No Bank, No Problem. The Mustache Will Overcome

Recap:

Since we last spoke things have been a bit of a hustle.  I coached in my second VANAS tournament, where Frank and I lost our first game together as a coaching staff… and it came in the finals.  We lost to a team we beat twice in pool play.  Bummer for our girls, but we played a good tournament and I was pleased with their effort.  I do have a greater appreciation for coaches that coach high school girls.  They are definitely a challenging bunch.

On Saturday a group of friends had some of us over this weekend for a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast.  It was awesome, the food definitely made me feel like I was back in the States.  They did a great job of cooking, preparing, and hosting.  It gets tough around the holidays (or maybe just for some of us) and these types of get-to-together’s help keep the holidays more normal.  Thursday the foreign hires will get together again to celebrate Turkey Day and drown out some homesickness. 

On Sunday we caught word that the bank most of us here at CIC use was down.  Apparently there was a fire at the headquarters in Caracas and equipment that contains the ability to transfer money, withdraw money from ATMs, and be able to use your card at stores was lost.  At press time we can finally our cards at stores, but only our bank ATMs work.  And those ATMs are especially awesome because when you use them you have to switch your pin number (as if you didn’t have enough numbers and passwords going on).  I want you to imagine this: you have no cash, your card doesn’t work, and you basically have rice, tuna, a limited amount of water, and pasta at your house.  That was me Sunday.  If it wasn’t for a bunch of us getting together to have breakfast (arepas and pancakes- jackpot) I would have been a carb loading unit.  Luckily, I was gifted some eggs and ham to hold me over.

Monday when we got to school I had to stop in the office and was told by one of our secretaries that there was a shooting across the street from my house at the Farmatodo. Apparently, some people followed another person and when that person got to the store and walked in the pursued them.  After some protesting the victim was shot.  This happened in the middle of the day, like 11/12pm.  The secretary was there with her elementary-aged daughter.  Seriously crazy stuff.  Yesterday, Morris and I went there to pick up a few things and they had TWO guards manning the door.  Safe right? Hardly.  The “guards” around here don’t have weapons and the basically just write a symbol on your receipt as you walk out the door.  The police did set up a checkpoint near the store last night, but I doubt that much came of it. 

With elections looming, it’s bound to get more interesting sooner than later here.

Today we had the semifinals and finals of our teacher, parent, alumni soccer league.  My team (Frank, Jose, Morris, David, myself, and three others) ended up taking the title.  It was a great time and I'll miss playing once a week.  It was a great workout and reminded me how much I enjoyed playing the game.  

Food for Thought:

A friend recently asked me what the major difference between students here and my past students in the states.  At that time I answered as accurately as I could, but I don’t think I analyzed the question as deeply as I should have.  There are actually many differences.

These students are some of the most well-traveled people I have ever met.  Want tips on where to eat in Buenos Ares? They have them.  Curious to know what their favorite city is the world is?  They’ll compare Paris to London to NYC to Barcelona. They’ve been to all of them. However, their worldly scope is limited. 

The students here don’t go to the mall, the movies, or date like students in the states.  If they would go to the mall or the movies they would be susceptible to being robbed or kidnapped and held for ransom.  This does actually happen.  With very little investigation, I discovered that out of one small cohort of students several of them had been kidnapped at one point prior to their current standing at school.  Several more knew of a family member or friend that had been taken as well. 

Think about that.  You can’t go out in public because people know you have money and they will take you and hold you until they get it. 

Many of these students have drivers, maids, and other people that work for their family.  Their family structure is very different than those of most in the states.  Think back to your upbringing and the time you were granted on your own.  I remember going to friends’ houses, playing outside, and especially having my license as aspects of freedom, but they also provide a sense of individuality and development.  Think of all the fights, problems, and issues that come up when you play with a group of friends, need to pay for gas, want to go to Wendy’s, or any of the things that require you to work for money or opportunity.  These students don’t have those experiences. 

Not only are the limited by the number of friends, but also by the number of people to date.  They have a small pool of members of the opposite sex and the opportunities to hang out with them come only with school or time when they can meet in a safe place outside of school. Again, without having time outside of school or opportunities to interact they have a much different development.  Think back at your time in high school or college, and how few people you are drawn to in a romantic setting.  Now slice that number even smaller.  If you have interests or hobbies outside of the mainstream, you may be fairly lonely here. 

