First Days

This morning the kids in 7/8 science dissected a snake and possum.  No formaldehyde, the animals were kept in a freezer until morning.  I haven't dissected an animal in years that wasn't a crab or fish so it was fun to be part of the action.  Several of the teenage girls were grossed out, others got into it.  The boys really enjoyed digging around in the insides of animals.   I showed some of boys how to dry the snake skin and hopefully it will work.  We covered it with light screen, stapled it to cardboard and pinned down the skin.  At the moment it is drying in the school shed.  

Turns out the art teacher needs some help so in addition to science as of next week I will be doing art projects with elementary kids.  Meanwhile I hit the library today and looked through some of the sections.  More tomorrow.

Thursdays the kids have special activities in the afternoon.  I tagged along to the running and yoga session although I didn't run and just did the yoga part.  Me and the teens who are so flexible that it is painful to watch much less attempt to do.  The yoga teacher seems cool and I hope to see more of her.  

After school today I walked around the yard of my host family and saw three new birds, including a blue crowned Motmot (it has the most amazing tail and a turquoise head).   And after dinner I helped Analisse and her friend Stacy make and decorate 90 cookies for Valentines Day while they listened and sang along with  to Taylor Swift and other teenie bopper music .  I'm exhausted!  

           

....this morning I don't have to help at the school so I walked down to Stella's in the village (my new favorite hangout) which has fantastic cappuccinos and reliable wifi.

It's valentines day today; so I send hearts and flowers to all and especially my favourite valentine, Omar!!!!