mexico tries to enter the 21st century

The priest went a little long today at our teacher workshop, 4 hours long to be exact. We had a short break of about 10 minutes. I was not comprehending well today and probably not trying hard to understand so it was a very long, long, long, morning. American teachers would never stand for having to sit and listen for that period of time. These Mexican teachers took it all in stride. At one point, after about an hour into the lecture, we stopped to sing a few religious songs and of course there were the prayers to break up the monotony. My boss, Rosie, interrupted to ask the priest if he would bless our attempt to use more modern educational techniques this school year. The Mexican government is promoting change to try and bring Mexican education into the 21st century. She said it has been her experience that if someone with higher authority does not give the ok for change it traditionally does not happen in this culture. The priest seemed to balk at her request. I think he responded with saying that it is not Mexico's goal to be more like the US. Rosie is an American and it shows in her direct approach to things. I feel she is looking to me to implement some of my American teaching techniques. I don't think I will bother to ask the priest for his blessing, however. I included a photo of a view of inside the courtyard area at Libertad. I tried to find a pleasant area because much of it is not real pleasant.

Harry and I finally have a "two butt" kitchen, meaning we can both be in the kitchen cooking at the same time. It is our dream come true and I have included a picture. We are tempermentally unsuited to bumping into each other when trying to cook, being astrological fixed signs and all.