The last two days have been a whirlwind of activities, but I'm beginning to feel more comfortable here. Solete keeps insisting that I sleep, but since I don't have an alarm, I'm sure she's wishing she had never suggested that I wake up "whenever I want."

Yesterday, Alberto took the kids and I to their sports club. Even with the economic crisis, the family can't seem to part with their 40-year membership here because it's so full of memories (everything from their wedding reception to the kids' baptism parties). Alejandra (still battling the alergies and asthma) and I watched as Sergio and Alvaro had their swim lessons. In typical Spanish fashion, we stopped for a soda and snack at one of the bars before meeting the boys for lunch. We ate at the main cafe in the club so that Solete could finish shopping for our special dinner later that evening. Here, I was thankful for some guspacho, salad (oh how I had missed those random mixtures that Spaniards call "salad"), and croquetas! (fried rolls filled with cheese and ham). I will NOT get fat!

What I'm quickly learning is that my experience in Salamanca was not the ultimate Spanish way...apparently not everyone takes a siesta, which honestly is a little disappointing. Maybe not staying out until 7am as before will help my energy level here.

While Alvaro napped, Ale and I started making bracelets from a book I brought her. Oh and then I was forced into the "classroom" to practice my multiplication tables and Spanish dictation, which was a little upsetting considering I've been in the summer mindset for several weeks now. Finally I was able to nap for a bit, but almost didn't wake up in time for Ale's dance competition (I really need an alarm!) Again, we headed to the club to watch routines of nearly 20 different dance groups from the Madrid region. Poor Ale forgot her black costume shoes, but with the sassy attitude she has when she dances, her gold shoes seemed pretty appropriate.

Alejandra's group

The amphitheater

The dance concluded and everyone set up picnics on tables in the surrounding field. This is where we met the Bowmans and Solete showcased her impressive spread. She really outdid herself. There were three different types of sandwiches, salad with corn, cheese, apple, and yogurt sauce, ham (a must), tomatoes, cheese puffs, sangria, at least 3 types of cookies, and tons more.

I love the Spanish meal because it takes forever. All the kids were running around playing and the adults sat and talked for hours around a full table of delicious food. I must admit there have been a few times like this where I don't know exactly what to do. I played with Alvaro for a while and also sat and listened to the adults talk. I understand everything, but sometimes I have a harder time adding something myself, especially when I'm around adults. Maybe I should just stick with the kids.

And of course our Spanish feast wouldn't have been complete without stopping for coffee, so we met again in the club (where we had eaten lunch) for poleo (mint tea) and cafe con leche. Sitting outside on the patio was so relaxing. I loved hearing stories of how both couples met and the funny things they did when they were younger. I joined the kids on the playground until we finally left around midnight, which really isn't that abnormal even for baby Alvaro. I'm so far from home.

Solete let me sleep in late again this morning and after a quick breakfast we all headed off to Catholic mass. Although I've never been to mass before even in the states, this service was especially interesting since the "choir" was made up of twenty or so clad in traditional Flamenco attire. I felt especially foreign here since I don't even know the Catholic customs in English, much less in Spanish. I tried to copy those around me, but was happy just to sit and listen to the pastoral prayers and responses from the congregation.

After mass, I helped Solete set up a delicious lunch outside on the patio. We ate salad with potato, green olive, tuna, egg, and olive oil (hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it--so delicious), deviled eggs, bread, and more guspacho. Yum! After lunch, the kids and I spent much of the afternoon in the attic (their third level and play room). Two small windows and a very weak breeze helped us fight through the heat a little, but spending last summer in Honduras has made me a stronger woman I think.

Tonight, we'll eat dinner with the cousins who live here in the gated community and Tuesday I begin my official schedule. Hasta luego!