First Impressions

I have a new friend and he greets me at 4:00 every morning, he is a rooster. Something I suppose I have to get used to even though I live relatively close to the center of town. I also heard a clip-clop noise yesterday coming from the street and when I looked out my window it was two horses pulling a wagon. Now I don’t want it to sounds like my town is completely backwards, because it is not this were just some unique things I noticed. Nyírbátor is an interesting place so far. Everyone has been extremely welcoming.
Monday I had to go to a staff meeting and introduce myself to everyone. It was in an auditorium of pretty good size and was almost full. I got up on stage when it was my turn with Olgi, my contact person. This went fine and she interpreted for me everything I said. Then the headmaster handed me a bouquet of flowers and I said thank you in Hungarian. I heard everyone laugh and wasn’t sure why, but Olgi told me once we got off stage that the headmaster was trying to give me a kiss on the cheek. Of course I didn’t pick up on this because we don’t do that, but I felt really bad and embarrassed! So for the first time I meet the rest of the staff I make a stupid cultural mistake and get laughed at, oh well better luck next time! Other than this little mishap everyone was extremely nice and welcoming. I’m looking forward to working with them.
Tuesday evening was the opening ceremony for the school. All of the staff, students, and parents come for an opening ceremony and are welcomed by the headmaster and then go to the classrooms with the teachers. After the ceremony was over and we were walking to the classroom one of the little boys grabbed my hand. It was the cutest thing and then he said something in Hungarian and I just shook my head, but it was so adorable. One of the second grade students also told me “good morning” so I have a little bit of work to do. Olgi told me that I will just observe the first couple of days and that tomorrow, the first day of school, is a free day for me and perhaps we can figure out my schedule. I will probably head to the school tomorrow for lunch and to look over the course books.
I’m learning how to do laundry with this crazy washer and cook with a gas stove. It will definitely be an adventure this year, but so far I am still extremely excited about it!