The end of Thanksgiving... and the start of Christmas

This post must start with an apology for the length of time it has taken to be written.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for those involved in my current education) writing essays has taken over from writing blogs!  However, now that the essays are all out of the way, the blog may resume!

Mesmerising jellyfish

  Those who have been following the 3 episode Thanksgiving post may remember that the previous post ended with us heading back to Atlanta, via the Georgia Aquarium.   This Aquarium is supposedly the largest aquarium in the world - and it is pretty amazing.  There are various zones to visit focussing on Georgia marine life, ocean, freshwater to name but a few.  There are places where you can put your hand in and touch some of the rays as they swim past and they even have a couple of Beluga whales.  It was quite an awe inspiring place because one realises the vast number of creatures and plant life that, without places like the Georgia Aquarium, we would never know existed - I really was reminded about the creativity of God, and that so much of it exists without us ever needing to know about it.

A content looking frog

  When I heard they had whales I was a bit sceptical as I couldn't imagine they could provide a suitable environment for the whales to enjoy life.  While I still can't be completely sure that they are happy, they certainly looked happy as they swam around and the tank was huge.  I also loved the frog zone as there were some amazing looking frogs.  However, after only a short time, it was time to go.
 

My Religious Education class

  After arriving back home, although my Thanksgiving adventure had come to an end, there was a sense of anticipation building that Christmas was on its way.  There is a tradition that people put their Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving so there were lights going up, music started playing and festive events started being advertised.  As term came to a close at Candler there has been time for some social activities, both on the same day.  My Religious Education class and my Texts of Terror class both decided that something should be organised for the class to celebrate the end of term.  The Religious Education class decided to go to a local pizza restaurant for a bit of food and a drink, while a member of the Texts of Terror class invited us all to their apartment for our final class where food and some finger food.  It was interesting that they were the two classes that decided on this, and they were also the two classes I have taken that were very focussed on classroom participation.  It made me wonder if our education systems need to do more to create learning environments where people can feel comfortable with one another in order to learn together.

"Merry Tuba Christmas!"

  The other experience I have had to point the way to Christmas was possibly the best ever - TUBA CHRISTMAS!  Over 40 years ago Tuba Christmas started in New York and, since then, it has spread around America and even into Europe - although sadly not as far as Great Britain.  In the middle of Atlanta there was a concert by about 150 tubas of all shapes and sizes.  Many of the players were youngsters bussed in from local schools, but also many older players (the ages ranged from 9-76 apparently) who all turned up on the day and, after an hour and a half rehearsing, performed for an hour.  They were mostly Christmas carols, but with Jingle Bells and We wish you a Merry Christmas thrown in as well.  It was a stunning performance (unfortunately I have not been able to upload a video of it).  Sadly the conductor did like to talk so there were long gaps between pieces, but it was a great event nonetheless.  While I was pleased to be able to enjoy watching and recording the concert, there was a part of me that regretted not having a tuba to be able to go and join in.  The sound was incredible to hear, so I can only imagine what it was like to play in.  Who knows, maybe one day it will make it to Britain and I could find out.  It was, most definitely, the best start to Christmas!