May Post, Part 1

    May started off well with our teachers day celebration. The actual holiday is on April 30, but we celebrated in class on May 3rd. We had normal classes, until at 10 when we all had an assembly. After all the students had gathered and took their seats on the floor, we cheered as each of our teachers came in and took their seats at the front of the room. A few students from each course gave presentations, ours played and sang a song. Then teachers and students gave speeches about their appreciation of the effort and work of the teachers.

    The next week, the chief and a few firefighters of one of the local firefighter squads came and spoke to us about fire safety. In Paraguay, the firefighters are all volunteers. The chief told us about how fires are started, how to prevent them, and what to do if there is a fire. He showed videos and demonstrated how fire extinguishers work. After his presentation, we went outside where we got to use the fire extinguishers.

    One of the biggest events of this month was on the 12th, when the basic sciences third year and second year class went on a field trip. At 5 in the morning, we arrived at school and got onto the double-decker bus that would drive us all day. Third year rode in the top level and second year in the bottom level. On the way to our first destination, we stopped to buy chipa and cocido quemado. Our first destination was Clínica Belén in Coronel Oviedo: a vision clinic that has been in service for around 25 years. It is funded by donations, and is targeted to help low income patients. We got a tour of the clinic where we learned about the different machinery the use, training they give, and other services they provide to their patients.

    Afterwards, we got back onto the bus and rode to a dairy plant distribution center. There, we toured the plant and got to see and learn about the process of producing dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and dulce de leche. We all toured as one large group, so I couldn't hear most of what they spoke about, but it was interesting to see and I enjoyed the time I spent with my friends. They even gave us samples of yogurt and milk to try.

    Our third and final stop was at a recreational space called Quinta Porlop. It's a large space with small houses, spaces to walk and sit, a grass field for volleyball and soccer, and a pool. We changed into more casual clothes and enjoyed the space. For lunch we had lomitos and later ice cream for dessert. We stayed there for about 4 hours and enjoyed the warm sun. My classmates were especially thankful for the peace and calmness, as next week exams would begin. Close to the end of our stay, some of my friends decided to use the pool. They then promptly threw some others into the water as well, and I was one of the victims. On the ride back to the school, we were rowdy and energetic.

    Paraguayan Independence Day is on the 14th and 15th of May, but people celebrate throughout the month. Since May first, flags and banners are put up in stores and building and some people wear lapel pins to show their patriotism. Mothers' Day in Paraguay is also observed on May 15th. For the 3 day weekend, I went with my sister and her friends to Piribebuy, a town near the interior of the country to visit her friend's family. We drove for most of Sunday and arrived at the house that afternoon. The house has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Separated from the house is a kitchen and easing space. For dinner we bought pizza and talked late into the evening. Before bed we played heads-up, which was a bit challenging due to me not being fluent, but only made it funnier in the end. On Monday morning, we had breakfast, and practiced with their bb gun. For lunch we enjoyed asado with rice and chipa guasu. Later that evening, we all drove home and I quickly went to bed.

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~Teachers' Day~

    

~Firefighters' Presentation~

    

    

~Clínica Belén~

    

    

~Dairy Plant Distribution Center~

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

~Quinta Porlop~

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

~Pirebebuy~