This month was Dia de Profesoras. The actual date of the event was October 17, but in true Chilean form, the celebration lasted over a week. Now my host mom had told me that we would probably not have some school because of Teacher's day, but I was not expecting what I got in turn. You think I would have learned by now. The week of celebration started with a fancy dinner given at the Liceo, or the high school. All of the schools were represented, and I was introduced to the idea of the competition for "King of the Schools." Each school selects a male teacher, and they compete throughout the week to become King. On this first night, they each performed some sort of solo act. The night had many performances in fact, because each school did three routines. Unfortunately, I could not participate, because I was out sick. But OH MAN, was I in for the shock at these performances. Of course, there was the traditional singing or dancing, but then there were some more questionable pieces, particularly from my school when one of our older 3rd grade teachers was using a rubber penis as a microphone. Some of the younger teachers from other schools did some funny acts like the Village People and a work-out routine. It was very fun, and reminded me a lot of something like "Airbands" at Chapman. I always have to remember that University life here in Chile does not come with these sorts of activities, so this is their chance to get on stage in funny outfits and make fools of themselves. Something I can relate with very well.
After this first opening night, the celebration lasted the whole week afterward. After school each day (or actually after lunch when we would typically have school), there was some sort of competition either at the beach or at one of the schools. There were things from volleyball, to broom ball, baby escobar (yes they usually use a doll as the ball, but thankfully not this time), and there was events that I recognize from greek week: tug of war, food relay, and more things like that. As it always seems to be the case, my school was known for being competative, but we were actually pretty good as well. We won most of the greek week type games, and were almost in the finals for baby escobar until we got kicked off the court for being good sports. Ah yes, I must tell you about the sportsmanship, or lack there-of, of Chileans. I have never encountered a more competative group, and I have seen my fair share of competition. When I first started teaching, I couldn't believe how crazy the kids acted in class when we played a game or something, but then I went to a competition with adults, and saw exactly where they get it from. In more than 2 of the teacher's day competitions (mind you, just a friendly game between schools), the games ended with teams walking off or being kicked off the court. It is quite the wonder to watch, and it was funny because my friend Jackie was the cause of my schools upheaval. All the teachers at my school believed that "that gringa" is some sort of professional hockey player or something back in the States. Oh golly. One of the neatest competitions was very crafty. Each of the schools had to make a dress out of newspaper without using any sort of glue or tape. Don't worry, I took pictures of all the dresses, they are incredible! My school got 2nd place in that event. It was all very fun.
At the end of the week of competitions, we had an act at our school, as always, and then there was a breakfast in town that all the teachers can go to. My favorite part of the act at my school was when about 6 first grade girls did a dance to "Beauty and the Beast" wearing white ballerina costumes. Some of the things that they do are just so random to me, but that is why I love it. Then on Saturday night, there was a big party at what I believe to be the only wedding venue in Tocopilla where there was dancing with a live band, an open bar and the presentation of the Kings. Each of the kings got a sash like Miss America and there were awards for things like "Mas Bakan" which is Most Cool or "Mas Sexi" with an "i". We only have one male teacher at my school, and I think he has to enter this competition every year, so he gets the same award, which now I don't remember. That night was a blast, because every teacher in all of Tocopilla young or old was dancing til they were dripping with sweat, and some of the old ones had a few too many drinks at the open bar (well the young ones too, let's be honest). Because this is when I was under the weather, I was able to sit back and watch this magical night unfold from the sidelines mostly. I did get my chance to impress the women of Gabriela Mistral, however with my Latin dancing moves. They love it.
Since that party that supposedly closes the Teacher's day celebration 2 weeks ago, my school has had 2 more parties. These are just Tea's with sandwiches and cake, but it's all relative to me. I think finally, after this Tuesday's last celebration, I will retire my Teacher's Day hat for now, but it certainly was a lot of fun. I could never imagine such event happening in the states.
As far as my health goes, I have been doing a lot better. Turns out, I was infected with a parasite when I went to Peru back in July. So I have been walking around town with this thing eating at my insides for quite some time. Through many visits to the local hospital and the herbal healing that Chileans all seem to use, we believe the thing is no longer attacking, and I am feeling much better. I am still on a special diet just for precaution, but I am finally able to go out and be normal. This includes an AMAZING trip I took last weekend with Jackie to La Serena where I saw Penguins (!!!) and a trip I am going on this morning to San Pedro de Atacama which is the driest dessert in the world. I am going to publish blogs on these trips together when I get back next week. I PROMISE. There will be lots of pictures and exciting-ness.
Otherwise, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Us gringas threw a big Halloween party at my school last night, and it was a lot of fun for the kids. This included bobbing for apples, I taught the "thriller" dance, we had face painting and crafts, and of course the Halloween tradition of putting your hand in the mysterious bowl to feel the "body parts" which is actually just spaghetti. Halloween is relatively new here in Chile, so these were traditions that haven't made it down here yet. I think the kids enjoyed it, but of course I was too busy running around like a chicken with my head cut off to take any pictures. So unfortunately it will have to stay ingraned in my memory, and not yours.
I hope all is well in the states, and that everyone is VOTING, yep, I'm gonna put in a shameless plug. I voted a few weeks ago! It should be an exciting week. I am impressed daily how informed my students are, because at least one of them asks me about the election every single day. Just goes to show how important this election is....Ok. I'll stop now.
Here are some pictures for you to enjoy, and thanks for checking in. I'll be home in 31 days! AHHH!
Us gringas at the Teacher's day Dinner. They are both dressed up in outfits to perform with their school. Jackie is wearing an actual uniform.
Chileans have an awkward obsession with dressing up as Ronald McDonald.
The wonderful 3rd grade teacher at my school. I couldn't illustrate for you my shock at this image.
Gabriela Mistral dominates Tug of War!
Melissa and I with Angelica. I work with her when Claudia goes out of town. She is GREAT! She studied abroad at University of Oklahoma. Sorry Andi, I'm friends with the enemy.
Gabriela Mistral's baby escobar team.
Baby Escobar in action. This game gets brutal.
We won this game in penalty shots.
These are all of the finished projects of the Newspaper dresses. Remember, no glue or tape was used. These teachers are so crafty! My school is the third girl. We got 2nd place!
Profe Doris making some delicious sandwiches for one of our post-celebration parties. Also, that bread you see is typical Chilean bread.
Chilean cake is so good.
The little girls that danced the "Beauty and the Beast"
This is some of the students of Octavo A with Claudia, Marcela (their old boss teacher), and I on Teacher's day.