So to correctly answer your question, yes the kids here are very different in some ways.  (But in many they are just your typical high school kid slacking off and trying to find themselves.)

Random Musings

1) The weather around here has been tipping to what we in Iowa would almost call the end of summer.  Not quiet fall, but getting there.  The funny thing is after thinking this I checked the weather and realized that it was 90 something and felt like 100ish.  I'm in big trouble once I get home, my body is going to freak.  

2)  It's weird how nostalgic you can be with different things.  We all have songs or events that make us remember a person or a place, but I've noticed smells, temperature, and the wind reminding me of various things like cookouts and the weather after school but before the Friday night football game.  I think I'm ready to spend some time at home.

3) Shopping here is getting crazy.  I did some Christmas shopping and found myself surrounded by people and evading long lines.  Sounds normal right? Not so fast my friend.  With governmental "encouragement" many stores have 20-30% off of all of their goods.  Couple that with holiday bonuses coming out and people nervous about supply the stores are crazy.  The Adidas store in the mall had four items in it, FOUR.  

4) It's almost Thanksgiving and that is awesome.  I hope you spend it with people you care about and are thankful for.  Also, be sure to think of how well you have it.  I think there were many years where I was thankful for my family, the meal, and all my opportunities, but it won't be the same now.  After living here and seeing some of the hard aspects that many have to fight here, even if you have just enough for you and your family it's exactly that- enough.

5) To piggyback off that, take a page out of the Venezuela lifestyle and make the most out of the time you spend with those people.  Many here do not have much at all, but they will celebrate there life and their company.  All you young bucks going out on Blackout Wednesday, don't get too loose that you are couch ridden when your family is together.  It's not worth it. 

6) I think my level of patience is getting really good here.  Learning to focus on what you can control has been really hard for me, but I think it's starting come along.

7) Almost 4.5 months without a TV, video game console, or DVD/Blue ray player and I don't miss it.

8)  Been reading and applying aspects of the Four Hour Work Week at my job and really liking the results.  I have also really increased my reading pace.  If you are looking for a book to supplement your work skill set check it out.  I hate the stigma that a self help book carries, but this is cool. 

9) Stay tuned for a cool project I'm going to start in December.  I'll have a special section for it in the blog and I think (hope) you like it.  I'm excited.

10) I have my resume pretty much fined tuned, but if anyone has super resume powers let me know and I'll shoot it your way for criticism.  Christmas Break will be distribution time for cover letters and resumes for me.  Gotta bring my A game.

Further Reading:

Interested in what is up here financially?  This will help you better understand the troubles http://finance.yahoo.com/news/venezuela-chavez-economy-verge-130000150.html

Rule by decree.  What is it and what does it mean for Venezuela?  Well it’s easier if you just read this: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/19/3765462/venezuelas-maduro-wins-vote-to.html

Elections approach and there is sure to be some tension.  Here’s a little backstory: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/23/3773923/venezuelas-opposition-stages-nationwide.html

A grimmer outlook on things: http://caracaschronicles.com/

Movember

I grew a beard for nearly 1.5/2 months and recently cut a mustache.  It looks like this:

Viking

Tom Selleck

 It has been fun, but I think it may be time to cut it off.  Or should I leave it until December 1?  Any comments?

Well take care out there and safe travels during the Turkey Day commute.

Until next time,

KRS

Bazaar and Food

Howdy.

It's been a busy week down here in the land of sunshine and Bolivar.

Nothing too exciting but some unique activities.

Holiday Bazaar Social

This weekend we had the Holiday Bazaar.  It is a gathering at the school were local small vendors bring their goods and sell them to the students, faculty, and families of CIC.  It also has a lot of traditional Venezuelan foods for sale.  Much of the proceeds go to PROM, but there were also several charity drives and activities held by the study body.  Naturally this old boy had to work and supervise the junior class, who surprisingly did a great job selling sodas.

More crafts and bags.

I know what you are thinking, where are the dudes? They are sitting and eating while their wives spend the money.

Another view of the stuff.

They has skull and crossbones tights... for girls. 

