As expected, Rex found a lot of projects for me to work on. First off, this coming Thursday, I’ll be doing a workshop/presentation for teachers at the Dominican/American Cultural Institute (ICDA). The presentation will cover how to enhance students’ oral skills. At some time before the New Year, hopefully, I’ll be going up to Santiago to help the Agriculture Institute implement their new English language programs. I’ll probably stay there for a week, conducting training sessions. From there, I might take a few days off and go to Puerto Plata, one of the resort areas near Santiago. Fun in the sun! I’m also going to visit a non-government organization (NGO) here in Santo Domingo to check into their English program. They’re seeking funds from the Embassy and Rex wants me to check them for legitimacy. In January, I’ll be doing a week-long workshop at UASD for their English department, helping them to get up to snuff on the latest teaching methodologies and evaluation/assessment techniques. In addition, I want to do some work on teaching materials I’ll be using when the baseball camp reopens in February. Whew! A bit busy, but nothing overwhelming.
I was invited to the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section staff party at Bill Millman’s house Friday night and got to meet a few people I hadn’t run into before. It was a pot luck (I was told to just bring myself) and everyone had a good time. For the last 3 years, in Korea and Morocco, it just hasn’t seemed like Christmas around this time of year. Morocco, a Muslim nation, had very little in the way of holiday decorations, music, and the other trappings of this time of year, and Korea, though about 50% Christian, didn’t seem to have the festive spirit that’s found back home. Santo Domingo, though, is awash in Christmas lights, the stores are bedecked in displays enticing shoppers to buy their wares for Christmas gifts, and the people are in a holiday mood. It seems much more like Christmas this year than it has in a while, for me. Except there’s no snow and cold. I definitely don’t miss the weather. More later.