Today was the first day I took the busses all by myself. Today was also the first day of my Spanish classes.
On my way to the bus this morning, I found some comic relief when I slipped in some mud and fell in front of about 10 people waiting for the bus. It was one of those slow falls where you have time to realize you are going down, but not enough time or coordination to stop it. A nice man in suite rushed to help me back on my feet. Luckily my hand caught my fall and I was barely muddy.
I was successful in finding my stop and making my way to Sinamune before 8 AM. My first task was to fix up some vests using my just barely sufficient sewing skills. Today was another day with an orchestra and dance performance for some tourists. However, this time I stayed in the green room with Rosita helping the ladies change between songs. I really enjoy this part of the day and ladies I get to work with. I was able to peak out of the door and sneak a few photos of some dances.
There is a short recess with a snack provided before classes resume and again I was offered food, and again could not say no. It was some delicious yellow rice with meat...(chicken?) and a plantain on top, a wonderful mid morning snack.
I was given a schedule from the office and it seems each day of the week is different. Rosita and I had a two hour class with a group of about 10 students. I warmed them up, then Rosita asked if I could teach the Waltz. I showed/told her I only really know ballet waltz, but together we managed to create a waltz-like dance to teach. After dancing the waltz with each other for a few songs, Rosita taught some choreography. I think it is Cuban, but my Spanish needs to improve so I can understand Rosita better. As her assistant, I led the boys while she led the ladies.
For the last half hour, Rosita left me with a small group to lead them in whatever dance/exercise/games I chose. (I only understood this because there was an assistant with this class from Germany who of course speaks a little English. I say of course because the three people who speak a bit of English are from Austria, Switzerland and Germany, and as non-Americans it's common to know English on top of their own languages...in addition to their Spanish). I digress, the last group had students with more significant disabilities. I had a really difficult time engaging the students and keeping them participating. This will likely be the hardest group, especially because Rosita leaves me as the solo teacher...
On my hour-long bus ride, I ate the sandwich with turkey and basil that Martha prepared for me. Then I asked the lady collecting bus fair if she could help me know when to get off the bus. After the long bus ride, the few blocks in the sun to the Spanish school felt wonderful. Franklin, who picked me up from the airport is actually the owner of the school. He greeted me and introduced me to my Professor, Ximena (hee-mena). The class is one on one which is excellent because she can cater to exactly my level. I really enjoyed class and am looking forward to improving my Spanish. The bus home that Martha told me about was a little faster, but was still about an hour. A nice lady sitting next to struck a conversation with me about me wearing my backpack in front of me (it's safer). She was sweet and although I didn't understand everything, she helped me to find my stop.
On my walk home from the bus I saw the mark from my foot when I fell and again smiled. Once home, Martha showed me up to the terrace. Beautiful and vast view of part of Quito from there.
More to come tomorrow,
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