Back to the real world

Now that Angela has returned home, the condo feels strangely empty. I miss the good conversations over breakfast while we both checked our emails. But life goes on, and I'm getting back to my routine.

I've been back at yoga each day, and wondered why I left it so long. The Ananda yoga school was one of the reasons I bought here in the first place and it's still as great as ever. I started off a bit slower, doing a class of restorative yoga on Wednesday, then a level 1 yesterday, and today I got up at 7.15 so that I could get to Melanie's 8.30am class and I wasn't disappointed. I was greeted warmly by the other students as well, and some even asked where I'd been, which was lovely.

This afternoon I'm heading to Coco's Cat Refuge for their "Kitten-cuddling Fridays". I met Laura at the market last week and told her I'd love to do some fostering, so maybe I will even come home with a houseguest today.

Yesterday I decided to treat myself and have a pedicure. Since Angela had her nails done, a pedicure, hair colour and cut, it was definitely my turn. I had discovered Lucia's by chance but it turns out she is a very skilled nail technician with years of experience, and she loves to practise her English.

I think that's why my pedicure lasted 2 1/4 hours, but I'm not complaining! I came out with my feet as smooth as a baby's bottom, and my toenails painted hot pink, with a tiny flower and a diamante on the big toes. How wonderful it felt - first the bubbling vibrating footbath, then a foot scrub, cuticle remover, nails perfectly clipped, then a nice long foot and lower leg massage and finally an expert paint job. I felt a million dollars!

Lucia is more than happy, when she has no bookings, to meet me for coffee so we can help each other perfect our second languages. It's great to be making new friends in my new home.

And at only 100 pesos ($8) for a pedicure I'll definitely be visiting her more often. What a bargain!