Starting to think about the end of this inspiring and enriching 8 week experience.  Over the next week I am hosting a two class Math Olympics.  What a great “formative assessment!”  90 minutes of class vs. class and student vs. student math frenzies and lollipop prizes.  The students are also bringing in their “science projects” capping out several weeks of study of Mixtures and Solutions.  Three minutes each to present their crazy experiments.  Should be a fun three hours.

As much as we will miss the balmy equatorial climate we are looking forward to getting out the snow shovels and having fun at sea-level in the New England winter.

Of course, having a family Christmas on a Pacific beach is not to be sneezed at either.

Two weeks ago, I had my class design and illustrate postcards for my students in Mansfield.  They loved sharing their national pride and details about life in Quito.  Today we received letters back from the Mansfield students.  I can’t wait to show the class tomorrow.

Connor’s Letter to Juan

A couple of observations after being in country for almost three weeks.

Drinking Water:  None of the family members has fallen ill.  We have been careful about drinking boiled or bottled water.  However, in many restaurants and private homes, and most importantly, on campus, the water is filtered and safe to drink.  While at school, I am drinking water out of a water fountain and I am eating salads that have been washed in the kitchen using filtered water.

Used Toilet Paper:  I have been to many countries and have not previously encountered the custom of putting used toilet paper in a trash can next to the sink.  This custom stems from a time when toilet paper did not dissolve but it has endured.  This is one element of my ZPD that is being ignored.  Keep on flushing!

Weekend Trips:  Make sure you visit the world renowned natural area of Mindo and the historic street markets of Atavalo.  Both are a two to three hour cab ride north of Cumbaya ($65 each way in a private mini-van).

This morning’s sunrise illuminating the Andes south of Cumbaya and reflecting off the snow caps.  Taken from the apartment roof patio:

Today was Family Day at the school, so we had a chance to spend the day meeting staff, students and parents.  The festivities were endless with multiple soccer games, a parade and many vendors selling food and beverages.

Kelly and I toured the school and found our classrooms.  I was also able to meet my class in their room and be introduced.  First names.  So now I really am Mr. Chips.  They are a lively bunch, but I am told that is just for today, and that on Monday its back to business.

My class wears the red outfits.

Following are a few photos from the Family Day.

Smooth transition to Quito – on time flight, met by Guido and Cristina and then fully ensconced in our amazing apartment by 1:30 AM.  This morning we walked a quarter mile to the Supermaxi supermarket and stocked up.  No problems with altitude.  Looking forward to Family Day at the Colegio Menor (pronounced colikio) tomorrow, meeting students, parents and faculty.

My 11 year old has his breakfast waffles and pancakes and hot dogs for lunch so he is all set.  Ruth and I have found the adult beverages and it appears we will be experimenting with unknown labels.  Sounds like fun, especially as a cheap bottle of gin goes for $60.

Weather today is typical – bright bright sun for most of the day with dark clouds and thunder descending from the snow capped Andes around mid afternoon.  See photo taken from apartment balcony.