In the afternoon, Dane and I spent a couple of hours at El Farito with siblings Erick (7) and Maqueline (12). They didn't have school, so we took a break from our usual Tuesday afternoon homework and tutoring time to do jigsaw puzzles and play musical instruments. Erick and Maqueline showed me what Dane and Tessa had taught them earlier that afternoon in music class. They played quarter and half-note rhythms so proudly on their little hand drums and maracas. Erick said we should start a band and call it "Los Roqueros."
Every day, Erick and Maqueline ask if today is the day we get to work. And they always call it "work" so excitedly. (I forget sometimes that a child's work is play.) Maqueline is 12, and she can't read yet. Every day is a struggle for her. And for me to teach her. Patience with her and with my own language dificulties is a task. Sometimes when we're working on recognizing syllables, she gets really frustrated and embarrassed and throws her head back and forces a laugh. It amazes me that she forces the laugh so well instead of crying. Because I would probably cry. But yesterday was so relaxed and easy. Spanish flowed from my mouth like thoughts in my head, and the four of us sat on our carpets and laughed and played and read to each other in a way that was so unlabored.
In the evening, Tessa and I taught the women's exercise class in what I think was the MOST HUMID weather we've had since we arrived. In the states, we pay big bucks for rooms that are heated so we can do yoga while purging our bodies of toxins. Here, sweat is free and plentiful.
Dane and I frequent a coffee shop here when we have a free half hour. It is owned by a Nica/American couple, and they pretty much just copied Starbucks. It's the most American thing around here. And sometimes we feel guilty for sipping overpriced coffee drinks while we're supposed to be assimilating to Central American life (which I LOVE, by the way). But sometimes a latte on a big leather chair in warm lighting with A/C and wireless internet is all you need when you miss the comforts of home. Yesterday I was looking at a poster ad for an iced green tea drink that was recently posted on the wall. It was a sort of blurry picture of a family splashing with their feet while sitting by the pool- totally summer. And I realized that that poster probably won't come down in October. Here, it's always summer. So come visit.
Paz y amor,
Julie
