Tuesday 12/13: GO ARTLAND DRAGONS!!

I (thankfully) got a little more sleep last night than I’ve been getting lately. However, I now have a deep cough and my voice is still sorta dead. Ugh.

My first class was about to give a poetry recitation for two other classes when I arrived (the teacher had forgotten about English class), so I sat and listened. I was really impressed (they are the 8 yr olds) with their memorization! I don’t remember ever having to memorize poems for school in the US…

My afternoon classes went fine (thank goodness!). With the little kids, I had them do a connect-the-dot Christmas tree and they had to write “______’s Christmas Tree” at the bottom. I explained that adding an apostrophe and an s made it possessive…I think they understood! We did examples of people in the class, like “Charlotte’s dog, “Elisa’s cat,” or “Santa’s reindeer.” And, of course, we sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” I could sing that song in my sleep…

Around 5:30pm, Ralf, Margot, and I left to pick up the twins at their school (about 45 minutes away) and head to Pau for a basketball game!

Photo: Margot all decked out in the team colors!

There’s a pro team in Pau and they were playing against the Artland Dragons, which is a team from the town in Germany where Ralf grew up!

The last time they came to play in Pau was in 2007, so I was really lucky that they happened to be playing tonight! We stopped at a cheap restaurant to have a quick dinner (pizza) before the game and ended up being a little bit late. But, it was a good game!

Photo: The court... The stadium holds 6,000 people.

In the breaks between the quarters, they had entertainers come out (a girl doing tricks on a bike, a guy juggling a badminton racket between two sticks, and two guys in cowboy hats bouncing on giant inner tubes…) and during a few of the time outs they had little kids scrimmage!

Photo: The trick bicyclist

There were probably a few thousand people there and we were probably the only people supporting the Artland Dragons! But, after a really close game, we ended up winning in the last few seconds (Pau missed a shot with about 4 seconds left and the final score was 76-75)!

Photo: The scoreboard!

It was a really fun evening and I’m so grateful to Ralf for taking us (and driving all the way to Pau—it’s an hour away!) and treating me to dinner and the game! He’s so generous.

Today I got a Christmas card from my Grandma!!! :)

video from the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXAlvuQeTLU&feature=youtu.be

video of the crazy half-time entertainment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06G5YdVyEqc&feature=youtu.be

Monday 12/12: Not the Easiest of Days…

I had a hard day today. I woke up and my voice was still dying…not a good sign when you have a long day ahead of you. My first class went decently (we sang “Jingle Bells” and learned Christmas vocab) and I was able to return home afterwards and take a nap. I didn’t really get to sleep, but it was good to rest at least.
After lunch, I was absolutely dreading the bike ride to the other school. It had been raining off and on all morning and when it was time for me to leave, it was raining. Since I don’t have rain pants, I taped plastic bags to my thighs—most of the time that’s where it really gets wet.

Photo: My sexy rain "pants"

About halfway there, it started really pouring. So, I got off my bike, opened my umbrella, and started walking my bike. I figured it would be a better way to stay dry. 10 minutes later, the rain slowed to a drizzle and I continued biking.

My first class at the other school (7 yr olds) went okay…I only had to write one name on the board. It was fairly simple, we sang, colored, and learned Christmas words. However, my second class was pretty much a failure. I tried to do an activity using “The 12 Days of Christmas” in which they listened to the song and had to fill in the blanks on a worksheet (with “one” “two” “three” etc.). However, most of them couldn’t really hear the words in the song (it wasn’t the best version, really) and the activity bombed. It didn’t help that they weren’t really in a very calm mood and I was feeling ill and couldn’t speak much above a whisper… In any case, I just stopped and we sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” (which they already know). I was so so ready to leave.

Luckily, it wasn’t raining on my way home and I had time to rest for about 20 minutes before I had to go teach again. It was a failure as well. I was teaching the hardest class (the 9-10 yr olds) and they were super rowdy. They took a test (which was difficult because I have to keep yelling at whoever talks during the test) and then I started teaching about Christmas. However, they just kept talking and talking! The teacher is in the room with me (however she’s a sub for their teacher, who is still sick) and she tried to help, but they were just so chatty! I gave them a warning that if they continued, we would stop talking about Christmas and they would copy numbers. Well, they continued talking and I just stopped, took the pictures off the board, and told them to start copying. Of course it got quiet then! Sigh. Just before the class ended, I told them that I was disappointed in them and that I hoped we could actually have a good class next time. We’ll see…

When I came home, I got to skype with Gabrielle (who I haven’t seen since July!) and Maria! That put me in a MUCH better mood! :)

We had dinner and then I ended up talking with Candice for a while. I’m so excited for all the delicious things we’re going to make when she comes to visit for Christmas!

I’m determined to go to bed early tonight!!

