Living on Colombian time

We have quickly adapted to what we affectionately describe as, "Colombian time." Schedules are only loose guidelines, and we have adjusted very well. If a "scheduled" activity gets canceled or postponed, we can always use the time for something else. Our days are very full, and sometimes it's nice to have some time to catch up on the reading and writing assignments associated with our courses. This morning is one of those times. As I'm sitting down in the courtyard, I can hear students on the balcony above collaborating on a Spanish exercise, and I watch students one by one meeting with Dr.  Montoya to discuss their final projects.

At the nursing home

Can you tell how much our students enjoy this visit? Both of the residents pictured here were at the nursing home the last time we visited, too. The table displays all the donations we brought for them--many of which you contributed. They were very much appreciated.

Carol

Working

We had our second day of work at the school; still understanding how education practices take place in this island. It has been rough, but I believe we are all learning about life, cultural differences, and how people survive on a daily basis in a manner that only this place can show it to us. As the instructors and leaders of this experience we are being challenged. The good thing is that Carol and I are together in this and make a balanced team. We are the two cultures interacting, which provides us with strategies to make the experience manageable and meaningful.

First day of teaching

Like being thrown in the deep end of the pool without a lifesaver! Wow, 3 SUNY students and I were introduced to this class of about 30 6th graders--all by ourselves, for about 2-1/2 hours. Thinking on our feet how to teach English to them. We're exhausted--well, at least I am. Our first impression from our brief visit here last year held true today--it is very noisy. Boisterous, lots of shouting, and with the windows and doors always open to let air through, there is also a lot of noise from outside. What an experience!

Back to San Andres and internet!

And away from the invasion of the crabs! This photo doesn't come close to showing the sea of crabs we were greeted by our last 2 days on Providencia. The archipelago of San Andres/Providencia/SantaCatalina  is the only place in the world where this happens! Our hotel was in their path from the mountain to the sea, so they would sidle through the dining room, scurry into corners to hide...even in bathrooms. They are funny to look at individually, with their claws up in the air like you just said, "stick 'em up!" But in hoards...ewww. It's an important event though, and if the winds and the currents don't lead the baby crabs back to the islands, then there will be no more crabs on the island. What a research project for some biologists!

Carol

Our weekend in providencia

Today Tuesday, I returned earlier to San Andrés with Charlie and Kayla B.  Carol is arriving later this afternoon with the rest of the students.  We had a wonderful weekend in a paradisiac island: Providencia.  It is a place to visit with family and friends.  The students had a blast. Friday we went around the island on a dancing bus “La Chiva”, Saturday we climbed up to “El Pico” one of the highest points on the island.  The children from the swimming team came with us.  Sunday, we observed presidential elections in Colombia, had a long walk from our hotel to down town Providencia and then took a boat to tour around the island on water and snorkel.  Students were happy and active.  Monday we visited a small school with only 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders.  They played baseball, danced and elaborated bracelets and other crafts with us.  At the end the girls were fascinated with our female students and braided their hairs, painted their faces and hands and exhausted them.  It was fun, funny and a great experience for us and for them.  Children were asking us when we were coming back to play with them.  In the afternoon we ended our activities on the “lovers” bridge, swimming with the children’s swimming team, playing games, and dancing under a beautiful sunset.

If I can get this internet connection to load pictures I will post some.

I also had a meeting with the director for social development and made a few important contacts.  Oneonta must return, and not only Carol and I, all of you who can teach different subjects on this paradisiac island.  Ah, we were just at the right time to see the crab migration.  It was amazing; they were thousands walking by us going from the forest to the sea to lay their eggs and back to the forest.  YOU ALL HAVE TO SEE THIS WONDER BY NATURE.

Today we went to the school "El Flower Hills".  We went through each classroom introducing ourselves, in English and Spanish.  They were celebrating the Afro-Colombian heritage and there was a braiding competition.  We were chosen as their judges.  It was difficult.  Later the entire school celebrated with a beauty queen and king pageant.  It was interesting and different for our students.  They continued discovering diverse cultural practices.


We ended the evening with a meeting with the teachers and after some short introductions, the teachers showed great interest in having us in their classrooms.


Tomorrow we will go to another island in a small plane: "Providencia"


I also keep going to meetings. Today I had an interview with the president of the university in San Andrés and our relationship is formalizing.  We have future here for our Oneonta students and important partnerships with this community.

First day for Students

The first day for the students was full of emotions, first impressions, and discovering what is "normal" on the island.  They were eager to get into the seven colors sea, and they did.
Last night we had a wonderful welcome by "Mis Licy".  She offered us some "coco loco", gave us coconut leaf hats, brought the artisans that showed us how to make it and ended the evening with live music from the Colombian continental coast.
Students are amazed.

|Estamos muy emocionadas!

On my second day I had an important visit to the secretary of education.  Finally for the first time, I found echo in San Andrés officials.  It is very difficult here to get a social education project without the complications of politics and bureaucracy, so everything we have done so far has been through personal contacts and people who believe that we can act and take initiatives over passing bureaucracy.

I found a woman, a continental one, who told me insights of the obstacles found in San Andrés to proceed officially with our program and make it grow into the future.  She is our ally now, and she will be with us at Flower Hill every day following us, documenting our experience and make it official and valid for the government of San Andrés.  She is even looking for ways to bring us back to teach English to educators in San Andrés.  An Idea that Carol and I have considered for a long time and did not know how to approach.

I am happy because I think this second time we are making progress and San Andrés is officially opening doors for more Oneonta students and faculty to come and grow mutually.

M. C. Montoya

Almost there!

Our flight from JFK was about 20 minutes delayed departing, so instead of 1:45 a.m., it was after 2 a.m.--way past my bedtime! It was the first ever flight for two of our students, and they got to experience some pretty scary turbulence, the kind that makes you pop out of your seat, and say, "Whoa!" I envy these students for being able to sleep anywhere, though. I'm drinking grande espresso and they're sleeping. Gotta love 'em!

Diario #1

Going to San Andrés through Panamá this year has been an easy travel experience. The international airport is beautiful and people are more accustom to deal with international tourism.

I arrived at San Andrés on Monday May 19th, at around 10:30 am and felt the Caribbean heat immediately.  After a nice soup that resuscitated me from a long day and night without sleep, I went to visit the Posada Licy, where we will be staying.

The owner “Mis Licy” is a nice lady, “vivaracha” and a wonderful host.  She has the most beautiful Posada, and takes care of it very well.  She just wants us to feel comfortable and take care of the place the same way she does.  The house is a family property passed through generations.

Later I went to the school to plan our collaborative work, and its director “Paulina Bowie” was very special in accommodating.  I came out of the school with my head spinning and eager to create a detailed schedule for us.  I am having difficulty finding free time for the group, but remember that we are not on vacation; we are on an academic journey of experiential learning.

Today I will arrange details for pick up tomorrow at airport.

I am so excited to see you, to see your sweaty faces upon arrival and your big open eyes.

I already love you all.

MC

Colors of San Andres

Dr. Montoya arrived on the island yesterday, and has been busy taking photos. Here are some colorful  views from around our posada, and one from Flowers Hill school where we'll be working soon.

Buen viaje!

We're almost there! Dr. Montoya arrived today, and the rest of us leave tomorrow.
Estamos muy emocionados!