Cathedrals and Library Classes for Kaya and Max

Lazy Sunday. July 6th, 2008
Woke up late and everyone caught up with journals and began a marathon friendship-bracelet session (Kelsey made five!). Kaya and Max tried to introduce themselves to new neighbors with kids by setting up their crayons and paper outside their front door (but they never appeared). Perhaps they'll be bold enough to actually knock on the door today. When we finally did venture outside to explore the museums, it began pouring. Stopped under the palacio patio while the children jumped in giant puddles with their umbrellas, to the amusement of the locals.
We went into one of the older cathedrals outside the main plaza that was gilded with golden painted ceilings and statues galore. Max was very interested in the Christ story so we followed all the (somewhat gory) depictions of all the stained glass and iconic scenes.
On Sunday, many of the museums are free so we happily went into one of the larger ones. More interested in the actual architecture of these colonial palacio courtyard buildings (of which the museo was one...). Looking like a non-descript, yet colorful exterior, these giant wooden doors open up into large, whitewashed courtyards with trees and fountains, several stories high. The ceilings are thick, wooded beams.
Stopped in middle of the food market for dinner. There are two block-size markets right next to each other: one for fresh produce, handicrafts, meats, spices, everything else under the sun, and the other is simply food stalls of every sort. Had a yummy beef soup with vegetables, a mole and chicken tamale (yummy!) and a couple tlayudas.

Monday, July 7th 2008
Up early today for Kaya's first day of her curso at the biblioteca. Arrived into the children's room along with a dozen other children her age who were already reading around a large table. I had a plastic bag with her water and some snacks (the librarian had suggested this) but she wanted me to hide it away and didn't want to keep it, since none of the other kids had one. She introduced herself to her neighbor, Chelsea (not very hispanic sounding...) who offered to help her if she needed it. Left her happily in the hands of her teachers (Ani y Em).
The rest of us found the big local panederia, loaded up on some integral (whole wheat) and a pastel each. Headed back into the food market for some chocolate caliente to accompany them. Max said he had "stummy aches" and seemed lethargic. Scott was worried but I sensed it was just a lack-of-sisterly-competition-mellowness. When we asked him if he wanted to go home or wait for his class, he chose the later (immediately following Kaya's class is a "peace class" which we signed them both up for....). Walked around for another hour and awaited Kaya's dismissal. When she emerged, she was very proud of herself at having integrated so well into the class and described all the games they played and the stories they read. She was eager to show Max the ropes for the next peace class. When we left them this time, they were sitting next to each other, around another large table with a new round of friends. The two teachers for the peace class are nineteen year-old American college students who wrote a grant to help get Oaxacan street children off the street and prevent the violence spiral. From the looks of things though, they have a good bit of recruiting to do out in the streets: all their students were dropped off by doting parents and seemed fairly well-to-do. Haven't stated my observations to them- yet....
More wandering into the shops for Kelsey, S, and I while we waited for another 2 hrs.... Researching prices of all our potential purchases before venturing into all the little villages that actually produce the wares. Climbed up to a long staircase where K and I sat to await S as he went up to get a view.
Both M & K seemed to have a good time at the biblioteca and are looking forward to tomorrow's classes. Won't pack a snack bag for them though.....
Pouring rain again (seems to happen about 4 pm every afternoon....)
Hasta luego,
A