The first week of the second session is already over. This session I am taking two classes: Literature and Culture, and Contemporary Music. I have class from 11 to 3 everyday and the same professor teaches both classes. Luckily, he is probably the best professor in the program at la escuela de idiomas. Carlos' passion and excitement for both subjects makes class worthwhile even though I have a lot more work this session. I especially like my music class and can now recognize artists and songs I hear on the streets. Music is everywhere in Gto, one of the endless reasons I could stay here forever.
The new ISA group is, to put it nicely, different. I have missed the old group and my friends from the first session very much. The new group is a little older in age but lacking maturity. Last friday was a chaotic day because one of the new girls decided to never return home at night on thursday, nor go to class friday and failed to tell anyone where she was the entire time. After Alma the director made hospital and police phone calls on friday, a student from the group saw her walking on the streets and pulled her aside. Guanajuato is a safe city most of the time and ISA knows that the students go out at night. However, like any city there are problems and unsafe areas. I have had 7 weeks to learn which mexican friends I can trust and how to stay smart when out and about. Furthermore, having a señora like Maria that worries 200 times more than my own mother, I have learned to ALWAYS let her know when or if I will be coming home. Silly dumb girl. Hopefully she learned her lesson after getting her ass chewed out.
Mariah, my roomate and I have become new friends with the movie theater. It is a nice 20-30 minute walk to the mall and only costs 3-4 dollars to see a movie. On saturday night we saw La Era del Hielo 3 (Ice Age 3) with my best mexican friend, Kittel. It was dubbed over in spanish and even funnier and cute that way. We were surrounded by families with little kids who talked the entire length of the film. I am usually annoyed by this but it was the cutest thing. Kids had constant questions about the plot and what every little thing meant. Not only was the movie cute, it was also another chance to witness the culture.
This past week I got sick and knew I needed medicine. However, having the señora I do, I did not want to tell her I should go to the doctor for fear she would put me in the hospital for a week. Instead, I reacted as a Mexican would and went to the farmacia. Pharmacies here function a bit differently than in the US. If you know what medicine you want all you have to do is ask the pharmicist. No perscription needed. I paid about 6 dollars for all of my medicine and could have even had a consultation at the pharmacy with a doctor for only 2 dollars. I love Mexico.
All in all it was a low key week for Allison. No worries, I plan on redeeming myself this week, keeping in mind that the first tests and essays are due on friday. Hope all is well. I wish there was some way to really describe and show everyone what my life is like here. You should probably just come visit....just an idea. One month left. Sigh.
cuidense mucho. besitos.
lunes, 13 de julio de 2009
martes, 30 de junio de 2009
Wrapping up the first half
The first session of my program ended this past wednesday and most of the group left for the states on saturday, leaving me to cause trouble. It was interesting to observe how sad the americans were to leave and I swear that if I would have had a flight on saturday I would have missed it on purpose. I already get sad thinking that I have 5.5 weeks left here and then I have to leave.
It is sometimes hard to update this blog, not because I don't have things to say but because my experiences in Guanajuato are mine and no one can really comprehend what life is like in GTO. I know I've changed a lot as a person already. I've become so much more independent and confident in this culture. However, I haven't changed in my ridiculous. I now have my 'spot' when I go out , a bar called Why Not. I've made some great friends there and am allowed to go behind the bar and pick the music. I've even become an apprentice to Oz the bartender and can successfully serve a cuba libre (more or less a rum and coke with lime). baby steps. I still have 5 more weeks.
This week I am bored out of my mind and trying to stay busy with little excursions like going to la presa and renting a row boat, and going to Leon today with my friend Jamie to get her sister from the airport. The next group of students get here on sunday and I'm anxious to meet new people. I get a bit....territorial over my GTO and don't like the thought of new 'tourists' running around. It will be good to have class to occupy my days next week and to keep me from coming home at 9am every morning.
Hope to update this soon with new adventures and thoughts. (It is really difficult to write in ingles though.) besitos a todos.
It is sometimes hard to update this blog, not because I don't have things to say but because my experiences in Guanajuato are mine and no one can really comprehend what life is like in GTO. I know I've changed a lot as a person already. I've become so much more independent and confident in this culture. However, I haven't changed in my ridiculous. I now have my 'spot' when I go out , a bar called Why Not. I've made some great friends there and am allowed to go behind the bar and pick the music. I've even become an apprentice to Oz the bartender and can successfully serve a cuba libre (more or less a rum and coke with lime). baby steps. I still have 5 more weeks.
This week I am bored out of my mind and trying to stay busy with little excursions like going to la presa and renting a row boat, and going to Leon today with my friend Jamie to get her sister from the airport. The next group of students get here on sunday and I'm anxious to meet new people. I get a bit....territorial over my GTO and don't like the thought of new 'tourists' running around. It will be good to have class to occupy my days next week and to keep me from coming home at 9am every morning.
Hope to update this soon with new adventures and thoughts. (It is really difficult to write in ingles though.) besitos a todos.
Weekend in Michoacàn
I'm frantically trying to catch up blogging on the past three weeks and I wish there would have been more time to write, but this is the best I can do. For the last weekend of the summer session we traveled to Michoacàn and had an amazing and physically intense weekend. Here's the recap.
Friday the 19th: We traveled four hours to hike around and visit Tzararàcua and Tzararacuita, two waterfalls in the region of Michoacàn. Stepping off the bus, groggy and lazy we definitely didn't realize that to hike down to one waterfall meant we had to hike back up to the other and then down again to swim in the water. Alma, our program director had prepared us to take a 'walk' to the waterfalls, but by the time we had hiked up and down and back to the bus we were drenched in sweat and exhausted. It was definitely worth it. Then we got back on the bus and drove to the city of Uruapan where we stayed in a hotel. That night I bummed around the city like a good mexican does and did nothing but window shop.
