wrapping up and walking around

Hours: 3.5

So we woke up and met at ESBAO to pick up the guys. We then went to two schools in one ( in the morning is one, in the afternoon the other). However, there was a problem. The computer teacher wasn't there and the computers were on government grant. Thus, the administration there didn't want us to touch them until we met with the teacher. So we waited... and waited. Truth be told, the machines looked like they had never been used still sitting there under their plastic wrap. They never showed.

After we were told they were quite frankly not coming and to leave, we moved on to the next school on our list. However, they were closed. Something about a crack in the budgeting that couldn't pay the teachers or something odd like that.

The day felt wasted. But it was redeemed a little.

We split into smaller groups and meandered around el Centro. It was nice, Taylor and I were with her brother Luis Carlos who, despite all shyness, speaks perfect English. He's kinda a lot awesome, studying to be an industrial engineer. I got a chance to go back into the church and, since no ceremony was happening, a bunch of pictures. We ended up waaaay down by the Burger King before returning to the municipal palace to wait for everyone. The walk did a number on my legs and I kinda fell asleep on the steps.

Upon getting home, I went with Maru and Ernesto (and Mia) to her mother's house for lunch. It was her mother's birthday so several of her friends were over as well. Was quite nice, had tostotas. We then went to the football final. The first two teams compeated for third. The guys in green and white (aka the LaLa/Corona sponsored team) won. Ernesto and his team took the field ready to compete, but alas, the other team didn't show. They won by default. Ernesto was more than a little mad since he had wanted to play so much.

Maru brought me to meet the group in el Centro. They had just finished their dance and were lining up for El Mundo's photographer when I popped up. Fondo gave everyone a rose and a certificate of thanks. I am now officially Claire Luikar.

I went to Taylor's for the evening. Ended up out with Dulce and her friends again, being sketch. Dulce isn't just a playa, her social life is like a novella. So much I could possibly mention but think I'll just jot up a radio play instead of type it all. We went back, Dulce crashed since she had to be up early for dance class. Taylor and I met up with the group and ended up at a club. Some of the younger girls had been begging to go all week. So, the almighty “they” sat in the corner, watching... Paco, John, Durnin, Amanda, Nieto... like hawks. On their behalf, Chustz, Madeline and I kept a closer eye on everyone since we blend easier and have the natural instinct to watch out for what could easily be our (or in Madeline’s case is literally) little sisters. Madeline has grown on me quite a bit this trip. I think we just can’t function well as coworkers and bump heads a bit. Outside of that though, she really isn’t as bad as I thought she was… rather cool really. Glad I give people second chances, I enjoy being wrong when they turn out better than I thought. Everything went ok, Muu was more fun... though the live band was better. We got in the van and all went home.

Most of us anyway. A few girls took it upon themselves to sneak out and go back with Fabiola. Then not answer their phones when John tries to call them to track them down. So he called Chustz and me to try and track them down. They aren’t answering for us either… hitting ignore. I swear, they damn well better have more sense then they are showing.