One week has flown by! Awesome experience! I have been on many buses around town and have yet to see a single tourist on them. No wonder I get such curious looks!
I’ve learned the system for getting to Centro Xela and to the bus terminal which is close to Walmart (landmark) and the mall where I got my sim card.
The sim card has really been helpful especially for getting my bearings when walking around town. I’ve walked many miles each day exploring. This week, I’m going to visit the neighborhood where the old school was and see if I find the family from the restaurant who helped me so much.
One challenge, I didn’t realize I had until it wasn’t there, is the amount of energy that has gone into “thinking” about how to put words and phrases together properly before speaking. With a break from the classes today, my mind has been much more peaceful. And because I’m friendly, everyone helps.
Today started with a bright morning greeted me today. After breakfast, I headed off to the festival. I missed bus and waited. It was the longest wait yet! And it was packed!! There were at least 25 or 30 people standing in the isle and that included me. At one point, the bus stopped and people started getting off. We weren’t anywhere near a stop?
Then I noticed the procession going across the intersection in front of us blocking the street. It was the Virgen Rosario from the Cathedral. Perfect timing! Had I been on an earlier bus, I would have missed this!
The morning was bright and sunny. It was so warm in fact, I didn’t need my long sleeve shirt. And then the rains hit! I went back to the coffee shop after standing under a tree for 40 minutes attempting to stay dry and warm. You can see the rain in some of the photo’s below.
However, the electricity went out but not until I got my coffee. It would have been preferable to have it go out before my coffee (not good) but I was warm and dry.
At the festival, I stopped at a booth for sweets. I love coconut candies here! Three generations of a family were there putting things into a basket. They looked at me cautiously and I smiled while talking to them. They gave me advice on what to buy and asked the man there to give me samples. Of course I wanted one of everything but settled for two different kinds of coconut candy and come caramel candy they recommend. Shaking hands with everyone, they headed off to their next destination.
I went back to the festival when the rain let up for some garnache’s which were awesome! Great food! Then, the rain hit again so I scooted to my favorite spot, Cafe Baviera. Coffee was good. I got dried out. The rain let up. And I started a fast walk for the mile to the bus stop. That warmed me up nicely!
Tomorrow, we are changing classrooms. Good thing I am flexible. I’ve gotten used to our space here. Tomorrow we are trying something different since Pedro has a more flexible schedule. Guess I’ll just have to make the most of it!
Fuentes Gerorginas Hot Springs. Don’t know how I’ll be able to concentrate but will make the most of it!
Ciao!