Savoring the Culture

With the free time prior to beginning our teaching we've been enjoying soaking up life around Berlin. Each day we've wandered the market, enjoyed a sit in the park, and last night we saw a big political parade and festival in the square. The parade organized near the Casa Pastoral so we could watch from the front of the house. There were horses, many trucks filled with people, loud-speakers spewing music and speeches, balloon covered cars, candidates glad-handing, and lots of those horns that caused so much controversy at the world soccor tournament recently. It was loud!! Afterwards the square was filled with people, flags, chanting, singing, and speeches. There was a stage set up with more huge speakers than I've seen in one place before. The word is that the dance lasted until 4 in the morning but, of course, we were back at the Casa before dark.

This morning the square was all cleaned up although there were still plenty of banners and flags to be seen. We attended mass at the church this morning and, although we couldn't understand much of what was being said, we did enjoy the music, including the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Blowin in the Wind...different words! After church we visited Hydei at the pupusaria and sang a song that she had taught Warren yesterday. She gathered a crowd to listen and we recieved thunderous applause! This afternoon we continue to prepare for our debut as English teachers tomorrow. Wish us well......