Fascination with the cheeks

In Peru, like many Latin American countries, folks like to kiss on the cheek as a greeting (or an air kiss next to the cheek). In the classroom, I have found it quite warm that when the kids come into the classroom they run to their teacher (or are handed by their parents); the child hugs the teacher and gives them a big kiss on the cheek. It's so nice to see that the kids are able to fill openly loved like that even in school. Granted, in the US we're worried about teachers abusing their powers and touching little kids inappropriately, we're worried that the kids might contract some deadly disease from getting too close to their teacher, and a host of other worries. The result is that we have an exceedingly cold classroom, where the teachers and the students are separated by a visible line no one shall cross. Even having a 'friendly' teacher is sometimes frowned upon. But I really liked that the kids here are so loving. I think it helps spill over to actions as I described yesterday as they helped their fellow students finish their lunch. A little love could go a long way to helping some kids, who may particularly have hard home lives, grow up to feel a little more supported in our society.

Now, while our facial cheeks are one fascination, apparently so are the cheeks on my backside. To my surprise a little boy named Christofer (I should know one can never trust a person named Chris -- ha!), became fascinated with my rear end. I'd walk by, he'd try to touch it. I was squatted down on the other side of the classroom room, next to another student, and he'd try to smack me on my ass cheek. What is it about the name Chris that makes them so interested in the behind at such an early age. He's only three? Imagine what this child's focus on the rear-end will be like once he reachs puberty. All of that aforementioned love may be too much!