Buenos Nochos mis amigos!
Sat Nam!
It has only been three days in the classroom, en la casa and such and I am learning so much. First, let me take you on a bit of fun with what it is like here. Okay, back to la casa! It is muy bueno, very nice and such. Of course it has some very interesting items, like the shower, mine is the kind with the exposed electric wire that heats the water. Now,when you first see this, it is a little unnerving, and I could not get any cold water for two days. Then, on the third day, I asked about it and was informed about the degree of turn, and NOW I have a lovely steamy shower! Now, get this, the shower has no walls, it just is there in the bano, so the whole floor is wet, but good news, there of course is a drain. However, note to self, DO NOT stand in the water to blow dry you hair. Okay, I purchased a dryer here, (I have to stop for a moment and describe the “store” it was the size of an office cubicle, and all I could think of was, it sure had a great selection for a tiny store! Why do we need these jumbo stores in America????) as my hair was not drying and well, we can’t have that, it is cold in the morning. It has all worked out, and I am still very happy with my 3rd level apt. with lovely balcony for sadhana! I wish you all could be here and experience the sun rising over the steeples as the bells ring in the church tower and the sun warms everything!
My favorite thing is coming down to breakfast, it is all laid out! Can you stand it! I just love it. I had eggs this morning, and coconut yogurt, yummy. Te con leche!
There are three of us in the class, now this is hilarious. On our first day, we all introduce, the two other students, a boy and girl are MY KIDS AGES! Yes, they nearly died when they realized my age. It was pretty funny, but we are having fun. Our teacher this week, we get a new one every week, is expecting us to memorize everything daily, like my brain will do that! Are you kidding? We had to bring in fruit today, to learn textures, smells, colors, tastes, etc. It was pretty cool. However, one student, who we will not name, and no, it was not me! brought in those little tiny plastic fruits off of the fridge from his host family! A little difficult to smell, taste, etc. Carla was NOT amused. Just glad it was not ME!
Now, lunch is the main meal of the day. We all meet back at la casa, and eat a grand meal. The whole family shows up, son, grandkids, etc. plus our group. There are right now 4 of us. However, two leave on Saturday. I will certainly miss one in particular, she is Yvonne from Holland, just a real neat person. We have had fun. Anyway, the meal is huge, soup, salad, main course. After three days of this, I need to run 10 miles, oh wait. I could just walk up the street, which is nearly VERTICAL! Did I mention that? yes, lots of vertical streets! The family has finally accepted that I cannot consume all of this food, so they are now finally NOT filling my plate as if I was a linebacker! We are all happy! I did not want to insult them, but I have to fit in my pants!! They have been incredibly sweet about no meat, very dear! Bolivians LOVE meat!!! in case I did not mention that! And sweets, lots of sweets and Bolivia is the chocolate capital of South America!
Yes, so, I have to walk past Chocolates Para ti, every day! Today I indulged, and had chocolate covered raisins with orange, naranja flavoring. Only 1.3 ounces, yummmmmy! I RAN up the hill afterwards.
Did I mention the weather? Okay, it is incredible! Very cool crisp mornings, mid day to afternoon, warmth building but never actually hot! Just when you think it is going to get hot, it begins to cool back down and then it is just a mix of temperate. No humidity, clear bright blue skies and very dry! But, my nose if finally getting used to the dryness, but not as harsh as New Mexico. It is perfecto!!!
So, I am learning espanol, it is funny. You know how much I love to talk, can you imagine how hilarious it is that I am surrounded by only spanish speaking people! I am utilizing my sense of hearing, feeling and seeing! I am learning, and it is funny, how I can feel like I get it in the classroom, but the second I am in front of someone, I just go mute! Thank God for smiles!!!!
thanks for reading, keep posting to me, I miss you all, but here in this land of warmth, I am feeling safe, sound and relaxed, much more than I would have imagined.
oh, tonight I ventured out ALONE, my first dinner out on my own. The lonely planet guide (thank you Wendy and daughter!) described a neat cafe, I just ate a delicious dinner of indian curry and rice! I know!!!! It was great! The wifi is working and so far so good. The place is half empty but there is a great football game on (soccer) and there are a bunch of younger people at the bar, a couple my age dining and candlelight! The service has been great, they are so sweet! It is not weird to go out alone, seems, as long as you are with a laptop. Hmmm, how would I be without my date Mac??
gotta run, get my reviews done, you know i am such a nerd that I want to at least try to know what I am supposed to know tomorrow! soon, I will write in espanol, for now, I am just glad to order dinner and pay my bill!
ps. I cannot find yoga anywhere here, literally! everytime someone asks me my profession, and I tell them, they light up. I am hoping to maybe find a little class, meanwhile, I am doing my practice solo!
sending you all my love,
Denise