Superman, Spice, and Sightseeing

This past week was Spirit week at KIA giving students and staff, alike, the chance to wear some pretty interesting get-ups. The week was scheduled out like this:

• Marvel Monday (all super heroes welcome)
• Time Travel Tuesday
• Well-dressed Wednesday
• Holiday Thursday (alliteration is tough to pull off with a TH sound)
• Fairy Tale Friday

On Monday, Eric did his best Clark Kent impression with the outfit seen below.

Most days we dressed up and most of the students did too. I think it gives them an opportunity to feel involved and see a different side of their teachers and classmates. 

Eric as Clark Kent for Spirit Week! 

 Walking home one afternoon we spotted these peppers laying out to dry. You never really know what you are going to see on a daily basis here. 

Neighbors drying peppers in the sun.

The first step in making lajiao (spice).

 Tuesday after school, I went with a few new teachers and friends, Emma and Josalyn, to the downtown area of the city. Eric felt like he had to focus on his AP class planning so he opted to stay home. We took a bus to the city square and walked along a little market street to an Indian restaurant where we ate dinner. It is so nice to get out of the neighborhood sometimes and remind myself that I live in a huge city. There were people lined up along the street selling everything from dolls to baskets to clothing to dishes, all in anticipation of Moon Festival coming up this Thursday. It was a good chance to unwind and enjoy the sights of the city.

Blind musician seen downtown by the gates.

  

Horse gate downtown.

Erik, Brittany, Sarah, Emma, and Josalyn hanging out downtown.