Hola!
End of our first week at Spanish School. We have made considerable progress - today we started level B in the textbook which means we have the conversational skills of a 5 year old. We're enjoying the lessons (despite feeling like brain has been through spin cycle 20 times after class). May have to do more practice if we are to be fluent by the time we go and live in Spain this September.

Have met a few other students, mainly young Americans brushing up on their studies. Also families. A bizarre way to spend a family holiday, but seems popular. There are other things to do here apart from Spanish; salsa dancing, horse-riding, hiking up volcanoes, visiting indigenous tribes, Mayan ruins and coffee plantations, museums, art galleries, voluntary work etc. Needless to say we haven't explored any of these activities yet, apart from salsa. Spare time filled with World Cup and exploring numerous bars and restaurants (in Antigua all roads and buildings look identical, and have random numbering system, so finding same place twice is a challenge, especially when tipsy).

Antigua is very beautiful place though - quaint cobbled streets, beautiful scenery - not used to being surrounded by huge volcanoes. Handicrafts big here. Mayan culture seems similar to hilltribes of Thailand and Tibet. Have already purchased obligatory handwoven bag and purse, so look very ethno, much to Richard's disgust. Will buy him wooden flute and beads for anniversary present next week - hahaha!
Adios for now,
Jakki