I have not written lately because nothing has really happened. Our program is way overloaded and we are constantly going. I haven't even had time to take a single nap this week. The heat doesn't help either, though it has gotten better this week thanks to some rather brutal rains. I was getting a little worried because before the storms come the sky turns a really eerie color reminiscent of the calm before a tornado at home, but my professor assured me that due to the landscape here tornadoes are impossible. He said that sometimes you'll see the start of a tiny funnel cloud, but it will never drop.
It was in fact a cucaracha that was in my bed. It is now dead.
World Cup soccer has now begin. Friday we delayed class so we could see part of the game, though we missed Mexico's goal. They play again on Thursday. I want to buy a jersey but 1.) they're a little bit more here than if you order them online in the U.S. though with shipping they could just about even out and 2.) they're sold out in most places. We got to watch the U.S. play England yesterday though the signal at the restaurant we were at kind of sucked. Our waiter escorted me into the restaurant and gave us VIP service. It comes as part of the meal, but when ordering a Caesar salad at this particular restaurant they make the dressing at the table in front of you. It was pretty cool. Also, in case you didn't know, Caesar salad is technically mexican food as it was originally invented in Mexico.
I went shopping yesterday and bought a ton of stuff, including a beautiful pair of shoes all for less than $130.
One of the girls had her wallet stolen yesterday from her purse while we were in the Zocalo. Luckily she only had $30 in cash and her drivers license on her. Her camera was right next to her wallet, she was lucky they didn't also take that.
My nose has gotten really tan. Nothing else really has though.
I've discovered that Shopko sunglasses are only built to last about a year. The paint is all coming off of my favorite pair. Oh well, I guess that means I get to go sunglass shopping soon!
I still have 5 weeks left here and only have about half of a bottle of bug spray left. It's funny. I thought I'd barely use that and would go through sunscreen like crazy (which is why I have 2 large and 2 small bottles of sunscreen with me... but only 1 bottle of bug spray). Other than on my face and occasionally on my shoulders I haven't really used any sunscreen.
We went to a spot on what is called cerro Fortin last night that overlooks the entire city. Oaxaca doesn't seem like a big city, until at night when you see lights for miles. I think it's just really spread out more than anything.
We got to go to our new volunteer spot this week and it is amazing. The place is called Hijos de la luna (which translates as Children of the moon). It is technically not an orphanage. The children are all children of prostitutes who currently do not have homes. The moms come and spend a day with their children once a week, and once they have a home again, they go back to live with them. It is a really happy place and they act like one big family. Currently there are about 30 kids there, though while we are there there are many less as most of them go to school. The youngest is 2 months old and the oldest is 10 years old. When we get there we help feed the littlest ones breakfast and then we play with them. A little boy and a little girl have both really taken to me. I help feed the little boy, who is between a year and 18 months. I don't know his real name but they all call him gordito which means little fatty... which is no lie. He has the chubbiest cheeks you will ever see. The first day I was carrying him around and we started dancing. He fell asleep in my arms. It was precious. As soon as I walked in on Thursday his eyes lit up. The other little girl that I've spent a lot of time with is Fernanda and I'd guess she's between 18 months and 2 years...though I'm thinking closer to 2. She has the prettiest eyes ever and is an absolute sweetheart. She gets super jealous if I pay attention to any of the other kids and always gives me a "look at me, not them" look. The little girls are all so helpful in taking care of the other kids. I had to change Fernanda's diaper and the one little girl led me to and gave me everything that I needed. They also have the sweetest little kitty ever and two dogs, who have what I would guess are about 5 week old puppies. The kids play with the puppies like it was nothing and they are definitely loving puppies. I held one on Thursday and he just cuddled in. It's a great place and I wish we wouldn't have wasted 2 weeks at the other placement.
I guess that's about it for now. I'm heading to my first Mexican movie theater tonight. Pretty excited for some popcorn.
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