Last day

After class today we walked over to the Alameda Hidalgo. Alameda is another way of saying "park" in Spanish. There are so many tall trees that it is pure shade and people like to go there to sit in a cool, quiet spot. Lulu also explained that on Sunday afternoons/evenings, lower-class people (her words, not mine) spruce themselves up and go there to flirt. The young women (most of them maids, says Lulu) wear high heels and sit on the surrounding benches while the young men (construction workers) walk around the park. When eye contact is made and sparks fly, then the young man sits down next to the lady and they chat. What I find even more interesting is that people of lower-middle class go to a different park. They're very conscious of dating within their social class. I thank Lulu for telling it like it is!

Later on we met again for a second dance lesson. Some students were feeling a little tired or had some stomach problems so only a few participated, but WOW they were great!

Then all of our Senoras came to the school for a little going-away party. Gabi, the school's director, provided some delicious tamales for us to eat and atole to drink. Atole is warm beverage made from chocolate and maiz. It's very sweet and served in tiny cups. I drank about half of it before I was really craving some water.

I have to say I think this group of mamas is just outstanding. They are warm, friendly, caring, funny and very easy to get to know. They obviously enjoy having student guests in their homes. This has been a truly rewarding experience!

Now, I just need to keep my fingers crossed that everyone will be well enough to travel tomorrow. It's time to get back to our regular diets and get some rest!