Crazy Classes

So experiential learning is basically the coolest thing ever! That is the conclusion I have come to so far.

On Wednesday I had my first Field Work Methods class. My professor Steve(also my advisor) does a lot of theater for social change work so he incorporates that into our class. So in order for us to learn about participant action research, we had to act out carnival in Brazil. We got into groups outside and had to make up a dance then combine all together in a parade sort of thing. For homework we had to write what we observed. Pretty awesome.
Yesterday I had my global issues course. We watched the movie "road to Guantanamo" if you haven't seen it, put it at the top of your list! My friend Rachel and I are doing our group project on child trafficking in and out of Costa Rica. This was also going to be my theme for my independent study but after talking to Steve I decided on something else.
I am going to be doing a photo project comparing children in Nicaragua and Nicaraguan immigrant children living in the squatter community outside San Jose. Steve and another staff member, Gail, so a lot of work in the community so I am going to do that research while here. Then for my two weeks of independent study I am going to Nicaragua. I have emailed Plan Nicaragua and am waiting to hear back to see if I can go to some of their community projects there. Wednesday night I went with a bunch of students to Jazz Cafe in San Jose because one of our professors wives was dancing flamenco. The Band and dancers were amazing! I will definitely have to go back to that place.
Whitney and I ventured to the USA style mall last night so I could buy a few things. I needed some random stuff but I also bought a webcam!! So all you people who have cameras on their computers, I can now see your beautiful faces!
Today I had my first Indigenous Peoples of Latin America class. We did a lot of talking then went outside and read the declaration that a group of indigenous people in the great lakes region reads before any community meeting. It was really interesting. I got to read the part about trees being a symbol of peace in many societies.
My host sister is having her birthday party tonight and there is going to be a band and tons of people at my house. It's going to be crazy I think. I invited my friend Jeanette to come over so she can hang out with me. I am pretty excited about this.
I have TONS of homework that I am going to get started on now so I can go to the beach tomorrow.
Here is the link for the youtube video I made today with a tour of my school. I will try to do make the one of my house either today or sunday.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mfZPOy3ri1Q

ciao

ps. I am really excited about the possibility of foxy, alana and mermaid coming to visit