family was just waking up, so Alex and I went out the back yard, where
his grand-father was sitting around. Alex’s grand-father immigrated from
Cuba 40 years ago and primarily speaks Spanish. He was smoking a cigar
when Alex and I came and sat down, bringing the box of pastries to the
table. We sat with his grand-father, Carlos, for hours with Alex talking
in Spanish and occasionally Carlos speaking in fractured English. We
all just talked about just general stuff, such as weather, NBA
championship, Euro Cup amongst other things. It’s a disorienting
experience not being able to readily communicate with people speaking a
different language. It made me appreciate the efforts of my
conversation partners and tutoring students over the summer for their
ability to pick-up so much English that for the most part we could hold a
conversation.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Lucy- Cultural Immersion at the Korean Baptist Church
I submit to you the : Website for the Tallahassee Korean Baptist Church.
All in Korean, eh?
I had it in my head, as soon as we were given this assignment, a place I have always been curious about.
The Tallahassee Korean Baptist Church.
I called twice and left messages, and finally, seeing only the numbers 9:30 and 11 on their website, decided I would head to the 11. Which I assumed indicated a time. A.m. On Sunday. That service was held.
I was right!
Showing up, I was greeted at the door by a very kind man, who asked in the most polite way possible what I was doing there. I explained to him the TEFL assignment and asked if it was o.k. for me to sit in. Nice as can be he said yes, and guided me to the back of the church, after taking my name down as a visitor. He told me I'd be introduced to the congregation later. Hmm. Well, the whole place is way more Baptist than Korean. The choir went up and began singing. The lyrics to the songs, all in Korean were shown on a big screen behind them. Everyone was flawless. Korean? Baptist? I really don't know what made them so...
Prayer time was the same, someone spoke in Korean, but at least I could close my eyes and get in to my own head for a while.
Then Reverend KeeSoo Na gave his sermon. Not a word in English. Someone came up behind me and told me the scriptures to read, but there were no Bibles, not even Korean Bibles. I spent the time trying to people watch, but even that wasn't too exciting- people are the same in the Korean Baptist Church. Had I really thought this would be so different?
I am surprised by how many people are there, and how many young people. Given, Asians really don't age, but I mean young people, 20's young. That was neat. I'd asked a few questions of the nice greeter man (Like his name...which I can't begin to repeat) and he'd told me it was a congregation of about 120. I'm going to estimate 50 or so were in the pews today.
I tried to find patterns in the characters for some of the passages that Pastor Na had put up on the screen behind him. Then I began to get worried about the offering plate coming around because I didn't have any cash, but it never came...That was nice.
Suddenly, as I've been people watching my eyes out (Korean babies...oh my goodness!!) the doors in the back open, and Korean children come flooding in. Pastor Na had pointed to the back of the church so I knew someone was entering but not this! They all streamed to the altar and lined up. Their teacher close behind cued the music and "This Little Light of Mine" (in English) began. In terms of cuteness I really don't think anything can top 30 little Koreans children singing and wiggling. Next came, "Amazing Grace" with a fast upbeat tempo. ...And the adorable-factor for me has pretty much been set.
Afterwards, they all run to their parents, and then out the doors they go again. Pastor Na speakes for a little longer, I'm thinking administrative stuff, then another song, another prayer and suddenly, I hear my name. I stand up and smile and wave and that's it. I wish I'd bowed. No but really, I learned that 'bowing' really is the way things are done.
I learned this after the service. When I was invited by the nice greeter (I really did get his name...Just can't recall it) to join the congregation for lunch. Korean? Yum!
I walk in to the fellowship hall, my how Baptist I sound, and there is KimChee on all the tables! It is Korean!
I get in line and that's when I notice the bowing. It's the way they greet each other. I'm feeling uncomfortable now. Finally, a young guy behind me speaks in English. Geez, I needed that. I turn around and wish I could respond in Korean, but say "Thank you!" We begin talking. I find out this is his home church and when he's home from UF for the summer he comes with his grandmother, who doesn't speak any English. I try to remember to bow to her but end up kind of doing a knee bend thing and a wave.
