Day 5

Hola amigos
Its Saturday night and Monica and I are at the Internet Cafe down the road a way. THere are heaps of people about, many cars and many more motorbikes. I am getting used to looking the right way as I cross the road, after a couple of Oops!! in the first few days. Amazing how long it takes to break a habit.
I have now visited all 3 schools where Monica teaches. 2 are private schools and one public. They are vastly different from each other and of course from NZ. the kids at home would be shocked at the lack of colour, grass, playground, etc.
The public school has nothing much at all but the students have soul!! There was a large hole kicked in the door, the ceiling was falling down (think Otaua Kay) and the walls were extemely dirty. The students grilled me about life in NZ, were shocked at the price of meat and cigarettes = only $1 here. They all want to see pictures of Hannah and Tim, especially the boys Hannah as they are all 14 to 16 years old.
We couldn't go to Brazil today as I couldn't get american dollars from the hole in the wall, I changed all my money at the airport to pesos. Will try again for next weekend. Life during the week starts early, at 7am for two days, and I mean in the classroom at 7am. Monica has a siesta everyday,but today I worked on the computer outside coz I wasn't sleepy. I coloured her hair for her today, saved her a trip to the hairdressers. made me feel that I was giving something back.
I eat and drink what she does so I'm getting used to Mate, I like the aniseed flavour best. She has given me a mate cup of my own to bring home so I hope customs will let me keep it as it is clay.
Last night we toured the shops but much is touristy here and quite expensive. Won't be buying much. In the clothes shops you can't look at the clothes yourself but have to ask the assistant to get things for you. And nothing is priced either.
All the clothes are winter here so not for me as it is still hot / 32 degrees today.
Had best stop now as Monica is waiting for me.
Hasta luego
Viv