21st of September: Dia del Juventud/La Primavera!
On the 20th of September, there was a party in my school (yea - a party at school) for the day of the youth and the welcoming of Spring. The entire day was devoted to having fun, spending time with each other, and of course, not to be forgotten... dancing! In the morning, at around 10:00 am, the three girls who were elected Miss Prom, Miss Spring, and Miss Santo Tomas were presented infront of those students who came to watch. However, what you may not have guessed.. is that I was elected Miss Prom (supposively the prettiest girl in the 3rd/last grade)! Overall, it was a good time even though at first I had no idea what I had been agreeing to! But what girl could say no to a crown..
Pictures that were taken before the students voted:
And Presenting..
After I changed out of my high heels and converted myself back to normal Alexis, my classmates and I went out to eat for lunch and came back to the school to dance. We danced the entirety of the afternoon until they cut the party to an end at about 5:30pm. My classmates and I were the last ones there because many of the others went to the other schools to party. I had so much fun getting familiar with some of the Paraguayan music and their manner of dancing. They dance to a lot of Cumbia and Reggaeton here, something we don't hear much of in the United States. They really know what they're doing, and as a foreign girl, I just do what I can and have just as much fun. I'm determined to learn some steps before I leave here!
For sure one of the best days of my life thus far.
28 of September: Excursion - Encarnacion, PY:
On Saturday the 28th I went on a field trip with my classmates and the other last year class to Encarnacion. With energy, we all piled into the bus at 1:00 am. There weren't enough seats for everyone, so some students stood or found a way to sit in the aisles, or on each other. The ride was a little over five hours, but for me it passed fairly quickly. When we arrived, our first visit was to a Yerba Mate (the tea they drink in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina) factory. It was really interesting and surprised me how much they do by hand rather than by machine.
After the factory, we ate lunch and headed to the Jesuit Mission ruins. Personally, I love ruins and this was one of the sights I wanted to see before I even knew I was coming to Paraguay for sure! So I'm really happy I get to cross this one off my bucket list. And not to mention, ruins are always so much more fun with friends..
To end our field trip, we were let free to roam the coast by the Parana River in Encarnacion. A couple of girlfriends and I got some ice cream in the Plaza and after we made our way down to the coast. It was really beautiful. It seems that no matter which city you are in, if there's a coast, it's a popular place to be. There we hung out with friends and messed around. One of my bestie's threw me down in the sand and I had a good time chasing after her.
At about 6:00 pm, the bus came to pick us up again and we said goodbye to Encarnacion. ...Also to be noted, buses with classmates are a hell of a lot more fun here. Never seen so much singing and dancing on a field trip before.
This trip was certainly one that I'll never forget.
29th of September: Cumple de Larita
On Sunday, after my trip and a deep sleep, family and friends came to celebrate my niece's 1st birthday. And just like many other things... Paraguayans know how to do a birthday right. I have never seen so many friends, family, sweets, and beautiful decorations all in one place ever before in my life. My sister had been working hard getting everything ready for the party for quite some time. But I had no idea it was going to be so amazing. She had a bee theme, and I think my niece really enjoyed herself. I know I sure did.
Sunday was also the first time that I have been with all of my brothers and sisters all in the same place. I love my family here.
My sister Raquel and nephew Maxi
Lil' Hawkeyes Fan
The whole family!
Never too old for face paint, though some argued with us against it..
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Everyone's energy and highness here makes me so happy. I have experienced feelings of both unity and intimacy that I have never felt in the States. And that statement can only possibly touch just the surface on my feelings.
I already can't imagine ever leaving.
