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!!!!!
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