Today began with a bit of excitement, as one of our classmates needed to seek medical care for a sore and swollen throat. We have needed to be adaptable to manage the few instances of sickness that have already happened. Our families from the Casa de Particulares have been very important in aiding us to seek care at the international clinics. One observation is that the care received from these clinics has been quick and effective, which we are all grateful for.

Our lectures today focused on the CIPS institute itself, as well as on a variety of topics raised by the group around the research areas CIPS investigates. I don’t have enough space here to get into all of the richness of that conversation.

As a much needed grounding, Sharon lead the group in a body and emotion scan meditation following our lectures. It was much needed after a passionate and intense conversation.

And for something completely different…. We spent the late morning and early afternoon at the Bodega, for fresh fruits and veg, and at the San Juan craft market, for a little shopping. The experience of markets like these can be overwhelming to the senses. The sheer volume of people and goods is a lot to take in, and negotiating prices in a language you are not accustomed to speaking can be a challenge. It was, nonetheless, a fun way to spend part of the day.

Our free afternoon and evening was spent in a variety of ways. A few of us tried an Italian restaurant near our casa. I have had a wonderful time getting to know this group in a deeper way, and am grateful for this meal we spent together.

Tomorrow…. The beach!