A Warm and Crisp Day

Monday morning was crisp and sunny and I looked forward to at least three more days of clear sky and Beja warmth.

Bobbie, Paul and I repeated our routine of walking to the Polytechnic Institute, and solidifying our class plans on the way.  We have become so familiar with Beja that we didn’t hesitate to take a new route. 

Our dedicated students come into class with sincere greetings and continued enthusiasm.  Both students and teachers shared their weekend adventures.  A short discussion on current events followed and we then presented the main project for the day – “If you won ten million euros, what would you do with it?”  The answers were thoughtful and revealing.  Some responses were:

-      travel around the world with family and friends (one student offered to send us tickets to join them)

-      see the seven wonders of the world

-      invest the money to secure a good future

-      have my own business in cork production and sell products in America; this would help my country to be recognized in the world market

-      build a pediatric hospital

-      earn higher education degrees and pay off houses for family and friends; nothing extravagant

-      drive Route 66 in USA

-      invest money and start a company to promote Portugal and Alentejo

Reba and Arleen started new assignments for this week.  Reba worked with an 11 year old boy.  She had no problems and enjoyed the session.  Her other student did not show up.  Arleen met with her adult student, Kee, and said he taught her more than she taught him.  Kee is full of an incredible amount of information, but Arleen will help him improve his pronunciation of the English language.

I’m already feeling melancholy at leaving Beja.  I have to make the most of the time that is left.