16 June 1976

38 years ago today, this was happening in my country.

(Mini history lesson: The Apartheid government had introduced new laws that the primary instruction language in South African schools would be Afrikaans. This obviously posed a great problem for Xhosa speaking students as this would be their third language after Xhosa and English and would make learning in an already very oppressive education system virtually impossible. These students set to the streets in Soweto where they protested and marched against this new law, how they were educated and treated in general. They were met with open fire by the Apartheid police.)

I've always felt that education should be the element that frees people and gives them an opportunity to reach their full potential whether it be to pursue creativity, find or discover the impossible or to simply relieve yourself of circumstances which you did not particularly choose to be in. That is why this day in particular affects me. By taking away somebody's chance to do these things, is the worst kind of oppression. That is why this day should not be forgotten. These students recognised this and they fought back.

I look at the students I taught in South Africa last year and I wonder how many of them would have stood up and fought in the way that these children did?

Now, being in a completely different society where education is one of the driving forces, I see education in a different light. I know that I could probably stand to be corrected in many ways and I interact with the lucky circles and families who make educating their children a number one priority. I see how children go to very elite schools where educating the child and allowing them to be an individual plays the biggest role. I see how parents feed into their children's passions and talents and go to the ends of the earth to provide them with endless resources and tools they need. This is education in the form that it was maybe meant to be. 

Without this goal in mind, I would probably not have a job here. 

I look at the students I teach this year and I wonder if they realise how lucky they are. I wonder if they will ever know and appreciate that there were once children like the ones you see in the photos who were willing to die in order to get the education they desired, needed and most importantly- deserved. 

So today, even though today is just another Monday in Moscow, I will think about those children and I will celebrate them by asking you to think about them too.  

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Usually when you wake up on a Monday morning, you're hating life because it's Monday and all and there's a whole week to get through...bleh bleh moan moan...HOWEVER, sometimes, just sometimes, you wake up and you make peace with Monday because the weekend was soo good to you, so thanks to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, life is a slightly more bearable on a Monday. This Monday is definitely one of those.

Dean's mom and her friend are currently visiting in Moscow which makes life very interesting and fun. To hear that South African accent and phrases (other than the ones I live with, haha) has been like a visit back home. They also bring with them a lot of fun and laughs...as well as bringing biltong and Mrs Balls Chutney. On Friday we had a picnic in a field of flowers which overlooked the river and the city. It was one of those moments when you just have to sigh out of bliss and pure contentment.

On Saturday we joined the ISM (International School of Moscow) teachers for the Ahmad Tea Music Festival. You always hear people talking about the people you meet while travelling and I guess you have to experience it to truly appreciate the worth in it. Travelling and living in a completely different place lends itself to you encountering individuals that you would have never previously met before and having met those people, they bring new memories and perspectives into your experience and I think that's what those people were talking about.

As well as meeting new people, we got to spend the day with each other as well as people we've known from Rhodes which is obviously always fun. Ever since I've known Chantelle, she's always been up for a random mission or dare, it provides us with a good laugh mostly to her expense unfortunately, nevertheless, to be with Matt and Chantelle again was a whole lot of fun. We all lead very different lives here in Moscow, and with them working at ISM, it allowed us to get a small glimpse of their adventure too. They are also not the worst people to have to wait for an hour with in the queue to Burger King at 12pm.






Also, a view and surroundings like are simply priceless and cannot be taken for granted.

Yesterday, we did something we've wanted to do for a while which is take a boat ride on the river. The weather was awesome and we went at the perfect time to have sundowners and a sunset to admire. Along with a lovely group of friends and with Dean and Pacha playing guitar and accordion in the background, we got to finally be the people on the boat as opposed to the ones waving on shore. We got to see the sights we've explored from a different perspective as well as get some great photos.

With drinks made by the bartending Rosi, named Apple Pie because they surprisingly tasted just like Apple Pie, and our newly acquired British friend we laughed our way down the river and life could not have felt better at that point.

So hello Monday. Be grateful that you're preceded by Friday, Saturday and Sunday.