Our amazing TEA Fellow host, Rosalia, must have experienced an amazing epiphany one hot afternoon. Since we TGC teachers were coming and since we received an adequate per diem, then why not use our arrival as an opportunity for amazing learning? As Rosalia explained, some of her students from the gang infested neighborhoods had never fully visited all of their fine city--a few had never even traveled to the beach--as the toll roads stretched meager budgets. So, she--in tandem with another school--asked students to research the historic landmarks and prepare to deliver tour information in perfect, rehearsed English.
Thus, we TGC Fellows pooled our per diems together to rent a CHIA Party Bus. Technically, we were banned from riding in a Chiva, but we decided to beg forgiveness instead of ask permission in this one instance.
The student tour guides performed beautifully during the tour stops--such as explaining the purpose of the wall and of the amazing, strategic location of Castillo de San Felipe, in addition to the importance of St. Peter Claver and the church where he is entombed. In between these wonderful lessons--in English--the students and teachers partied. Every so often, the students would chant our names--and we would be expected to stand up and dance. For fun, I tried Mapale, while dancing to the beat of Shaggy and "It Wasn't Me," but then I lost my balance with my elbow crashing into the stability bar. I laughed--that hurt funny bone kind of laugh--but the bruise would remain. Luckily, my colleagues, even John, all danced like pros--and the kids loved it.
After we said our goodbyes, my friend and colleague, Jen, just broke down into tears, and I was glad to see that it was not I who felt like weeping. To be treated to joy, to be welcomed like family, and to participate in the greatest field trip ever overwhelmed all of us, and the memory will always remain imprinted in my memory.
Thus, we TGC Fellows pooled our per diems together to rent a CHIA Party Bus. Technically, we were banned from riding in a Chiva, but we decided to beg forgiveness instead of ask permission in this one instance.
The student tour guides performed beautifully during the tour stops--such as explaining the purpose of the wall and of the amazing, strategic location of Castillo de San Felipe, in addition to the importance of St. Peter Claver and the church where he is entombed. In between these wonderful lessons--in English--the students and teachers partied. Every so often, the students would chant our names--and we would be expected to stand up and dance. For fun, I tried Mapale, while dancing to the beat of Shaggy and "It Wasn't Me," but then I lost my balance with my elbow crashing into the stability bar. I laughed--that hurt funny bone kind of laugh--but the bruise would remain. Luckily, my colleagues, even John, all danced like pros--and the kids loved it.
After we said our goodbyes, my friend and colleague, Jen, just broke down into tears, and I was glad to see that it was not I who felt like weeping. To be treated to joy, to be welcomed like family, and to participate in the greatest field trip ever overwhelmed all of us, and the memory will always remain imprinted in my memory.