To my dearest father on his birthday,
With love and amor,
Alex and her 11th grade students
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Ta daaa! Back in business! Oyee!
Hellloooooooooooooooooooooooooo, team!! Boa tarde to all! I know it's been centuries since I've last updated my handful of readers (who are most appreciated), so here's my frantic attempt . . . Since we've last chatted, I was swept up with an artic wind back to the beautiful city of Chicago to spend the holidays with my family. I recently made it back to the always sunny and sandy Angoche, and thought I would share a glimpse of the latest goings on.
My first sunset back:
At our newly-rehabilitated school!!!!!! Hot dog, it's beautiful! A student enjoys writing at his sparkling new desk. (Sadly, the first few days of school, many students don't come--hence the bounty of empty seats. No worries, by now my classes are chuck full of these hooligans.)
Our newest addition to team Angoche just celebrated her birthday, and to do so in style we had a heart cake made for her! Our young friend here is really excited about it:
Here Xirene and Margarida do the traditional Mozambican cut of the cake (which mandates thereafter feeding it to eachother, as well as an emotional speech or two).
Our favorite little guy, Junior!, is growing up! Now a very healthy 4-month baby. Adorable.
My student, myself and Junior.
At the youth center! Before our intensive English course can begin this Tuesday, we need to fix a tricky lock.
One of the many gifts my family sent with me to give our favorite Angocheanos. The chefe of the post office loving his personalized shirt!
My first sunset back:
At our newly-rehabilitated school!!!!!! Hot dog, it's beautiful! A student enjoys writing at his sparkling new desk. (Sadly, the first few days of school, many students don't come--hence the bounty of empty seats. No worries, by now my classes are chuck full of these hooligans.)
Our newest addition to team Angoche just celebrated her birthday, and to do so in style we had a heart cake made for her! Our young friend here is really excited about it:
Here Xirene and Margarida do the traditional Mozambican cut of the cake (which mandates thereafter feeding it to eachother, as well as an emotional speech or two).
Toward the end of the birthday bash, team Angoche full and happy. (holding an object--also traditional photo-taking in these parts)
Our favorite little guy, Junior!, is growing up! Now a very healthy 4-month baby. Adorable.
My student, myself and Junior.
At the youth center! Before our intensive English course can begin this Tuesday, we need to fix a tricky lock.
One of the many gifts my family sent with me to give our favorite Angocheanos. The chefe of the post office loving his personalized shirt!
Unfortunately, a pile of lesson planning awaits me and keeps me from writing further. However, know a future post is only dias away. To my dear family who took such ytremendous care of me while home, thank you endlessly. I miss you all. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, to my dearest father, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY early birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sto lat! A proper message is due to arrive and the appropriate day, just thought I'd send some early birthday greetings.
Love to all, alexi
Thursday, December 3, 2009
tis the season . . . to eat mangoes, fa la la la la
Hello and sto lat!!!! How does this find you, my friends and family?
Here, eagerly preparing for a holiday crashlanding in the states! Can't wait!
I thought a smattering of November photos would be appropriate for a super-bazillion degree hot day. Hope you do enjoy.
My good friends Jamia and Nia with the Nampula Peace Corps director, Marcelino. Saying goodbye at the Nampula City airport (they just concluded their peace corps service, congratulations amiginhos!!)!
Xirene excitingly browsing a portuguese-english dictionary.
Our dear friends Juliano and Ana, what a tremendous duo! We miss you both and wish you the merriest of holidays!
Cutting Juliano's hair.
At out final REDES (our girl's empowerment group) meeting of 2009! Nice work, ladies!
Gracia and Adaleiade.
Muazareia and Xirene.
The troublemaker down the block, Amina, strikes a pose.
The ever-adorable Miro.
Together, what a cute combination.
My dear friend and fellow volunteer Hammer, at the Island of Mozambique.
And last, but not certainly least, with my dear mana Xirene cruising around on a (extremely parked!) motorcycle.
Have a tangerine-colored night as we are here,
lots of love,
Alex!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Mangoes, birthday parties, beach and capulanas! Ai meu deus do ceu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello and greetings and love to all!
Excuse me for the delay in sending weird arrays of photos to you .. . things here have become quite hectic as we prepare for our break in the states.
The past couple of weeks we've been controling national exams (kicking out any cheaters), codifying endless piles of said national exams with names like "misery," "testicle," "stupid" and "death", avoiding the super-magma-scorching hot sun, preparing various gifts for our beloved, state-side family members, belly dancing, hanging out with friends and "brincar"ing (playing around) with some of our favorite little Angoche kids. Oh, and, like always, we've been scarfing down the season fruit. As I hope you all recall, November is still the most joyous territory of the ever beautiful, friendly mango.