This is the kind of buffet line where people make your plate for you (which always stresses me out) but doubly so now, because I'm afraid I'll have to talk and I'll end up with the boy's grandmother yelling at me in Korean. I pick the less colorful of my two options, knowing that colorful usually means spicy. I miss where the chopsticks are, and get a fork instead. I find a spot and sit down, knowing I need to talk to someone and wishing I'd asked my line friend if I could sit with them... And then sits Kim.
People like Kim Perrier are a God-send in any language.
Her English was perfect, she moved here in the 1970's and I swear it, it was so perfect, I think she even had a bit of a Southern twang...weird! She works at the airport. She informed me that the whole church eats together every Sunday, with about 7 different prayer groups swapping out paying for it and preparing the food. "Come by any Sunday!" Always free, always Korean. And always a non-spicy option. Somehow, I like Kimchee, and I told her that, and my favorite dish Japchae, which she said was her daughter's favorite. I didn't want to get too personal with her- don't want to get all anthropological or case study on these people, you know? So we just sat and she explained a few things about the Church, and being Korean in the area. Only one Korean grocery store, and only one restaurant...I can't even remember where it is, now :( She dealt with people making fun of her accent when she first moved, but she explained that she was young, and now she knew how she would respond... "I speak two languages, fluently...And how many do you speak?" Hah, I love it, Kim. Here, meet Kim:
Kim asked what differences I'd noticed in the service. I told her I was Catholic, but grew up with lots of Baptist friends and had been to lots of Baptist services.
I did notice one thing different: When Rev. Na put up a scripture on the big screen, and gave the signal (whatever that was) the whole congregation said it together. She explained that actually Rev. Na would read a line, then the congregation would read a line. Nice approach.
After a little more chatting, I said my goodbyes. Lots of people were heading out a side door, but I didn't want to be too curious. I headed out the front, and got someone to take my picture, for documentary purposes.
All in all, I learned that even a Korean Baptist Church, is still church. Still people. Doing their people things. You can still get bored. Still lose the beat when you're clapping along, or go-off key as you hum along...Still wonder what on Earth the preacher man is saying to you, or what that one lady just said to you...The only difference is, it's in Korean. And so, you can stay blissful.
Good time!...........
All in Korean, eh?
I had it in my head, as soon as we were given this assignment, a place I have always been curious about.
The Tallahassee Korean Baptist Church.
I called twice and left messages, and finally, seeing only the numbers 9:30 and 11 on their website, decided I would head to the 11. Which I assumed indicated a time. A.m. On Sunday. That service was held.
I was right!
Showing up, I was greeted at the door by a very kind man, who asked in the most polite way possible what I was doing there. I explained to him the TEFL assignment and asked if it was o.k. for me to sit in. Nice as can be he said yes, and guided me to the back of the church, after taking my name down as a visitor. He told me I'd be introduced to the congregation later. Hmm. Well, the whole place is way more Baptist than Korean. The choir went up and began singing. The lyrics to the songs, all in Korean were shown on a big screen behind them. Everyone was flawless. Korean? Baptist? I really don't know what made them so...
Prayer time was the same, someone spoke in Korean, but at least I could close my eyes and get in to my own head for a while.
Then Reverend KeeSoo Na gave his sermon. Not a word in English. Someone came up behind me and told me the scriptures to read, but there were no Bibles, not even Korean Bibles. I spent the time trying to people watch, but even that wasn't too exciting- people are the same in the Korean Baptist Church. Had I really thought this would be so different?
I am surprised by how many people are there, and how many young people. Given, Asians really don't age, but I mean young people, 20's young. That was neat. I'd asked a few questions of the nice greeter man (Like his name...which I can't begin to repeat) and he'd told me it was a congregation of about 120. I'm going to estimate 50 or so were in the pews today.
I tried to find patterns in the characters for some of the passages that Pastor Na had put up on the screen behind him. Then I began to get worried about the offering plate coming around because I didn't have any cash, but it never came...That was nice.
Suddenly, as I've been people watching my eyes out (Korean babies...oh my goodness!!) the doors in the back open, and Korean children come flooding in. Pastor Na had pointed to the back of the church so I knew someone was entering but not this! They all streamed to the altar and lined up. Their teacher close behind cued the music and "This Little Light of Mine" (in English) began. In terms of cuteness I really don't think anything can top 30 little Koreans children singing and wiggling. Next came, "Amazing Grace" with a fast upbeat tempo. ...And the adorable-factor for me has pretty much been set.
