As My "Summer" Comes to an End

In the U.S when you say that Summer is coming to an end, it can also mean the end of your break. The time when the leaves start to change color and the weather gets cooler and kids are getting ready to go back to school. It's Fall.

But for kids in Paraguay and in many other counties, Summer has just begun. Fall is still far off but we have already had our vacations and now it is time for school.
As for me, I will start school on the 15th of February at Colegio Santa Terre. Many asked how I could go from "senior year" and the graduation to enrolling again, this time in 11th grade. I look forward to meeting all of my new classmates but I will be sorry to leave this summer behind. Let me tell you a little bit about it.

Everyone warns you that Paraguayan summers are hot, but I have to disagree. I think that Spring was by far the worst. As for Summer, it is pretty much the same. The only difference is, is that when its hot, its all hot. You're food, showers, inside, outside whatever you want..its all the same milk warm temperature. Great. I know, I know that doesn't seem like such a great summer. With the heat though come pool parties, drinking terrere with friends going to the ice cream shop and running around looking for places with AC.

The friends that I have meet here, both Paraguayan and those through AFS have been of great importance during these times. We went to many summer concerts together and would often travel to other cities and talk to the Guarani Indians. Sadly,about half of the AFSers left in early January to go back home. They were only here for a Semester and they were all bummed that they had to leave to soon. One of my friends was lucky and was able to get an "extension". He was able to stay for another month here in Luque, but he too must go on January 26th. Without them, "Summer" seems pretty much over.

We are all very excited though for all the new students that will be coming on the 14th of February. I guess that's a wrap on my summer adventures. It sounds so quick and short on paper.. or I guess on the internet, and it was. It was filled to the brim with fun and adventure though.

Peace & Love,
Vivian