Journal Entry #5 – Wednesday, February 7, 2008

After a short night, we all gallantly gathered at 6:30 am to board our fearless UTEQ van to journey to the school. We enjoyed seeing the city lights as we climbed out of the city.

Arriving at the school we stumbled to the teachers’ lounge, the Departivo de Idiomas where we awaited our teacher to take us to our first class. What terrific students to be in a 7:00 am class. We had several advanced classes today which were real nice. In one class we discussed the preferred way to drink tequila and I learned the word for shot glass “caballito.”

Fortunately, teachers come to the lounge to guide us to our classes. We break into small groups of 3-4 and each volunteer has from 2-6 or 7 students to converse with. All the teachers with whom I have worked had some specific plans on what we should do with the students; some asked us questions. I was amused that one student asked me my goal as a Global Volunteer. My response was to have fun by talking with them.

I have found my way from the building with the teacher’s lounge to the cafeteria by turning left at the three big dark rose colored bougainvillea. Then to get the pick up point we turn right at the single dark rose colored bougainvillea.

Our breakfast was at 9 am., 2 hours after our first class. The non-traditional breakfast has become traditional for some of us…yogurt with granola, cheesecake like pie, and coffee. This is very filling.

We returned to Hotel Senorial after our last class at 1:00 pm. We had five classes today. Great fun for me.

I got to sit in the front seat today and inflict my bad Spanish on our very gracious and patient driver.

After a lunch at the hotel of fruit, soup, calabaso turnover like dish, and beef in lemon sauce with a variety of desserts, we strolled down to the main market which offers a host of articles one can live without as a tourist. The fruit, meats, and fish were attractively displayed and refrigeration was provided when needed. Some friends bought Queretaro soccer shirts for grandchildren. Carlos kindly took those who did not want to walk to the market in his car. I bought some plums and cabbage. The stars of the market were beautiful birds.

After walking back to the hotel, we rejoined to go to dinner again at the Meson de la Corregidora on the plaza where we had enjoyed dinner on Sunday night. A young man serenaded us, but we were really wanting guitar music so we could talk more easily.

A very pleasant day!