One of the big sellers was a traditional Venezuelan holiday dish.  Marinated pork, potatoes and carrots, pan de jamon, salad and beverages.  It was pretty awesome. I love pan de jamon.  You would too, just look at it...

It is about 97% awesome and 3% weird. 

Outside of the food and vendors, there were games and activities even a dunk thank that several of my friends "got" to partake in. They were good sports about it.  The day was a success and much money was raised for all the charities and Prom.  

The whole meal for 150 BsF.

MUN (Model United Nations)

Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda. (wikipedia) 

This past week we also had a bunch of students out for MUN.  It was a multiple day activity in Caracas where the students get to role play as delegates representing a country and approaching different issues.  I had never heard of it before this past week, but it is a really cool organization and the students seem to really enjoy it.  

Secondary Music Concert

Tonight was the secondary music concert where the middle and high school choirs and musicians got to showcase their talents.  The students were very focused and did a nice job.  As the school is a smaller than CHS, the number of students and families in attendance surprised me.  But all things considered the number of students involved were very good when compared to our total number of students.  Mr. Moy did a nice job combining a variety of styles and pieces into the program with the main showcase being the ensemble playing a variety of jazz pieces to end the program. I got a kick out of the number of parents using a variety of technology to film their kids.  

Reception problems.  

Beiber show?  Nope.

Vanas

This week we have another Vanas tournament.  My varsity girls softball team will look to capture the title as we host the tournament. Tomorrow I will sort out the lineup and put girls into positions I see them playing throughout the tourney.  We have had so many activities and events that it has been hard to get all of them to practice at the same time.  If you couple that with in climate weather we missed a lot of chances to improve, but I think we'll be OK.  I'm less scared of the competition as I am the backlash when a girl doesn't start or play right away.  Oh well, it's only a three day tournament and then it's over.  Plus, winning cures everything- we win and I'll be OK.    

Random Thoughts

1.  Jon, Ryan, and I watched the Bears vs. Ravens game this past weekend (Jon being the lone Ravens fan).  It was a crazy game with even crazier weather.  I miss the Midwestern unpredictability, but no one wants tragic in the form of 70 tornadoes, especially near the holidays.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the those affected.

2.  The weather here is much less humid and even has a good breeze during the afternoon.  The weather and time of year has tricked my body into thinking its near homecoming or fall.  Those two things don't happen here and my body will not be ready for the karate roundhouse of winter I'm sure to suffer when I get back to the Panther State.  

3.  Congrats to Clinton High's David Johnson (RB of UNI) on shaking off some injuries to record 179 yards on 39 touches and 2TDs.  Great to see someone overcome adversity, especially when they are a great kid.  

4. I just can't get into the Christmas spirit here.  The decor is all over, music in some stores, and the holiday food is out in force. I just don't feel it when I haven't had Thanksgiving AND when it's still nearly 90 out. 

5.  I am hoping to send out a few writing samples to a fairly reputable website this week to apply for a weekly column.  We'll see what happens.  Can't hurt to try right?  I'll keep you posted.

6.  I am also looking for a real job so if you know someone who knows someone that has an opening in journalism or education forward my name.  Thanks. 

7.  The new Arcade Fire is really good.  If you like them, some dancey-type music, or fun you'll probably dig it.  

8.  Positive vibes and good health to all my friends, family, and former colleagues who are coaching up the winter sports now.  The road to a state title has started, may your journey be enjoyable and healthy. 

9.  I found a store with Twix candy bars today.  It was awesome.  I would barely ever buy one in the states, but it was like a diamond in the sand today while I was waiting with the Brazil crew at the travel agency for 3 hours to get the changes to our flight done.  

10.  Ryan saw a guy running and texting on a flip phone yesterday when he was out and about.  That is like finding a Pegasus.  If I was only so lucky to see that.  All I've seen while working out is 'rioded up bros doing half reps over the dumbest lifts possible.  

I can't believe it's already the middle of November!  It's really cranking now.  It won't be long and it'll be Christmas...so wild.  I really dig the people doing the one thing they are thankful for each day.  I'm usually anti that type of thing on social media, but if more people were thankful and not as worried about what (insert celebrity) was doing with (insert celebrity #2/action/chemical) the world would be better.  If people can feed of the thankfulness of others and enjoy what they have rather than what they think they should have (based on society or friends) I think people would be happier and happy is good.

