Over the hump....dromedary or bactrian?

This weekend, the end of the sixth week, the 4th of July weekend, brings us to the downward slope...but there's no coasting! As trainees, we just completed two weeks of Practicum, practice teaching. The local schools had enlisted students, grades 3 through 10, who wished to experience a week of learning English with volunteer American teachers. Some 850 children signed up from our town and nearby villages. Emily and I taught 6th grade one week and 4th the next. The children were eager, energetic, delightful learners. Some logistical nightmare for the Peace Corps staff to set up 17 classes taught by 2-3 trainees...twice! About 425 students participated each week.

A week in advance of those already stressful weeks we were advised that we would have "mid-term" language assessment on Monday of the second week of Practicum. Actually, it was fun and pleasant and need not have been the cause of stress but how can you tell us who are struggling to learn the language not to be concerned? The staff was assessing not how much we knew but how we can use the language in real life situations. If you like role playing and enjoy making fun with yourself and another, one can have a lot of fun. I did!

The pace of training continues to be intense with homework every night. I continue to be impressed with the staff and the organization and execution of our training. Volunteers in the field, last year's trainees, were here to help us through Practicum, first, by teaching skills they had learned and then observing and critiqueing our teaching. I found both to be particularly helpful, especially since Peace Corps' approach to TEFL is unique and proven to be very effective in the field.

Perhaps you are reading about the rains and floods in Romania. They are the heaviest and costliest in many years. The cost in Ron (their money) and damage to homes and lives and infrastructure has been immense. Here in our town it has rained for ten days, usually at night and/or when we are in school, and now the ten day forecast for early July is rain every day. And we are not in one of many counties where there is an alert for flooding.

All this rain has not been helpful to my gazdas garden which would grow more with a few hot days. But they still harvest an abundance of red raspberries, onions, garlic, small carrots and have picked clean two cherry trees and one more to go! The method of growing tomatoes is absolutely astounding to this "farmer" from Illinois and Ohio! You must see for yourself! About 250 plants are growing in an area of about 20 feet by 40 feet, planted about six inches a part in double rows. They grow "up" a narrow strip of nylon stocking anchored in the ground and tied to a steel cable supported the length of the row. (see photo of Cristi and Rodica in the garden) As the plants grow, the flexible nylon hose is wrapped around the tall plant and holds it vertically. Cucumber plants are growing up a grid next to a wall. The carrots continue to grow and are "thinned" as they grow so we have little carrots to eat continually. Intensive gardening! Absolutely nothing is wasted inside or outside the house. Scraps and leftover food as well as day old bread are the bulk of the dogs' diets. They have much to teach me!

Aha! This morning the tables were turned. I taught my gazda Rodica about oatmeal, an unknown to her. She is a FANTASTIC cook and I have loved almost everything she has served; the variety has been endless and I have eaten her food with gusto. So this a.m. I microwaved two bowls of oatmeal, one for her and one for me. She was very reluctant to try it but I insisted. The look of "oh no!" on her face was priceless! But she ate it, and ate it all...and gave it a "foarte bine"...very good!

Friday after school my gazdas and I went to the open market in the piata where fresh fruits and vegetable, meat and fish, fresh baked bread are sold. Here you can buy for the best prices. They showed me which shops they favor and we bought an abundance of fresh foods, some to make into salads to take to the 4th of July picnic which we trainees are having for our gazdas to celebrate the American holiday in a traditional way....a picnic! Today I went back to the market just to enjoy being among the people, marveling at the wonderful produce, and yes, eating a delicious rudare cu nare! (fresh baked roll with nuts). Cherries of all kinds are abundant in the market as are cucumbers, tomatoes, apricots. An interesting, arresting smell was fresh sauerkraut in large barrels...the whole head of cabbage! It is used for sarmale, a favorite food.

Next week will be a high point in our training: we shall learn where we shall live and teach for the next two years! We have had the opportunity to share what we prefer about where we teach and what level we teach but of course we are here because we have been asked to fill the needs that the Romanians have outlined. So their needs come before ours. Besides, what do I know about making such decisions! I defer to the organization which seems to be doing it right, as far as I am concerned.

Next! Where to??