Good Food and Good Times

I'm writing this as I'm sitting by the pool at our hotel and looking at the most amazing sunset- wow! That is a great way to sum up this day here in San Pedro. We got our classroom assignments at Isla Bonita Elementary School today. I am in an "Infant II" class which is like first grade, which by now I have plenty of experience in. I have twelve students and they were happy with big "banana smiles" to see all the Americans. They called "assembly" for the classes and they all came out and stood in line so quietly until Mrs. Addie, the principal, started talking and we introduced ourselves. Little shouts of joy came from the classes when they heard who would be with them for the next few weeks. It made me feel welcomed and I was excited to be there.

We then had to go take a "food siesta" at one of our favorite places, Estel's. It is right on the beach and they always have live music. What's not to like about that- good views, good music, good food, and good friends. People are starting to recognize us as the "American teachers" around town. This is good and bad and here's why. It's good because most people are very friendly and offer us discounts on food and the toll bridge. It's bad because the little old ladies who run the fruit stands (and sell the best homemade juice) have upped their prices on the fresh fruit. It's a good thing there are plenty of fruit stands!

We all went to dinner last night as a group (and I ate conch for the first time!) and as expected in any third world country children, boys ages nine to fourteen, were trying to sell us jewelry. They knew all the right tricks calling us "pretty ladies" and putting necklaces on us. Some of us finally broke down and indulged these boys. But they lingered around until several of us bought things. It is crazy to think that these boys go to school all day and then their mothers send them out with a bag full of jewelry until late hours in the night to bring home money for the family. It's one thing to see that while you're on a vacation, but not while you are living and teaching here.

But with that said, there are plenty of wonderful things to enjoy about San Pedro. I hope to go snorkeling soon- pictures to come!