mirando desde afuera

we went to an art exhibit at the alianza francesa as part of the creative arts program. the french ambassador to nicaragua is apparently also a photographer, and he took some photos of el salvador on a diplomatic visit. the students had to choose a favorite photo and write about the feelings it elicited. great field trip.

free time, free rice

This morning, Dane and I took MPI's Nissan Patrol to the shop for a fluids change. The guy says, "No problem, 40 minutes, an hour max." So we wait. And wait and wait. After an hour and a half, we ask how it's coming. "No problem, don't worry, 5 more minutes." So we wait. And wait and wait. 2 hours and 40 minutes after we get there, I ask if we can please get the car back because we are late for the Literacy class we teach. I hand over $114 (an ungodly sum here in Nica) in exchange for our keys and curse customer service in this country. Someday I'll learn that when someone in Nicaragua tells you, "No problem, 5 minutes," it absolutely does not mean 5 minutes. It means closer to an hour. And if you remember that, life is a lot more tranquila. I am such an American, expecting things when they are promised. Psh!

On that note, here's a great way to turn free time into something good: freerice.com
(better vocabulary and free rice for the third world!)

¡más energía!

this almost makes me look like i know what i'm doing. pff- exercise instructor... who let me sign up for that?