So... I Kinda Don´t Want to Leave....

even though i´ve met lots of people here who intended on just visiting xela but ended up staying here, i didn´t really think that would happen to me. i mean, i´m here to study, learn spanish, focus on my tenses, etc. not to fall in love with a city. i haven´t completely fallen in love yet, but the attraction is certainly there.

don´t worry, folks, i´m not going to abandon my (I sigh as I even say this city´s name...) Dallas life or the U.S. completely. i do have loved ones who, por supuesto, I would have to consult with (uhh, Scott? Do you want to move to Guate?). all i can say at this point is i definitely feel the appeal.

besides class, i´m finally feeling comfortable here and i´ve branched out from my school to explore the city on my own and make friends not affiliated with This Awesome School. although, most quetzaltenantecos (i think that´s the right word) i´ve met have been affliated with schools. basically all my guate friends are spanish teachers who speak really slowly and use vocab i know so i feel really confident talking to them by the lady at the tienda... that´s another story!

also, i´ve just started teaching some classes at the cultural center that´s connected to my school. i´m teaching a circus games class and an english class for 9-14 year olds. it´s a great opportunity to practice my spanish (and feel like I´m talking like a child amongst actual children). i know i´m going to get attached to this kids, i can already tell.

oh, and besides the city, i have another love - salsa dancing. i think i´m going to indulge tonight and maybe friday night. it´s a healthy addiction, i promise. way better than carbs. or peanut butter. both of which i have not be healthly indulging on lately.

but seriously, the ultimate reason i am thinking of extending my stay is because i really do want to learn spanish and after almost 5 weeks of class under my belt and only 6 more to go, I´m feeling a bit anxious that I won´t have enough time to really get the grasp on the language that i want.

however, i do have an alternate plan to continue my spanish studies if i´m unable to extend my stay for various money, relationship, job, other ¨life in the real world¨reasons. guess we´ll just have to wait and see what shakes itself out.

p.s. BOO for hiring freezes in the U.S., especially with non-profits. that´s all i´ll say about that right now.