Settling back into Monteverde.

I think I will remember Villa Blanca for the rain, which started whist I was in the spa and continued on and off through the night, coming down so loudly at 5am that I got up. Well you can't have verdant forest without. It had been an indulgent and relaxing weekend. It was fairly pricey at 5$ for a coffee, which as my travel agent said is very strange for a country that is practically swimming in it! Everything has 20% added to menu prices and a tip is expected on top.

My driver was a bit late arriving but he had been told the hotel was near, San Ramon, as I had, but found it was a lot further! At least it was better than some other guests, travelling with Trailfinders, who found their transport was coming 4 hours later, after they had checked out! They seemed very displeased with their service. Andres my driver, was very friendly and stopped when I wanted to, which turned out to be a cafe where we stopped last year on the way to Monteverde. We watched on the TV how there are collections for those affected by the hurricane. We travelled through San Ramon, which was not very picturesque and then onto the Pan American highway, passing through some uninspiring countryside, until we started the approach to Monteverde. There had been road improvements since last year but Andres assured me that the rain and traffic would soon restore the rough, potholed, stony road again! 

When I mentioned needing to go shopping when I arrived, he took me to a supermarket, which was an amazing help, given I would have had to walk and carry the shopping in the rain. I am back in the same apartment, and everything was soon organised. My case will be much emptier on the next stage so there may even be room for my rucksack inside!

Today I arrived at 7am for my test and was soon ensconced in my class on my own with Carlos. I have my book cover made with memories and mementoes of last year's holidays!

The words on the cover are from a Hispanic song, which translated, says, 'thank you for life that has given me so much'. I quickly remembered how tiring it is speaking in Spanish continually, no English is spoken in the school, even between the other student and myself. Incidentally she comes from Vermont, nit far from where Hilary and I stayed in magic Mountain!

Everyone seemed very pleased to see me, so lots of hugs and kisses. Jennifer, the young lady I have kept in touch with said my Spanish is much better, so clearly progress has been made! 

 I have already signed up for a film tomorrow afternoon, cookery class on Wednesday which gives me a free lunch and the jacuzzi on Friday.  There is the local Christmas parade on Thursday in Santa Elena, and when I visited CASEM where I volunteered last year, they have invited me to lunch of their assembly on Friday. I can't attend the meeting because of classes, but imagine that a meeting in Spanish could be ever more challenging than a meeting in English!

I have also walked to the hotel Belmar and acquainted myself with the yoga timetable, which I will try on Wednesday and maybe over the weekend. So the week is looking fairly busy, plus I have my homework to do! Better get on with that now....