Now, enough said. Let's look at what's been going on here in coastal Nampula.
With our good friends Tonisha and Ranjan at Danish's 4th birthday party last night.
The very tasty, very nice birthday spread! Happy birthday and parabens Danish!! Right before he blew out the candles.
At the beach with Tonisha and little Shamik, what a cute little guy!
MANGOES!!!!!!!! Could anything be better? No. So, we decided with our friend Andre to have a mango eating contest. The person who could eat the most mangoes in 30 minutes would win the imaginary gold trophy and our respect and admiration. The stack of mangoes (before) pictured below.
Andre during the contest! Serious eating going on.
The always lovely Xirene plows through yet another mango . . . good work mana!!
With an umbrella we usually walk around with to avoid the mischevious sun.
A parrot dress.
A peacock skirt.
Sports wear.
And head wraps for little guys, Danish and Arian.
Xirene's ode to the sweet, sweet corn of the great state of Iowa.
These past few weeks have had extra beautiful sunsets. Nice work, Angoche, keep it up.
WAIT NO LONGER, dearest reader, the results are IN!!!!!!!!!!!
In thirty minutes:
Don't worry, we were all friends again after.
Excuse me for the delay in sending weird arrays of photos to you .. . things here have become quite hectic as we prepare for our break in the states.
The past couple of weeks we've been controling national exams (kicking out any cheaters), codifying endless piles of said national exams with names like "misery," "testicle," "stupid" and "death", avoiding the super-magma-scorching hot sun, preparing various gifts for our beloved, state-side family members, belly dancing, hanging out with friends and "brincar"ing (playing around) with some of our favorite little Angoche kids. Oh, and, like always, we've been scarfing down the season fruit. As I hope you all recall, November is still the most joyous territory of the ever beautiful, friendly mango.
Now, enough said. Let's look at what's been going on here in coastal Nampula.
With our good friends Tonisha and Ranjan at Danish's 4th birthday party last night.
The very tasty, very nice birthday spread! Happy birthday and parabens Danish!! Right before he blew out the candles.
At the beach with Tonisha and little Shamik, what a cute little guy!
MANGOES!!!!!!!! Could anything be better? No. So, we decided with our friend Andre to have a mango eating contest. The person who could eat the most mangoes in 30 minutes would win the imaginary gold trophy and our respect and admiration. The stack of mangoes (before) pictured below.
Andre during the contest! Serious eating going on.
The always lovely Xirene plows through yet another mango . . . good work mana!!
After the 30 minutes had ended . . . you can se we gave it everything we had . . . keep reading for results!! Epaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!! Who will win the gold? Xirene? Andre? Your's truly?
Now, another activity as of late . . . capulana outfits. We've managed to collect quite an exquisite collection this year and had the chance to photograph some of the highlights for Peace Corp's next peer support manual (see the 2010 copy for our full spread!)
Xirene beating her drum and looking pretty fantastic!
With an umbrella we usually walk around with to avoid the mischevious sun.
A parrot dress.
A peacock skirt.
Sports wear.
And head wraps for little guys, Danish and Arian.
Xirene's ode to the sweet, sweet corn of the great state of Iowa.
These past few weeks have had extra beautiful sunsets. Nice work, Angoche, keep it up.
WAIT NO LONGER, dearest reader, the results are IN!!!!!!!!!!!
In thirty minutes:
3. I ate a sad 9 (I'm still disappointed)
2. Andre ate an impressive 13
1. And, coming through again on top, the lovely Xirene managed to jam in 14 mangoes (including a rotten one at the last second to win it all!!!!!)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to all the mango-eating contests participants and looking for new recruits for the next one! Just let me know.
Don't worry, we were all friends again after.
That's all for today,
See you around soon!
Love and beijinhos,
Love and beijinhos,
Alex
Thursday, October 29, 2009
I love Angoche . . . and mangoes . . .
Here are some of the reasons why . . .
My mana Xirene; no words can describe her greatness.
Its beauty.
Its dashing good looks.
Its charm.
Its fearful crianças (children), always fun to scare.
Love to all,
My mana Xirene; no words can describe her greatness.
Its beauty.
Its dashing good looks.
Its charm.
Its fearful crianças (children), always fun to scare.
Love to all,
Alex and her pal Angoche
Thursday, October 22, 2009
rolling footage! battabing!
Hey crew! Pleased to report the fun continues!
From my last post's mentioning of prom . . .
The grand finale!
And, from one of my English classes!!!!! You might recognize some of the dancers. This was the very same class that brilliantly sang Bear Down, Chicago Bears. (The remaining third class's video refuses to load, so sorry. I'll try again next post)
Drum roll please . . . after intense dilberation, a panel consisting of my father, my roommate and myself, we decided Bear Down, Chicago Bears deserved the gold!!!!! Sto lat and parabens!
