History lessons

Today was a good day

I started out early by observing some classes at the school. The most interesting was one of the literature classes (supposedly this should be my class with the students at the highest level of English.) They are reading a book about a period of political terror in Nigeria. I know nothing of this history but I'm going to learn because I will be reading the book too. One of the other professors at the school is actually from Benin. (which borders Nigeria) He came into the class today to discuss Nigeria, this period of recent history (he was there) and share some cultural insights. It was fascinating. And also terrible to hear. When I got home this evening I told my Togolese (another country in west africa, bordering the other side of Benin. For those geographically challenged) roommate about the book and the class. He also has family and cousins that were in the country during this time and assured me that the things I heard the teacher talk about today "Ce n'est pas fiction. C'est vrai."
I know I'm supposed to be teaching, but truthfully, I would learn a lot if I could attend the English classes instead. Sure, my English is a bit advanced, but they learn english by studying history and culture, sometimes my own culture! And my knowledge of these things is far from perfect, and it is very interesting to hear your own culture and language taught in another country. But of course Americans are not the only people in the world who speak English. In my observations this week I've learned a little bit about immigration to America/the American dream, the relationship between Ireland and Australia, apartheid in South Africa, politics in Nigeria, the civil rights movement, more recent protests in New York, studies on technology and on the 9/11 generation. MY generation. Fascinating I tell you. (Almost makes me want to go school and study the stuff...oh wait, not gonna happen!)

After classes I went walking and errand running. I successfully ( I think) applied for housing aid. I remember being afraid or uncomfortable doing things like that in the states. You know, paperwork, applying for things, offices, talking to people. Eh. Seriously, a part of adulthood I barely accepted in English. But I did it today in the French world. I still won't make phone calls though. :) I would rather walk around the whole city and find the right person to talk to than make a phone call in French.
Also on my day out today I had a fairly lengthy conversation with a stranger who saw me with a map and wanted to know if he could help me. I wasn't really lost or looking for anything, (I hadn't yet decided which direction I wanted to go) but we talked for a good while about things to see here and in the surrounding areas. Also good food to try and a bit of a french history lesson. He informed me that the high school I work at is named after a famous french poet and if I'm going to work there I had best do some reading. :) I told him I would. I checked a book of poetry out of the library this evening and I hope he knows that I've kept my word.