I finished my last class of my longest day of the week about an hour ago, and right now I´m taking advantage of this opportunity to update the blog.
We are currently getting some pretty strong storms: thunder, lightning, lots and lots of rain...Although I haven´t looked at the weather and people aren´t really talking about it, I am guessing it is still Tropical Storm Alex passing over the Yucatán Peninsula. We have been getting a fair amount of rain off and on throughout the weekend, but nothing crazy. It´s been very warm and muggy here - just life in the tropics! I am definitely concerned, though, about what the storm will do when it hits the Gulf of Mexico and disrupts the oil spill, and I´m sure many others in the region are fearful that the effects will be devastating.
In other important Mexican news, the Mexican soccer team is officially out of the World Cup. They lost pretty badly (3-1) to Argentina yesterday. I watched the game (or most of it) and people were pretty subdued all day.
We´re keeping very busy in the English Department. This week we will be having oral presentations with all our classes and we´re working through the last unit of our course packet. It´s hard to believe there are only 3 more weeks left of classes this cuatri and July is around the corner!
Well, I should get back to work. I´ve got lots of Language Journals to give feedback on. More to come soon!
lunes, 28 de junio de 2010
jueves, 24 de junio de 2010
Waving Flag
In the excitement of the World Cup (which may be ending sooner rather than later for Mexico, since they will be fighting an uphill battle against Argentina), Betsy and I have tried to channel the existing energy into our classes. We found one of the theme songs of the World Cup, called "Waving Flag" by an artist named K´naan, and we got the lyrics for it. It is a super-uplifting and catchy song and we have sung it with all our classes now. It has been really cool to hear the students walking around the classroom building singing it on their own!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
lunes, 21 de junio de 2010
Summer Solstice
Today, on the summer solstice, there was a very special ceremony taking place on the UNO grounds. At the end of the school´s interpretive nature trail, there is an open clearing that only recently has been recognized as a space where sacred ceremonies were conducted long ago. After they cleared the brush away, they realized that this spot had already been used for sacred purposes. They even found the foundation of some very old stone structures, although not much at all is known yet about the findings.
Today, the professors of Mayan Linguistics at UNO, other archaeologists, and shamans from the Maya community held a ceremony for the New Fire, to plant "seeds" and usher in a new time of discovery and understanding. As teachers, we were able to be present for this special ceremony, and participate as well. We also had our students attend, and we gave them an assignment to write a report of what they saw, heard, felt, etc. during the experience.
While I did not understand what was said, and much of what was done was also foreign to me, I can say that there was much respect, focus, and intention within the circle of participants. The h´mem [Maya for shaman] who conducted the ceremony spoke in Maya and seemed to be addressing the heavens, the earth, the ancestors, etc. for their blessing of the space. To start, there was a hole dug in the earth, with rocks placed around it. The h´mem said some prayer, and each person in the circle was given a pumpkin seed which we all placed in the hole. Then he placed a big rock over the top of the hole and covered it all over with gravel. Next, he built a fire, very deliberately, step-by-step, all the while, speaking in Maya. He said a lot of things facing each of the cardinal directions, and he drew lines in the rocks around the fire. He was assisted by several other men, one of whom kept the incense burning in the copalero. Another man´s job was to blow on the conch shell at the appropriate times. Another man was helping with the special corn drink they made, which was splashed on people and on the fire.
At the end, he explained to us that this space is now sacred, and everyone must respect and be cautious with the space. In fact, women cannot cross the line of rocks that encircle the main fire area. And anyone who walks in the clearing should take off their shoes to be gentle with the earth. Couples cannot kiss in the sacred space. Then we were all given a small cup of a special drink made of honey and water, and gourds were passed around with the special Maya drink made of corn. Then we all said a Maya version of "Cheers" and we drank together. I couldn´t write the word that we said, but I can tell you that it means "You are my brother and I am your brother, and we are the same." Or something along those lines.
It was a great thing to be able to be a part of this ceremony, and I am looking forward to reading my students´ accounts of what occured, because many of them could understand what was being said in Maya.
