What a good week. I had a lot of fun. My change in attitude has been the cause for most of it I think because the schools haven’t really changed. However, after a week at my Junior High, talking to more students and teachers, I went to the kindergarten on Friday. It was my second of two visits to that particular school and I was surprised to see that the kids remembered me so well. I guess I shouldn’t be really. Last time I was there I taught them colours and so when they got off the bus and saw me they all came running up shouting greetings and the colours of nearby objects and clothes. It was very funny. That morning went very quick, much quicker than my first visit. We did the usual playing and then I did a lesson on body parts late on. I had them lie on a sheet of paper and they drew around their friends, then we drew on the different body parts in more detail. Now they have giant posters of variously misshapen figures all along the walls of their hall but it was very good. At the end, they gave me lots of gifts, it was very sweet. They had a Christmas card for me with photos of the class inside; one girl gave me a friendship bracelet; another girl gave me a scarf that, bless her, looks more like a tassel to hold a curtain to a wall and she loved asking me to crouch down so she could wrap it around my neck.

Near the end of the morning the students asked me to sign my name for them and I ended up giving a little strip of paper with my name on it to everyone. Two of the students kindly gave me their names too. The last great thing was as the students were preparing to leave. The teacher asked me if I wanted to ride on the bus. Naturally, I did and so I got to enjoy a trip round the local neighbourhood dropping of the tykes with their families.

All in all a good day, but it took a lot of energy and I was very tired. (Un)fortunately, it was also pay day so that meant, when I got home I had to rush around paying people who needed paying and buying things that needed buying. The short of which is I now have all my winter gear, I have a mighty kerosene heater that works wonders and I get to sleep in a warm bed at night thanks to an electric blanket. Honestly, it was bliss last night, lying down in that warmth!

I was supposed to be going out for drinks last night too, but things got cancelled. I may have caused some problems by giving my friends the option of going out tonight instead of last night because suddenly all communication was cut and plans were cancelled. My translator friend still came round to visit though. I cooked for her and we chatted over tea. It was nice. I was tired anyway, but I had looked forward to a night out. Tonight’s drinking is a more casual affair at someone’s house, but it should still be fun.