Full Advantage

So I might not be able to find basic items at the grocery store like coffee or dish soap or laundry detergent, but that does not mean I am living low. Some things are very expensive here like electronics or textiles, but many services are not; especially with the black market exchange rate, which I hear is up to 150 VEF per 1 USD (that is a 100% increase in the short time I've been here).

This means I can afford to have a maid. It seems that in latin cultures many middle class families have maids. Martha only comes once every two weeks, but I think next year I will hire her for once a week. My mom thinks that's ridiculous but I don't see why I wouldn't when it only costs $4 a day. Seems worth it to me, she does such a nice job. Plus, I see it as supporting the local economy.

This also means I can afford a manicure and pedicure whenever I want. Together they cost about $3; although prices might go up soon because there is a shortage of nail polish remover… Again many middle class ladies take part in this too.

And finally this means I can afford to have a professional massage. I have never had one so last week I decided to try it out. It was nice but kind of weird to have a stranger rubbing all over you. It was hard for me not to giggle when the massouse massaged my face. It was relaxing but I don't know that I will become a regular. Some teachers are going to do a spa retreat sometime in the spring just because we can and I am looking forward to that. I guess you have to enjoy the perks while you can.

A part of me always feels guilty when I think about all the people in poverty here or even just about the local teachers at my school who don't get paid in dollars. I am not really sure what I can do to change the situation though.

So after my pampered week, I went on my second hike up the Ávila on Saturday. I hiked the same trail as last time because it was just Walli and I and we are familiar with it. When we arrived at the bottom of the mountain the teleferico was not moving. We were a bit concerned as that is our means of coming down the mountain. We decided to start hiking anyways and reassess the situation halfway up. The first half of the hike was much steeper than I remember and I sure worked up a sweat. Unfortunately when we reached the halfway point the ranger station was closed which meant they were not selling the popsicles (basically the only reason I went on the hike).

No popsicles, just a lazy dog :(

We saw the teleferico working and realized it wasn't working earlier because it was too early and just wasn't open yet. Duh. After four hours we made it to the top, bought some strawberries and took the teleferico back down. It was just Walli and I in the cable car, which was nice because we had space, but the wind was rocking us and I did not enjoy that at all. Overall it was a good workout and I got to break in my new hiking boots. I look forward to trying other trails soon.

The city looks like it goes on forever

And because I'm so fancy, Saturday night I went to an Art Party where fine art and jewelry were being sold. (It was at a teacher's house with friends selling stuff, nothing actually that fancy). I went for the free wine obviously, but it was a good time with the expats. However, it was weird when some students showed up. I asked one student if he was forced to come with his parent and he said, "No, but I didn't know teachers were going to be here, now I have to be good." And my response was, "Well I didn't know students were going to be here and so now I have to be good." I was told that it is not unusual to see students at social functions when you work at an international school because the community is so small. That might take some getting used to. And then the Buckeyes dominating the Big Ten Championship was a perfect end to the night. 'Twas a good week. Now less than one until my vacation!!!!!

Thanksgiving in Caracas

Thanksgiving was last week. I think it may be the one and only holiday that is not celebrated in Venezuela. So while most people I know were stuffing their face and watching football, I was at work. Thanksgiving day was pretty exhausting for me. We had a whole school problem solving day where all the kids were in mixed groups, nursery to 12th grade. It was fun, but those elementary kids are so much work. It was funny to see the high schoolers complaining about them, just like we complain about the high schoolers. That lasted a couple of hours and then we had shortened classes afterward. My seniors decided the purpose of the event was actually to decrease teen pregnancy. They said they never wanted kids after dealing with them for three hours.

Directly after school I helped out with a volunteer activity with 50 kids from an orphanage. So again more screaming children draining my energy.

Then I stayed at school to watch the middle school students put on their Spanish drama production. It was called "La Zapatera Prodigiosa." I was so impressed! Although I couldn't understand everything that was said because it was in Spanish, I got the general idea. My students may not be good at math, but they sure are good at acting. I would almost say it was better acting than my high school ever had.

Then I rushed home to have my Spanish lesson. My Spanish tutor, Isabel, is extremely nice, but this lesson she did tell me that it is very important that I spend a little bit of time every day working on Spanish. I think that was her nice way of saying I need to ensure I do my homework… I may not always do my homework, but I am improving A LOT with comprehension. And I have been practicing a little bit more with speaking, to the vigilantes and the drivers mostly. One of the school drivers even complimented me on my progress yesterday when he took me to the bank and we were discussing our Christmas plans :)

On Saturday afternoon (after the Buckeyes beat Michigan!), some of us expats celebrated Thanksgiving. Ironically it was held at a British lady's house, but it was nice all the same. Everyone brought a dish and we even had a turkey. I was really surprised with how well the meal turned out considering the barriers to getting ingredients here. After the meal we were all stuffed and lounged around, drank lots of wine, and played some games. It was enjoyable but I am so excited to spend the holidays at home with my family! I cannot wait!