The 2016 school year has come to a close, and how it flew by! On Friday, we celebrated the last day of school before Christmas. With barely a third of the student body and not even one full class period, it was quite a fun day. To end the holiday season in the best way, Tafuna High School held another of it's infamous pep rallies; this one was Christmas themed (my favorite). When usually I'd say no to represent the junior class on stage (in fear of embarrassing myself and dancing in public), this time, when asked to be Mrs. Clause, my 'yes' came without hesitation. With each class having an island as its theme, that meant the junior class had to incorporate New Zealand into their skit. My outfit was a Maori inspired but contemporary Mrs. Clause. My hair was tied as tight as it goes in a bun, with a present topper placed on top, tinsel everywhere, and my own ta moko chin tattoo, as is worn my many of the Maori people. My only job was to be confident on stage and do the New Zealand Maori face - stick my tongue out and open my eyes wide (Miley Cyrus-esque?) - easy. Other classes displayed their christmas spirit in traditional Samoan wear, Tongan style, and Manoan design, but our interpretation was the obvious winner. As soon as I got on stage, next to Maori santa, the kids went wild, obsessed with our facial expressions and outfits, and proud to have us represent the junior class. For the first time this year, we earned first place. When the pep rally was over, school was officially out and vacation began! The week was pretty pointless anyway...everyone in vacation mode from Monday. I watched as my students dwindled and by Thursday each class had only 10 teenagers each. Although this made it tough to teach, it brought me closer with them since we just spent our time talking about their daily struggles and trying to pass class time. You could feel the need for a break in everyone's attitudes and when the final bell finally rang, it was so sweet! That night, it was time to leave for the land of the Kangaroos, I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED. With our night in Samoa not planned at all, and a butt load of Christmas candy in our carry on, Johannah and I were off. Just as it usually happens, Johannah and I got up to adventure in Samoa without planning. An innocent walk to a creepy abandoned warehouse turned bar for dinner turned into finding a place to stay and becoming the body guards for the place for the night. We made Polish friends, shared pizza with the owner, and locked up the place as if we were part owners too. In the blink of an eye (okay, not really, the flight was endless), we were in Sydney and tears were rushing down my face! The last time I saw that place was balling my eyes out EXACTLY 2 years ago when I left the city behind, and coming back, though there were changes everywhere, I felt at home. Luckily, a close friend came to be our uber around the city and take us to spots of utmost importance - Gelato Messina. My signature scoop of white chocolate salted caramel tasted better than ever and memories rushed back in every lick. Driving through the city, past the dorm I lived in, past the beach I ran by each day, and past the bars we were regulars at was bittersweet. It was the best time of my life, and one I can never recreate! With that realization, it was time to leave Sydney behind, hopefully Australia can offer me new sorts of adventures in the future...now it's off the Perth and Brisbane!
1 Comment
Sista
1/1/2017 06:52:11 pm
mrs. Clause love reading about your adventures!!! Xxx
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AuthorThe only way to find yourself is to get lost (and eat a lot of ice cream). Archives
January 2017
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