nothing like hotdogs and sushi on thanksgiving!

As it is Thanksgiving, I feel it is an appropriate excuse for another Blog Post.

Today was quite a big day at school. We had the kids for about an hour in the morning and then brought them down to the theatre for a Thanksgiving show, put on by the American teachers (how appropriate). We split up in to small groups and each group did a little ditty for a different region of the United States. Katy and I recited and acted out one of my favorite Shel Silverstein poems because, in case you weren't aware, he is from the Midwest (like most brilliant and talented people are). I was also in a number for the northeast in which we did a rousing rendition of New York (originally performed by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys). It was complete with rapping and intricate choreography so needless to say the students and teachers were pretty blown away.

After the show the students were dismissed and the entire staff participated in our own Thanksgiving celebration. Which first consisted of a game of football- yes, I did participate, and although I only touched the ball once, i like to think that I was a valuable asset to my team. After the game we all engaged in the traditional Thanksgiving feast. However the menu of this feast was slightly less traditional due to the fact that most of the dishes were prepared by Mexicans who have an interesting take on American food. While I did enjoy some delightful turkey and bread pudding, I was more than confused by the multiple dishes containing sliced hot dogs, california rolls, and the mashed potatoes covered with corn. After eating way too much the event ended with a repeat performance of New York, at the request of the Mexican staff (who were thoroughly impressed by our dancing and rapping abilities, who knew the American teachers could actually entertain so well...big shocker!)

Because Thanksgiving is a celebration of the most delicious of food, I have decided to post a few pics of my latest culinary delights. Ready, set, mouths water!

Cinnamon Raison bread...






Tomato Basil Soup


Banana Bread

noteworthy events from the last month

OK, it has officially been over a month since my last post and that is crazy talk!
I guess time is going by quicker these days because it definitely doesn't feel like it's been that long. Things at school are super busy but my kids are awesome so that makes all the hard work, frustration, and exhaustion sort of worth it. So many things have happened in the last month so in order to save myself from being too wordy and to save you from reading paragraphs of me babbling I am going to try to be as concise as possible.
Here is a list of noteworthy things that have happened since my last post:

1. Celebrated my friend Sarah's bachelorette party. Sarah is a kindergarten teacher at American School who I have really enjoyed getting to know and who is getting married in about 1 week. She is wonderful and I was so excited to be invited to her wedding as well as bachelorette party. We first gathered at another friend's house and all brought delicious food. I of course made the famous Bramley bri bomb and fruit salsa (both of which were hits). After eating, drinking, and playing a few games we headed out to a respectable Tuxtla nightclub by the name of Penthouse. It was sort of like going out at home but way louder music, more smoking, and guys that actually know how to dance. At around 4 am (an average time to leave the bars) we decided to call it a night. It was definitely a successful celebration and fun was surely had by all!

2. Took a wonderful trip to San Cristobal for Dia de los Muertos Break. Katy and I decided we needed a little vacation a few weeks ago so we left on Saturday and spent saturday evening in San Cristobal. We intended on meeting up with some other teacher friends to go out to the bars but after a delicious meal and a delicious bottle of wine and a delicious nutella calzone, somehow the thought of our cozy hotel room just sounded way more enticing. So we went home and by some miraculous miracle one of our favorite movies of all time was playing on TV when we got back and it was actually in English with Spanish subtitiles (quite rare). So we enjoyed a night in with full bellies and full hearts as we were sung to sleep by a one, August Rush.

3. Attended one of my student's First Communions which is a pretty big deal here in Mexico. Everyone has them because everyone here is Catholic and it is not just an elaborate church service with a fancy white dress but it also included a lovely post First-Communion reception. So I had a lovely time mingling with my students parents and even playing with my students on the playground. They thought it was pretty great to see Miss. Kat swinging on swings and jumping on the big moon-bounce thing, ahhhh the life of a teacher.

4. Went to the beach. The closest beach to us is in Puerto Aurista which is about a 2 hour bus ride, 45 minute combi ride (taxi/van jam packed with mexicans) and then a 15 minute boat road to a tiny little island called Boca del Cielo- which does not even have a main road or cars. We arrived late last Saturday night and checked in to our little cabana on the beach. There were five of us so we got a place with two beds and three hammocks which led to me having my first night's sleep in a hammock...surprisingly pleasant. The next day we spent lounging on the beach and playing in the Ocean, definitely my idea of paradise. After a long day of complete relaxation we indulged in a little vino, a little phase 10 (my favorite card game) and a little late night skinny dip. Perfect end to a perfect mini-vacation.

5. Started preparing for the Christmas Festival at school. This celebration is unlike anything I have ever experienced in the states. Each class performs one song and dance, the school hires someone to come in and choreograph them, and the moms pay a seamstress to make costumes for each child. The school also just purchased an old night club in town which they are renovating in to a theatre where the festival will be held (pretty nuts). Soooooo because of my experience in the arts they asked me if I would be willing to take charge of both of my classes performances and while I already have so much on my plate I couldn't pass up the opportunity to create a song and dance number, especially when the theme is broadway!!! So I just chose the songs, one class is doing a song from Seussical the Musical and the other is doing Telephone Hour from Bye Bye Birdie (which they initially mistook for Telephone by Lady Gaga, which led to a bit of a disappointing moment). Anyways, I am feeling both excited and overwhelmed by this responsibility but am sure it will be tons of fun!

6. Coming home in a month and three days!!! Although it is a bummer to not be home for Thanksgiving, I am feeling like I am in the homestretch for Christmas which is pretty great. I have a feeling these last four weeks are going to fly by with Sarah's wedding, hosting Thanksgiving for all the teachers and the wonderful Christmas festival so really I will be home before you know it. Also I have already started listening to Christmas music around the clock, too soon? I think not!

Sending Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer to everyone as these delightful holidays are almost upon us :)