Monday, March 14, 2016

Day Two in Tbilisi

March 14, 2016

The Supra




I can barely write after the never ending supra we just had at an amazing restaurant in Tbilisi. I am STUFFED full of delicious Georgian cuisine, which is unlike anything I've ever tasted! A supra is a traditional Georgian feast where the food just keeps coming. I am not kidding when I say there were at least eight courses! The supra was the highlight of yet another culture-filled day in Tbilisi.



Khinkali, a meat-filled dumpling
We began the day with an informational session on Georgian culture and history from our in-country consultant, Tiko. In addition to the fascinating information, Tiko also graciously shared some personal stories with us, like how during the years after Soviet rule, her family had no electricity and were literally starving, waiting on line for hours for a half a loaf of bread (for a family of four.) Tiko, and others we have spoken to, have refereed to Georgia as a true success story, in that it has come so far in a relatively short amount of time, unlike many other former Soviet regions. It has established a Parliamentary government, reformed law enforcement and is in the process of improving the education system, among other things. The U.S. is well respected here for assisting Georgia in this journey (we even watched the video of George W. Bush dancing in Georgia during his visit in 2005.


Tiko, our Georgian Host







Me, Lela (Georgian/American student) and Joe














After Tiko's session, we  headed to the Youth Palace, where we heard from four alumni of the TEA (Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program,) also funded by the U.S. Department of State. These young people talked about their early educations in Georgia, and the wonderful opportunities they have had in the American school system or as students of American teachers (like our awesome IREX leader, Claire.) The students reflected on the differences between American and Georgian schools. One of the biggest differences they all agreed on was that American students have more choice. Our students have electives, clubs, sports etc., which is not the case in Georgia. Even group work (collaboration), and voicing one's opinion is not encouraged in the typical Georgian classroom. Technology is also very limited, with maybe one computer lab with spotty wifi in each school building. Although Georgians love Facebook, digital citizenship is not taught in the schools, and parents are very unaware of their children's digital footprints. After hearing from these students, I just reminded my own kids on Google Hangouts just how LUCKY they are to be Americans and to have access to a topnotch education. They probably don't fully appreciate what I am saying, but I will KEEP reminding them!


The old Parliament building, the site if Georgia's
Rose Revolution of 2003

Finally, we spent a few hour at the U.S. Embassy just outside of Tbilisi, where we were given a security briefing, as well as more specific information regarding programs targeted at improving Georgia's education system. Embassy officials kept reiterating how important our role was as educators in forming lasting relationships between the U.S. and Georgia. Georgia is an extremely important ally and our being here is clearly appreciated by our government as well as the Georgian people. What a great feeling!




Tomorrow is another busy day in Tbilisi, where we will get to visit our first school. That's all for now...Madloba! (Thank you in Georgian)

Students: What do you think? Do most American students take their freedoms and educational opportunities for granted?

38 comments:

  1. I'm glad that you are enjoying your trip in Georgia so far! I hope that I can hear more about your adventures. Please post as much as possible about the sightseeing that you do. Also, if it isn't to big of a hassle, could you make a Google Map Tour that displays all of the destinations that you go to. (Don't feel obligated though) Don't worry about us though, we are in good hands with Mr. Armstrong.

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    1. Great, Elijah! And I think a Google map is a good idea. It would also be a way for me to have a record of all the awesome places I am visiting. I am glad Mr. Armstrong is holding down the fort ;)

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  2. I hope you are liking your trip. Wow 8 courses that's insane. Also its cool that George Bush had visited there in 2005 because I have never even heard of it before. After reading this and hearing abut the republic of Georgia's education it makes me feel lucky to have such great education. I do think that most of the time kids do take their education for granted but its like the saying you never know whats good until its gone. So kids in America will never really be able to appreciate education because we really didn't have to fight for it like in other countries.

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    1. Good point, Abby. The students I have met here so far are just so appreciative of all the opportunities that have just become available to them...things we have had for years. I hope we never have to fight for access to education and resources, the way many Georgians have (especially girls.)

