Week 2

So far, the Yucatán sunrise (along with some really good coffee I bought recently) is making waking up at 5 AM not only possible, but also <gasp> enjoyable. I think that, although we´ve just had a couple weeks of a "cold spell", the relatively warm temperatures and early sunshine are helping to make the experience far less painful than I had feared. Also, because my life here is quite simple, I have the luxury of going to bed early (unlike during my chaotic grad school schedule). I am turning into more of a morning person with each day!
I have been trying to take good care of myself, too, because it turns out I got a staph infection in my travels. I was very fortunate to have found out about a group of American doctors who travel to Valladolid throughout the year to provide free medical care here and in the surrounding towns and villages. It was at their clinic that I received the correct diagnosis as well as free antibiotics to treat my ailment. ¡Gracias a Dios! It could have been very bad, had I not started the antiobiotics when I did... Ahora, I am feeling almost as good as new.
My classes are going well. I am enjoying my new students a lot and feeling more prepared this time around for several reasons. First, I now have a file of activities that I used last cuatri that I can fall back on in a pinch. Second, I have a more efficient system for making lesson plans and keeping track of my groups. Third, I am more secure in the assessment measures I have chosen and I am able to articulate to my groups what they will be working on throughout the cuatri. They seem to be responding well to the opportunities I am giving them to provide input on assessment criteria and syllabus topics.
But I´ll try not to bore you too much with my teaching rhetoric...The weather is warming up again and yesterday was particularly beautiful - sunny, 84 degrees, cumulus clouds...I took a LOOONG walk.
I am also happy to be meeting some very interesting new people through Betsy, another UNO English teacher, and through my involvement in a meditation group and a Xi Gong class every week. Among them are acupuncturists, linguistic anthropologists, energy healers, and a former NYC ballet dancer. My social life in Valladolid is opening up!
I am also doing some comparison shopping in preparation of buying a bike (finally!) and I am looking for a new apartment. The place I moved into right before I left Valladolid just wasn´t going to work out. Too far from town. Too no-frills. Plus, I just realized I need to live alone right now. I am too old for a roommate. : )
There have been very extensive renovations going on all over Valladolid, and they are almost finished with the park and the new streets. Everything looks immaculate and restored to its original colonial charm. I will try to get out and take some photos soon to post!
Be well...More soon.