This picture is something I just discovered online. It says a lot, though, about Mayan culture and history...
Today, the professors of Mayan Linguistics at UNO, other archaeologists, and shamans from the Maya community held a ceremony for the New Fire, to plant "seeds" and usher in a new time of discovery and understanding. As teachers, we were able to be present for this special ceremony, and participate as well. We also had our students attend, and we gave them an assignment to write a report of what they saw, heard, felt, etc. during the experience.
While I did not understand what was said, and much of what was done was also foreign to me, I can say that there was much respect, focus, and intention within the circle of participants. The h´mem [Maya for shaman] who conducted the ceremony spoke in Maya and seemed to be addressing the heavens, the earth, the ancestors, etc. for their blessing of the space. To start, there was a hole dug in the earth, with rocks placed around it. The h´mem said some prayer, and each person in the circle was given a pumpkin seed which we all placed in the hole. Then he placed a big rock over the top of the hole and covered it all over with gravel. Next, he built a fire, very deliberately, step-by-step, all the while, speaking in Maya. He said a lot of things facing each of the cardinal directions, and he drew lines in the rocks around the fire. He was assisted by several other men, one of whom kept the incense burning in the copalero. Another man´s job was to blow on the conch shell at the appropriate times. Another man was helping with the special corn drink they made, which was splashed on people and on the fire.
At the end, he explained to us that this space is now sacred, and everyone must respect and be cautious with the space. In fact, women cannot cross the line of rocks that encircle the main fire area. And anyone who walks in the clearing should take off their shoes to be gentle with the earth. Couples cannot kiss in the sacred space. Then we were all given a small cup of a special drink made of honey and water, and gourds were passed around with the special Maya drink made of corn. Then we all said a Maya version of "Cheers" and we drank together. I couldn´t write the word that we said, but I can tell you that it means "You are my brother and I am your brother, and we are the same." Or something along those lines.
It was a great thing to be able to be a part of this ceremony, and I am looking forward to reading my students´ accounts of what occured, because many of them could understand what was being said in Maya.
This picture is something I just discovered online. It says a lot, though, about Mayan culture and history...
miércoles, 16 de junio de 2010
Holbox!
Last weekend I went on a trip to Isla Holbox (EE-sla HOLE-boshe), a tiny and remote island on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico meets up with the Caribbean Sea. For no reason that is obvious to me, the university offered to organize and pay for transportation to and from the island, and anyone who wanted to go could do so, provided they pay for their room and board. This was a great opportunity for me to see Holbox because, taking regular transportation, you'd have to catch a 3 AM bus from Valladolid to Chiquila, where you then take the ferry to Holbox. Taking a charter bus with a bunch of my Mexican colleagues made the trip a lot easier - not to mention more fun!
We left at 7 AM and got to Chiquila by about 10:00 AM. Then the ferry ride lasted about half an hour. Arriving on Holbox, my first impression was of the sandy streets and golf cart taxis.
The island is known for its fresh seafood, green-blue tranquil waters, and super relaxed vibe.
Later in the day on Saturday, I was able to go on a boat excursion with my UNO colleagues. We were able to stop on a couple of very tiny islands where we saw lots of sea-birds (pelicans, egrets, and flamingos, among others).
We also went to see the ojo de agua, which is a fresh water swimming hole right alongside the marshy wetland seacoast. The water was chilly but refreshing!
The other very cool thing about Holbox is that, unlike the east-facing Riviera Maya, you can see the sunset.
While I still prefer the crystal-clear, turquoise waters and slightly bigger surf of the Riviera Maya, it was so nice to visit a new place. I had a lovely island weekend, and my American coworker, Betsy, and I really enjoyed the intimate glimpse we got into Mexican culture as a result of the time we spent with everyone on the bus and during our boat trip.
We left at 7 AM and got to Chiquila by about 10:00 AM. Then the ferry ride lasted about half an hour. Arriving on Holbox, my first impression was of the sandy streets and golf cart taxis.
The island is known for its fresh seafood, green-blue tranquil waters, and super relaxed vibe.
