I am not one who takes many pictures, so it was a chore for me to record this trip, and I'm certain I've not done it justice. However, I have learned a tremendous amount about using a video camera, embedding videos and pictures into my blog, and using different programs to prepare and edit this presentation. Many thanks to all who helped and were patient with my learning process!
My reason for taking the class was to learn more about another culture. I enjoyed the classes we attended, learning about the history, the people, the education, and the language. It was very interesting to collaborate with the teachers at Lincoln School, and to know we share the same joys and frustrations concerning educating our students. Classrooms are universal! Visiting a rain forest was a new experience for me, and since it is part of the sixth grade curriculum, I can share firsthand knowledge and pictures. The sights I saw, the people I met, and the experiences I gained will always be a part of me.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Goodbye, Puerto Rico
This has been a wonderful opportunity to learn about another place and culture, and I cherish the experiences I've had here on this beautiful island. We each are the sum of our experiences, and I have been enriched by the people I have met and the things I have seen. I have a new appreciation for the heritage of Puerto Rico, and for the people who proudly identify themselves as Puerto Rican.
Two of us strolled the beach this last morning here, and we both say we will visit again to enjoy this island more.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Reflections on the Pride of the People
It was extremely evident that the people of Puerto Rico take great pride in their identity. They are Puerto Rican, not Hispanic, not Latino, and would not check those two choices on the census. They take great pride in displaying the flag of Puerto Rico, and we saw it often in our travels.
Puerto Rico was never an independent country (except possibly for a few hours, a little known fact), since it has belonged to Spain and then the United States. Though small, only about 30 miles wide by 100 miles long, it is large in the hearts of its people.
Along with the flag of Puerto Rico, there are flags for the different municipalities. Therefore, you may see three flags displayed: the local flag, the flag of Puerto Rico, and the Unites States flag.
The citizens of Puerto Rico are energetic, demonstrative people. They are expressive, using much body language when speaking. The three main cultures of the Africans, the native Tainos, and the Spanish influences, are all evident here. There is no one, "Puerto Rican", look.
Reflections on the food
Rice and beans--arroz and habichuelas--is a staple of the the Puerto Rican diet,and so is fried food. Vegetables and fruit--not plentiful. Plaintains are used in preparing many dishes. Coffee is an important part of life, and much business is conducted over a cup of coffee. Mojitos are the drink, made with rum and freshly muddled mint.
People tend to eat later in the evening here, and eating is more relaxed. In restaurants, it was not rushed. Servers were not in a hurry to turn over the tables to more customers.
There was much variety available with food from other cultures, so we did find our fruits and veggies. Domincan, Cuban, Mexican, Argentine, Italian, Chinese--we found all these options for mealtimes. Plus, McDonald's, Dominoes Pizza, Starbucks--all are here, as on the mainland.
Two of the best meals I had were found in the neighborhood around the university. One was at the food stand by the supermarket on Tuesday night, and the second one was when three of us ate dinner made by the family who owned the small mini-market across the street from the back gates of the school. We had met the family on Tuesday evening. She made mongo, a Dominican dish using mashed plaintain, and it was delicious.
People tend to eat later in the evening here, and eating is more relaxed. In restaurants, it was not rushed. Servers were not in a hurry to turn over the tables to more customers.
There was much variety available with food from other cultures, so we did find our fruits and veggies. Domincan, Cuban, Mexican, Argentine, Italian, Chinese--we found all these options for mealtimes. Plus, McDonald's, Dominoes Pizza, Starbucks--all are here, as on the mainland.
Two of the best meals I had were found in the neighborhood around the university. One was at the food stand by the supermarket on Tuesday night, and the second one was when three of us ate dinner made by the family who owned the small mini-market across the street from the back gates of the school. We had met the family on Tuesday evening. She made mongo, a Dominican dish using mashed plaintain, and it was delicious.
Reflections on Politics in PR
Politics in this commonwealth influences every part of life. A new governor was elected in January. This government is in favor of statehood, though this issue is not popular with many of the citizens. They are not certain that the taxes they will need to pay will outweigh the benefits they have now.
