Day 15
Saturday is a bustling day in Puebla. Many plazas and pedestrian thoroughfares are transformed into artisan markets. It was a pleasure to walk around amongst largely Mexican tourists and some locals and chat with vendors about the wide array of food and crafts that are made here. One woman explained to me why I kept seeing Sapos (toads) in art and also on street signs. They are a sign of good luck!
I noticed many schools both private and public as I walked through Puebla today. This sign on one public school particularly caught my eye. It is advertising the collaborative efforts made by parents and members of the teachers union to defend public schools. After doing some research on the internet, I discovered that in Puebla they are seriously considering privatizing the public schools. There is a lot of backlash from lower and middle class families as well as public school teachers. This reminds me of a different yet also pressing issue of high-stakes testing in the U.S. and the joint struggles of parents, students and teachers in the face of these assessments. Also, I wondered if one of the reasons that all of my Mexican students are from Puebla is this issue of privatization of education.
In the afternoon I decided to explore the Museo de Ferrocarriles, where one can see trains both past and present and even climb on and inside them. In addition to steam engines and passenger cars, there were mail cars and even a car that was used in a movie. This museum really reminded me of the fantastic Transit Museum in NYC. I appreciated that there was no charge for students, teachers or children. The outdoor museum was clearly trying to cater to young people and provide an educational space for students and teachers. Growing up in DC, I was spoiled by the presence of free museums, but now realize what a privilege it is to not have money stand in the way of having an educational adventure with your students.
My final outing in Puebla was a little challenging but a great learning experience. With the recommendation of my guidebook, I decided to trek out to Mercado Carmen to try the best cemitas in town (overstuffed sandwiches of fried and deli meats, cheese, avocado and chiles- AMAZING!!). Walking into the bustling Cemitas Poblanitas, I could tell that this was no tourist destination. All of the tables were full and people were standing around. I asked the person closest to the door if they were in line and they said no. I waited for two men to finish their meal hovering over their table to signal that I wanted the table next. As the men left, before I could sit down, I was surprised as an older woman brushed past me and took the seat. It confused me and made me angry. I tried again at another table and a man did the same thing. There was clearly a system I was not understanding. At this point, I was too hungry to figure it out and was relieved when a young man took my order to go.
The whole experience was challenging and frustrating, but it is by no means unique to have cultural confusion. Earlier that day, I went to a store and tried to pay for an item. The woman took my item, printed me a receipt, and told me to go to the caja. I walked to where I thought I was supposed to pay and a nice man told me I was in the wrong line. Eventually, I paid for the item and got a stamp on my receipt: pagado. Only then could I go back to the first woman who had by then bagged my item which I could retrieve by showing her the stamped receipt. Both of these instances made me feel stupid and inept. I thought of students of mine who were frustrated in my class at not understanding expectations that were easy for students who had been in the country longer or who were born here. I try to not only teach my content but also help students who are new to the country transition to the cultural routines and expectations. Still, I can't anticipate everything. I felt very sympathetic today and for that I am grateful.
The whole experience was challenging and frustrating, but it is by no means unique to have cultural confusion. Earlier that day, I went to a store and tried to pay for an item. The woman took my item, printed me a receipt, and told me to go to the caja. I walked to where I thought I was supposed to pay and a nice man told me I was in the wrong line. Eventually, I paid for the item and got a stamp on my receipt: pagado. Only then could I go back to the first woman who had by then bagged my item which I could retrieve by showing her the stamped receipt. Both of these instances made me feel stupid and inept. I thought of students of mine who were frustrated in my class at not understanding expectations that were easy for students who had been in the country longer or who were born here. I try to not only teach my content but also help students who are new to the country transition to the cultural routines and expectations. Still, I can't anticipate everything. I felt very sympathetic today and for that I am grateful.