Later in the day on Saturday, I was able to go on a boat excursion with my UNO colleagues. We were able to stop on a couple of very tiny islands where we saw lots of sea-birds (pelicans, egrets, and flamingos, among others).
We also went to see the ojo de agua, which is a fresh water swimming hole right alongside the marshy wetland seacoast. The water was chilly but refreshing!
The other very cool thing about Holbox is that, unlike the east-facing Riviera Maya, you can see the sunset.
While I still prefer the crystal-clear, turquoise waters and slightly bigger surf of the Riviera Maya, it was so nice to visit a new place. I had a lovely island weekend, and my American coworker, Betsy, and I really enjoyed the intimate glimpse we got into Mexican culture as a result of the time we spent with everyone on the bus and during our boat trip.
jueves, 10 de junio de 2010
otra leyenda maya
I want to preserve as many of the amazing stories as possible! Here is another one, authentic errors included.
"Nicté-Há"
In the Mayab jungle had a realm wonderful. The prince of this realm his name is Chacdziedzib and was in love of Nicté-Há. He wanted and venerated for his town because been brave warrior.
Before dawn, the prince searched his girlfriend in the sacred cenote when first light of dawn breaked the sky with its rays.
His father sended a the best warrior for kill Nicté-Há. The prince ran to avoid Nicté-Há and arrived at the sacred cenote when she was, but arrow shot direct for Nicté-Há, she falled on one´s back at sacred cenote. Their love prohibited, she turned in flower (Nicté-Há) and he turned in cardinal bird.
One of the more common stories that I have heard has been the story of "The X-Tabay," a spirit who comes up from the the ceiba tree and seduces drunk men at night. Then she kills them and they are never heard from again. Also, there is the story of the "Way-Chivo," a dangerous wolf-creature, as well as the traditional stories about the aluxes, enanos, and duendes (little people) of the region.
It has been fascinating and very rewarding to work with the students on this topic. I am learning so much about their culture through their English writing!
Well, I am still buried under a pile of Observation Reports and Mid-Term Exams that I have to grade, and I´ve got class in an hour, so I´d better get back to work!
"Nicté-Há"
In the Mayab jungle had a realm wonderful. The prince of this realm his name is Chacdziedzib and was in love of Nicté-Há. He wanted and venerated for his town because been brave warrior.
Before dawn, the prince searched his girlfriend in the sacred cenote when first light of dawn breaked the sky with its rays.
His father sended a the best warrior for kill Nicté-Há. The prince ran to avoid Nicté-Há and arrived at the sacred cenote when she was, but arrow shot direct for Nicté-Há, she falled on one´s back at sacred cenote. Their love prohibited, she turned in flower (Nicté-Há) and he turned in cardinal bird.
One of the more common stories that I have heard has been the story of "The X-Tabay," a spirit who comes up from the the ceiba tree and seduces drunk men at night. Then she kills them and they are never heard from again. Also, there is the story of the "Way-Chivo," a dangerous wolf-creature, as well as the traditional stories about the aluxes, enanos, and duendes (little people) of the region.
It has been fascinating and very rewarding to work with the students on this topic. I am learning so much about their culture through their English writing!
Well, I am still buried under a pile of Observation Reports and Mid-Term Exams that I have to grade, and I´ve got class in an hour, so I´d better get back to work!
miércoles, 9 de junio de 2010
historias y leyendas
The following stories are told in the words of my students. I have chosen to preserve the authenticity of their learning by leaving their original errors in the text. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
"The Sad of the Maya"
One day the animal approached a Maya and said to him:
"We don´t want to see you sad, ask us what you want and you will have it." The Maya said that he would want to be happy. The owl answered, "The one who does know what is the happiness? Ask us for more human things." And the man added that he would want good sight. The zopilote [see bird below] said to him, "I will give you the mine."
