I have finally moved in to my own room!
I moved into the Castro home a week ago last Tuesday, after staying with three other wonderful families (the first live across the highway from where I am now, the second family lives about a half hour north of the school, and the third family lives about a half hour south of where I live now, which is about 15 minutes south of school [with good traffic]).
My room was previously a laundry/storage room, so things had to be moved out, peeling paint had to be taken care of, and a new coat of paint had to be applied before I could move in. There was also the issue of getting a bed frame, and then of getting a mattress, which came Thursday evening.
I enjoyed having a chance to stay with so many different families already while here. It was neat to be able to get to know a number of warm, hospitable people. Nevertheless, it sure feels good to have a permanent space; to unpack my suitcases and call a place home for awhile.
The picture above is of the front of the house. It’s in a conjunto (basically, a gated community) called Marantá. As you might be able to see from the picture, it’s two stories, plus a loft. The loft, which was my room while my bedroom was being fixed up, sits over the dining room and living room and serves as the office.
My room (queue the following video) sits on the main floor, just off of the kitchen. It’s a little small, but the bed fits, and I fit on the bed (mostly). Additionally, it has four walls and a door. I even get my own bathroom, though I have to take my showers in the downstairs bathroom, since that one has hot water by means of an electric water-heating shower head. Yes, I’ve found that it’s wisest not to touch anything metal while taking a shower.