But I digress.

That's all for now folks.  I'll be sure to let you know how the tournament goes. Send my team some positive vibes to take it easy on me with their attitudes haha.  

Stay warm and stay classy.

Until next time,

KRS

Nothing As It Seems

Good evening.  I hope everyone has had a restful week since I last put word onto the internets, and that this post finds you well.  I apologize if there are more errors than usual (I was up early).

I just returned home from our designated "we have one day off this semester, so lets use it to get our Brazilian Visas" trip.  Needless to say, that the trip didn't go as planned and little here is ever truly as it seems.

News

It's been an eventful week, not school-wise or me having any great stories to tell, rather a situation that occurred over the weekend that sheds light on the complexity of this nation.  If you read the world news from a publication or watched them (do people watch the world news) you noticed Venezuela appeared twice.

The first was the case of a Miami Herald journalist being detained for reporting on the upcoming elections without clearance.  For a little more insight go here or here.

The second case was a little more discerning and a lot more visible.  A large group of staff members went on a boat trip this past Saturday and while riding to the dock we saw huge lines outside of Daka (think Best Buy).  I was told that the government had ordered prices to decline substantially and those in line were going to try to take advantage of the discount.  Unfortunately, that was not fully the case.

This situation only depicts a small portion of the population and their actions.  The people I have met and been lucky enough to befriend here are some of the most full-hearted and caring people I've known.  They are just as shocked of these situations and have their own feelings regarding the actions of those that created these headlines.  I will not speak for them (as it is neither my place, nor accurate), but I can say that they all want what is best for this country and issues like this chip away at morale.

Here is a little insight to the financial situation here due to inflation:
At the official rate a 46-inch, Sony plasma TV is 54,000 bolivars (BsF) or $8,571.

The official rate is $1 for 6.3 BsF.

Black Market (parallel rate) $1 = 61 BsF

See the issue?

Well the call for the discounted prices resulted in a mob mentality that produced the following pictures on this blog and this one.  

Here are some links to get a variety of perspectives on the situation:

FOX News

USA Today

The Guardian

BBC

Miami Herald

Reuters

NBC

I hope that by sharing this I can help educate those that read this blog and give them more insight to a sliver of the over-arching issues that loom over this beautiful country.  

CARACAS

Early this morning (3:30 to be exact) eight of us hit the dusty trail to Caracas to get our Brazilian Visa in order to attend the World Cup matches we got tickets for.  

Back story: Prior to this escapade we did some diligent research. We spoke with Diana (resident Brazilian citizen teaching here), sent five emails, and made three phone calls to ensure this was a successful mission.  We had to gather a laundry list of materials (from bank statements to proof of our job at CIC, even our hotel reservations!) to present them to the gatekeeper of the visa.  It was seriously a three/four week process.  

So we saddled up our two car caravan and hit the highway to Caracas.  Notice the italics as there is only one way (most major cities have only one road in and out [I say most because that's what I was told]).  We thought by leaving so early it would allow us to miss the traffic outside/in Caracas- we were wrong.  The ride in took a mere FOUR HOURS.  

The drive is roughly 168 kilometers (104ish miles) and should only take just below 2 hours, but not for us.  Morris was a trooper and with just a hint of caffeine (two cokes and a red bull) we made it there.  Traffic was ridiculous just inside the city.  

Finally, we rolled into the Consulate, parked and made our way up to the heavily barred and guarded office area where we were promptly told that we were in the wrong spot.  Cool.  If you don't know anything about Caracas, know this: 

WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS CITY RANKINGS

Pretty cool huh?

Anyway, the guard that the consulate said we just have to go about "two blocks" to the embassy and they would be able to fulfill our request.  Mind you, the process of getting a visa is first come, first serve, it is 8:31am, it is raining, we have a two-year old with us, and are going off the directions of the guard.  Add in the typical Venezuelan busyness and wait times, and this is not ideal.  

What can go wrong?

The two block walk was more like 6-8 blocks and the rain happened to pick up to a steady pour.  We asked three people for assistance in getting there and most cases the gave vague responses or told us to ask someone down the road.  I got my phone out and used google maps, but we still were directed into the wrong building.  I shake my fist at you google maps.

