Survived My First Week!

I survived my first week of classes! Woohoo! It was a bit of a stressful week, difficult, but still enjoyable as I fall into my new routine of being a student of Spanish. My days begin at 6:00 when I get up, I walk to school at 7:15 and classes begin at 7:30. I do an hour of grammar, have a 5 minute break, and then another hour of grammar. We then have an hour break, which is filled on Tues and Thurs with chapel (in English!). Then an hour of conversation class, and an hour of Phonics. That brings us to noon! I head home for lunch and spend the afternoon studying, or reading....or napping. I have some wonderful teachers which I am so thankful for. I'm starting to get to know some students, and there are a number of single women here as well, so it has been great to begin some friendships with them. Yesterday I joined some friends for a trip downtown by bus, and we visited an artesan market. Lots of stalls set up with all sorts of jewellery, bags, hammocks, wood items, clay etc. One of the girls I went with has been in C.R. for a few months and has been going to the market to practice her Spanish. Already she has made some friends among the people working there. So she introduced us to them and I'm hoping to go back again with her. I am learning about this new culture in small bites (which is the best way for me!). Yesterday after school, there was a "new student fiesta" and we were treated to some traditional Costa Rican dances. Their dances tell stories of their history and culture and are beautiful to watch. I managed to take a video of their dance, and all the dancers in this video are employees of the school, some in administration and I believe some are teachers. Hope you enjoy!