Politics decrees the language used in schools. There is a long history of switches, from all Spanish, to all English, to a combination, to what is presently used, where classes are in Spanish with English taught as a foreign language.
Politics has influenced the beginning of this school year, not only with the delay to create a plan for the H1N1 virus, but also in a teacher shortage. In May, hundreds of teachers lost their positions, due to budget concerns. Now, with the imminent start of the year, there are still many vacancies,with 1500 teachers needed. It was indicated to us that perhaps the teachers were fired so that they would not need to be paid over the summer. Just a few weeks ago, all school districts were eliminated, and superintendents were told they would become principals. However, if there is already a principal in a school,the superintendent may become a teacher. There presently is no teacher union in Puerto Rico, to help protect against this type of situation. There had been one for a few years, but it was dismantled last year.
Yesterday we passed a protest at a government building, demonstrating against the loss of thousands of government jobs. People were carrying signs and wearing shirts for unity, but there was also music playing. When we went past, we heard the Ricky Martin song, "Living la Vida Loca". We had been told that music is important, and that even in demonstrations, music is played. And then we saw it!
Politics are also involved in the area of La Perla, which we visited yesterday. This neighborhood occupies a small but beautiful area on the shoreline of the entrance to the bay--a prime piece of real estate. The government was in the area very recently in relation to titles to the land. It is rumored that Donald Trump may be interested in the site.
Politics decrees the language used in schools. There is a long history of switches, from all Spanish, to all English, to a combination, to what is presently used, where classes are in Spanish with English taught as a foreign language.
Politics has influenced the beginning of this school year, not only with the delay to create a plan for the H1N1 virus, but also in a teacher shortage. In May, hundreds of teachers lost their positions, due to budget concerns. Now, with the imminent start of the year, there are still many vacancies,with 1500 teachers needed. It was indicated to us that perhaps the teachers were fired so that they would not need to be paid over the summer. Just a few weeks ago, all school districts were eliminated, and superintendents were told they would become principals. However, if there is already a principal in a school,the superintendent may become a teacher. There presently is no teacher union in Puerto Rico, to help protect against this type of situation. There had been one for a few years, but it was dismantled last year.
Yesterday we passed a protest at a government building, demonstrating against the loss of thousands of government jobs. People were carrying signs and wearing shirts for unity, but there was also music playing. When we went past, we heard the Ricky Martin song, "Living la Vida Loca". We had been told that music is important, and that even in demonstrations, music is played. And then we saw it!
Politics are also involved in the area of La Perla, which we visited yesterday. This neighborhood occupies a small but beautiful area on the shoreline of the entrance to the bay--a prime piece of real estate. The government was in the area very recently in relation to titles to the land. It is rumored that Donald Trump may be interested in the site.
Day Five, El Morro
This morning we visited El Morro (the headland), the fortification that guarded the entrance to San Juan Bay, the beginning of the Spanish lands in the Caribbean. Construction on this fort began in 1539. Think about the engineering required to build seven foot thick walls, allow for water drainage from rain, and create ventilation systems for the interior! Soldiers living in this six level fortress kept watch for invading ships and fought with cannons from a high vantage point.
We could see the watch tower at the La Perla fort, by the neighborhood we visited yesterday. The lower tower there was rumored to be "devil's territory", as soldiers on lookout there often mysteriously dis
appeared.Today, El Murro is part of the US National Park Service. Three flags fly over the fortress: the Spanish colonial flag, in honor of the heritage of this fortess; the flag of Puerto Rico, to honor the commonwealth; and the United States flag.
Across the bay from El Morro was another fort. At one point, a chain stretched between the two forts and was raised to prevent ships from entering the harbor.
We visited a museum that had two sections. The first showcased history of the area. It was intersting to see that were easy to read explanations provided for young children, at their eye level.
The second part of the museum showcased artifacts related to the culture, such as pottery, textiles, and toys. In the religion section, there was a voodoo altar, acknowledging the African influence. African and Christian beliefs merged in some instances.
We visited the Center for Advanced Studies, where one of our instructors, Ignazio, teaches. It is a small college for master and doctoral degrees. He is very proud of his institution.
