We have actually moved to Caracas, twice. When we first arrived, our first apartment left a lot to be desired and we actually never unpacked. There were water problems, power problems, and a refrigerator that made water for the floor. The spartan kitchen had a ceiling at a nice 10 feet high, unfortunately with cupboards at 9 feet (!!) and was only 4 feet wide, along with only one counter 6 inches deep that was falling off the wall, and power problems that would not allow us to run a microwave with lights turned on in the living room and only when plugged in on opposite wall that had no counter...
These and other issues resulted in the school finding us a better place. So, after two months, we moved, again, into a new place. What a difference! We were able to unpack and have a place for everything, Kelly can reach all of the storage, and we can run anything electrical anywhere in the apartment with no problems. We don't have the fabulous views of this amazing city that other teachers have, but we have water, electricity and fresh air. We feel like we had not really arrived until now, and the new place has transformed our life in just a few hours.
On the other hand, our experience at school has been nothing but good, so far. Though professionally challenged (we are putting in five nights a week in addition to our regular school hours) we are really enjoying the camaraderie of a fabulous staff and great kids. Rather than tell you what you can't do, our school actually helps you do new things that may have not been done before. Jim's back-to-school-night presentation for Science was done outside, next to the pool, projecting the curriculum and the Milky Way Galaxy on the ceiling of the aptly named, Star Plaza! Resources are no problem and classrooms are stocked with materials that can be found in any of the newest supply catalogs. Some of us are in temporary spaces as the school completes a $15M addition that should be done by December. Even with temporary space, the school tries to make sure we have what we need to help our students learn. When we move into the addition, there will a huge shuffle that returns everyone to some of the best facilities you could ask for. A feature of the facility that we are enjoying is how you can move from inside to outside and hardly notice. There are so many plants, windows, and along with an openness inside and the weather is so nice outside (every day!)... it is often hard to tell you have moved from one space to the other. We couldn't do that in Mongolia!
We will include pictures of the school and some of favorite restaurants and our new place, soon. Until then, please know that we are well and quite happy! Until next time...