Afterwards, they all run to their parents, and then out the doors they go again. Pastor Na speakes for a little longer, I'm thinking administrative stuff, then another song, another prayer and suddenly, I hear my name. I stand up and smile and wave and that's it. I wish I'd bowed. No but really, I learned that 'bowing' really is the way things are done.
I learned this after the service. When I was invited by the nice greeter (I really did get his name...Just can't recall it) to join the congregation for lunch. Korean? Yum!
I walk in to the fellowship hall, my how Baptist I sound, and there is KimChee on all the tables! It is Korean!
I get in line and that's when I notice the bowing. It's the way they greet each other. I'm feeling uncomfortable now. Finally, a young guy behind me speaks in English. Geez, I needed that. I turn around and wish I could respond in Korean, but say "Thank you!" We begin talking. I find out this is his home church and when he's home from UF for the summer he comes with his grandmother, who doesn't speak any English. I try to remember to bow to her but end up kind of doing a knee bend thing and a wave.
This is the kind of buffet line where people make your plate for you (which always stresses me out) but doubly so now, because I'm afraid I'll have to talk and I'll end up with the boy's grandmother yelling at me in Korean. I pick the less colorful of my two options, knowing that colorful usually means spicy. I miss where the chopsticks are, and get a fork instead. I find a spot and sit down, knowing I need to talk to someone and wishing I'd asked my line friend if I could sit with them... And then sits Kim.
People like Kim Perrier are a God-send in any language.
Her English was perfect, she moved here in the 1970's and I swear it, it was so perfect, I think she even had a bit of a Southern twang...weird! She works at the airport. She informed me that the whole church eats together every Sunday, with about 7 different prayer groups swapping out paying for it and preparing the food. "Come by any Sunday!" Always free, always Korean. And always a non-spicy option. Somehow, I like Kimchee, and I told her that, and my favorite dish Japchae, which she said was her daughter's favorite. I didn't want to get too personal with her- don't want to get all anthropological or case study on these people, you know? So we just sat and she explained a few things about the Church, and being Korean in the area. Only one Korean grocery store, and only one restaurant...I can't even remember where it is, now :( She dealt with people making fun of her accent when she first moved, but she explained that she was young, and now she knew how she would respond... "I speak two languages, fluently...And how many do you speak?" Hah, I love it, Kim. Here, meet Kim:
Kim asked what differences I'd noticed in the service. I told her I was Catholic, but grew up with lots of Baptist friends and had been to lots of Baptist services.
I did notice one thing different: When Rev. Na put up a scripture on the big screen, and gave the signal (whatever that was) the whole congregation said it together. She explained that actually Rev. Na would read a line, then the congregation would read a line. Nice approach.
After a little more chatting, I said my goodbyes. Lots of people were heading out a side door, but I didn't want to be too curious. I headed out the front, and got someone to take my picture, for documentary purposes.
All in all, I learned that even a Korean Baptist Church, is still church. Still people. Doing their people things. You can still get bored. Still lose the beat when you're clapping along, or go-off key as you hum along...Still wonder what on Earth the preacher man is saying to you, or what that one lady just said to you...The only difference is, it's in Korean. And so, you can stay blissful.
Good time!...........
...............시간이 좋아요!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Lucy TP-12
Yuki and I had a tutoring session via Skype today. Because I am living down in Wakulla, this is the most convenient for me, and still offers one on one conversation, the ability to write to each other, and share media.
Yuki was working on his Reading Log homework and I taught him the wonderful word of 'procrastination'...And how I knew it very, very, very well, myself.
Yuki didn't seem to want much help in tutoring, so I just asked him how he felt about his classes, and let him know that I had been on the lookout for resources for pronunciation...
An English dictionary that says the words and lets you see them.
and an awesome resource:
My ESL Corner
A compilation of lots of different websites for pronunciation. Games, audio files, everything.
I showed Yuki my cat, Jack (mentioned previously...at home Jack and I are pretty much inseparable) and Yuki opened up to me about some issues he'd been struggling with lately about his growing interest in converting to Christianity.
He's told me how he comes from a very old Japanese family and that he is the only son, but there is more to it... Yuki's grandparents are very devout Buddhists, who hadn't really liked that Yuki was going to the U.S. at all. His grandfather is what Yuki described as the 'boss' at a local temple.