Next the man said, "I want to be strong" and the jaguar said to him: "You will be strong as me." The man said, "I want to walk without getting tired." The deer said to him, "I will give you my legs." The man said, "I want to guess the arrival of the rains." And the nightingale said to him, I will warn you with my singing." The man said again, "I want to be crafty." And the fox said to him, "I will teach you to be." The man said, "I want to climb the trees." And the squirrel said to him,"I will give you my nails." The man said, "I want to know the medicinal plants." The serpent said to him, "Ah, this is my thing, because I know all the plants! I will mark them for you in the field." And on having heard the above mentioned, the Maya moved away. Then the owl said to the animals, "The man now knows more things and can do more things, but always he will be sad." And the chachalaca [a bird native to Yucatán, see image below] began to sing...
"Los Aluxes"
When I was a child my grandfather used to tell me stories about the aluxes. I loved when my grandfather told me this story. My grandfather told me that the aluxes are little people similar to all the people. The aluxes are smaller than the normal people.
[insert precious pencil drawing here, depicting a man labeled "normal people" that is 1.60 meters tall, and a smaller, spiky-haired being that is .80 meters tall, labeled "aluxes"]
My grandfather told me that when he was a child saw an aluxes in the jungle. In these moment my grandfather was scary because he didn´t understand who was this little man, but now he loved to the aluxes because are part of the Mayan culture. My grandfather told me that the alux that he could see at the middle night live in cave in his ranch. The aluxes are good little people. Many people said that the aluxes are bad but this is a mistake because the aluxes care the crop.
[insert other precious pencil drawing here, of slightly sloping land with several levels and trees above. On the lower side of the hill, there is an underground cave drawn with tiny stalagtites and stalagmites inside. An arrow labeled "Alux´s cave" is pointing to it. On the middle, flat section of the land, there are plants drawn with an arrow pointing to them, saying "grandfather´s crop"]
"The Sad of the Maya"
One day the animal approached a Maya and said to him:
"We don´t want to see you sad, ask us what you want and you will have it." The Maya said that he would want to be happy. The owl answered, "The one who does know what is the happiness? Ask us for more human things." And the man added that he would want good sight. The zopilote [see bird below] said to him, "I will give you the mine."
Next the man said, "I want to be strong" and the jaguar said to him: "You will be strong as me." The man said, "I want to walk without getting tired." The deer said to him, "I will give you my legs." The man said, "I want to guess the arrival of the rains." And the nightingale said to him, I will warn you with my singing." The man said again, "I want to be crafty." And the fox said to him, "I will teach you to be." The man said, "I want to climb the trees." And the squirrel said to him,"I will give you my nails." The man said, "I want to know the medicinal plants." The serpent said to him, "Ah, this is my thing, because I know all the plants! I will mark them for you in the field." And on having heard the above mentioned, the Maya moved away. Then the owl said to the animals, "The man now knows more things and can do more things, but always he will be sad." And the chachalaca [a bird native to Yucatán, see image below] began to sing...
"Los Aluxes"
When I was a child my grandfather used to tell me stories about the aluxes. I loved when my grandfather told me this story. My grandfather told me that the aluxes are little people similar to all the people. The aluxes are smaller than the normal people.
[insert precious pencil drawing here, depicting a man labeled "normal people" that is 1.60 meters tall, and a smaller, spiky-haired being that is .80 meters tall, labeled "aluxes"]
My grandfather told me that when he was a child saw an aluxes in the jungle. In these moment my grandfather was scary because he didn´t understand who was this little man, but now he loved to the aluxes because are part of the Mayan culture. My grandfather told me that the alux that he could see at the middle night live in cave in his ranch. The aluxes are good little people. Many people said that the aluxes are bad but this is a mistake because the aluxes care the crop.
