Alphabet Holiday

I got a call on Friday from one of my English teachers that the annual Alifba Bayaminiz would be the next day, Saturday. I got to the school's assembly hall at 10 o'clock, but it didn't really start until 11:30 or so.

And then just to remind me that things fall apart, the electricity stopped at about 11:35am. The children were singing along to the Azerbaijani national anthem and looked confused just as their favorite part of the song was beginning. The sound system and music came to a halt.

The married couple (teachers) who organized the event were non-plussed. Have the kids sit down at tables laden with sweets and fruit and have them not touch a thing! I don't know their magic words, but these primary students obeyed.

When the electricity came on again, the children proceeded to put on a fine show for the parents and siblings in attendance. I'm not sure why only a few teachers attended, but it didn't seem to matter for the children. They had multiple costume changes and skits to perform. Two little girls spoke a welcome in English, and everyone sang Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. Not simultaneously, but all in fun!

As ever, I was called upon to say a few words which usually means I tell the children to stay in school and get a good education. Shalala Teacher did the translating for my few sentences. Later, I was surprised with a bouquet, and then asked to dance with the children – all captured for posterity on videotape. I thoroughly enjoy having fun with these kids and I hope the parents could tell by the smile on my face.

I did have to duck out at about 2 pm thinking that I needed to get something to eat. I have yet to figure out how people can go so long without eating, but then again there had been lots of cake and cookies and fruit served with tea.

It was a delightful day with lots of photos plus several minutes of the chicken song that every school girl learns.