From Paddy's Day to Preschool

I realized today that it's been almost two weeks since my last post.  Time has been flying!  We've been busy at school which is good.  We're getting into a rhythm and anyone close to me knows that when my life has order I'm a happy man.

St. Patrick's Day was quite the event.  We went to an Irish bar down the road from our apartment on Thursday.  They had live music and dancers four days straight!

Though the Irish pubs celebrate and decorate to the nines, the rest of Chile is pretty oblivious to the holiday.  I asked my students about it and they said "oh, yeah, that's the American holiday."  So much for the Irish.

As is ChACE tradition, every holiday celebrated in the states that Chileans don't really observe mandates a huge party.  So party we did!  It was our first big party as the new occupants of the apartment and I'd say it was a huge success.  I made puppy chow, it was delicious.

Speaking of the big apartment, they got hardwood floors last weekend and they look great.

Last Tuesday we bid farewell to a ChACEr that just finished her second year of teaching and is headed back to the states.  We had an asado on the roof of her building on her last night in town.  It had a great view of the city and this super awesome fountain.

Today I got some interesting news.  I've learned that as the resident gringo at school that the administration only seeks me out if they want something.  Today the principal asked me if I would teach preschool once a week for two hours.  Always up for new experiences, I said yes without hesitation.  I'm looking forward to the new challenge.  This is part of a new program called Early English.  San Nicolás has never taught English before first grade and they want the students to have some experience with a native speaker.  Ok!  I'm planning on lots of American kids shows, dancing, and singing.  And games!  Oh boy, it will be just like teaching my high schoolers.

Minnesota Friends arrive on Friday!  Zach and Stuart, both of whom attended high school with me, will be coming with their significant others, Laura and Elizabeth, to spend Easter and the following week in Santiago.  We're starting in Valparaíso for Easter weekend where they have stations of the cross on the beach and burn Judas in effigy.  Sounds like a cultural experience!  The week after we'll be in the city and activities on the menu include a soccer match and lots of good food and dancing.  Check back for details!