I haven't been posting so much lately, for two reasons: 1) my internet sucks, 2) I've found people to talk to (yes!) so at the end of the day I don't always feel the need to write. I've talked with them, so I've released most of the things I need to say. Which is great, … Continue reading Quilts Are Made of Patches
The rogue pack of screaming babies in my apartment building should NOT be allowed to cry after school hours. I see enough needless tears during the day. And I can deal with it if I'm getting paid to deal with it. Parents, if you want to pay me to listen to your child throw a tantrum … Continue reading Just…No.
Routines are boooooooring. Yesterday I decided that I'd go to the Red Security Museum, Amna Suraka. I found another teacher who wanted to go with me (!!) and so today after class ended we headed out to visit it. But we ran into two other school employees who have a car, told them where we … Continue reading Amna Suraka, Pt. 1
My travels this weekend began to let me start over. I've been clinging to certain travel expectations, which do not serve me well in this culture. I'm starting to erase those expectations from my brain, instead adopting a new way to travel. Expectation: to travel with other English-speakers at the school. Reality: I have to travel … Continue reading Halabja
I found a moment when the internet's on! I have to be an opportunist, and pretty persistant, to find a time when the internet in my flat actually works. Also, the water was out all of yesterday in my apartment block. But, it's finally Thursday. This week has gone pretty fast, and it's been rather … Continue reading So. This is a Different Culture.
Hi all, My apartment's internet has been out for a few days (it goes on and off, just like our electricity. It's usually on within a few hours, though.), which is the reason for the dearth of posts. I'm doing well, thinking a lot about...things. I'll update soon. Cheers, Rachel
IT'S SO COOL. Watching scribbles turn into symbols is one of the best, giddiest, most empowering experiences. First, it all looks like swish-curlycue-swish-dot-dot-swish-swish. Then you learn one letter and you suddenly see it everywhere. And then you learn more, and you realize that they link up just like cursive, and some of the letters look … Continue reading I’m Learning How to Read (again)
I love to celebrate. I'm mad for birthdays, holidays, the ends and beginnings of things. But it doesn't have to be a big occasion. I love celebrating the little things, like the end of the work week. Which here is on THURSDAY. All the staff at the school have been frustrated and put through the … Continue reading Little Celebrations
The perfect British remedy for a day of teaching Kurdish children. I really don't know why anyone would feel the need for liquor after a hard day's work. Hobnobs and English breakfast tea is just so damn comforting. Add a bootleg copy of X-Men and you've got yourself a party.
This job is NOT getting ANY easier. Some days just...decide to be better than others. But sure enough, my class's true colors come out eventually and then it's mayhem. My supervisors keep giving me vague advice about 10 minute lessons, enthusiasm, keeping calm, hang in there, plan your lessons thoroughly, plan, plan, plan. But what … Continue reading False Alarm
In Mutual Weirdness 