We get out of the rain, sign in for an appointment, and then grab a seat.  Literally, within in five minutes of waiting Jon and Randi are called up.  And then literally within two minutes we find out that this whole trip was for nothing.  

It turns out that you can only get a Brazilian visa within in 90 days of entering the country, but they don't turn down Americans.  MAYBE SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE ANSWERED THEIR EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS.  Or at least edit their 1995 Windows-created-website (Jon's joke).  We made the whole trip for nothing.  We can't get the visa until mid-March and with no personal days or days off, that will be a challenge. We gathered ourselves and hoofed it back to a small coffee shop near the consulate.  

We decided that we'll go to the downtown area and find something to do to not totally waste the day.  We ended up going to the art museum and getting lunch.  

This was an obvious bad sign that we didn't realize. 

This was like L.A style traffic.  

The drive downtown was traffic filled and had lots of graffiti scattered about the roadways.  I saw an interest "piece" that was an American in front of Old Glory, except the American had a swastika on his hat and the stars were also replaced by the Nazi symbol.  I didn't get the artistic connection.  We pressed on and parked in a lot that was build for 200 but somehow fit 1000.  

Eyes up dude, keep it classy.  These mannequins have been in the papers about how they present an unreal representation of the female body.  Between this and Barbie, I think people have created some big issues. 

Street art. 

Insert funny caption to a really cool picture (if I may say, and I will- my pic).

See where the fire was?  I have no idea how they put it out. 

The are museum was cool, they had works by Chagall and Picasso.  There was no guard to tell us to not take pictures so I snapped several.  

Chagall with my silhouette. 

The Picasso's:

This was an awesome piece made of wood and then painted.  

We hoofed it down towards the historical district to go to a really decorated restaurant, but we were deterred.  The restaurant was closed due to the excessive showing of national guardsman, police, and civilians.  The civilians were lined up and packed into the streets.  We saw this gathering and got our gringo asses out of that area and into a different restaurant where we had a pretty good lunch.  As we walked out, we saw a large line for another electronics store and promptly scuttled out of the area and back to the vehicles.  

Everyone was gassed, but we tried to make the day as much of a non-waste as we could.  We had hoped to miss traffic, but got caught in it and Morris spent another four hours behind the wheel through traffic jams and rain to get us back. He's a trooper though, and did a great job. 

Is this a teenage mutant radish?

What had been set up to be a focused mission turned into a shit show.  It will be interesting to see what the faculty at school says, as they all knew we were going to get our visas today. No one could have predicted this though.

It was just another day of not trying to control what cannot be controlled and trying to make the most out of it when people were disappointed and tired. I think our group did that, but it was a let down.  

I logged this lesson into the "learned" file. I have to keep things into perspective and not stress about the things that are behind my reach.  I couldn't control the illogical rules of the embassy or the travel issues, but I had to accept them. 

Some of those lessons I have learned lately have been followed by some bouts with anxiety and the blues, so if I've come across to anyone as stand-offish or closed I apologize.  I have battled this for years and sometimes it comes back.  Nothing personal.

I hope you have clicked on the links and learned some about the issues of this unique country.  I hope for my friend's sake things improve.  

I see that the temps back home are getting chilly, I actually miss it- I just sweat all the time here (I'm over it being hot everyday).  

That's all I got and I'm tired.

Until next time,

KRS

Halloween Hurricane

Happy belated Halloween.

I will say it was nice to see the ol' Facebook timeline on Halloween (or whatever night the bars declare as Halloween) not smitten with dirty/sexy/naughty (insert job/animal/superhero/fictional character) and replaced with kids (either yours, friends or family members). There was a stretch of years in my life where I felt the creativity in Halloween was gone and it was just see who could show the most skin, but then kids saved the day (don't they always?)!

While Halloween is a noted holiday in the States, it's not here and neither is Thanksgiving.  The stores here are already full of Christmas "stuff" and I've already seen Christmas Trees in some windows.  However, CIC is an International School that follows the American school timeline and acknowledges days like Halloween.  We don't jump the gun to X-Mas like the rest of the city!  In fact, we had a regular old Halloween Hoedown this past Friday.  

