some long overdue SI photos - Abby

Nina and I are in Xi'an, getting ready to begin teaching!  Our trip to Vietnam was awesome and we will post many photos soon, but first I want to share some pictures from Summer Institute.

Our weird weird room...

... with beautiful views.

My students first homework assignment: a survey about their hobbies and what they want to be when they grow up.  Still not so sure what John wants to be - scientist, jewelry maker, artist?  Also not sure why he doesn't draw mouths. 

exotic plants

pretty cool teacher

and someone who works in a tofu pulled noodle restaurant

Students' hobbies/ future careers made up our class pyramid.

The city of Lincang as seen from partway up Qishan mountain.

More Lincang

At the beginning of SI Nina and I avoided using the cockroach killing spray because it looks and smells super toxic.  By the middle of SI, it had become our best friend.  And by the end of SI we knew that no amount of poison spray would make a dent in the cockroach population and had to give up the fight. 

Johan (my co-teacher) leads some students in a game of basketball (using a crumpled up piece of paper and a trashcan) after finishing their final exam and presentation on the last day.  The kids LOVED it - probably the first and last time they will have a teacher who allows them to play basketball in the classroom. 

Class portrait on the last day.  Our students were fantastic and I miss teaching them!  We had more students in the beginning of SI, but a lot of them only came for the first week or two since it's their summer break right now and they were going on vacation with their family.  I'm standing on a podium by the way. 

My wonderful PM (project manager) group on the last day of SI.  About four days a week we met to share our successes, 'growth opportunities,' and funny stories and just generally support each other.  Kristen (in the blue, being lifted up) is the second year TFC fellow who led our group, shared her experiences and advice, and held individual meetings with us until 10:30 pm when necessary.   

And that's it for Summer Institute!  Look forward to posts on our recent trip to Vietnam and us settling in Xi'an.