Dia Numbero 2

Buenos Dias!

I woke up late today...around 11am. I was exhausted from my trip! I decided to ask the woman at the front desk where I could get something to eat. She recommended a few places and then told me that the "zocalo" was not far. The Zocalo was what I had read about in my Oaxaca guide book and was excited to hear that it was only a few blocks from my hotel. I got dressed (in short black dress) and started walking. I can not tell you how many looks I got from people...not looks of wow look at that hot chick in a dress...looks of what is that gringo wearing. When I arrived at the Zocalo, I was stunned to see how beautiful it was. It reminded me of Europe with a central area surrounded by shops and small cafes. There was a band playing music and so many people were walking about and listening to music. I decided to get myself some breakfast at one of the cafes and listen to the music. I chose a place, sat down and ordered the only thing on the menu that looked familiar to me besides "agua" and "jugo de naranja". I had "huevos rancheros"! Good choice because it was delicious. When I finished my waitress brought me my tab and then returned the incorrect change. This was the first time I had used pesos to pay for something and I was too unsure about the money to say anything. It was only 5 pesos which amounts to less than .50. If it had been more I probably would have said something...but I was feeling shy. When I left the Zocalo I went back to my hotel and Arturo (my dad) picked me up. He was very nice, but a little shy. He took me back to his house where I learned there was an enormous staircase to climb with my 2 suitcases. My room is on the roof of their apartment which sounds crummy but it is great! I have sunshine surrounding me and I have a view of the city. I have my own room with my own bathroom and a key that locks my door. Also, there is a table and chairs outside of my room that are perfect for catching some sun and reading a book! I met Eva (my mother) and Susie (the oldest daughter, 14) and Dani (Daniela, 5) and Vero (Veronica, 3). Eva informed me it was time to eat. She then asked me if I had met the other student...I was shocked to find out that another student was living with them...but relieved when I met Katie. She is a student from Oregon staying for 3 months and working for an organization called "Casa de las Mujeres" a shelter for Indigenous women. She is a whiz with spanish, having spent 5 months in Puerto Rico and a boyfriend which whom she only speaks spanish. It was relieving to know that I would have someone else to communicate with day-to-day that understood my "gringa-ness". After dinner Susie took us for a walk around the streets and the Zocalo. We had a nice time and I was starting to learn my way around the city a bit more. After that we came home to read and go to bed. I was excited for my first day of classes. I was super excited that everything seems to be working out and I am feeling more and more confident with my spanish! I can't wait to see how good I will be when I come home....Besos Amigos...Hasta Pronto!