European Sparrows and English Affixes

Language class was hilarious today. We were learning parts of the body and how to say if you were sick or if a certain part hurts, etc. Basically we let our imaginations run wild and it was a blast. It was a nice change of pace from the usual lessons. So funny. At one point, Monty Python and the Holy Grail came up (The part where the knight gets his arms and legs chopped off- "Come over 'ere, I'll bite your legs off!"), and I turned to my friend Julia and said we should translate the classic line with the man at the toll bridge.

ANIA ti nagan mo?
ANIA ti paboritom nga kolor?
ANIA ti air velocity nga European sparrow?

There you go! That's your Ilokano quote of the day. Anyways, after that, we had an "English blackout" session, which is when you cannot speak any English; only Ilokano. The four of us and our teacher hopped on a jeepney and went to Baguio to go to the market! We were on a mission for... well, actually, I can't say. There are PCT's from other clusters who might see this blog post, and I'm sworn to secrecy. Here's the thing: for our swearing-in ceremony in September, each cluster will be doing a presentation of some sort about their training site or something Philippines related. Ours is AWESOME. But unfortunately, my friends, it's top secret until it will be unveiled. At that time there will be some awesome photos to post.

The market was great; we got what we needed and then had lunch at Chow King, which is my new favorite fast food (but not really fast food) place. The funny thing about fast food places, ice cream shops, etc here is that the employees bus all of your trays, plates, cups, and all! Everytime I go somewhere to bring my things over to the garbage bin, I am stopped by an employee, "Yes, ma'am!" (smile), who takes it from me. It seems very strange to me, because my automatic reaction to eating anywhere is to just take it all from the table and throw it away myself, but not here. I definitely feel uncomfortable leaving my trash there, but it's normal to do so. I guess that's just one of the cultural differences to get used to.

Yesterday I had the best time at school! My counterpart was absent, so I taught the entire class! Soooo fun! I had already planned ahead with her, and I did prep work outside of class, so being able to execute the whole thing on my own was awesome. It was a third year English class, so 14-15 year olds. We did prefixes and suffixes, which let me tell you, was a blast. Seriously. It was so fun. I'd like to think they enjoyed it too. They were all really engaged, and everyone was paying attention for the most part, compared to what they're usually like... Ohmygosh it was so fun. I wish I could do it again tomorrow and Friday, because those are our last two days co-teaching here. But even if it doesn't happen, I'll always have that day to remember!

My host dad was reading the local newspaper today and I realized how devoid I am of reality back in the States. I have no idea what is going on with anything. Pretty bad of me to not keep up, however I have a feeling that not much has changed. People are probably still criticizing our President, children are still going missing, lawsuits are happening left and right, big companies are still corrupt, and Lindsay Lohan is back in rehab for the ump-teenth time. I hate to sound like a pessimist, but I think one reason I've been avoiding the news is because it always seems to be bad news. And I'm a big fan of positive energy, so it tends to cramp my style. If something great happens, let me know. Until then, I'm going to continue being happily oblivious.