As we finally settle down from the whirlwind of week one it is nice to fall into a routine of sorts. After an exciting/challenging week in the classrooms we have finally started to put our lessons plans to test. We have had quite a few serious brainstorming and debriefing sessions. Our target? A new perspective on teaching geared toward facilitating/generating genuine relationships with the students so that they can reach their highest creative potential. A recent note from a student expressing her gratitude and excitement about class makes me believe we are headed in the right direction.
As far as the day to day is concerned, it looks like we will be working in Fatima on Monday/Wednesdays, Etoile de Mer Tuesdays/Thursdays, and Amour Sans Frontières on Fridays. Of course, there are already exceptions (take this week for example) when we will be joining Etoile de Mer on there Friday field trip to the botanical garden. I’m not sure who is more excited at this point, the kids or us!
Right alongside developing a solid school schedule and corresponding projects we have begun to absorb some of the wonders of the island we will call home for next 2 months. It all began with a little excursion into the blue, the deep blue that is. Snorkeling has become one of the latest hits with the fellows and we try not to let a day go by without some serious swimming action (it’s the best means of brainstorming after a long day in the classroom). Today, as I swam across the seaweed and into the coral, the Indian Ocean revealed its beauty in the form of fantastic fishes and awesome aquatic creatures. Finding Nemo immediately came to mind as I saw Dory whizz by (my names Dory here’s my story I live in the reef and I don’t eat beef) and I attempted to identify each fish according to movie character throughout my exploration.
We also experienced a bit of locale tradition and flavor in the form of a Hindu wedding that took place this past weekend. The family who lives next door was kind enough to invite us to the wedding, where we sat right alongside the wedding party and the groom’s father explained the significance of each part of the ceremony. Along with the valuable wedding insight we were fortunate enough to dine on some delicious traditional Indian food –with our hands of course! The people of Mauritius continue to extend their generosity and kindness to us fortunate fellows. Their warm welcome has been a wonderful way to begin our time here in Mauritius.