A continuación de la semana pasada…

Just a few firsts to add to the list:

First Earthquakes! One on Tuesday morning at 5am, which really felt more like a dream and only half awoke me from my deep slumber, and another more minor shake Tuesday at 9am during class, after which all of the students in the building went running and screaming with their hands on their heads. Some may say chaos, but Colegio Boston calls it procedure.

First day as a wine and cigar saleswoman! So yes, as it turns out, I did actually acquire employment abroad! Also on Tuesday, I began working at Tabacos y Vinos on Calle del Arco (the street with the big arch in the middle). It’s the “finest wine shop in Antigua” and if you have doubts, just check the prices. I was hired by Ricardo, el dueῆo, and I report to work each afternoon after my day at school and a quick lunch at home. I have received looks that tell me I’m crazy for getting another job (on top of Emiliano’s private lessons and, oh yeah, student teaching) but I absolutely love working at this place! I get to meet people from all around the world, taste fine wines and rearrange pretty bottles! I’ve found it relaxing this week, to have a little adult time, and the fact that I actually am learning about wine and making commission at the same time is something I truly don’t mind!

In case you´re wondering how to find me on a Sunday afternoon, just find this arch and the shop is basically underneath it! (My uncle Steve managed to find it on Sunday this week!!)



First Guatemalan cotton candy! Friday eve we made the pilgrimage to yet another velaciόn, this time at Santa Ines, which is a bit of a hike from the center of the city. Same drill: religious marvel surrounded by fried foods, but somehow it doesn’t get old! On the way out of the massive crowd, I passed by a man spinning fresh cotton candy onto a wooden stick. My moment had come. Sticky, yet satisfying.


Hmm…what else this week…

Things are beginning to feel routine, and every day passes very quickly. I have decided that my life for these three months will likely be consumed by school, work and schoolwork, with cultural asides here and there. After I mold some young minds and make some extra spending money, I will let loose and test out the travel lists that I am building from various tourists who wander into Tabacos y Vinos. I heard from two Canadian friends that the scuba diving in Utila, Honduras (little island in the Caribbean) is to die for, and there’s a world class night spot that is basically a huge tree fort. My thoughts: sign me up.

My classroom continues to look more like I want it to, management-wise, and each day students continue to surprise me with their random questions and linguistic exploration.

Monday the 5th graders presented their Acto Civico for the entire school, during which they performed a dragon dance and enlightened their fellow students as to some of the customs surrounding the Chinese New Year. There was even a spontaneous outbreak of applause during the performance! Total success.



Tuesday was Día Deportivo (field day) at Colegio Boston, and I had the good fortune of playing defense for the 5th grade girls fútbol team! Unfortunately I forgot my lack of skill on the cancha de fútbol and I took two fairly significant spills that tore up the better part of my elbows and left small bruises on my legs. Please see the photo below for evidence.


Just a couple of highlights, more later!

For now it has been very busy and I will have more to say this weekend…I will also hopefully have time to skype some of you and charlar por telefono (my newest purchase!)
Love to all!