Hi there,
In my last message, although I mentioned Quebec City, I forgot to mention that I had gone on a march here. It was the one year anniversary of a big protest against the privatisation of ICE - the telephone and electric company here. It was fun to get out and feel active again. This week, I went on another march - the traditional May 1 (MayDay or International Labour/Worker's Day) march. I made several new friends at the march. It has been interesting to see how political the student movement is here. I sort of knew that it was, but now that I am experiencing it firsthand, it is amazing to see. I also went to the opening of the University week parade. I was surprised how many (at least 75%) of the floats from the different faculties had anti-globalisation or human rights slogans (apparently they chose it as the theme of the parade this year.
I have also enjoyed the University week here which has had a bit of a globalisation theme. I have been to a couple of discussions on globalisation and related themes. For me, this is fun.
Of course, I have also been enjoying hearing all about Quebec City from many who attended - I was surprised to hear from a couple of Vancouverites that went! Wow, that's great.
A cultural note. About 10 days ago there was another World Cup preparation game with Costa Rica playing the States. CR lost, but it is interesting to see how the whole country more or less shuts down for the game - EVERYONE watches it, more or less. It is amazing.
My guitar classes have finished, so I am just trying to practise a few songs on my own. It is getting hard to maintain the discipline of practising, but I am hoping to sign up for a couple of private lessons to keep my hand in. When I'll do that, I don't know, since I have friends visiting next week, and when they leave, I am off to Nicaragua, then when I get back, I have another friend coming. That should keep me busy - not to mention my work - until late June.
Played basketball on MayDay as well, have two cuts on my nose and a sunburn to prove it. We played again on Saturday. I am still burned, although I remembered my sunscreen at least. My glasses got twisted, but no blood this time. My burn was bad though, haven't been able to sleep comfortably, but I noticed some improvement last night.
I could go on, but that's probably enough for now. No concrete news on the job as of yet, I'll keep you posted.
Later,
Rob