It was cold this morning. After a late start, and one of the better breakfasts (chocolate croissant), I headed into Madrid along with the students. Our first stop was the Palace, where I became the personal banker for CTY. They weren´t equipped with currency, and so I lent them the necessary funds to cover the entry for most of the students - thus leaving me broke.
I already had seen the Palace last week with Ryan, and so I meandered through not paying as close attention, instead focusing more on not losing anyone. Success on that front, and we moved on to the park where the kids had lunch.
I feel like I learned such good manners in Morocco. When I sat on the bench, there was already someone there. I offered him the bag of chips that came in the lunch, similar to how you always shared food on the train in Morocco. It creates a nice community atmosphere. He declined, and I ate my sandwich.
I then asked Jenn if we could do the churros, and she seemed fine with it, but wanted to know if we could be accomodated. I grabbed Ryan, and we quickly walked to the place we had been last week, and set it up with them.
Classic CTY, no previous planning.
We brought the kids in, and frankly, the churros were not their best. Not quite hot enough, but still tasty. When the bill came I reasoned with him in my broken spanish, and he picked up the bill for two of us since we just brought them a bunch of business. I attempted to get them to cover the whole staff, but as I was covered (good since I had no money after lending it all to CTY), I wasn´t going to keep attempting since the others aren´t as confrontational or as willing to ask for things as I am.
Then it was some shopping in the Plaza Mayor. One of our students almost had her stuff broken into, apparently the other students grabbed the woman´s arm - but the two women working the scam made off down a street. We ''shopped'' there, not much as it is a tourist trap for about 20 minutes, and then headed to La Reina Sophia. On the way, we stopped in Plaza Del Sol, and the kids were able to shop a bit more. It was a waste of time, to much time to just hang out, to little to actually look at more than a single store.
Moving on we went in a very circular route to La Reina Sophia. The temporary exhibition was not thrilling at all. Guernica was pretty huge, and pretty cool, and the dali collection wasn´t to shabby, but also not particularly thrilling. I finished what I wanted to see, found three students down in the courtyard who were thirsty, and agreed to take them to Starbucks. I thought it was by the book. They were accompanied, we were back in time, I made the executive decision that we could make this small move without casuing harm, putting anyone in danger, and make it a better experience for a few students. I thought it was all about the students...
I took the students across the plaza (we didn´t even cross any streets) and returned before the meeting time. I was told much later when we returned to campus that it was not ok. Apparently there were students roaming the plaza in front of La Reina Sophia. I am not sure how those roaming students were my responsibility, as I was only required to be at the meeting place not guarding the doors. It was a very stressful day for some of the staff, but I found that if I just rolled with things, it was fine.
Got back, and met the Nick replacement.
I was missing a student at dinner, and on the way got sidetracked for about ten minutes with origami. I made a quick crane, and saw a really cool ball that I want to learn how to do.
Dinner was undescribable. I really have no idea what I ate. I sat with Alexandra, and another CTY Espana student who was from the states. Alexandra I found out is Swedish and Peruvian and heading to Oxford. The conversation was really nice. One mentioned wanting to be a banker, and so I told them both about Mergers and Inquisitions and later showed her the Damn it Feels Good to be a Banker video on youtube. She seemed to enjoy them both, hopefully they are helpful. If I remember, I will have to recommend the book as well.
Afterwards we had a party, inviting the kids to donate their food they had purchased in anticipation of the coming week. Music was not great, mostly because of a poor quality sound system set up. Kristin, another RA, explained some of the traditions of CTY with regard to the final song, American Pie. It´s apparently an integral part of every CTY dance, and epitomizes the whole experience.
For a camp being shut down because of an H1N1 epidemic, things are reasonably calm here and the students are in surprisingly good spirits.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Final day of classes at CTY
As of this past Friday (July 17), the program is no longer officially running. Except, of course, the field trips tomorrow and our responsibilities of staying with the sick kids. Last night we met with Jenn to discuss the lack of communication. I was out all day on trips, and so I wasn't there for the meeting that I later found out never happened. We were able to corner her this evening however in hope of getting some answers. Sadly, none.
The questions are straightforward: what kind of personal liability are we taking on by working with sick students for the next week? Are we going to be cared for by CTY, or upon the program ending no matter our health status, will we be tossed out. It seems to be leaning towards the latter. It begs the question, why keep working.
I also addressed the harassing and bullying work conditions with regard to the lack of choice in working with the sick students. The "we can fire you for anything" clause in our contract has placed us all on a precarious ledge.
As usual, I was the only vocal one in the meeting. I guess I don't mind. I think that speaking my mind is important, and that sitting there doesn't accomplish anything both in the moment and long term growth of the program. I could wait until we are behind closed doors, but I hope that my decision to step forth and speak on what I believe is wrong will help others also take the sometimes difficult step of confrontation.
