Ok, so every morning I wake up and after practicing yoga and eating fruit and oatmeal (I never new how good oatmeal cooked on the stove the long way could taste. No more microwave or instant for me if I can help it), I leave for school. Saying Hola and Buenos Dias to many people on the way.
It’s a short walk from my apartment to my school, past dozens of colonial houses on cobble stone streets. You know the kind of building that does not look like much from the outside, a protected front, but opens up to magical court yards and detailed rooms on the inside. I also pass by three major churches. The majority of people who walk or drive by these churches make the sign of the cross as they do so. So on this walk; I am surrounded by very religious people. It’s funny, three crosses in a row. I haven’t seen any car accidents in front of the churches, so I guess it’s safe for people to be so into it. This is a picture of one of the churches- the Oratorio. It is a beautiful walk to school and of course as a result I am often late to Conversation class.
All along the way, the help or household owner as well as restaurateurs and shop keepers are outside sweeping up the sidewalks in front of their place. They use handmade brooms and follow up with soap and water. Although it makes the stone sidewalks temporarily slippery, I am glad they are out there. I have never lived in a place with no rain. The roads are full of dust and dog poop. It’s important to clean it off the sidewalks and back into the streets. Still, given the wind around here, I’m hesitant to eat and of the roadside fare that is not covered by a clear plastic bag. Hmm, more about sidewalks, I like being the girl and walking on the inside. Benito always lets me go first and does that guiding thing with his hand. Me as an obedient girlfriend is certainly new. And the sidewalks are really narrow, so the custom is for the person facing traffic to step down and let the other person pass if there is not enough room. The people are so nice here, genuinely nice. Ok, the teenage couple next to me is exhibiting some gross mating rituals. I am off to the Jardin to read.
