Having reached all bar one of the schools, we have now entered the final stage of the data collection process. Gerardo was unavailable for a couple of days, so I had the opportunity to catch up with some more data entry and continue eating away at my placement tasks. On Thursday afternoon I went to local restaurant for lunch, one that I have used on a number of occasions previously. Within a few hours, I was doubled over as every single antibody in my system repelled my choice of chicken (in a sauce that forensics are still trying to identify). Ironically, I thought I was doing the right thing by avoiding the pork. Whilst I returned to Aguablanca (metaphorical speaking), Ana Lucia was very sympathic and made me feel as comfortable as is possible under such circumstances. I went to bed with antibiotics and rehydration fluid but I barely slept and felt completely drained the next morning. Unfortunately, we had parents meetings at 2 schools and I wouldnt have a second opportunity to get their opinions.
First up then was Sur Oriental (private) and its exuberant DoS, Fernando. Today of all days the entire process was somewhat protracted as initially at least, no-one seemed quite sure what was happening. However for all the procrastination, we still collected a significant haul of questionnaires and also had the opportunity to talk to a couple of teachers. One in particular was very interested in our investigation but his name hadnt appeared in our random sample so he didnt receive a questionnaire. He indicated that he had some very strong views about the way this particular school was being run and would be very pleased to be involved. He took a further 4 questionaires for his colleagues and I await with interest for their responses.
The next parents meeting wasnt due to commence until 3pm so I agreed to pick up Joni later that afternoon and in the meantime I went home and straight to bed where I slept solidly for the next 3 hours. By the time we returned to Aguablanca, there was already a long queue of parents waiting outside of El Poblado school (public). I say parents, there was actually not a single father to be seen.
We spoke to the secretary who we had met on a number of occasions in the previous few weeks. She indicated that while are questionnaires were welcome, this gathering was a bit of a celebration for the school and she would prefer it if we didnt distract the ladies with our presence. Im not exactly sure what she meant by that after all we didnt suggest a live show but she did agree to take 22 questionnaires and asked us to return on Tuesday to pick up a completed set. Given my physical condition, I was more than happy to hand over the paperwork and responsibility to the school and within 30 minutes I was back in bed. Whilst a meeting with Montezuma is always unpleasant, I met him on his own turf and I can take some consolation from the fact that much of the work has already been completed so couple of days off would probably do me some good.