We ended our tour by walking out through the old gate that was the entrance to Old San Juan, the gate that three of us visited last night. By day we could see it was painted red and white, to represent the blood of Christ. Again, the importance of religion is incorporated into everday life.
Day Four, Evening in San Juan
This evening we had a delicious meal at Cafe del Punto. Afterwards, Monica, Bonita, and I walked through the streets of Old San Juan. It was beautiful at night, with the cool breeze, the soft lighting, and the background music. We strolled through two plazas where we saw kids using scooters and people playing dominoes, which is a popular pasttime here. There are tables set up in the plazas for just this activity. We ambled along the walkway below the walls that guarded the city, and through the gate that was the entrance to Old San Juan. The city looks different at night; it has a romantic feel to it.
Listen to the sound of el coqui, the very tiny tree frog native to Puerto Rico. It sings its name, "co-qui":
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day Four, La Perla
We received a great honor by being invited to tour La Perla, a neighborhood across from the school. Entrance to this community is by invitation only. This neighborhood took its name from the small fort and watchtower located nearby, part of the old city's fortification system. The neighborhood was created around 1850, when the government decreed the cemetery and slaughterhouse were to be moved to the outskirts of the city, and the workers associated with it followed. These were lower class workers, and it is still a very poor area where about two hundred families live today on 29 acres. There are about 108 children living here.
The community mobilizer, Don Jorge, was proud to show us the community center, where tutoring is provided for students; the community health clinic; and the Head Start Center. Education is being stressed as a way out of the cycle of poverty and drugs. The nearby Catholic school was just closed, so the children will be attending Lincoln school.
This is Don Jorge as he told us about his neighborhood:
The cemetery next to La Perla is the resting place of many famous people from Puerto Rico. When you see the cemetery, it looks like the caskets are placed above ground. However, Ignacio told us that they are sometimes above ground, and sometimes below.
The community mobilizer, Don Jorge, was proud to show us the community center, where tutoring is provided for students; the community health clinic; and the Head Start Center. Education is being stressed as a way out of the cycle of poverty and drugs. The nearby Catholic school was just closed, so the children will be attending Lincoln school.
This is Don Jorge as he told us about his neighborhood:
The cemetery next to La Perla is the resting place of many famous people from Puerto Rico. When you see the cemetery, it looks like the caskets are placed above ground. However, Ignacio told us that they are sometimes above ground, and sometimes below.
Day Four, School Visitation
The schools in Puerto Rico have a delayed opening until next week, so that a plan for dealing with the H1N1 virus could be developed. So today, when we visited Abraham Lincoln School in Old San Juan, we were not able to see students. We did have time to talk with teachers, and it was a wonderful opportunity to share views and information.
The school building was old, but nicely decorated for the coming year.
Classes are taught in Spanish with one period devoted to instruction in English. It is taught as a foreign language, and the students must take an assessment in English, like we take PSSAs. At Lincoln School, there is an English teacher who sees students in grades 2-6 each day, and another teacher for the younger students.
The teachers said it is hard for first graders who come to school without knowing Spanish.
The classrooms are self-contained, with one class in each grade.
There were blackboards in the classrooms, filmstrip projectors and record players in the library. I saw a few computers in the English room. A difference from my classroom, where there are whiteboards, a smartboard, and computer cart.
The dedication of the teachers and their genuine concern for their students was very apparent. Two that I spoke with had taught on the mainland and wanted to come back to give to their students here the experiences and methods they had learned.
The English teacher had many colorful posters with English words for shapes, numbers, etc, and seasons. I asked if it was hard to teach the concept of winter here. She replied that sometimes when it gets a little colder than usual, some kids ask if it's winter. Understandable!
To go along with the great pride in Puerto Rico that is felt by the people here, each morning in an assembly, the school community sings the national anthem of Puerto Rico and then The Star Spangled Banner, while placing their hands over their hearts.
The school building was old, but nicely decorated for the coming year.
Classes are taught in Spanish with one period devoted to instruction in English. It is taught as a foreign language, and the students must take an assessment in English, like we take PSSAs. At Lincoln School, there is an English teacher who sees students in grades 2-6 each day, and another teacher for the younger students.
