staycation

What a weekend!! I am so glad that I got a chance to get away without even leaving the city. I had a fabulous time with Robin and her parents and am so thankful that I got a break. It was so crazy the treatment we received! At the Swissotel, we were brought drinks upon check-in and were greeted by the general manager. He also had welcome cards hand delivered to our rooms! Friday we went swimming and got iced coffees at the edgeless pool, went for a wonderful dinner and relaxed in our room. Day two began with an incredible breakfast buffet- smoked salmon and everything! and then we headed for hotel #2.

Oh my goodness.

So, Robin's mom is the tutor of the GM of the Hyatt's son, and they seriously hooked it up. Presidential suite! Personalized letters waiting for us in the room. We spent afternoon at the pool, relaxing in our room, watching Paranormal Activity and getting ready for another fab dinner.

When we got back, I went with Vic again for a quick trip to the village to take some pictures with the local kids. It's so fun. They know him well around there, and at one point some kids saw him and then this entire herd of them started running towards us, posing for different shots and getting candy from me. This one little girl came out with her pet bird and put it on my shoulder!

I love being able to experience the joy that these kids have. I definitely want to make more of a habit of going to the village on the weekends- the children are absolutely gorgeous. I have also been thinking lately that I would really like to get more involved in the community while I am here. Mother Teresa's Home for the destitute and dying is close by and I am going to inquire this weekend about volunteering there. My supervisor was telling me how important it is to really let the city change you, and to experience all you can while here.

Another thing I am going to do is try out a....you know, laughing society. That's right folks. Check it out. One of the other interns and I are going to try it at 7 am one morning this week. Apparently a big group of people meets at a park and LOLs for about an hour. It is supposed to be really good for you, and we all know how contagious laughter is. I will HAVE to get some video footage of this to share with everyone.

Anyways, it's a new week and I am so thankful to be here. Work is going so well- in fact, I am going to give an update about details there soon once it gets approved so that I can blog about the heart of the work here and fill everyone in. I can't believe I am missing Thanksgiving for the first time EVER! but we are going to have a little celebration here with the interns. I love you all so much. Have a wonderful Monday!