18 Days and Counting!

I'll be returning to the States in 18 days! Part of me is very sad at the thought of leaving. The other part is thinking, "let's get these 18 days over with, I'm ready to go home!" As I start planning for the steps in my life journey, I can definitely see working for a company that allows me to live here (don't tell my mom that though!). In the meantime, I've shipped a total of seven BIG boxes back to the States because I've bought so much stuff I can't fit it all in my suitcases! The folks at the post office laugh when they see me coming now.

They aren't the only ones who know me. I usually call for a taxi at least three times Monday - Friday. The dispatcher doesn't even let me finish giving the directions to the house before he tell me the taxi is on the way. Nine times out of ten, when the taxi arrives, it's someone who knows me, knows where I live, and with whom I have ongoing conversations. One in particular has already planned to take me to the airport and every time I see him he says "December 2 at 11 a.m." Of course, he says it in Spanish!

It has become my routine on Friday after school and before my Spanish classes to go to La Casona de Laly and have ceviche and patacones with guacomole. Occasionally, I'll meet my Spanish teacher there for a class. The last few times I've been, the waitresses have asked, "Coca Light (diet coke) and ceviche?"

So, I'll be leaving in 18 days and as I begin thinking about next steps, I am considering opening the "NOLA Language Institute" and offering Spanish classes for companies, first responders, hospitals, etc. I'd also offer English classes. My Spanish teacher is teaching me the method the school uses and which she has used to teach Spanish numerous times in the States. I can adapt the method for English as well. My long range vision is to have a branch in Escazu as well to teach English.

I know what I won't be doing when I return to New Orleans...Christmas shopping. I've managed to complete all my shopping while here (hence the seven boxes shipped home) and only have a couple of things left to purchase...online. I definitely am not sorry to miss that chaos on my return.

In my last two weeks, I am going to be very busy, but I'm planning to spend time with the friends I've made and make sure I visit my favorite places in the area a couple of times more. On the Saturday night before I leave, I'm planning a get-together for all the friends I've made here at a local restaurant. Definitely will post photos of that fiesta!