The "Spanish Chair" and Fortaleza San Felipe!

Alexa says that she loves the kids she is teaching!  The volunteers have been divided between 4 or so different schools, so each group of teachers goes their own way each morning, some take a taxi, but Alexa's group of 4 teachers walk....the long 3 minute journey!  The school she teaches at is called La Yuca. 



They teach two separate classes.  The morning class is a small group of 11 students,  they are a bit older and have been in the ILP program for a while and are absolute angels!  The afternoon class is a much larger and younger group -- between 25-35 kids.  They have not achieved angel status, yet!  Alexa says that it can be a little trying when they are swearing at you in Spanish and flipping you off!  



A couple of interesting things about the class:  Only English is allowed in class, and if you revert to Spanish then you get sent to the "Spanish Chair", which is like a timeout chair.  Also, the children have a chance to earn tickets, through good behavior, good work, following instructions,etc.  Then on Fridays they get to "shop" in the school store.  They love getting to choose things from the store, rings are a big hit with both genders apparently!   They can't say her name so they call her Teacher Kat! (short for Kathryn).

Some of the teachers took a few hours and went to visit a historical site nearby, Fortaleza San Felipe, or Fort San Felipe. It is a historic Spanish fortress located in the province of Puerto Plata.  It is also known as El Morro de San Felipe and was used to protect the City of Puerto Plata from pirates. It is located on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; its strategic location protected the entrance to the city's seaport. It was completed in 1577.  It was rainy but interesting.  This weekend a bunch of the girls will be headed to the Casa Marina Beach for a long weekend.  Lucky girls!