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  3. I am so happy that you are enjoying the Republic of Georgia! Its cool that you got to hear stories about Tiko and her life stories. Its also amazing that you got to have eight courses of Georgian food ( I could never eat that much). It is also a big difference that the students of Georgia have one computer lab with spotty wifi, while all of our students have chromebooks with really good wifi. I would also love to see more pictures of the adventures that you have while you are gone.I hope to see you soon!

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    1. Hi, Abigale! am about to post a lot more pics! And yes, Tiko is the BEST! I just found out I will be having dinner with her and her family in her home town. I am so excited! :)

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  4. I hope you continuing your trip. WOW that food looks sooooo good man when you dont eat lunch until 7 period that looks really good. 8 courses thats crazy but its cool comparing us to them because we are a lot different. the republic of Georgia is lucky to have the best teacher in the world to visit them and thats awesome that they have Deadpool there it shows that we are alike. Have an amazing trip and keep us updated

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    1. Thank you, Zach! Yes, I thought the Deadpool sign was funny! American culture is definitely present here in Georgia. I will let you know if I still see these types of things when I go to the smaller town. I will definitely keep you posted!

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  5. HI Mrs. Morales! I hope you are having a fun time Georgia. The food looks great I would love to eat Georgian cuisine. I hoped the double time changed didn't mess up your sleeping schedule. We really do have top-notch technology and I hope one day Georgian students also get the privilege. The whole class misses you. See yu after Spring Break!!

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    1. Hi, Gavin. I miss you guys too! My sleep schedule is very messed up! LOL. We are 8 hours ahead here and I am still not used to it! I am running on adrenaline! The Georgian food is so so delicious...I think I am becoming spoiled. Keep checking back on my blog for more of my adventures!

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  6. Hi Mrs Morales! The food there looks great, you are making me hungry here while I am sitting doing social studies. After reading that I feel so lucky to have the education I have. The Republic of Georgia is lucky to have you come visit them and we will miss you in this class though. See you when you get back after Spring Break.

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    1. Hi, Jack. Well I feel like the lucky one! The people here are so kind and welcoming! I miss you guys too, so keep commenting!! :)

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  7. Hi Mrs Morales, I wish I could go and eat the food that you are eating. I am so jealous! And the question that the students have about American students I have a couple different opinions for answers. Well, I think that there are some students that do not take their amazing education for granted. There are many kids that take advantage of their education. But with such a great education we are getting you would think everybody would take it for granted.

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    1. Adam, yes I agree. Some students DO realize how lucky we have it in the USA (I think you are one of them!) Nobody is perfect but we have so many resources that so many students in other countries would LOVE to have! Thanks for commenting :)

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  8. Wow, the food there looks amazing especially the dumpling I love food like that. I really hope you can help these kids in Georgia and I hope you have a great time there. Cant wait for you to come back and tell us all about your trip.

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    1. Hi, Marco. Well, hopefully the teachers and students here will show me how to be an even better teacher! We all have a lot to learn from each other! I cannot wait to tell you all about my trip and show you LOTS of pictures! :)

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  9. Hi Mrs Morales! I hope you're having a great time! The food looks great and it sounds like you're having a blast. It's good to get a vacation that you can enjoy once in a while and get a break from all of it. See you after spring break!

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    1. Hi, Kyle. It IS nice to be some place new, but I will be honest...there is A LOT more work to do here than at home. Our days are jammed packed with school visits, site visits and meetings but it is all so AWESOME that I really don't mind being exhausted! ;)

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  10. Heyyyyyy!!!!!!! We miss you and can't wait to have you back. Hope you are having a wonderful time. This seems like a very intriguing place to visit. Maybe a little more fun than our Georgia. Hope for the best with learning and teaching students from Georgia. Wishing you the best time fro the rest of your trip.
    From Paul R p8-10

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    1. Thanks, Paul! Georgia is an AMAZING place to visit. Too bad we can't take a class trip here! Hope all is well at BMS, and hope you are selling LOTS of bracelets. Keep me posted!!

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    2. I cant be here for fab this week, but I am going to ask Mrs.Jen to help me this Friday anyway. I am so exited to really kick it off. Also like what you said, It would be so cool to go on a class trip there. I bet you are having a lot of fun. Cant wait for you to see my passion project when your back.

