Today was my first day (of four) speaking at the inviting International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. It is also my first time in South America.
The campus is staggered down a rolling, grassy plot nestled at the base of olive-colored hills that look as soft as pussy willows. The students are appreciative and attentive. I was impressed with the ones for whom English is a second language. They seemed to be as engaged as anyone else. The school exudes academic strength. Outside, I passed a group of students placing small mirrors on the ground and then doing something with a tape measure. I asked what the game was. No, one told me, it was a science experiment.
One of the highlights was an unexpected reminder of home—original home, that is. In my presentation, I mention that I grew up in Connecticut. One boy said he is also from Connecticut—and then specified the town of Cheshire. That’s my town, too. In my eight years of author visits nationwide, I can’t recall anyone else saying s/he was from Cheshire. I had to come all the way down to Chile to come across that.
track with mountains in background
another view of track
fantastic basketball court from same level
fantastic basketball court from above
mural designed by a former student who is now a staff member
same mural from farther away
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