wow....what a difference a day makes....

well, here i am in my final 3 days of school, and guess what? i am finally feeling settled and comfortable. doesn´t that just go to figure? what you ask, has made the difference? well, let me tell you.

actually, let me tell you about my weekend before i get to that. first, i went back to the beach. you might never know that by looking at me, as only my nose appears to have been in the sun however, i was better able to enjoy my experience and had a blast by myself. i had fabulous lambi a la criolla en la playa, but the rice left a little to be desired. while on the beach i called the synagogue and the lady who leads the afro dominican drumming village we visit with groups.

saturday night she returned my call and told me about an artisan fair they were at the next day. so, my teacher (who has become much more than my teacher, but a dear friend as well) joined me in the adventure. we saw josefina, from the village and she was so happy to see me and fill me in on all that is going on there. then she invited me to the community tomorrow for a tour with her. my teacher wants to join and together we will go and explore the community. i am so excited! josefina would like to work with me directly and to bring specific groups there to study drumming, art and dance! i would suggest to many that we make a group of this but then plan to stay at a hotel not in the community, to get some rest and to take in some other sites as well. any takers?! it would be an experience of a lifetime! i will be talking with her tomorrow about an itinerary and costs.

i also found out that there will be services at the synagogue this friday at 7:30pm. so, i look forward to going to that to see what i shall see.

after that, we went to another department store and i purchased 7 cd´s for 15.-!!!! i have an omega cd! if you know omega you will be happy for me. also, if you know the older song la langosta you will giggle with me, as i now own it! along, with many other great songs!

now, for how so much can change in one day....upon my return home to my house, waiting for me was a lady from germany who is staying there this week with me! she is lovely. she has more spanish than i do and we have a fair amount in common. after talking together and sharing dinner at the house we went down to the calmado together and shared a beer or 2. what a relief!

to top it off today at the school there was a new group that was all very open to meeting me, and to going together for excursions. how cool is that? 2 weeks and finally people to go with! also, it was quite validating to hear that my new friend had the same overwhelming feelings about the house in which we live, as i do. so, i wasn´t just being overly sensitive. as a matter of fact, when i leave she will move into the school´s apartment, as it is closer and easier in every way.

in a few minutes i begin my new classes with a new dance teacher that is going to help me with some street styling for merengue and bachata!! finally!!!

i have 1 new walking guide and am working on another. i also heard that omega will be performing at the carnival in la vega this weekend!!!!! i need VIP passes. must see omega. he is shaking up the country here with his new styling. i did miss him and sergio vargas yesterday somewhere in the capital for another carnival event. but, i was with josefina, which in the end is going to be good for business. these weeks are about business....

ok to all. 3 days from right now....my daughter will be in my arms!!!!!!

kisses to all.

a