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  11. Hi, Mrs. Morales! How is your trip so far? It seems like an amazing place to visit, and the foods look really good too. We're all hoping you're having a great time on your trip, and we will keep you up to date on how it's going for us here. We hope to be able to know more about how your trip is going, and all of the new stuff you are going to learn. Have a great time, and we'll see you soon!

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    1. Hi, Kim! Yes, the food is incredible and there is no end in sight at every single meal. I swear my clothes are too tight after only 4 days! I will definitely keep you up to date via Twitter, Instagram and right here! :)

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  12. I hope your tips going great! The food looks delicious from the picture!I hope everything is going great. I'm excited to hear about everything going on and more! I can't wait to learn more about your trip.

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    1. Hi, Erin. Everything is great here! I will have so much to share with you when I return. Keep checking in so I feel like you are here with me! :)

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  13. Hi, Mrs. Morales! I hope that your trip is going well so far. From what I have seen through the pictures and reading what you say I would guess so. The food looks awesome, the sights views, and things your doing looks wonderful, and I find it very cool that you are doing this with teachers from all around the country.
    Ross B. Period 1-2

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    1. Thanks, Ross. It is pretty cool! The teachers are all so amazing and come from so many different places (Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, just to name a few!!) I hope you keep following me on my journey. About the write a new post...stay tuned!!

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  14. I think most American students take their freedom and education for granted. A lot of kids in other countries don't even go to school; they have to immediately go to work so that they can manage enough money for their families. A lot of people don't have it as good as we do.

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  15. I definitely think that we take our freedom for granted because everyday when I get home I instantly eat something. Some kids when they get home don't get anything to eat until dinner, if they even have dinner. We think that getting some candy from the store down the street is a normal thing that everybody does, but lot's of kids don't have that privilege. So, yes I do think American kids take for granted their freedoms and privileges.

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    1. Yes, some do. We need to remind each other to be grateful, right Ethan?

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  16. I think that we sometimes take our freedom, education,and everything we have for granted and aren't thankful for what we have. For example some people like me as soon as I get home I eat something, while other kids around the world sometimes don't even have enough food to eat for dinner. Some Americans need to be more appreciate of what they own, whether it's food, education, toys, or whatever.

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  17. Yes, Adrianna. I know my own kids have so much STUFF and I hope they appreciate it! :)

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  19. It is so great to hear about your visits to the Georgian classrooms. I am also completely hooked on to my Smartboard/Doc camera etc. to the point where I am in a panic if our technology fails for even a few hours. I wonder sometimes if my reliance on technology is taking away from other "modalities" that I used to make more use of as a teacher--for example: singing, or reading picture books or having the kids just draw what they are seeing/thinking. What did you see the Georgian teachers doing to keep the lessons moving and keep their kids engaged?

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  20. It is so great to hear about your visits to the Georgian classrooms. I am also completely hooked on to my Smartboard/Doc camera etc. to the point where I am in a panic if our technology fails for even a few hours. I wonder sometimes if my reliance on technology is taking away from other "modalities" that I used to make more use of as a teacher--for example: singing, or reading picture books or having the kids just draw what they are seeing/thinking. What did you see the Georgian teachers doing to keep the lessons moving and keep their kids engaged?

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    1. Hi, Jennifer. Thanks so much for your content. This trip has made me realize it's all about the pedagogy, and not just about the tools (I always pretty much knew that, but this confirmed things for me!) I LOVE technology, and my class has been transformed because of it. These Georgian teachers would LOVE to have access to the materials and tools we have, but it is just not a possibility right now. That being said, there is still superb teaching and learning happening here. Lela, my host teacher, cares deeply for her students while having excellent class management skills. She praises her students constantly, but is also quick to correct negative behavior without even having to raise her voice. The kids respect and love her. Lela used chart paper, a few handouts, and a chalk board and her students were engaged, working together, and having fun. We got the privilege of seeing her student presentations on their favorite TV shows (they researched and creating Powerpoints at home which she then projected onto the wall from one of the child's personal laptops.) She also had the kids research and create posters in English about environmental issues and possible solutions. It just goes to show, that even with very limited resources, students can learn, collaborate and create, and have fun doing it. Thanks again :)

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  21. These are really cool pictures, it seems like you are enjoying your trip. I can't wait for you to come back. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

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