Sunday was a great day. The Lastrapes picked me up for church. It was really good. It's a little difficult because sometimes I zone out for a second or two and trying to come back from that is a challenge because it's like my brain is working double time to make sense of what the pastor is saying. Afterwards, we went to a delicious sushi restaurant, which was great because I had been really wanting some sushi.
We got "bubble tea" as well, which was yummy. Then we went back to their house and I washed my clothes and we sat in the living room. We had artichoke dip for snack too, which was great.
They dropped me off at the school that night and I taught Tuli how to play Egyptian Rat Slap. Todavía, he hasn't beat me, but it's coming- I know. I also taught him how to shuffle cards.
Monday (Happy 4th!) I started with my new teacher, Edna. I was so excited to start with her because I have heard so many great things about her! She actually taught the Lastrapes when they first came to Guatemala. Our first class went really well. She corrects my pronunciation almost relentlessly and constantly puts me on the spot- which is super helpful for me!
For lunch, we had carne asada in celebration for the 4th!
Before dance class, we went across town to a mall called Las Americas, because they talked me into getting my undercut redone (Don't tell Somer!). The guy did a good job.
Then we headed to dance class and made history because for the first time since I have been coming, there was more guys than girls!!! Four girls. Five guys. Wut. It was a good class, except 1) I accidentally punched my dance instructor in the nose and 2) during practicing the spin for the Bachata, Ángel and I actually both fell- first time I've fallen in class.
The other thing about these dances is that the guy decides everything that happens. Some of the guys are MUCH better at directing than others. The difference between spins and steps is determined by subtle changes in the hands of the guy ("Tus manos son mías," says Antonio.) but some of the dudes don't direct as well so then the girl (... me) is left flailing and confused because the step wasn't clear. Lo bueno (the good part) is that if a guy knows what he is doing, you just follow and it makes you look good.
After dinner, Tuli and I played cards again and were able to run outside when we heard some big fireworks to see them coming from across town at the stadium!
Yesterday was Ángel's birthday. We all woke up at five to blow up balloons and set off firecrackers right outside his door. Then we played a song from a mariachi band over someone's phone and yelled things like, "Wake up," "Happy birthday!" until he turned his light on and everyone cheered. Then we lined up to give him hugs and then some of us when back to bed and others started their day (guess which group I was in). It was the strangest thing, but it was fun. Mom said, "Leave that tradition in Guatemala, please."
Cyndita, running for her life after setting the firecrackers off.
We went to dance class in the afternoon and I'm learning a new move that I am so psyched about! We are going to practice it more today and I'm so stinking excited. After dance class, we had Ángel's birthday dinner at 7:30 at the house, but our dance instructor invited us for tacos, it was already almost 7:00, but of course, we went.
Really though, the tacos were delicious.
I was trying to keep in mind that we had dinner waiting at the house, but Antonio bought our food for us and then was like, "Eat them all." We finished eating about 7:30 and then had to run back to our side of town for second dinner. I thought I was going to die. The party was lots of fun though!
Sucely <3 Cyndita <3 Antulio <3
I have more things to write, especially about my wonderful teacher, but I will post in a few days!
No comments:
Post a Comment