[insert other precious pencil drawing here, of slightly sloping land with several levels and trees above. On the lower side of the hill, there is an underground cave drawn with tiny stalagtites and stalagmites inside. An arrow labeled "Alux´s cave" is pointing to it. On the middle, flat section of the land, there are plants drawn with an arrow pointing to them, saying "grandfather´s crop"]
viernes, 4 de junio de 2010
la chispa - "the spark"
Things are very exciting here in Valladolid these days, culturally speaking. On this day in 1910, Valladolid was the site of the "First Spark of the Mexican Revolution." This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, and of la primera chispa, so it´s a big deal. Last night there were fireworks and the Governor spoke from the top floor of the Palacio Municipal. Everyone was out and about and there was lots of activity in the park downtown: vendors selling marquesitas, elotes, paletas...(aka crispy rolled-up crepes with grated cheese or nutella inside, boiled corn, & popsicles)
This morning I took Greer to Cenote Zací and to the market, showing her around the town a bit. Then we came upon a long parade, consisting mostly of the students from all the schools in Valladolid. They were dressed in costumes of the famed revolutionaries, in Yucatecan huipiles, and even in evening gowns and suits. It is a great time for her to be visiting!
It´s Friday, and I am so glad the week is almost over. I have worked super hard and I´m really looking forward to a couple days at the beach. Tonight we´re going to get dinner at Casa Italia and then tomorrow it´s off to Tulum!
Well, I´ve got some quizzes to grade and I´d better get to it. ¡SALUDOS!
This morning I took Greer to Cenote Zací and to the market, showing her around the town a bit. Then we came upon a long parade, consisting mostly of the students from all the schools in Valladolid. They were dressed in costumes of the famed revolutionaries, in Yucatecan huipiles, and even in evening gowns and suits. It is a great time for her to be visiting!
It´s Friday, and I am so glad the week is almost over. I have worked super hard and I´m really looking forward to a couple days at the beach. Tonight we´re going to get dinner at Casa Italia and then tomorrow it´s off to Tulum!
Well, I´ve got some quizzes to grade and I´d better get to it. ¡SALUDOS!
miércoles, 2 de junio de 2010
spent.
Completely and totally spent. It is exhausting being in charge of not only my students, but also the students of my co-teacher who is away on vacation! In the past I have never tried to take on someone else´s classes for this long a period of time, but because Betsy and I have been trying to accomplish so much, it seemed like the thing to do. I am tired though. Not only do I have about 40 kids in each class instead of 20, I have also been spending inordinate amounts of my office hours and free time writing detailed feedback on the rough drafts of my students´ "Kitchen" or "Tourist" Observation reports. Two pages of generally painful-to-read, beginner English times 54 students equals a lot of red ink and blurred vision by the end of the day.
All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl.
To all of you who got that allusion to "The Shining," I´m just kidding... But I´m very seriously excited about getting out of work in about 30 minutes. I´ll be heading back into town to meet up with my friend, Greer, at the bus terminal. She should be rolling into town at about 9:30 pm if all goes well. I am looking forward to getting a nice dinner and then getting some rest tonight.
I imagine tomorrow we´ll go out to breakfast and I´ll show her around Valladolid until I have to go to work.
The good thing is, I am now done with the Observation report drafts. Next up: grading quizzes and Language Journals. At least I only have one hour of actual teaching tomorrow, and on Thursday I´ll be showing the movie, "Super-Size Me" for all of my groups. So maybe the worst is over this week!
Greer and I will be heading to Tulum for the weekend so I am very excited to relax on the beach and catch up with my friend! Maybe I won´t come back next week...Betsy won´t mind - it´s only exam week! ; )
All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl. All work and no play makes Sylvia a very tired girl.
To all of you who got that allusion to "The Shining," I´m just kidding... But I´m very seriously excited about getting out of work in about 30 minutes. I´ll be heading back into town to meet up with my friend, Greer, at the bus terminal. She should be rolling into town at about 9:30 pm if all goes well. I am looking forward to getting a nice dinner and then getting some rest tonight.
I imagine tomorrow we´ll go out to breakfast and I´ll show her around Valladolid until I have to go to work.
The good thing is, I am now done with the Observation report drafts. Next up: grading quizzes and Language Journals. At least I only have one hour of actual teaching tomorrow, and on Thursday I´ll be showing the movie, "Super-Size Me" for all of my groups. So maybe the worst is over this week!
Greer and I will be heading to Tulum for the weekend so I am very excited to relax on the beach and catch up with my friend! Maybe I won´t come back next week...Betsy won´t mind - it´s only exam week! ; )
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