Chilling.....

Hello all! I have finished my big paper for the semester and tomorrow we have group presentations tomorrow. Thank you for the prayers during that time! I did eleven pages about the Latin American Film Industry in Spanish.

This week has been very relaxing, not much homework so I have really appreciated this down time. Since I have not had much to do when I get home at night me and my host mom have had some great conversations. We about things ranging from family life to tattoos. I really value this time we spend together because one we are talking in Spanish so I am learning and two we are building a great friendship. My family here is very quite and as I have said before I am outgoing and like to joke. I have always been myself while I am here but I feel now that the family is starting to get my humor and laugh together a little more.

Spring break starts this Friday and ends on Monday the 12th. So technically we only have one day of break and then the weekend. My Dad from the USA is here and we will be traveling to Monteverde (zip line and jungle) and then maybe Puntareanas. Since Dad has been here I have had the chance to be a tourist in San Jose for a bit. We took a tour of the Teatro Nacional and the Gold Museum. Both very interesting and fun. On Sunday Dad came to church and then to my house for lunch. My host mom made a great meal, yes I am talking about food again! The desert was the best, she made baked plantains with a brown sugar cream cheese dressing! YUMMY! I wish I could send you all some! Then me and my Dad went to go see Babel.

We are starting concentrations next week. I am in Language and Literature track, there are 12 total in this track. First we will travel to Panama for ten days and live with and indigenous tribe called the Kunas. They live on the islands of Panama. They use U.S. dollars and coconuts for money and live in palm tree huts. And Spanish is their second language so it will be fun to learn some of their native tongue. After living with the Kunas we will tour the Canal and then hop back on the bus for an 18 hour ride back to San Jose.

I am so glad to be done with that paper and moving into our concentrations. The Latin American Studies track gets to spend ten days in Cuba. One girl told me she wants to smoke a Cuban cigar on the beach! I can't wait to hear stories from their experience.

Talk to you all after Panama! Hi Grandma, I love you and thanks for all the cards!
The picture is of me and my friend Angie on the way back from Nicaragua listening to my new reggaeton CDs!!!

Claire Scholl
EagleVision News Team-- Latin American Correspondent
www.biola.edu/eaglevision