Hey guys -

Well last time I tried to update my blog I had a huge entry all written out and then the power went out at the internet cafe and I lost everything. Thats no fun. Anyway, I dont really have anything huge to report. I have just been doing more of the same thing....spanish classes and other group training. One thing that has been really nice is that the Peace Corps has started to bring more current volunteers in to talk to us at training sessions. Instead of our regular teachers teaching us these volunteers get to teach us which is much more exciting (not that the teachers arent fabulous). It is just really nice to be able to hear from people who are actually out there in communities working on projects. It is really interesting to talk to them and ask them what kinds of things they are doing and what challenges they have faced. Surprisingly, they are all very bluntly honest with things, they dont sugar coat anything because the instructors and head Peace Corps staff are around. I think this is a good sign and it is reassuring to know that volunteers dont feel like they have to try to protect us by saying that everything is perfect.

Some random thoughts....

I listen to my ipod (when it decides to work for me) on the bus rides to and from training and whenever I hear "Too Little Too Late" by JoJo I think of my roommate Emily because this was her ringtone for a log time last year in college. Emily, I will forever think of you every time I hear that song.....as well as "Say it Right" by Nelly Furtado, haha. Another song that I listen to is "All these things that I´ve Done" by The Killers. This song always makes me think of jamming out to Mr. Hand at the Brewery with the Alpha Whos (and Jeff!). I miss you guys!

Yesterday (monday) was a holiday for us and I went with three other friends to a mall in San Jose. It was the first really nice mall that I have been to since I left the states. I think the four of us were actually a but overwhelmed with all of the nice stores and food options (not just rice and beans!). We went crazy....we had burgers, and cinnabon, and ice cream, and we saw a movie, and we shopped and spent more money than we should have but it was so fun!

Right now my town is in the middle of a weeklong party called Semana Santa. It is the celebration of the saint that the town is named after "Saint Ignacio." There is food and bumper cars, and foosball, and different kinds of concerts in the central park. My family and I went to see an artist named "Tapon" perform. He is a "reggaeton" singer. For those of you who dont know what reggaeton is, its like reggae on crack. Its got more of a hip hop beat to it and its fast paced. They love it here. The concert was really cool and I think just about the entire town was there crammed into the park.

All is good, I´m loving it more every day! Thanks for all of your comments, I love reading them!

Pura Vida!

Emily