Today I got a Christmas card and present from Mama!!! :)

Sunday 12/11: Rice Krispy Treats and A Sunny Day at the Beach!

My voice is still not doing so great…and now I have a cough. I rested during the morning, returning to bed after breakfast. Around 1:30pm, Catherine suggested that we take the dog for a walk on the beach. Since today was sunny with blue skies, I was very happy to get outside! It’s been so gross lately, it was awesome to have a warm (about 60 degrees) day!

Ralf, Catherine, and I went to a beach I’ve never been to before (Seignosse) and we took a nice long walk. Dunja was so excited to run around and sniff everything! I had fun collecting cool shells and stones and wading in the ocean. The water wasn’t cold at all! Okay, it was cold, but not nearly as cold as it is in Oregon in July! I would have gone swimming, if I hadn’t been with my host parents. I think it would have shocked them too much!

When we got home, I taught Margot and her friend, LouAnne, how to make rice krispie treats! They sell both marshmallows (called “chamallows”) and rice krispies here, but they must be slightly different because the treats didn’t end up tasting quite the same. But they were still good and they were similar enough! The girls loved getting to rub butter on their hands and then scoop up the mixture to flatten in the pan! We had a lot of fun making them and eating them! (Catherine didn't like them, but the girls did!) Check out a video of the girls "cooking": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=741g1PO2khk&feature=youtu.be

After dinner tonight, I played SCRABBLE with Mark and my mom online! It’s so cool playing a game between people who are in three different places in the world!

Saturday 12/10: Bayonne’s Marché de Noël and 2 minutes in Spain!

I really didn’t want to wake up this morning. Luckily I had something fun to look forward to! I heard the buzzer on the gate go off and I figured it was someone for my host family, so I took my time getting dressed and then headed downstairs for breakfast. And discovered Pablo sitting in our living room! Apparently he did want to come to Bayonne—and he arrived at my house 30 minutes early!

Pablo and I were picked up around 10am by Isabelle (the accordion player from the folk dance group) and we headed to Bayonne.

Photo: The Merry-Go-Round in Bayonne...please notice the giraffe that's located behind the dolphin.

There’s a Christmas market there, which consists of about 40-50 little wooden stands that line the bridge and next to the river. We just wandered around looking at their wares…unfortunately only some of them were handmade, interesting items. There were also booths that had been rented by stores selling normal things that you could just buy at the store (purses, t-shirts, trinkets). Everything was super expensive as well!

The best part was a section that had a table from many different European countries. Their items were customary to their country and it was interesting to see what was traditional for each place.

Photo: Hungarian Pastries..mmm! They had free samples!

On our way out of the Christmas market, Isabelle encouraged us to try hot, spiced wine… so, Pablo and I shared a cup, but it was very strong. We both had a few sips and (after he carried it for about 15 minutes) Pablo subtly dumped it in a trash can. I liked the taste all right, but I didn’t really want more than a few sips. However, I am interested in returning with Candice and getting a glass of hot cider!

We wandered around the normal farmer’s market and then had a walk through town (the amazing piano player was there again!). Isabelle offered to take us out to lunch and we headed to a huge shopping center, where there was a cafeteria. I got a “veggie plate,” which allowed me to choose anything I wanted from about 20 different vegetable dishes (and adding rice and noodles).

After lunch, we took a walk through the mall, which was all decorated for Christmas. I (like usual) felt super uncomfortable being inside the mall and declined Isabelle’s offer to look in any of the shops. I was anxious to get outside into the sunshine!

Isabelle then offered to take us for a drive along the coastline, so we could see the amazing views. We were very appreciative, as it’s impossible to do that on the train.

Photo: The beach at St. Jean de Luz

She drove us all the way into Spain (just barely over the border…she took a wrong turn and we passed briefly into Spain) and then we took the coast road back up again.

Photo: The coastline near Spain

It was truly gorgeous! Especially as it was a beautiful day with sun and blue skies! The only downside was that the car was warm and gently rocking me back and forth…I had to try so hard not to fall asleep!

Photo: Coastline near St. Jean de Luz

It helped that we stopped a few times to get out and take pictures! My camera doesn’t do it justice—I really need to get a new camera sometime…

Photo: From here you can see St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz!

We got back to Tyrosse at 4:15pm and Catherine invited Pablo to stay for tea. While we were sitting there, talking, Isabelle showed up because I had forgotten my bag in the back of her car! Oops… So, she stayed for tea as well and we hung out for a while (meaning, Isabelle and Catherine talked while Pablo and I mostly listened).

After they went home, Catherine and I went grocery shopping. I am getting a lot better at knowing where everything is in the store and we are speedy at splitting up and getting everything we need—super fast!