Friday was orange and black day (students did not have to wear their uniforms, but could wear those particular colored clothes if their garment met handbook guidelines).  I figured that the middle school students would be wound tight and my hallway would be nuts, but that my classes would be the same old song and dance. 

Not so fast my friend.

These chickens were restless and I had no idea why.  No (more) sugar than usual at break and no party prior to my classes.  I guess it was in the air (or In the Air Tonight for you Phil Collins fans... [initiate air drumming] duh duh, duh duh, duh duh, duh duh da DUH). 

We (my students and I) navigated our way, with me only getting mad once, to lunch.  Lunch on this particular day was special as it was our "Halloween Picnic" put on by Student Council.  The kids got their lunches, free candy,  and listened to some tunes while the STUCO reps riled them up into a frenzy before the costume modeling.  

The costume modeling was done by six secondary faculty members (who were guilted into it), yours truly being one of them.  We had to don our costume, walk through the Comadore, model the costume, be judged via applause, and then return to the sanctity of our rooms to eat.

Not dirty, sexy, or naughty.  Just delicious. 

Four of our teachers went as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and were received to a warm applause.  Jon went as "Russell" from Up and I was a package of Harina Pan (props to Ms. Phelps for the stenciling and detail work).  

Up.  Jon, Rexin, and Randi in costume.  

The students got loud when the first saw my costume because Harina Pan is tough to find due to shortages.  They laughed even louder when I tried to navigate the narrow path through the cafeteria tables to the area where the judges were.  I struggled, but with pure gringo sweat and determination I made it.  

While I was "walking" down the runway "Don't Stop the Party" by Pitbull was playing. This walk was no party.

Jon and I were deemed the finalists (oh joy) by the student body because apparently the applause was so close.  I voted to give the win to Jon, but the STUCO reps said we had to have a dance off to determine the winner.  Nope. I did the vintage mascot bounce and handed out arepas while Jon cut some rugs to take the win.  

Trying to bribe my way to a win by handing out arepas.  Jon ran an honorable campaign & won with hot dance moves.  

Jon gave me one of his ice cream delights because he is a good guy and enjoys fun.  By the time the madness had concluded, we (the costumed teachers) did not have time to eat and had to bring our lunch to 4th block- bummer.  I had to eat while my newspaper kids worked.  

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it was sweaty and I got attacked by mosquitos due to my ill-fitting costume not allowing me to defend myself from their blood sucking fury.

The rest of the day was cake, but the Halloween Bazaar loomed.

Now I know what you're thinking, "Kellen, why do you have to work the bazaar, you're a high school teacher?" You are correct, however I am a junior class advisor and we need to raise money for this minor event that all juniors and seniors need to attend called PROM. We are raising money like crazy, but it's an uphill battle with the inflation climbing weekly. 

Anyway.  

Halloween Bazaar

I got to the Halloween Bazaar and didn't realize that this is actually a house of horrors.  I literally made if five paces into the auditorium and had to dodge two Avengers, spin around a zombie, and then use the left joystick (video game football reference) to jump back and evade a witch.  These little elementary kids were all over the place.  

I made my way to the Coke (Coca-Cola, easy guys this isn't some Breaking Bad story) station to help supervise.  My costume caused some chuckles and random parents to want to take pictures with their kids.  One very excited Japanese man had me take a picture with his no-more-than-three-year-old daughter.  She hugged me and said, "I love Harina Pan." Cute kid, but I was getting creeped out.  I have a personal bubble that is fortified and I was suffering a siege.  After breaking a sweat, I put the costume down and helped load Cokes and Ice.  

It wasn't until I was standing there not getting harassed did I notice some crazy stuff going on.  

1) Moms and dads were dressed up, and some rather questionably.  Some moms broke out some tights and tops that would have been common at the Sports Column (Iowa City) or Tony's (Cedar Falls) where the college freshmen roam. Bionic enhancements were scattered about in plain sight.  I felt uncomfortable and confused.  "Why? This is for the kids," I thought.  I asked a few colleagues and they just shook their head.  I digress.

