Engagement pictures
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Teachers at Acadmia: We have had numerous wonderful teachers; however, there are some whom I really must mention:
The End of an Era
I started writing this blog,one afternoon while sitting in the lovely grounds of the school, hoping that I wouldn't need to publish it. Unfortunately, what was first whispered as a rumor is now apparently a done deal. Teachers are telling us that as of Sept. 4th, Academia Falcon will be no more. Below is the blog I started earlier in the summer:
I am in my idea of paradise. The birds are singing, the monarch butterfly is flying around, the fruit trees are filled with mangos, grapefruit, pomegranite, oranges, etc.... Everything is blooming. The sun is shining, climate perfect, breeze blowing.....There are mountains surrounding the view, a vermillion flycatcher on a branch... I am surrounded by nature's beauty within the courtyards of the school. Yet, I am sad, grieving in a way...I guess you could say...I am experiencing a loss, but not nearly as deeply as my friends here. It seems silly to some of you, I know.
I am certainly not an owner or even an employee of this school yet I feel a part of it. I did not dream it, design it, or hire the great staff and teachers. I am not invested in it in those terms at all. Nor do I have any kind of financial investment in it, other than paying my very reasonable fees for tuition, rent, and meals here. Yet, I do feel "vested" in this school. I owe not only my Spanish language skills but also my appreciation of Mexican muralists, history, culture, music ,dance, and Latin literature and films to the wonderful teachers I have had here over the past three summers.
I not only love the surroundings at the school and the lessons taught by such knowledgable and wonderful teachers, etc...but I also love the smiles I receive daily, the conversations with students and teachers, La Senora, the excellent cook in the cafeteria, Beto, who cleans our room and the school so well, Laura, Yolanda, and Moni, (smiling faces in the office), Pilar who does our schedules...Many of the teachers and staff have truly become my friends. I care about them and their families. Many have worked here in various capacities for over ten years....
I am afraid this year, has done them in. All the media hype with the swine flu, drug wars, etc...has been the kiss of death. Very few students have been here all summer. That has not changed the excellent instruction and care we have received and are still receiving here. I feel a loss. Oh, of course, there are other schools, but this is my school. They know me here. They are my friends. This is an exceptional school. It is my home away from home.
However, the sadness I feel is more for the people who work here. I know people are losing jobs everywhere. I know that I have previously been fortunate in not knowing of a friend or relative in this position. However, I do know these people at the school and I wonder if they will be able to find jobs. Yes, there are other schools here (many more expensive and not as good, in my opinion), but they already have their staff...Some of them have closed too. There are many people here wanting to teach, cook, work in offices, and clean.
All I know is I am going to read everything posted on the walls re: so much info. : history of MX., traditions, etc....I am going to take pictures of all the beautiful surroundings. I am going to enjoy each moment in the solitude and serenity of the surroundings. For this truly is the last time I will be here.
I wish I were wealthy and could rescue them: find a building, pay salaries, etc.... Sadly, that is not the case. What a great cause to be able to help great teachers keep this school for those of us wishing to continue our learning of another language and culture!
Words cannot express my gratitude to the wonderful teachers and staff here. You have made my life richer. I have received knowledge which will always be a part of me. You provided a valuable service for many years to people such as myself. Many people are saddened by the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you search for work. Please know that your efforts and teaching are treasures to me. I will be glad to write letters of recommendation for any of you. Your student and friend, Joy Cary
While having our Sun. am. breakfast with the "Gringo Group," in the Hotel Luna, (a restaurant adjacent to the Jardin Union), we heard a band begin to play. We were treated to this free performance by the State of Guanajuato Symphonic Band. Curtis walked around, filming while the band played. One of the things we enjoy most about Guanajuato are all the free offerings, concerts, plays, ballets, choirs, etc... Parades are fun and quite frequent here too. Most of the time we are just walking around, enjoying the city when we stumble upon these type of offerings.
