I am still thoroughly enjoying my time in Sucre, and had a very busy last few days, between voluntering at the centre for disabled children, to working at the after school program for poor country children, to teaching english at the language academy.
I have had a few interesting english lessons. On thursday, I was waiting with the class for their official teacher to turn up. When she eventually did, she gave me a piece of paper with instructions for a 5-minute game to play with the teenagers, then told me she hadnt had her lunch yet that day, so she was going to do so. And with that, she walked out of the class, leaving a rather bewildered and unprepared Kate in charge! After the game finished, I had to think on my feet, and managed to come up with a few more activities in english and spanish to fill in the hour. I actually quite enjoyed the challenge, but a little advance warning would have been appreciated!
Then I had my university class. They were presenting speeches on the person they most admire in the world. One said Ronaldinho, another her hardworking father etc. However, I got a bit of a shock when my last student stood up and spoke for a good 10 minutes about his admiration and love for Hitler! Apparently, he thoroughly admired his intelligence, his ability to relate to the people, and his military strength, including the fact he never lost a battle! - I didnt think it wise to point out that was in fact incorrect, and it took all my willpower to hold back any of my own thoughts, and limit myself to correcting his grammar and pronounciation!
I spent Saturday visiting the children in the country, and sunday involved a trip to Tarabuco, a small town nearby with a much talked-about market. The market was alright, and the prices were very reasonable. However, the highlight was sitting in the central plaza and talking to the incredibly friendly locals, which I did for most of the afternoon. I had a chat to one man for an hour about Bolivian politics and the future prospects for his country, which proved extremely interesting. I was also thrilled that my spanish has reached a level where I was capable of having such a discussion and understanding almost everything! There is however still a long road ahead to fluency!
It is now sunday night, and we are going out to the ´gringo´ bar to watch the film Motorcycle Diaries and have a few drinks.
Until next time, Adios!