2) I thought there was some rather lame nurse costumes (but at least these moms were more conservative at a school event) following their kids around the Bazaar.  Jon laughed at my comment.  "Dude, those are nurses, the kid's nurse... like nanny's, not hospital types." My ears screeched at this revelation. Wah, wah, WHAT! Yep, some families bring their nanny/nurse with them so they can socialize instead of watch their kid.  I was flabbergasted.  I could not relate, nor imagine doing that, but there it was right before my eyes.

3) A bell signals the trick or treating to begin in the Junior Kindergarten building and it reminded me of those jailbreak movies.  The guards sound the bell or alarm as one inmate makes a run for it not knowing that this is part of the plan and the rest of the inmates are waiting to rage.  Imagine that caliber of raging, but from elementary kids.  Yeah, it was Chaos City.  Luckily, once they went to the other building we sold our last few Cokes and got to tear down the station.  

4) Most of the costumes worn by these students are custom made or bought in the States.  Many parents will fly to Miami and pick up the costume for their kids to wear.  Some spend more money and have the costumes custom made with tailors in country or abroad.  I saw a Thor and Captain America that were movie quality.  Unfortunately, there were no Chewbacca masks.  

I WANT TO GET MY MAKE UP AND HAIR DONE.  NOW!

5) This Bazaar is apparently a serious deal.  One of my friends (I can't remember who's class) had five girls that tried to get out at noon to go to get their hair and makeup done before the Bazaar.  They were going to go with the "Dia de los Muertos" (see right) look.  The elementary principal caught wind of this and told them they could not get out early for that reason.  Cue the one hour and change hissy fit.  I guess these girls just lost it and had a category one meltdown.  Sobbing, laying on the floor, flailing of limbs and craziness so intense that their peers told them it was enough.  No one broke and the students did not get to leave.  They did however show up an hour late to the Bazaar and travel in a wolf pack.  Hooray for fun!

 That night a bunch of us went over to Jon and Randi's for some food and beverages before calling it a night.  It was a long week and people were gassed.

Saturday we went to another Magallenes game. It was a good time except Carlos Zambrano's longer start did not lead to a win.  My favorite player, Lew Ford, had a rough day, but the following day when the Magallenes won handily he had a bomb.  However, the team gave out free plastic Magallenes beer mugs (which I am currently drinking water from), so all was not lost. 

My AD said that we are bad luck.  He may be right if they keep winning like that when we don't go to the games.  

Side note: when we were driving into the game I saw a few people with a bucket selling something out of it.  I told Morris to slow down and lets ask if it's beer.  No one believed me and wanted to ask.  Finally, after the second person we saw, we asked.  It was beer.  HA. As soon as we parked the car, we stopped and got a round for 15BsF a bottle (take 15 and divide it by the current black market rate of 59 and that will tell you how much each beer was).

I cannot believe that this is real.  Does my face convey that?

Still waiting for all of the beers to get poured.  Cool bucket though.  

After the game we went to a nearby bar to hangout for a bit longer before heading back.  It was a cool place, but kind of classy.  My friends were nervous that they would not let us use our Magallenes plastic beer mugs in there.  I scoffed at the notion.  Yes we would and yes we did.

Ryan arguing that Josh McCown is a legit back up. Ravens fan Jon does not agree. 

That about wraps up the happenings down here.  Twenty-three days until you folks up north get to celebrate Turkey Day.  We'll have a pseudo-Thanksgiving here, but without the availability of your Hyvee/Whole Foods, we'll have to make due.  I'm guessing no cranberries (sad face, kidding.  Do people really eat that?)

In other news, a group of us just got tickets to Rio de Janiero and are hoping/praying/doing the ticket dance that we get tickets for 3-4 World Cup games when they go on sale next week.  Regardless, there will be seven Americans in jerseys down there reppin' the stars and stripes.  YANKS!

If you know a guy, that knows a guy, that works for FIFA, give him my info.  I heard they can be swayed.

Have your FIFA guy call me on this phone.  Pay Phones are still real.  

That's all she wrote.  Sorry not as reflective as last week, but it's been a pretty light week.  

I posted a short video of what driving is like down here on my Facebook page if you feel inclined to watch it.  It's pretty funny.

Enjoy the rest of the week! Teachers it's almost time to start the Christmas Break countdown.  Synchronize watches!

Until next time,

KRS