Steve is teaching the business class once a week and taking a Spanish class along with the rest of the students in the house. He takes several shifts a week at the coffee shop and has been working with Heidi (the owner) on setting up an inventory system and on overall better business practices. He's been busy!
I am comfortable getting out on my own even without knowing much of the language. Somehow a few points and smiles can get me what I need though it does take 3 times as long and in a few cases may cost me more money. Like the other day, I went to a flea market in Juarez and I saw a dress I liked and so I held it up and asked "cuantos?" (how much?). The teenager working looked at it and said "sesenta" ($60 pesos) but I thought she said "Cien" ($100). So I, being really excited to use my negotiating skills, said "ochenta?" (80). She looked at me like I was CRAZY! After about 2 minutes of her repeating "sesenta", I handed her $100. I got back $30. So in the end a $60 dress cost me $70, or about $5.60. I am thrilled with the dress but realize maybe I DO need to put forth a little effort in this language.
Earlier in the week we visited a really cool ranch-turned-restaurant with a little chapel on the hill. It turned out to be closed for a holiday but it was beautiful to wander.
