Day 6 - Time with the students
Well, it was another busy day. We started out early again this morning and just got back to our hotel room at 11:15 PM. I must say the Russian people have a lot of energy and go all day in their heels and panty hose. I couldn't have been more ready to change out of my work clothes and rest.
To begin our day we visited several governmental and various high ranking officials associated in some manner with the city of Krasnoyarsk. We met the lady in charge of all 7 school districts within the city, comprising of 126 total schools. She spoke to us about the educational system within this city. We then walked to another government building and met with a man who controls the city, including the schools and transportation. I couldn't really understand his official title, but I'm thinking he's similar to a mayor, as he allowed us to hold his Olympic torch that he used as they passed through the city. Another fun fact is that all of the Olympic torches were made in this city of Krasnoyarsk.
From there we headed to our host school. At school, my travel partners and I gave a presentation to about 100 students, filling a small auditorium. Lisa, Emily, and I each prepared a home presentation to show the students. They were in awe. The students were so well-behaved and hung on every word. Each student also prepared a question in English that they wanted to ask. They were excited to ask us questions about our home life, school, and feelings on Russian music, art, literature, etc. At the end, we gave each student a small gift of appreciation. They absolutely loved our pencils, bracelets, dolphin keychains (Emily is from Florida), state quarters, bubble gum, and NASA trinkets.
After the home presentations, we sat in a on staff meeting, where each department (they call them methodological unifications), prepared a powerpoint to introduce each of the teachers and what they teach. We had a great question and answer session about each others' schools and the teaching profession. It was nice to see that we have many similarities such as problems with students and parents, but I still think theirs' is on a much smaller scale than in America.
Following the session, a group of English language learners prepared a walking tour for us around the city. This was so great to be able to informally interact with the students and to see the city. They took us to a wonderful park where we rode a Ferris wheel to see around, showed us various statues (including Lenin), libraries, universities, etc.
Dinner was on our own. Lisa, Emily, and I stopped by the hotel restaurant but found nothing to suit our taste. We found a restaurant called the "New Yorker". It was hilarious - packed filled with young, trendy Russians. We were the only Americans in the place. A nice waiter boy who could speak English helped us order a cheeseburger (so not like the ones we eat - the meat was really thin) and some fries. The fries were awesome!
Lastly, we just returned home from a driving tour that I tried desperately to get out of because I seriously don't feel safe being in a car in this city. The drivers are completely nuts, out of control, and do not abide by traffic laws. Our host teacher and several other teachers accompanied us on this tour. I was placed in the car with the driving school instructor to ease my fears. These people are so considerate and the most gracious people. We drove to tour many historical sites, including a WWII museum. One teacher asked me how we teach WWII in our schools and who was the winner. I deflected his question. He told me that Russia lost 30 million soldiers in the war and many of them were from this city. Very sad. He also had no qualms asking my opinion of the Russian and Ukrainian business happening. He was not shy to share with me his stereotypes of Americans, so I shared a few of my Russian ones back. He told me I was correct!! (I will share all when I return). We ended our car tour at the highest point in the city, overlooking Krasnoyarsk, at a historic chapel that was once used as a lookout for the town. This landmark is printed on their 10 ruble along with a bridge in their city.
I am so, so, so tired. I'm not sure if it's due to the time change of flying to Siberia, or just the emotional and mental struggle of our grueling nonstop schedule, being so far from home, missing our families, worrying about work, and then keeping up with obligation for our program. I've voiced my opinion that we need downtime to blog, but all has gone in one ear and out the other. Nonetheless, I am extremely grateful for the efforts that our hosts have gone to prepare our schedule and show us their wonderful city.
Another big day over, but more tomorrow. We are scheduled to hike a 5 km mountain, visit a "fun park"???, ride a chairlift, among many other outdoor activities. I just hope the weather cooperates. The past two days it has gone to 60 degrees, but our hosts warn us that the cold and rain are coming.
Oh, and one last thing...I was caught in a bathroom without toilet paper or paper towels. That made for an interesting second half of the day. I will explain more later - funny (but not) story. I learned a very important lesson. I will forever have Kleenex on me when I travel. :)
Good night!