Further, Yuki's family has a very old, maybe even ancient, family cemetery. If Yuki converts to Christianity, he won't be able to be buried next to his family... (I don't really know if this is a cultural rule or a family rule).'
Yuki also worries because traditionally if one of his parents were to die, Yuki would be the master of the funereal ceremonies. Once again, if Yuki converts to Christianity, he may no longer be able to do this (again, cultural rule, family rule, I don't know).
What I worry about is Yuki being too heavily influenced by Christians ignorant to the richness of the Buddhism.
Yuki has told me that he has never been a very serious Buddhist himself, and that his parents weren't really either, they just hold tight to the tradition.
I tried to tell Yuki that one idea might be to revisit Buddhism and really seek it out, and seek in it the principles which he really feels a connection to in Christianity. When he asked why I was a Catholic I was honest. Catholicism is personal to me. It's a church that I could visit anywhere in the world and feel at home in. I told him that learning about other religions had given me a lot of insight in to my own religion and had strengthened my value system, and that part of the discovery was realizing that I could enjoy, be fascinated by, and participate in religion, but I wasn't really up to having religion dictate a whole platform of thinking for me.
To this end, I told him I really didn't think all of his Buddhist friends and family would burn in hell for not knowing Jesus.
I sort of want to tell Yuki about the movement in many Protestant churches to spread the religion to other countries... there's even a title given to the need to 'witness' in "the 10/40 window" that some evangelicals believe. The 10/40 window refers to 10 degrees to 40 degrees north latitude on the globe, which has swaths of Africa, the Middle East and Asia..... The 10/40 Window
Ok, maybe I'm acting a little paranoid. I do think it's good for Yuki to be exposed to Christianity. I guess I really just have to leave it at that and hope that he finds his own way.
I asked Yuki again if he needed any help and made sure that he knew I was there to talk or lend help in English, whatever.
It can be difficult sometimes to be a tutor and a friend, but beautiful things happen with easy effort. And there's not much in this world that's easier or more beautiful than giving someone a smile and an ear.
Yuki was working on his Reading Log homework and I taught him the wonderful word of 'procrastination'...And how I knew it very, very, very well, myself.
Yuki didn't seem to want much help in tutoring, so I just asked him how he felt about his classes, and let him know that I had been on the lookout for resources for pronunciation...
An English dictionary that says the words and lets you see them.
and an awesome resource:
My ESL Corner
A compilation of lots of different websites for pronunciation. Games, audio files, everything.
I showed Yuki my cat, Jack (mentioned previously...at home Jack and I are pretty much inseparable) and Yuki opened up to me about some issues he'd been struggling with lately about his growing interest in converting to Christianity.
He's told me how he comes from a very old Japanese family and that he is the only son, but there is more to it... Yuki's grandparents are very devout Buddhists, who hadn't really liked that Yuki was going to the U.S. at all. His grandfather is what Yuki described as the 'boss' at a local temple.
Further, Yuki's family has a very old, maybe even ancient, family cemetery. If Yuki converts to Christianity, he won't be able to be buried next to his family... (I don't really know if this is a cultural rule or a family rule).'
Yuki also worries because traditionally if one of his parents were to die, Yuki would be the master of the funereal ceremonies. Once again, if Yuki converts to Christianity, he may no longer be able to do this (again, cultural rule, family rule, I don't know).
What I worry about is Yuki being too heavily influenced by Christians ignorant to the richness of the Buddhism.
Yuki has told me that he has never been a very serious Buddhist himself, and that his parents weren't really either, they just hold tight to the tradition.
I tried to tell Yuki that one idea might be to revisit Buddhism and really seek it out, and seek in it the principles which he really feels a connection to in Christianity. When he asked why I was a Catholic I was honest. Catholicism is personal to me. It's a church that I could visit anywhere in the world and feel at home in. I told him that learning about other religions had given me a lot of insight in to my own religion and had strengthened my value system, and that part of the discovery was realizing that I could enjoy, be fascinated by, and participate in religion, but I wasn't really up to having religion dictate a whole platform of thinking for me.
To this end, I told him I really didn't think all of his Buddhist friends and family would burn in hell for not knowing Jesus.
