Wow

So- I'm giving each of the 2 sections of freshman English who actually met all 3 times last week a free day and playing games. I put the students into 5 groups of 4-5 and had them list the English speaking countries, cities, holidays, and names in rounds.

I made it very clear that English had to be the native language, the main language. Not a single group could list more than 5 English speaking countries and answers included Mexico, Denmark, Russia, Switzerland, and SPAIN! Let me add that this was a lesson last week in the text book AND we wrote every country, that anyone in the class could think of, and it's language ON THE BOARD! I even drew continents.

For cities, answers included Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Alaska. Holidays were ok- about thirty percent of the population is Christian and they have many other similar holidays. Names were good although I told them 'No family/last names! Only first names!' and they still tried to give me Spears, Depp, Jolie, and Thurman.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised- it's not like most American 18 year olds can fill out a map either. Hallelujah to the nuns who beat geography into me.

Totally non sequitur, I discovered a brand of 100% additive free tobacco today. It's called 'Hoopa', which is an American native tribe. The motto is 'The Secret of Columbus Taste'. They cost 3,000 won (about $2.75). They taste ok. Mostly I bought them because they came in a tin can and I love that kind of stuff. Usually I smoke Dunhill or Parliament lights at 2,500 won (about $2.25). Camels aren't sold here and I don't like Marlboro lights. Esse, skinny girlie looking, is a really popular brand. Experimenting has caused me to buy mini cigars twice.