As another week comes to a close, and I reflect on what has transpired, I have a few things which may be of interest.
Friday after school I had taken Marian to the dentist and just arrived when my cell phone rang.
“Hello, sir. Nikki forgot to give you the certificates to sign and we need them for Monday morning assembly. Can you come in over the weekend and sign them?”
“How many are there to do?”
“I think there are about 110!”
“I’ll drop in and do them after the dentist.”
Do you ever get tired of writing your name? I did! But I also was reminded that each student deserved a good one since it was a certificate which was a symbol of achievement for them individually even if I did have to do over 100 of them!
Earlier in the day, Nikki, the office secretary had reminded me that the report cards (200+) were being done next week when I will not be there and they each needed my signature. So, after signing the 110, Marian and I rushed off to a store which makes those rubber stamps and now I am having one made for my absence.
As we discussed the issue the question I was asked was about the color I wanted it to be - black or blue? I answered black but the proprietor asked me to reconsider. In a culture where official documents are desired, and photocopying machines are able to print money, he cautioned against a black one. He said that a BLUE signature was the remaining indication of authenticity - so I ordered a blue one!
Wednesday evening we did something which I really do not place high on my list of things I like to do - go to a reception at the US Embassy. It seems that in Washington they had placed a new lady in charge of the European diplomatic community and she was taking a tour of her new area of responsibility. We went rather reluctantly but had a most enjoyable hour and a delicious turkey dinner as well. In the process of the evening we met the lady and I was able to have a wonderful few moments with her to discuss the Academy as well as the political situation in which we live here in Cyprus. As we were eating our dinner in the living room, she came back and sat down with us? You guessed it! We were able to further discuss some of the issues and had a marvelous evening!
I was also able to meet the man who works with the Ministry of Education in the Northern part of Cyprus. I am not sure why I am making some of these contacts but in time I am certain it will become clear. This particular introduction is significant since we have some Turkish Cypriot students at the Academy. They are for the most part charming young people and do not understand the vitriol to which they are sometimes exposed - not because the school likes it or condones it in any way, but because students will say things which communicate that they do not like something about them. Children can be so hurtful of their classmates!
On another note, Marian and I get out to enjoy the sunshine when we can because we know that soon we will share your horrible, rainy (yes we do keep track of the weather back home!) cold weather! As we walk, I have to keep my eye out for a possible photograph and I found a few again today. But the things which continue to amaze me are the serendipities which we are granted! These are the surprises which are unexpected and so wonderful to remember.
Today it was a priest who motioned over the fence of his residence adjacent to the church where to stand for a picture, I thought! Later I realized he was trying to call a pigeon off the roof of the church. Well, when I return I will have to learn some Greek! But as I often do, I asked if I can take a picture by showing the camera and he said yes. Then he walked into the house to get his priest’s hat and his official cross which can be seen in the picture.
The sun’s lower position in the sky makes for some interesting shadows and its slanted light gives a different perspective to scenes we have seen before. All part of the adventure of getting to know this culture and people - so much more interesting than TV which I have not watched since arriving!
We are heading out to a restaurant for some food and hope that it will be good. I may not post this until we return and let you know! Well Bennigan’s turned out to be OK. Marian’s burger had a sauce which she found too strong but my steak from New Zealand was almost like one in Canada! But when you consider that the bill was $55 CDN for that plus an order of mushrooms and two tea you can see how inexpensive food is in Canada - therefore give thanks! We are learning to only think of pounds as dollars otherwise we would always be feeling guilty!
Please bear with us in the absence over the next month until the adventure returns in 2007 DV!
Blessings to all who read!
David
posted by David & Marian Sloss @ 10:25 AM
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