Teachers Baptism

Following the first bell, the teachers had their own celebration for the beginning of the school year. They had house wine and cognac, lots of meat and placinta (it’s just a type of pastry) a plenty. One big teacher masa. They’re all about the masas here and I love it. This is kind of how it went…

-Larissa, eat this. Take more. Red or white. Take a shot for Maria’s new nephew. (Maria) Take a shot for my nephew. Eat more food. We just grilled more meat. There’s more red wine…-

When we were all finished (more or less) eating, I helped to gather all the teachers for a picture. After the photo op, they proceeded to have a “teachers baptism” which apparently they do every year for all the new teachers. I was the only new teacher. I don’t know how common this tradition is across the whole country, but I appreciated it none-the-less. I felt welcomed and a part of their school community. This is kind of how it went…

-Wait here. Run through this hand tunnel. Bend over. Don’t bend over. O.K. bend over. Money thrown in a bowl of water. Freshly cut branch dipped in water. Speech. Splish. Splash. Applause.-

But why read about it when you can watch the whole thing?! Thanks to my partner teacher Oxana for filming the it all.

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Fist Bell

School began on September 2, and it was quite the show. I showed up looking like Sailor Moon with a conservative, khaki pleated skirt, white blouse, navy blazer and my fall boots (it was a chilly day), whilst all my soon to be students all looked so fly. I still can't get over all the little boys in their three piece suits and shiny shoes. The little girls all wore white stockings, big bows and pleated skirts. I fit right in with mine.

The tradition all across Moldova, and I quite like it, is to have the oldest students welcome the newest students into the school. It's quite the spectacle, and I'm happy to have captured it on video for your viewing pleasure. The 12th graders parade all the little 1st graders around for the onlookers, listen to some speeches and then walk the youngins to their classes.

In addition to the parade, the Mayor, local Eastern Orthodox Priest, School Director, some 11th grade students, and a couple other guests spoke. There was a karaoke rendition (as per norm at any event here) of a Romanian song and some DJ jams thrown down.

After the "first bell" was rang, the students all went to their home room class where they had an hour of an introductory lessons on Moldovan traditions. See ya tomorrow kids.



What followed next... was the teachers celebration.