Because Austin was kind enough to drive, I was able to share some things on my computer with Rose. I showed her some pictures of Marilyn Monroe- to which she exclaimed, "Oh, Monroe? Like the street in Tallahassee? Is she related?" Which prompted an explanation of celebrities who change their name to be more glamorous. We practiced pronouncing celebrity. Saleb. Rah. Tea. I then showed her the iconic video of Marilyn singing Happy Birthday to JFK. I told Rose that this was a huge scandal, that prompted rumors. Much like the rumors a girl might get in Vietnam if she shows up to class in high heels and makeup. Rose completely understood.
I then showed her pictures of Elvis and the infamous Hound Dog video. You know, the one that caused all the controversy because of his erotic pulsations (which were difficult for me to exactly pinpoint- how degraded we have become! =P). This was another instance in which I used the word "scandal." I told Rose that every American knows about Elvis and Marilyn. And in fact, that the two knew each other somewhat. "Because they were in the same time?" asked Rose. Yes.
The menu at Lofty Pursuits is quite thick with choices, I think it was difficult for Rose to process so much. We wound up sampling a few delectable flavors and Rose decided on the Chocolate Chili Ice Cream with Rainbow Dinosaurs. She found it to be such a novelty that ice cream could be spicy! After eating everyone milled about the shop checking out the cool gadgets. Some vocabulary words that came up included; frisbees, yo-yos, kites, and unicycle. I explained to Rose that bi- equals two and uni equals one. She knew this, and I think it helped cement the word "unicycle" in her brain. She then asked me if unicycles were used to "circumnavigate." Well yes, I guess so. How advanced and sophisticated!
I took Rose to the Florist next door and treated her to a single stem rose. She was so "surprised" and couldn't stop "blushing" (her words). She said it was the first flower she received in America. When I took her home, she also said this was a first time an American had taken her home.
When we left Lofty Pursuits, Rose had a revelation. She had read about the shop in the FSView for a school assignment. How fortuitous that she should get to know it in person! All in all I think that this group meeting was an excellent idea. It gave the students the chance to be in a relaxed social situation outside of class while being immersed in American society. So what's next? potluck? BBQ? Coffee and Soda at All Saints? Voodoo dog?
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