When you teach a language, you're also teaching the culture behind the language. When you learn about any culture, you're getting to know the deep foundations of this community, like food, sports, politics, and economics. I like having my classes go beyond the grammar and vocabulary they're learning.
I came to St. George’s with that purpose. When I started working here two months ago, I suggested to the other Spanish teachers that we go on a field trip to a Mexican community here in Vancouver as they were celebrating Mexican Independence Day. That was September 15th.
When we arrived, Mexican music was playing, shows were happening, people were dancing, and mariachis were playing. There were different food stands. We tried churros and tacos and bonded with the people who were selling their crafts—Sombreros, Zarapes, etc. I like to do that in my classes, to go beyond the language to see the culture.
I really like spending time outdoors. When we lived at UBC, I really liked walking and biking in the Pacific Spirit trail paths and enjoying nature. While in Colombia, when I was young, I used to play soccer a lot.
I like to read. I really like to read novels. So, that's something that I do regularly. Right now, I'm reading a novel from a gringo author. Paul Oster is his name. We call gringos people from Colombia. I really like his novel Brooklyn Foles, and I'm finished, and I will start with another one next week when I'm done.
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