Well, it was another busy day. We started out early again this morning and just got back to our hotel room at 11:15 PM. I must say the Russian people have a lot of energy and go all day in their heels and panty hose. I couldn't have been more ready to change out of my work clothes and rest.
To begin our day we visited several governmental and various high ranking officials associated in some manner with the city of Krasnoyarsk. We met the lady in charge of all 7 school districts within the city, comprising of 126 total schools. She spoke to us about the educational system within this city. We then walked to another government building and met with a man who controls the city, including the schools and transportation. I couldn't really understand his official title, but I'm thinking he's similar to a mayor, as he allowed us to hold his Olympic torch that he used as they passed through the city. Another fun fact is that all of the Olympic torches were made in this city of Krasnoyarsk.
From there we headed to our host school. At school, my travel partners and I gave a presentation to about 100 students, filling a small auditorium. Lisa, Emily, and I each prepared a home presentation to show the students. They were in awe. The students were so well-behaved and hung on every word. Each student also prepared a question in English that they wanted to ask. They were excited to ask us questions about our home life, school, and feelings on Russian music, art, literature, etc. At the end, we gave each student a small gift of appreciation. They absolutely loved our pencils, bracelets, dolphin keychains (Emily is from Florida), state quarters, bubble gum, and NASA trinkets.
After the home presentations, we sat in a on staff meeting, where each department (they call them methodological unifications), prepared a powerpoint to introduce each of the teachers and what they teach. We had a great question and answer session about each others' schools and the teaching profession. It was nice to see that we have many similarities such as problems with students and parents, but I still think theirs' is on a much smaller scale than in America.
Following the session, a group of English language learners prepared a walking tour for us around the city. This was so great to be able to informally interact with the students and to see the city. They took us to a wonderful park where we rode a Ferris wheel to see around, showed us various statues (including Lenin), libraries, universities, etc.
Dinner was on our own. Lisa, Emily, and I stopped by the hotel restaurant but found nothing to suit our taste. We found a restaurant called the "New Yorker". It was hilarious - packed filled with young, trendy Russians. We were the only Americans in the place. A nice waiter boy who could speak English helped us order a cheeseburger (so not like the ones we eat - the meat was really thin) and some fries. The fries were awesome!
Lastly, we just returned home from a driving tour that I tried desperately to get out of because I seriously don't feel safe being in a car in this city. The drivers are completely nuts, out of control, and do not abide by traffic laws. Our host teacher and several other teachers accompanied us on this tour. I was placed in the car with the driving school instructor to ease my fears. These people are so considerate and the most gracious people. We drove to tour many historical sites, including a WWII museum. One teacher asked me how we teach WWII in our schools and who was the winner. I deflected his question. He told me that Russia lost 30 million soldiers in the war and many of them were from this city. Very sad. He also had no qualms asking my opinion of the Russian and Ukrainian business happening. He was not shy to share with me his stereotypes of Americans, so I shared a few of my Russian ones back. He told me I was correct!! (I will share all when I return). We ended our car tour at the highest point in the city, overlooking Krasnoyarsk, at a historic chapel that was once used as a lookout for the town. This landmark is printed on their 10 ruble along with a bridge in their city.
I am so, so, so tired. I'm not sure if it's due to the time change of flying to Siberia, or just the emotional and mental struggle of our grueling nonstop schedule, being so far from home, missing our families, worrying about work, and then keeping up with obligation for our program. I've voiced my opinion that we need downtime to blog, but all has gone in one ear and out the other. Nonetheless, I am extremely grateful for the efforts that our hosts have gone to prepare our schedule and show us their wonderful city.
Another big day over, but more tomorrow. We are scheduled to hike a 5 km mountain, visit a "fun park"???, ride a chairlift, among many other outdoor activities. I just hope the weather cooperates. The past two days it has gone to 60 degrees, but our hosts warn us that the cold and rain are coming.
Oh, and one last thing...I was caught in a bathroom without toilet paper or paper towels. That made for an interesting second half of the day. I will explain more later - funny (but not) story. I learned a very important lesson. I will forever have Kleenex on me when I travel. :)
Good night!