Video tour of Spanish Academy Sevilla

Buenos Dias! 

I hope you have already seen the previous post with our most recent itinerary.  If not, please look at it.

Everyone is currently in class speaking Spanish and enjoying themselves.  I have noticed that even when I speak to some of the students (especially stigg, lotus, and Marcus) in English they are no longer capable of responding in English with a simple "yes".  They all now say "sí" whenever they tell me yes.  It's now automatic and they don't even realize they are doing it.  And it's only day 3!!!!! They are going to come home speaking Spanish sooooo well.  Go boys!!

Below you will find a tour of the school that includes each student and chaperone in class.  

http://youtu.be/wKiAECk6P3w

A huge thank you to Dr Malik and Ms Venisee for being GREAT chaperones each year.  They work hard to keep the boys safe and accounted for,  they participate in each and every activity with a positive attitude, even when it's grimy, sweaty, and exhausting.  They have paid to work during their spring break for 3 years in a row and I can't say thank you enough!  This is no vacation.  Yes, it's a fantastic experience but keeping up with 9 energetic boys 24 hrs a day for 14 days, climbing hills and mountains, waking long distances, cold showers, host families, all while learning a new language is not for the faint of heart.  So to you ladies we say MIL GRACIAS!!!

Minor issues and our schedule

Minor issues

1.  Marcus is having allergy problems, perhaps from the dust playing soccer with the kids and there simply being more dust and dirt in the air in Antigua in comparison to Atlanta.  He is totally ok and has take Allegra.  He says it's helping.  

2.  The two Amadous ( bah and dem) say they need more meat served in their household.  I talked to the host mom and she will be sure to prepare more chicken.

3. Jahre ripped his shorts while playing soccer, but Brenda has found someone to see them up.

... That's it. all minor problems.

Our itinerary

*we are still trying to fit in the visit with the penpals that will be in the a.m. this week and a visit to the Jade factory)

Wednesday- today 

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-6 professional soccer match (no volunteering today)

6-7:45 dinner with host families 

7:45-9 Mayan corn ceremony at the school

Thursday

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-6

 (neighborhood clean up)

4-6 basketball break

6-7:45 dinner with host families

7:45-until movies night at the school.  We will watch 2 movies

Friday

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-4 volunteering with kids

  (Neighborhood clean up)

4-6 basketball break

6-8:45- dinner with host families- travel prep

9pm-depart to Tikal Mayan pyramids 

Saturday

Day in Tikal

Depart Tikal in evening

Sunday

Arrive in Antigua in the early morning

11am meet to watch the city's largest processions 

1- tour of Pacaya volcano 

Monday April 7

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-4 volunteer with kids

4-6 basketball break

6-7:45 dinner with host families

8-9:30 Mayan traditions presentation at the school

Tuesday

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-4 volunteer with kids

4-6 basketball break

6-7:45 dinner with host families

8-9:30 participate in Mayan ceremony 

Wednesday 

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-4 volunteer with kids (goodbye party)

4-6 basketball break

6-7:45 dinner with host families

Thursday

8-12 Spanish class 

12-2 lunch with host families 

3-4:30 visit US Embassy

4:30 depart for Atitlan (spend the night in hotel)

Friday

Return to Antigua 

7:30 going away party and awards ceremony at school

Saturday

8-12 Spanish class 

12-1:45 lunch with host families 

2-until making catholic procession sand rugs.

Sunday

Return home depart Antigua at 8am

Do you prefer pictures or videos?

Im assuming that you love videos but still appreciate pictures, however i don't want to assume incorrectly.  If you can;  comment below, viber text me, or send a message through your child.  

-Buenas noches

Latin dance class

We had a professional dance company come over to our school to teach us to dance this evening.  The boys learned to dance merengue, salsa, cha-cha-cha, and bachata, all the dances they've learned in class at BEST.  Make sure your son teaches you to dance when he gets home.  Here's the video: 

http://youtu.be/P6S8InXAf-M

Volunteer work video

Today we taught half the kids how to make rubberband friendship bracelets while the other half played soccer.  During both activities we taught them English phrases while practicing our Spanish.  

At the end we all enjoyed homemade icies frozen in baggies.  Now we are heading to the basketball court before dinnertime. 

http://youtu.be/pZuFWw9p4Ew

The streets in Guatemala

Here's a selfie video, from me, so you can see some of the views your sons see each day here in Antigua. 

http://youtu.be/sNPyvsDFgRY

Tuesday morning

Today everyone was on time and ready to learn at school.  Everyone once again was happy with breakfast. Some are even eating things that they didn't previously like, like eggs or onions. 

While the students and other chaperones were in class I walked to the bank to exchange money for 3 of the students and I stopped by the market to buy more little rubber bands.  We will use the rubberbands to teach the kids how to make friendships bracelets during our volunteer hours.  

Upon my return to the school I found the classes combined playing this fun game. All of the boys are so funny, smart, and happy... This is why they are loved wherever they go!  Enjoy the video! 

http://youtu.be/8zqmz6SWYmQ