I skyped with Mark before dinner and after dinner I watched a show with my whole host family. It was a guy who imitates famous people and makes fun of political happenings, which was often hard for me to understand. I got some of the jokes, though, which made me terribly proud of myself! He did hilarious interpretations of Sarkozy and DSK!!

And now I will read “Sorcery & Cecelia” until I fall asleep… ;)

Question: Should I change the color of my writing to this? Is it easier to read? Or is it fine the way it is normally?

Friday 12/9: Christmas Carols and More Stilts!

Early start today…I am always thankful that I have the best-behaved class first think in the morning on Fridays. It is easier to get up when I know that I won’t have to deal with a rowdy class.

I had a break before my next class, so I went home to quickly make a worksheet (for the next class) and I also went to the market. I wanted to get some apples (because I know Catherine really likes the ones from the market) and I also just enjoy walking through the stalls! I didn’t have very much time, though, so I hurried back for my class.

It’s amazing how my class of 9-10 yr olds won’t even calm down and shut up when we’re learning Christmas words. I had to threaten them that if they didn’t stop talking, I would just stop and they would copy the numbers 20-50 into their notebooks. Luckily that worked (mostly) and we were able to finish without them talking excessively. Grr.

After lunch, I had the younger classes and we sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” learned 5 Christmas vocab words, and colored a picture of Santa on his sleigh, pulled by reindeer (Rudolph at the front). In my later class, I told them the story of Rudolph (they had never heard of him) and afterwards, while they were doing the coloring, I noticed that one girl had determinedly put red noses on every single one of the reindeer. Yes, it was pretty awesome: an entire herd of Rudolphs! I may have cracked up a bit…

Margot and I had tea, then I hurried to the post office to mail some Christmas packages… ;) When I got home, I read until it was time to go to folk dancing.

As soon as we arrived, I got back up on the stilts! I love that feeling! It only took a minute to re-accustom myself to the way you have to walk (not moving your ankles at all, keeping your legs straight and lifting your knees). Aurélie offered to take a picture, so I gave her my camera (and she took a video as well)! I got to dance one dance on my stilts (the easiest one) and I didn’t fall over!! Success!

here's the video in better quality on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndTaXQaSPAY&feature=youtu.be

Tonight was a long practice because the guys were there again. We danced all sorts of dances until 11pm. And, at the end, I asked if I could borrow a pair of stilts for the Christmas vacation. They said yes! And now I have a pair of stilts in my room, just waiting for me to strap them on and most likely have a spectacular fall……

Today I received 2 MORE books from Maria! “The Hunger Games” (a trilogy)—which I am super excited to read! YAY!!! :)

Thursday 12/8: Sun, Books, and An Observation

Today I woke up to SUN! Hurray! I had one class at the school near me (I taught them Christmas words and ended up drawing some spectacular pictures on the board…and we sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”) and then I headed to the other school. Since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to walk there again. It ended up being really warm, with the sun pouring down, and I was sweating with just a t-shirt! It definitely didn’t feel like December…

Photo: My walk to the other school

My first class went okay (we talked about Christmas/sang “We Wish You…”/colored a bit) and then my older class arrived. I told them about my connection with a teacher in the US and how they will be having American penpals in January. They seemed pretty excited about it! About 5 minutes into the class, Paule (the lady from Dax, from the Assistant program) showed up. I had been told that she would be coming NEXT week to observe me teaching, but apparently it was THIS week! Eep. I was totally surprised, but had to just keep going! Unfortunately I was trying to teach them the difference between “one” and “first”, “two” and “second”, etc. by using “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Yeah…it went okay, but wasn’t spectacular. After it was over, she told me that I need to speak a LOT more English because they should be trying to figure out what I say. She said that I’m the one who’s exhausted at the end and it should be the students! (I agree!) Paule also gave me some material (songs/worksheets/lesson plans) to use in my future classes and I will just leave it at the school when I depart. Also, she talked to the director of the school and after winter break I will have 40-minute classes instead of 30-minute classes…which will definitely help!

Afterwards, I walked home and had tea with Catherine. She dropped me at the post office on her way to work, so I could mail a Christmas package. I walked home just as the sun was setting—it was lovely! So nice to not have rain!

I started dinner tonight (Catherine was working late) and afterwards I started reading a book that I received today in the mail!!!! Yep, Maria ordered me “Sorcery & Cecelia” (in English!) online and I got it today! Terribly exciting! :)

Wednesday 12/7: Nothing much…

Today was just a lazy day at home. It was raining and very windy all day…the kind of weather that makes you want to stay inside! I hung out with Margot for a bit (we played cards), I worked on lesson planning (including finding secular Christmas carols to play for my students), I made lunch (just raviolis), I sewed while listening to Democracy Now! broadcasting live from the Climate Change Conference in South Africa, I watched “Dr. Quinn” with Margot, and started dinner for Catherine (who got home late from work).

Nothing particularly exciting…