Love Goes Splat

A few small tidbits of late.

Tidbit 1 - Danger in the Park

One of my students was “attacked” on the way to school yesterday. Details are hazy, but it seems an old man snuck up behind her in the park, hugged her, and ran away. The police came to school and questioned the girl, who giggled frequently as she told them what happened. Still, the teachers made multiple announcements throughout the day warning the students about strangers, notes were sent home, and teachers were on patrol in the nearby park as they left. Strange.

Tidbit 2 - Meetings

I went to pay my monthly bill for lunch at town hall today. After paying, a man came up to me and said many things to me I didn’t understand at all. After nodding my head yes and no when it seemed appropriate, I finally understood 'please follow me,’ So I did. It turns out he was the mayor and, with the help of his English-speaking secretary, we ended up having a chat. He asked me questions about where I was from, what my family was like, what my father did. Trying to explain "investment banker" took a good 10 min of dictionary use and creative gesture.

It seems he had heard about my classes and asked if he could come observe sometime. In as much humble speech as I could muster, I told him I was 'terribly embarrassed, but I would be honored', at least thats what I hope I said. Assuming I didn't call him a name or something, it looks like I will be getting a classroom visit soon. I’m actually nervous about that, but a little excited as well, cause hey, it’s the mayor. I feel kinda important.

Tidbit 3 - Relationship Advice

Today one of my students confided in me that he likes a girl in another class but she doesn’t like him, so I told him about phrases along the lines of  'she is playing with my heart,' 'my heart aches,' and 'my heart is broken.'

When he pointed to an open window and said 'I want to dive...splash!'..I was concerned and told him NO!

...I said “dive and splash are for water...you want to JUMP out the window, and go SPLAT!” We practiced saying this a few times and even came up with some cool sound effects. Good times.