Second day of language school. I know I should give myself a break (and not compare myself to others), but it’s slow going. Not sure if it’s the teacher, the technique, me, or what. Probably a bit of everything.
In other news, it’s been raining for about 36 hours. Don’t get me wrong, I like the rain. And it is beautiful. And not particularly cold. But still.
Further observations about the town:
The women and girls seem to make all their own clothes, and they’re beautiful. Long colorful skirts and blouses, just like you picture. The men and boys all wear bought clothing – jeans, t-shirts, the usual. My particular house has three sewing machines in the living room. Apparently they each do different things. The 11-year old daughter was busy on them last night. Mom says this is nothing – certain times of year (in preparation for the festivals), all the machines are busy day and night.
There are mangy dogs roaming around everywhere. Some cats, too – mostly kittens. So cute! But one traveler warned me not to pet them because they have fleas 
There is rebar sticking out of the top of most of the buildings, as if they thought they might continue building someday. I’ll have to get to the bottom of this mystery.
There are many Israelis here. Both regular tourists and language students. Interesting.
Finally met my host mother and father. Dad I only said two sentences to, but Mom and I have chatted, since she feeds me. She’s wonderful. Clearly used to foreign students. Very helpful in supplying me with the correct words for things. She’s also quite happy I’m not a vegetarian.
Check out the website for my school to get an idea of things. There are photos there that show the cute little cabanas we each study in: http://sanpedrospanishschool.com/
I met a man in the street today who claimed to be a shaman. Said he mixes up many different herbs and tinctures for all kinds of uses and ailments, did I want to try some? Um.. no thanks.
Speaking of questionable characters – back in Antigua, I was wandering through a night market and one of the artisans came up and introduced himself. As he was shaking my hand (a bit too long) his thumb rubbed the back of my hand in an odd pattern. I wondered if he was putting a spell on me. Turned out he was cruising me, none too subtly – within 30 seconds, he explained that he was gay, and I could study Spanish with him, and even live with him if I like! So sweet to offer, but I’ll pass…
You are a great writer and I love the details you write of. So much rain will discourage anyone. I well remember my 5 hours a day of Japanese when I was first learning and nothing made any sense and the world outside sounded like gibberish. Very hard at first. I had flash cards I carried of words I was learning. But it was the verb tenses that were the hardest. Thinking of you. J