Great to say hi,
lots of love,
alexi!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
a potpourri of mango season . . . nice!!!!!!!!
Hellloooooooo, boa noite, mauripeliwa and good evening!
Back to Angoche after a travel/island frenzy. So much has happened since we've last chatted, I admit defeat in my attempts to share a cohesive, logical update on all things Angoche. I've picked a nonsensical smattering of imagery and I hope it suits you. Know all is really quite great here, just trying to finish up all sorts of work before I make it back stateside for homeleave (watch out familia, I'll be back the 13th of December!!!!!!)
Regardless, without further delay the latest from this part of the world . . .
My beautiful, intelligent and strong student Catia with her 3-day old baby boy! Taken today!! I couldn't have been more relieved to know that both my student and new nephew are in the best of health.
October 12th, the one and only Professor's day, couldn't be more action-packed, strange, sandy, hot, colorful and photogenic. Here Angoche's trusty mailman Fabiao has just finished depositing his flower on the town's small monument. Good form.
In line waiting to offer my small magenta flower.
About to sing the Mozambican National Anthem, "Patria Amada" (Loved Country)
On the way home from some recent travels, STO LAT and heck YES for beautiful, almost red mangoes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hands down the best fruit in the universe.
I don't know how to explain what happened . . . we went to a Mozambican prom and I'm still a bit confused. Intense formality, rolls of satin material, buckets of potato salad, bleakly staged dances and general merriment ruled the night. Here two of the seniors exit the "ball" dancing.
One of my favorite neighbors, you might recognize here from earlier posts. Hello, Amina!!! Te amo.
I happened to run into her as she was returning home from school, as always looking quite dashing.
Amina's older brother on the left and little Miro on the right. Such cute guys.
During the Professor's day ceremony.
As I mentioned, my roommate and I traveled to another part of scorching Nampula province for a long weekend at the beach and prom. Surrounded by beauty. I'd recommend a visit, dearest reader. I'd only be too excited to take you here.
In proper tradition, we buried an unexpecting child.
As we left the island for the mainland we ran into this transit boat.
Our trusty captain, Ussene, mans the sail.
If my roommate were a shrimp, this is what she'd look like. We had a great time.
Back to Angoche after a travel/island frenzy. So much has happened since we've last chatted, I admit defeat in my attempts to share a cohesive, logical update on all things Angoche. I've picked a nonsensical smattering of imagery and I hope it suits you. Know all is really quite great here, just trying to finish up all sorts of work before I make it back stateside for homeleave (watch out familia, I'll be back the 13th of December!!!!!!)
Regardless, without further delay the latest from this part of the world . . .
My beautiful, intelligent and strong student Catia with her 3-day old baby boy! Taken today!! I couldn't have been more relieved to know that both my student and new nephew are in the best of health.
October 12th, the one and only Professor's day, couldn't be more action-packed, strange, sandy, hot, colorful and photogenic. Here Angoche's trusty mailman Fabiao has just finished depositing his flower on the town's small monument. Good form.
In line waiting to offer my small magenta flower.
About to sing the Mozambican National Anthem, "Patria Amada" (Loved Country)
SInging the national anthem and various, poorly organized Professor's Day songs
With my beautiful roommate. Happy Professor's Day, Senhora Professora Xirene! You never fail to impress and motivate me to do better. Thanks, mana.
On the way home from some recent travels, STO LAT and heck YES for beautiful, almost red mangoes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hands down the best fruit in the universe.
I don't know how to explain what happened . . . we went to a Mozambican prom and I'm still a bit confused. Intense formality, rolls of satin material, buckets of potato salad, bleakly staged dances and general merriment ruled the night. Here two of the seniors exit the "ball" dancing.
One of my favorite neighbors, you might recognize here from earlier posts. Hello, Amina!!! Te amo.
I happened to run into her as she was returning home from school, as always looking quite dashing.
Amina's older brother on the left and little Miro on the right. Such cute guys.
During the Professor's day ceremony.
As I mentioned, my roommate and I traveled to another part of scorching Nampula province for a long weekend at the beach and prom. Surrounded by beauty. I'd recommend a visit, dearest reader. I'd only be too excited to take you here.
In proper tradition, we buried an unexpecting child.
As we left the island for the mainland we ran into this transit boat.
Our trusty captain, Ussene, mans the sail.
Applying number 30 sunscreen. Can never be too careful.
If my roommate were a shrimp, this is what she'd look like. We had a great time.
Thanks to all who had a moment to check up on the progress here in Angoche. I'm tremendously thrilled to see you all this December!
Love and virtual mangoes to all,
Alex
PS!!!! Sorry I have forgotten to announce the winners of the sing-off! Epaaaa! I'll get on that tomorrow!
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