I sort of want to tell Yuki about the movement in many Protestant churches to spread the religion to other countries... there's even a title given to the need to 'witness' in "the 10/40 window" that some evangelicals believe. The 10/40 window refers to 10 degrees to 40 degrees north latitude on the globe, which has swaths of Africa, the Middle East and Asia..... The 10/40 Window
Ok, maybe I'm acting a little paranoid. I do think it's good for Yuki to be exposed to Christianity. I guess I really just have to leave it at that and hope that he finds his own way.
I asked Yuki again if he needed any help and made sure that he knew I was there to talk or lend help in English, whatever.
It can be difficult sometimes to be a tutor and a friend, but beautiful things happen with easy effort. And there's not much in this world that's easier or more beautiful than giving someone a smile and an ear.
Lucy TP-11
It has been forever since I've seen Kader!
So I called him up and told him I had promised him a 3d movie and I intended to keep that promise.
I told him we would need to make sure it was educational...so we went to see the Avengers.
I mean, cmon, that is total Americana. Captain America, The Hulk, whoever Scarlett Johanson is, Iron Man, Thor (?)...Isn't he from some kind of Norwegian mythology? I don't really know how he fits in...But still. The fact remains: this is Marvel comic books meets Hollywood- a sex and action combination unrivaled. And it's in 3D.
Anndd, I called a taxi for Kader, giving him his first-ever ride in a taxi.
Oh and in the movie, there are even subtitles in places...totally mixes up your learning. Intensive audio-visually, extensive in reading...This was scholarship at its finest.
The movie really was an awesome experience. I explained to Kader how huge a deal comic books were to some people and how I'd only grown up on a few- Archie comic books; the funnies in the newspaper, of course; Calvin and Hobbes...I'd missed the boat on Marvel. I told him a movie like this was sure to bring out an opinion for any fan of comic books.
Afterwards, we crossed Kleman Plaza and headed to 101 for a snack. Since I'd taken care of the taxi and tickets, Kader kindly treated me. When the bill came I saw my first-ever $1 coins! Kader said he'd seen them only in New York and let me keep one as a present. Mine has a picture of Franklin Pierce on the back.
Kader told me he's applied to go to TCC in the Fall, and is waiting to hear back. We toasted (with water) to that. He is not taking English this summer, but I let him know that I was still available for tutoring.
We voted unanimously that tutoring via 3D movie was the best kind of tutoring.
So I called him up and told him I had promised him a 3d movie and I intended to keep that promise.
I told him we would need to make sure it was educational...so we went to see the Avengers.
I mean, cmon, that is total Americana. Captain America, The Hulk, whoever Scarlett Johanson is, Iron Man, Thor (?)...Isn't he from some kind of Norwegian mythology? I don't really know how he fits in...But still. The fact remains: this is Marvel comic books meets Hollywood- a sex and action combination unrivaled. And it's in 3D.
Anndd, I called a taxi for Kader, giving him his first-ever ride in a taxi.
Oh and in the movie, there are even subtitles in places...totally mixes up your learning. Intensive audio-visually, extensive in reading...This was scholarship at its finest.
The movie really was an awesome experience. I explained to Kader how huge a deal comic books were to some people and how I'd only grown up on a few- Archie comic books; the funnies in the newspaper, of course; Calvin and Hobbes...I'd missed the boat on Marvel. I told him a movie like this was sure to bring out an opinion for any fan of comic books.
Afterwards, we crossed Kleman Plaza and headed to 101 for a snack. Since I'd taken care of the taxi and tickets, Kader kindly treated me. When the bill came I saw my first-ever $1 coins! Kader said he'd seen them only in New York and let me keep one as a present. Mine has a picture of Franklin Pierce on the back.
Kader told me he's applied to go to TCC in the Fall, and is waiting to hear back. We toasted (with water) to that. He is not taking English this summer, but I let him know that I was still available for tutoring.
We voted unanimously that tutoring via 3D movie was the best kind of tutoring.
Lucy CP-10
The grand finale....
Tayana and I went sailing!
