Day #3

I figured out today that if I sit outside on the front porch, I can get a VERY low internet connection. I won't be able to Skype from here, but at least i can email back and forth or publish blogs. Lots of people do not have internet at all, so i will count my blessings. Well, today was a Dominican holiday. Typically, they celebrate it on the 5th, but since it was a sunday this year, they moved it to today. haha. I woke up early to turn on the heater for the shower, which turned out to still be cold. I don't think I gave it long enough to heat up. Oh well. When I was done getting ready, my breakfast was ready for me:) I had toast and cream cheese, mandarines (which are in season right now), fresh squeezed orange juice, and coffee (great coffee). Then, Sidenia drove me to those girls houses a few street away. We went in for a tiny lil coffee (about 2 sips worth), and then she left. I carpooled with the other girls.
The students all took a guagua (bus) to the casa de artes for our first of 13 seminars. We talked about our goals living here in the Dominican. Pretty boring. We went home at noon. One of the other moms picked us up, and she even dropped me off. SHe proceeded to tell me on the drive home the way to their house from mine, so I could walk tomorrow and meet the girls to walk the rest of the way. It's really close those, I practiced walking today.
At my house, Sidenia and Cruz were here. Also, SIdenia has a dona, who is a woman who comes to the home to cook and clean. She made us a great lunch of avocados, chicken (plain wings), tostones (plantains), and this soupy substance made with rice, chicken, salsa, and carrots. It was GREAT. SHe also made me fresh squeezed pinapple juice...mmmm!! Afterwards, I organized the rest of my room and loaded some pictures on my camera. Then I went to get my phone activated. The dona gave me a ride to the mall on her scooter. But, when I got to the mall, only a few stores were open because it is a holiday. I guess I will try again tomorrow. I walked home, which was nice because I am trying to learn the area.
When I got home, I discovered the outdoor internet:) So I am sitting here now, and just met some of SIdenia's relatives...they are 7 and 9 years old. Tonight, we are going to a birthday party for someone (can't remember who she said). It should be fun...!! WEll, I'm off to the park to play with the kids, talk to you all later. I will update you with my phone numbers soon. P.S. The weather is absolutely PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL...be JEALOUS. Also, forgot to say that Sidenia has 2 cute animals. A puppy that is fluffy, named Mara, and a kitten with no name. Any suggestions? I want to name her CAT in english. I think it would be funny. I will try to post fotos of my room.
Tomorrow is our Spanish exam...BOO.