Mabuhay! In case you were wondering, it's really hot in the Philippines, but guess what? That doesn't mean adventures don't happen, and today they did. I'd like to think it's an auspicious way to start the day when you get to ride a motorcycle "trike" across town, you go to church and find you've stumbled upon a Filipino wedding. The rest of today included visits to churches, stops at Rattan furniture shops, a drive-by tour of an agricultural college, a mall (for the air conditioning of course), halo-halo (only the most famous, and delicious Filipino dessert!), but by far the best part of the day was our impromptu visit to Mt. Isarog and a hike down to Malabsay Falls. It was the perfect escape from hustle and bustle. It was worth every step as we descended down on the falls and were cooled by the splash of the falls as it hit the water below. Pretty magical! I continue to be moved by the lush countryside of the Philippines. Each day has presented a new majesty and beauty, new friends and the opportunity to begin to understand more about this country and its people. Perhaps not rich in money, they are rich in culture, kindness, respect, hard work and beauty. p.s. I recently learned that Filippinos consider this to be the selfie captial of the world, so in true spirit, embracing their culture, I am trying my hand at selfies. Clearly I have some learning to do :) |
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Tomorrow my adventures officially begin, and in all honesty it's a little scary and simultaneously exhilarating. I have traveled before, but never to this region of the world, and never quite like this. I would be lying if I said I weren't nervous and unsure, because I am. Any time we step outside of our comfort zones and we put ourselves in an unfamiliar place we are bound to be scared. I say this because it doesn't take going half way around the world to understand this common experience. For some stepping outside of our comfort zone is driving through a different neighborhood, or perhaps going to a new school. For others it means visiting a different part of their state, or maybe it literally takes leaving the country. Regardless, experiencing discomfort is something many of us can relate to. I have also learned that it is often in our greatest moments of discomfort that we have the most profound experiences that truly change how we see the world. I look forward to sharing those experiences and sharing how I see the world...literally. I can't wait to share pictures, people and stories!
P.s. I have been thinking about summer reading, and I think a great challenge for my students who are reading this is to read a story or two that are taught in the Philippines. Have any of you ever read any Filipino literature because you should! One of my goals is to find some fun stories to share with you all that reflect the Filipino culture and educational experience...stay tuned! Tonight marks the last Sunday night of the school year. As the last week of school approaches I am eagerly awaiting my departure to the Philippines in a mere 12 days. I have been communicating with my host teacher Marisol, as we are planning and discussing the many parts of my visit. That said, a colleague and I will be presenting on education in the United States and in our communities. So here is where I would love to hear from you...the illustrious readers of my blog. What would you like me to share with my hosts? What about Benson High School? Portland? Oregon? Education in the United States? I would love to incorporate the words, thoughts, insights and voices of others, so please feel free to post and share!
I'm excited to announce I will be headed to Iriga City, Philippines for my field experience. I just got the email and haven't yet begun to do much research, but regardless I'm super excited!
Check it out: http://iriga.gov.ph/ “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― Augustine of Hippo
I love adventures, trips and the chance to explore new places and meet new people. This is perhaps why books and stories are so important to me, because when you can't physically go someplace, you can be transported to places beyond imagination through the power of words and pictures. As a part of the Teachers for Global Classrooms program through the U.S. Department of State I have been given the unique opportunity to travel to the Philippines in the summer of 2015. For the three weeks I am there I will get the chance to explore the country, immerse in Filipino culture, and learn about their education system. I look forward to sharing my travels and my learning. This is a new platform for me, because blogs, well, they really aren't my thing. I read them occasionally, but I certainly never thought I would write one. However, I figured it is only fair for me to face my discomfort (and fears about blogging) and I should give it a shot. Since I often ask my students to step outside their comfort zones and take chances, it is fitting that I do the same. So here goes. It is my hope that through my posts, pictures and videos my students and colleagues back home in Portland, Oregon can join me on my adventures. In my efforts to be a globally competent teacher and to help my students become globally competent citizens I look forward to utilizing technology to bring my students a firsthand experience and exposure to a foreign culture, offering a fresh perspective on learning and education. I gladly welcome all comments, questions, feedback, ideas, suggestions or resources you wish to share. Cheers to adventures! |
About Ms. Benglish teacher. lover of letters, books and cool old things. sports junkie. coffee drinker. adventurer. wannabe author. sometimes runner. doting aunt. amateur gardner. snowboarder. foodie. ArchivesCategoriesNOTE: This TGC Capstone Project is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the grantee's own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State.
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