Dinner wasn't set when we were there, so I went off and found Jenna playing piano in the gimnasio (don't ask). It was nice and peaceful momentarily, until lots of CTY Espana kids showed up. They disregarded the music, spoke loudly, and were quite rude.
After dinner, there was a Spa Activity (face masks from oats and honey and stuff) followed by capture the fascist (flag) of the republic vs the nationals. Not sure who won since I spent most of it in my RA meeting.
One of my kids who left has been confirmed with H1N1, the first case on our hall. I hope it isn't the beginning of a trend.
This morning, I was on a field trip. Abysmal. Disaster.
The first site, Calle de lost Caidos, or something like that, was closed due to a local holiday. (Actual first site was a field, which is just there, where a pivotal battle occurs. Pure frustration since I was looking forward to this supposedly amazing and fascinating monument to Franco. Second place was also closed. First had a nice hand written scribbled note that because of a local festival, it's closed. The graveyard or memory site was also closed. No reason given.
The questions are straightforward: what kind of personal liability are we taking on by working with sick students for the next week? Are we going to be cared for by CTY, or upon the program ending no matter our health status, will we be tossed out. It seems to be leaning towards the latter. It begs the question, why keep working.
I also addressed the harassing and bullying work conditions with regard to the lack of choice in working with the sick students. The "we can fire you for anything" clause in our contract has placed us all on a precarious ledge.
As usual, I was the only vocal one in the meeting. I guess I don't mind. I think that speaking my mind is important, and that sitting there doesn't accomplish anything both in the moment and long term growth of the program. I could wait until we are behind closed doors, but I hope that my decision to step forth and speak on what I believe is wrong will help others also take the sometimes difficult step of confrontation.
Dinner wasn't set when we were there, so I went off and found Jenna playing piano in the gimnasio (don't ask). It was nice and peaceful momentarily, until lots of CTY Espana kids showed up. They disregarded the music, spoke loudly, and were quite rude.
After dinner, there was a Spa Activity (face masks from oats and honey and stuff) followed by capture the fascist (flag) of the republic vs the nationals. Not sure who won since I spent most of it in my RA meeting.
One of my kids who left has been confirmed with H1N1, the first case on our hall. I hope it isn't the beginning of a trend.
This morning, I was on a field trip. Abysmal. Disaster.
The first site, Calle de lost Caidos, or something like that, was closed due to a local holiday. (Actual first site was a field, which is just there, where a pivotal battle occurs. Pure frustration since I was looking forward to this supposedly amazing and fascinating monument to Franco. Second place was also closed. First had a nice hand written scribbled note that because of a local festival, it's closed. The graveyard or memory site was also closed. No reason given.
It's Official:CTY Madrid is being shut down a week early
6:30 phone call.
Staff meeting.
It seems that the Madrid site is being shut down as of close of business today.
What happens to us is unclear, caring for the sick is clearly outside of regular business - perhaps a good time to renegotiate our contracts?
I think they want us to stay through the end for those students who aren't cleared for departure yet. Group flight should be leaving on Monday, others anytime starting today.
Details to follow as they are learned.
Staff meeting.
It seems that the Madrid site is being shut down as of close of business today.
What happens to us is unclear, caring for the sick is clearly outside of regular business - perhaps a good time to renegotiate our contracts?
I think they want us to stay through the end for those students who aren't cleared for departure yet. Group flight should be leaving on Monday, others anytime starting today.
Details to follow as they are learned.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A return to normal(ish)
CTY is back to normal, or as normal as it can be with most of the camp on edge, some quarantined. Spent the morning between sleeping and jolting awake, thinking I was late. Then I would realize, this is CTY - we don´t eat lunch until at least 1:30.
After the meeting, I wanted to move around a bit, so Kristin, Rachael and I did some salsa dancing and other dances which I can´t really do, and we played around on the Piano to pass the time. All this free time I am having in my life would be a great opportunity to get back into something such as the piano or clarinet.
Lunch actually had something green!
I think Baltimore layed down the iron fist on Aramark, the food company that does the meals here. Provide veggies or else is what I imagine, though who knows. They may have been somewhat gross, old and canned veggies, but hey... it´s a start. They definitely won compared to all other meals having some natural color to them and not being fried.
No ham this meal either which was nice.
I am pretty sure the illness here can be attributed to the awful quality of the food, combined with the other factors of new places, lots of contact with new people and a myriad of other things - basically, sickness was inevitable.
Group activity today to go to the market (potentially hijacking the swimming pool bus for that purpose) and let the kids purchase things. Of course, we expect them all to just buy more junk food and not the nutritional things they need. Melinda and I were talking about trying to find airborne, and be preventative.
Skype is working now pretty well on the audio, comes and goes with the video. I have free calling to mobiles and landlines, a package I purchased for the month, so if you want to talk - let me know when you are free (my schedule is... complicated).