More accurately, we went to down to my family's beach house and my Dad took us out on his boat. But really, as anyone who's ever gone sailing on anything other than a yacht knows-- when sailing, everyone is a first mate. Tayana got to see sailing up close as we both handled the rigging, and watched for changes in the wind. She got to see how important it is to keep your lines organized especially when you 'come about'...Does this sound like life advice to anyone else? She saw how to tie off a boat, and raise the sails...and of course how nice it is out on the Gulf after a long day.
Today was the day Tayana and I had presented our lesson on idioms to the class. It had been a tricky experience for both of us, so we needed to get on that island time. Live Oak Island time to be exact.
When we first got down to my parents place on Live Oak (near Shell Point) we sat out on the deck, just sipping and soaking, my Dad trying out his 30 year-old Portuguese on Tayana, and doing surprisingly well, as Tayana reported to me later.
After our 'jaunty sail' we went back to my parent's house on Lake Ellen for dinner. On the way, we stopped and caught fiddler crabs in the road and I picked a few blackberries for her to try.
At home, she got to meet Jack (my cat and life partner) and I showed her the paradise that is my life. We walked out to the dock at Lake Ellen and I could tell, I could just tell, that she had one of those 'take a picture' moments. Do you know the moments when things surprise you so much that you're caught off guard and you take a mental picture with out even meaning to? She just seemed kind of captivated. As we left the dock, she told me how she knew she lived in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth (the Amazon) but she had never really explored it.
Tayana and I are very different, and we know it. I'm not big into shopping or movies, she's not big into say, being outside- but we're both passionate people, and 'experience' people. And we love enough of each others loves that we really do get each other. I told her she would just have to go back and see what the Amazon was like.
My mother made a delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes and a salad for dinner and a peach cobbler for dessert. My mom had been nervous about feeding Tayana (?) and I assured her afterwards that it was the perfect U.S. dinner. Tayana and I did the dishes and then headed to bed. She slept in my sister's old room, next to mine.
In the morning, we drove back up to CIES. She told me how much she was going to miss Florida and her friends. She got a picture of the Wakulla County water tower, and I told her she was always, always welcome to come back. And maybe I'll have to go and see this crazy Amazon place.
:)
Best time, yet.
Tayana and I went sailing!
More accurately, we went to down to my family's beach house and my Dad took us out on his boat. But really, as anyone who's ever gone sailing on anything other than a yacht knows-- when sailing, everyone is a first mate. Tayana got to see sailing up close as we both handled the rigging, and watched for changes in the wind. She got to see how important it is to keep your lines organized especially when you 'come about'...Does this sound like life advice to anyone else? She saw how to tie off a boat, and raise the sails...and of course how nice it is out on the Gulf after a long day.
Today was the day Tayana and I had presented our lesson on idioms to the class. It had been a tricky experience for both of us, so we needed to get on that island time. Live Oak Island time to be exact.
When we first got down to my parents place on Live Oak (near Shell Point) we sat out on the deck, just sipping and soaking, my Dad trying out his 30 year-old Portuguese on Tayana, and doing surprisingly well, as Tayana reported to me later.
After our 'jaunty sail' we went back to my parent's house on Lake Ellen for dinner. On the way, we stopped and caught fiddler crabs in the road and I picked a few blackberries for her to try.
At home, she got to meet Jack (my cat and life partner) and I showed her the paradise that is my life. We walked out to the dock at Lake Ellen and I could tell, I could just tell, that she had one of those 'take a picture' moments. Do you know the moments when things surprise you so much that you're caught off guard and you take a mental picture with out even meaning to? She just seemed kind of captivated. As we left the dock, she told me how she knew she lived in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth (the Amazon) but she had never really explored it.
Tayana and I are very different, and we know it. I'm not big into shopping or movies, she's not big into say, being outside- but we're both passionate people, and 'experience' people. And we love enough of each others loves that we really do get each other. I told her she would just have to go back and see what the Amazon was like.
My mother made a delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes and a salad for dinner and a peach cobbler for dessert. My mom had been nervous about feeding Tayana (?) and I assured her afterwards that it was the perfect U.S. dinner. Tayana and I did the dishes and then headed to bed. She slept in my sister's old room, next to mine.
In the morning, we drove back up to CIES. She told me how much she was going to miss Florida and her friends. She got a picture of the Wakulla County water tower, and I told her she was always, always welcome to come back. And maybe I'll have to go and see this crazy Amazon place.
:)
Best time, yet.
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