In just that one day's time, I'm feeling less overwhelmed with the number of classes I'm teaching--maybe because I have my lesson plans done for tomorrow, and it's not yet 9:00. :) We're also feeling less nervous about driving than when we started, which means we're able to have more fun with it. (We filled the car with gas today and were genuinely proud of ourselves--it's funny how everything is an accomplishment here!)
I think two of the most significant factors in this positive shift are being able to drive ourselves, as I mentioned, and having working internet; it's amazing what a difference they make. The first gives us the independence to run errands and stay later at school without having to burden anyone, and it's also helping us know our way around the city (even to a small extent--it's awfully huge). The second makes us feel less isolated from the rest of the world: I talked to my family and read the text of some convention speeches yesterday, both of which were comforting and made it feel like a more normal day.
Finally, as we continue to walk in the area, whether to get groceries or visit the other teachers' apartments, our initial disorientation is clearing. We've started to recognize some faces of guards, vendors, etc., and as we made our way home tonight I told Bri that for the first time, these streets feel like a neighborhood. A welcome development indeed.
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