After the meeting, I wanted to move around a bit, so Kristin, Rachael and I did some salsa dancing and other dances which I can´t really do, and we played around on the Piano to pass the time. All this free time I am having in my life would be a great opportunity to get back into something such as the piano or clarinet.
Lunch actually had something green!
I think Baltimore layed down the iron fist on Aramark, the food company that does the meals here. Provide veggies or else is what I imagine, though who knows. They may have been somewhat gross, old and canned veggies, but hey... it´s a start. They definitely won compared to all other meals having some natural color to them and not being fried.
No ham this meal either which was nice.
I am pretty sure the illness here can be attributed to the awful quality of the food, combined with the other factors of new places, lots of contact with new people and a myriad of other things - basically, sickness was inevitable.
Group activity today to go to the market (potentially hijacking the swimming pool bus for that purpose) and let the kids purchase things. Of course, we expect them all to just buy more junk food and not the nutritional things they need. Melinda and I were talking about trying to find airborne, and be preventative.
Skype is working now pretty well on the audio, comes and goes with the video. I have free calling to mobiles and landlines, a package I purchased for the month, so if you want to talk - let me know when you are free (my schedule is... complicated).
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Michael Jackson
Looking at the top ten albums on itunes for downloads today. It appears there is no publicity yet that beats the overwhelming impact of death, with regard to record sales.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Lunch off, pool duty, funny things
I had a lunch off today, and after the meeting this morning - I headed to Madrid. I ended up catching a bus with Kristin and Ryan and the Students going on a field trip. I decided to join them for their first stop, a monastery that previously was very connected with the Palace. The next place, we missed, and I split off and headed to the Paella place I had been recommended and read about.
Terrible. Paella was edible, but was nothing special. In conclusion, after all the hype, it was terrible. I should have known when I saw the quality of the bread that came out.
I came back, and headed with 7 campers to the pool. The CTY espana group arrived, and the RA asked me if I minded if she left for a few minutes to get something to eat. I said it would be alright, and so she rounded up all her kids, and disappeared for an hour and a half. I stayed with my kids, one of which swam, and chatted with the rest in addition to peppering a bit with the beach volleyball. I had a good time, and hope to get back to the pool later this week - especially after spending an entire day preparing for the activity the other day, the academic team decathlon which actually got very good reviews.
I learned upon returning that at least one of our campers has been confirmed with H1N1. By nightfall, a few more were also sick. Quite a few students are quarantined.
Shit.
We inquired, but haven't gotten any new information. This evening, while talking with Maureen and Jenn, we asked about protocol and possibility of shutting down the camp. We heard that another camp in the states was shutdown when 60 of 300 became sick. Ryan inquired if similar percentages would be used for us, asking if ten would close us down. Apparently, there are already 10 sick - not all H1N1 confirmed though, so as of now, no. I just plan on washing my hands a lot.
On the funnier side, we saw a CTY Espana camper being marched down the hall followed by a Monitora (spanish RA) carrying what remained of a six pack of what looked like beer. I asked Gabi, "que haces?" and he responded. Cerveza... Sin Alcohol... Manzana flavored.
What kid has developed a taste for non alcoholic apple flavored beer!!!
Terrible. Paella was edible, but was nothing special. In conclusion, after all the hype, it was terrible. I should have known when I saw the quality of the bread that came out.
I came back, and headed with 7 campers to the pool. The CTY espana group arrived, and the RA asked me if I minded if she left for a few minutes to get something to eat. I said it would be alright, and so she rounded up all her kids, and disappeared for an hour and a half. I stayed with my kids, one of which swam, and chatted with the rest in addition to peppering a bit with the beach volleyball. I had a good time, and hope to get back to the pool later this week - especially after spending an entire day preparing for the activity the other day, the academic team decathlon which actually got very good reviews.
I learned upon returning that at least one of our campers has been confirmed with H1N1. By nightfall, a few more were also sick. Quite a few students are quarantined.
Shit.
We inquired, but haven't gotten any new information. This evening, while talking with Maureen and Jenn, we asked about protocol and possibility of shutting down the camp. We heard that another camp in the states was shutdown when 60 of 300 became sick. Ryan inquired if similar percentages would be used for us, asking if ten would close us down. Apparently, there are already 10 sick - not all H1N1 confirmed though, so as of now, no. I just plan on washing my hands a lot.
On the funnier side, we saw a CTY Espana camper being marched down the hall followed by a Monitora (spanish RA) carrying what remained of a six pack of what looked like beer. I asked Gabi, "que haces?" and he responded. Cerveza... Sin Alcohol... Manzana flavored.
What kid has developed a taste for non alcoholic apple flavored beer!!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
CTY quote of the day
"They thought that ham wasn't meat" - vegetarians telling jenn the status on their meal.
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Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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