The teachers said it is hard for first graders who come to school without knowing Spanish.
The classrooms are self-contained, with one class in each grade.
There were blackboards in the classrooms, filmstrip projectors and record players in the library. I saw a few computers in the English room. A difference from my classroom, where there are whiteboards, a smartboard, and computer cart.
The dedication of the teachers and their genuine concern for their students was very apparent. Two that I spoke with had taught on the mainland and wanted to come back to give to their students here the experiences and methods they had learned.
The English teacher had many colorful posters with English words for shapes, numbers, etc, and seasons. I asked if it was hard to teach the concept of winter here. She replied that sometimes when it gets a little colder than usual, some kids ask if it's winter. Understandable!
To go along with the great pride in Puerto Rico that is felt by the people here, each morning in an assembly, the school community sings the national anthem of Puerto Rico and then The Star Spangled Banner, while placing their hands over their hearts.
Day Three, Salsa club
We had to use our new dancing skills, so off we went to a place in Old San Juan. We arrived around 8:30 pm, ready to dance, but found out the live music did not begin until 10:30 pm, which actually became 11:00 or so. Much later than we anticipated, but that is common for here. The band would actually play until around 4 am, we were told. Some of us were asked to dance and enjoyed the experience, but it was great to listen to the band, watch the other dancers and see their moves! The salsa is such an energetic, expressive dance, just like the people of this island.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day Three, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
I enjoyed the visit to the art museum. When we entered the building, there were the usual plaques in recognition of those who contributed largely to the museum. Ignazio had said that there were many pharmaceutical companies with headquarters or large offices on the island. Sure enough, companies listed were Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Proctor and Gamble, and Wyeth. Other companies included in the list were Macy's, Lexus, Kraft Foods, and Donald Trump.
The pond in the sculpture garden had many colorful fish in it.
The pond in the sculpture garden had many colorful fish in it.
Day Three, Spanish and Salsa
We had Spanish lessons for two hours this morning, and learned words for family members. The discussion led to some customs associated with the family, and the family in Puerto Rico. Parents have authority, and children listen to their parents, though it is beginning to change. We also discussed again the importance of being identified as a Puerto Rican, not Hispanic or Latino.
This carried over to our class on Caribbean Rhythms and Music. Music from all over the world influences each other, and this is true of Salsa music.
Here is a sample of the music:
While it has been influenced by African, the Antilles, Spanish, and other rhythms, this music and dance has become an indentity for Puerto Rico, and we enjoyed learning some of the basic steps for the dance. We're hoping to go out tonight and practice what we learned!
The weather today (video 54) is not following the pattern we've had so far. It has been raining most of the day, not just the usual few minutes of rain, and there's been thunder. The rain is making it more feel steamy. But, I'll always take hot weather over cold!
This carried over to our class on Caribbean Rhythms and Music. Music from all over the world influences each other, and this is true of Salsa music.
Here is a sample of the music:
While it has been influenced by African, the Antilles, Spanish, and other rhythms, this music and dance has become an indentity for Puerto Rico, and we enjoyed learning some of the basic steps for the dance. We're hoping to go out tonight and practice what we learned!
The weather today (video 54) is not following the pattern we've had so far. It has been raining most of the day, not just the usual few minutes of rain, and there's been thunder. The rain is making it more feel steamy. But, I'll always take hot weather over cold!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day Two, the supermarket
Our group split up for the evening. some went back to Old San Juan, and four of us decided to go local. We walked a few blocks to a small neighborhood market. Many labels were in English, and some were bilingual. There were hardly any vegetables, just a few green peppers, celery, and carrots. Right out side the market was a small sidewalk food stand, and that's where I had dinner. It was good Dominican food, not fried, and I had a delicious rice and bean dish with tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions and shrimp. 
Day Two, technology connection
Learning how to use a blog and video camera is new for me, and I'm glad to have the opportunity. My problem is that I feel stressed at trying to remember to use the camera! I'll be looking at something, or listening to an explanation, and suddenly think, film it! It's an interruption for me.
We've had some problems with the computers here, either with not being able to log on, or not having the software to upload pictures, or not having enough computers available. Technology is useful, but can also cause irritations.
