jueves 21 de enero

The day began with bananas, papaya, coffee, and the same warm juice/tea I had at Sinamune.

The first two hours were again spent sewing costumes with Rosita. During Recreo/lunch I tried another new fruit called Capulin. They are similar to a cherry but much smaller and slightly more bitter.

In classes after recreo, I warmed the kiddos up and then we worked on the Cumbia dance. For the last hour I helped another volunteer with her class (academico 2). The prof who the volunteer usually helps left his job last week for another. The volunteer I assisted is Martina, she is 26 and from Switzerland. A very awesome gal.

Once arriving in La Mariscal, the neighborhood where my Spanish classes are held, I stopped at the same place I have been all week for coffee. This time, I also ordered some bread on the side. Just ordering bread here, 20 cents, is un poco differente than in the US. This cheap bread resembles more of a croissant in its sweet, softness.

Spanish class is starting to become a little more difficult, but no less enjoyable. We are studying the difference in the word "it", "them", "her", "his", when referring to direct or indirect complimentary nouns.

After class, I had a reunion with Gaby, Carlee, and the study abroad students from the US that I had met last weekend. We went to the movies and watched Spotlight. For those of you curious, it was in English with Spanish subtitles. Fabulous film, and quite intense watching the movie is a country in which 90% of the population is Catholic.

I had almost filled up on snacks at the movie but when I came home I still had a nice large glass of a naranjilla smoothie with Martha. She and I talked about traveling to America, specifically how difficult it is for people here. The process sounds stressful, expensive, and extensive. For me to come here, since less then 87 days, all I needed was my passport and a plane ticked. I felt a little ashamed and the need to apologize for my country.

After this long talk with Martha followed by few chats with loves from back home, I'm quite ready for sleep.

Saludos,
Zoe