Dr. Suess' birthday and the death of Chavez

So this week was supposed to have lots of fun Dr. Suess activities for his birthday on March 2nd. Yesterday we made Cat in the Hat hats using the -at word family. The kids all really seemed to enjoy this and seemed to be looking forward to other Dr. Suess activities.

Marcel reading Cat in the Hat

Marcel and Luis

My class with their Cat in the Hat hats.

Unfortunately, we will not be getting to do anymore Dr. Suess activities since we are now "in mourning" of Hugo Chavez. Chavez died yesterday afternoon so our school is closed for the next three days. Currently there is a lot up in the air about the over situation of the country. The economy is obviously plumeting (the illegal - but correct - exchange rate was at 8.5 when I cam and now it is about 26.4) and there is an official devaluation of currency happening. Legally the rate was 4.2 BsF per dollar, then they said it was being changed to 6.3 and now there is even talk of moving it up to 9.something.... Other than the economy, it is questionable who is in power right now. Chavez made it clear that Maduro (the vice president) was who he wanted as successor and everyone seems to think that until elections he is in charge, but legally it should be the president of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello Rondon who acts as interim president. The fact that even these 30 days until elections can't even seem to be enacted legally with the proper person in order makes me really question how legitimate the elections are really going to be. Venezuelan government officials have real problems following their countries laws and constitution so I'm not hoping for too much when it comes to any big changes here. At the moment I'm just hoping that Venezuelans are smart enough to know that the United States did not give Chavez cancer, as is currently being said by some Venezuelan politicians. You would think that anyone would know that that is a completely absurd claim and ignore it, but living here I've learned not to underestimate what an uneducated population will believe... Only time will tell what happens now. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as best I can!! (I haven't had internet in my house since last Thursday/Friday...)

PS - Google Chavez's death in the news in you're curious. It's pretty interesting and you will likely find so many different opinions, views and perspectives on everything that you will see how difficult it has been for me to try and figure out exactly what is going on here...