I still need to learn, again, how to embed videos into my blog, which may not be done until after we return home.
We've had some problems with the computers here, either with not being able to log on, or not having the software to upload pictures, or not having enough computers available. Technology is useful, but can also cause irritations.
I still need to learn, again, how to embed videos into my blog, which may not be done until after we return home.
Day Two
We left early today to visit El Yunque, the rain forest located about 1.5 hours from our university. El Yunque is part of the US Park Service system, and is a national forest. It is on the list of finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World. The paths were windy and sometimes steep, but they were paved and therefore easy to walk.
It was a warm day, but cool and very humid inside the forest. Among the plants in the forest are some that we grow as houseplants, but they are found naturally there, and grow so much larger.
There are many small animals--insects, lizards, bats, birds, tree frogs (coquis)--in the rain forest, but not large animals. There are only four species of snakes in the rainforest, but none of them are dangerous.
It was awesome to be inside the forest, to experience the sounds of nature, the greenery, the immense size of some trees.
Next we visited the beach at Luquillo. The warm Caribbean water is clear, and the bay we were in was very gentle. We could see the tops of some of the mountains of El Yunque. To think, one of the wonders of the world was right there!
While we were at the beach, three of us asked a woman to take our picture. The woman was from New York. She had been born in the states, and her accent was definitely there! She was here in Puerto Rico to help her father, who was sick, but she explained that he was of a generation that didn't want to accept help, so he'd told her to go have fun. She was having fun watching her son, who did not speak Spanish, try to communicate with a boy from Puerto Rico who spoke no English. We had learned in class that children like her son often did not learn Spanish, but have only English as a language, rather than being bilingual. The language is often not passed on to the next generation when they live on the mainland.
The four Spanish speaking teachers in our group are having a somewhat difficult time understanding some of the spoken words. The pronunciation is causing some confusion, but I'm sure they will be experts soon!
It was a warm day, but cool and very humid inside the forest. Among the plants in the forest are some that we grow as houseplants, but they are found naturally there, and grow so much larger.
There are many small animals--insects, lizards, bats, birds, tree frogs (coquis)--in the rain forest, but not large animals. There are only four species of snakes in the rainforest, but none of them are dangerous.
It was awesome to be inside the forest, to experience the sounds of nature, the greenery, the immense size of some trees.
Next we visited the beach at Luquillo. The warm Caribbean water is clear, and the bay we were in was very gentle. We could see the tops of some of the mountains of El Yunque. To think, one of the wonders of the world was right there!
While we were at the beach, three of us asked a woman to take our picture. The woman was from New York. She had been born in the states, and her accent was definitely there! She was here in Puerto Rico to help her father, who was sick, but she explained that he was of a generation that didn't want to accept help, so he'd told her to go have fun. She was having fun watching her son, who did not speak Spanish, try to communicate with a boy from Puerto Rico who spoke no English. We had learned in class that children like her son often did not learn Spanish, but have only English as a language, rather than being bilingual. The language is often not passed on to the next generation when they live on the mainland.
The four Spanish speaking teachers in our group are having a somewhat difficult time understanding some of the spoken words. The pronunciation is causing some confusion, but I'm sure they will be experts soon!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day One
We began the day with Spanish language lessons. The instructor immersed us right into it! So now, when my math students look at me with that "What are you talking about?" look, I may remember my first thoughts of "I don't understand this". By the end of class, it was much better. Imagine how ELL students feel in our classrooms!
Learning about the Puerto Rico diaspora was extremely interesting. We spent two hours discussing the history of this country and the reasons for immigration and emigration. We toured Old San Juan, the oldest city within United States territory, not to be confused with St. Augustine, the oldest city on the mainland. We visited St. Joseph's Square, home of the oldest church in Puerto Rico. The church is being renovated, as has been much of Old San Juan. The plaza was built over a cemetery, which was located around the church. This is like St. Patrick's Church in York, which built a parking lot over its cemetery.
Tax incentives are part of the reason that 80% of Old San Juan has been remodeled. Many streets in the old city are named for saints, correlating with the strong presence of the Catholic Church. The homes are colorful. Many have balconies, and shutters provide protection from the weather. It was warm--in the 80s--but a breeze from the ocean helps to cool you. An afternoon rain shower is predictable. Streets are narrow and cobblestoned.
The port of San Juan is the first port in and the last port out of what was Spanish America, which made it an important stop and the reason for the fortifications.
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. The US Post Office delivers the mail; the EPA tests the water (it's safe to drink); you don't need a passport, because you are traveling in the US. People in Puerto Rico vote every four years, but do not vote for the president of the US. No Child Left Behind affects education here, as it does on the mainland. You can find the same stores and restaurants: Starbucks, Auto Parts, Penneys, Domino's Pizza.
Learning about the Puerto Rico diaspora was extremely interesting. We spent two hours discussing the history of this country and the reasons for immigration and emigration. We toured Old San Juan, the oldest city within United States territory, not to be confused with St. Augustine, the oldest city on the mainland. We visited St. Joseph's Square, home of the oldest church in Puerto Rico. The church is being renovated, as has been much of Old San Juan. The plaza was built over a cemetery, which was located around the church. This is like St. Patrick's Church in York, which built a parking lot over its cemetery.
Tax incentives are part of the reason that 80% of Old San Juan has been remodeled. Many streets in the old city are named for saints, correlating with the strong presence of the Catholic Church. The homes are colorful. Many have balconies, and shutters provide protection from the weather. It was warm--in the 80s--but a breeze from the ocean helps to cool you. An afternoon rain shower is predictable. Streets are narrow and cobblestoned.
The port of San Juan is the first port in and the last port out of what was Spanish America, which made it an important stop and the reason for the fortifications.
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. The US Post Office delivers the mail; the EPA tests the water (it's safe to drink); you don't need a passport, because you are traveling in the US. People in Puerto Rico vote every four years, but do not vote for the president of the US. No Child Left Behind affects education here, as it does on the mainland. You can find the same stores and restaurants: Starbucks, Auto Parts, Penneys, Domino's Pizza.
The University
We are staying at the University of the Sacred Heart--El Universidad de Corazon Sagrado, or simply Sagrado. It is a private Catholic university located in the Santurce area of San Juan. There are many statues located on the campus. It has a large pool and gym, and both were busy places.
Also inside the beautiful main building is the Chapel of the Institution, declared a national monument in 1983.
We are staying in the men's dorm, as they were recently renovated. I haven't stayed in a dorm since...a very long time ago!
Also inside the beautiful main building is the Chapel of the Institution, declared a national monument in 1983.
We are staying in the men's dorm, as they were recently renovated. I haven't stayed in a dorm since...a very long time ago!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The trip to Puerto Rico
The day began in high spirits, not to be dampened by the sprinkles of rain. However, by the time we arrived at BWI, severe weather had closed the airports in Philadelphia, NY, and other East Coast spots. During our wait time, we tried to find possible alternates to San Juan, but all seats on several airlines were booked for the next day.
We made it to Philly, only to have mechanical failure and then legal issues with the pilot's number of hours further delay our departure. While talking with three people seated near me once we got on the plane, I found that two of them were going to PR to leave on cruises. That could help explain all the booked seats. San Juan is the second busiest port on the Atlantic, after New York, including the departure and arrival of cruise ships.
We finally arrived, four hours late, but still looking forward to our time here in San Juan at the University of the Sacred Heart--the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon.
We made it to Philly, only to have mechanical failure and then legal issues with the pilot's number of hours further delay our departure. While talking with three people seated near me once we got on the plane, I found that two of them were going to PR to leave on cruises. That could help explain all the booked seats. San Juan is the second busiest port on the Atlantic, after New York, including the departure and arrival of cruise ships.
We finally arrived, four hours late, but still looking forward to our time here in San Juan at the University of the Sacred Heart--the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Learning how to use the video cam
We spent some time before the trip learning how to use the cameras. I need more practice!
Welcome to my blog!
I am so excited to be able to visit Puerto Rico for this Penn State class! Four days left until our arrival in San Juan. Blogging is something new for me, so this will be another exciting experience for the trip. Join me as I encounter new ideas on this beautiful island.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)