Saturday the 20th: This saturday was probably my favorite day of any excursion in the program. We spent the day horseback riding to a volcano, climbing the volcana, and returning back on horses. In the morning we drove to a ranch-like establishment and were presented with glow sticks and bandanas in case we got lost. I was already a little nervous about spending 6 hours on a horse but then I realized that when Alma said 'extreme' she actually meant it.
The process of getting and choosing horses was interesting. It seemed that people of the little pueblo brought their own horses to the center and then each of us were instructed on how our specific horse responded to individual instructions. My level of nervousness was now reaching terrified. Luckily, I managed to get myself easily onto my spotted gray horse and was determined not to fall off.
We took about a 30 minute horseback ride to ruins of a church that had been destroyed by the volcano (Pericutìn) and climbed around on the volcanic rock that was there. Then it was back on the horses for another 2 hour ride to the volcano Pericutìn.
The horseback ride itself was an adventure. Everyone's horses seemed to have a very distinct personality. I grew very attached to my spotted gray horse but hated it at the same time because its personality resembled my own. My horse did not feel a need to gallop or trot until it saw or heard another horse near it start to gallop. As soon as it knew someone else was going faster it took off with me hanging on for dear life. Literally. My horse would go twice as fast as the one that had started the nonsense. The competetive caballo and I were quite the pair.
The volcano Pericutìn was unlike anything I have ever seen before. We struggled to hike up to the very top of the volcano, slipping and getting pushed back by all the ash. I honestly thought about giving up, but knew that climbing a volcano isn't something that I would have the opportunity to do again. Reaching the top, I was greeted with mist from the clouds that surrounded the top and the steam rising from the rocks. It was incredible to sit on the warm, heated rocks and look out at the entire forest we had just rode through. Then we sprinted, literally ran down the ash to where our horses were waiting. It took us a good 30 minutes to make it to the top and about 5 to run down. The ash was just like skiing in a few feet of snow.
On our return to the ranch our horses raced since they knew food and water would meet them when they got home. Again, my silly horse and I fought to make sure no one passed us.
When we got back to the hotel in Uruapan the first priority was a hot shower to get all the horse smell and ash off of us. Then it was dinner and time to crash, already sore from 6 hours on a horse.
Sunday the 21st: On sunday we spent the day hobbling around a national park that was more like a jungle in the middle of the city. It was basically a series of walking paths that leaded us to different springs and mini waterfalls, perfect for picture crazy girls (not me). Then we drove to the city of Patzcuaro where we had time to eat and shop. The city had a lot of spanish influence and was very different from Guanajuato. Then it was back on the bus to pass out until we got back home in GTO. All in all, an intense and amazing weekend.
Friday the 19th: We traveled four hours to hike around and visit Tzararàcua and Tzararacuita, two waterfalls in the region of Michoacàn. Stepping off the bus, groggy and lazy we definitely didn't realize that to hike down to one waterfall meant we had to hike back up to the other and then down again to swim in the water. Alma, our program director had prepared us to take a 'walk' to the waterfalls, but by the time we had hiked up and down and back to the bus we were drenched in sweat and exhausted. It was definitely worth it. Then we got back on the bus and drove to the city of Uruapan where we stayed in a hotel. That night I bummed around the city like a good mexican does and did nothing but window shop.
Saturday the 20th: This saturday was probably my favorite day of any excursion in the program. We spent the day horseback riding to a volcano, climbing the volcana, and returning back on horses. In the morning we drove to a ranch-like establishment and were presented with glow sticks and bandanas in case we got lost. I was already a little nervous about spending 6 hours on a horse but then I realized that when Alma said 'extreme' she actually meant it.
The process of getting and choosing horses was interesting. It seemed that people of the little pueblo brought their own horses to the center and then each of us were instructed on how our specific horse responded to individual instructions. My level of nervousness was now reaching terrified. Luckily, I managed to get myself easily onto my spotted gray horse and was determined not to fall off.
We took about a 30 minute horseback ride to ruins of a church that had been destroyed by the volcano (Pericutìn) and climbed around on the volcanic rock that was there. Then it was back on the horses for another 2 hour ride to the volcano Pericutìn.
The horseback ride itself was an adventure. Everyone's horses seemed to have a very distinct personality. I grew very attached to my spotted gray horse but hated it at the same time because its personality resembled my own. My horse did not feel a need to gallop or trot until it saw or heard another horse near it start to gallop. As soon as it knew someone else was going faster it took off with me hanging on for dear life. Literally. My horse would go twice as fast as the one that had started the nonsense. The competetive caballo and I were quite the pair.
The volcano Pericutìn was unlike anything I have ever seen before. We struggled to hike up to the very top of the volcano, slipping and getting pushed back by all the ash. I honestly thought about giving up, but knew that climbing a volcano isn't something that I would have the opportunity to do again. Reaching the top, I was greeted with mist from the clouds that surrounded the top and the steam rising from the rocks. It was incredible to sit on the warm, heated rocks and look out at the entire forest we had just rode through. Then we sprinted, literally ran down the ash to where our horses were waiting. It took us a good 30 minutes to make it to the top and about 5 to run down. The ash was just like skiing in a few feet of snow.
On our return to the ranch our horses raced since they knew food and water would meet them when they got home. Again, my silly horse and I fought to make sure no one passed us.
When we got back to the hotel in Uruapan the first priority was a hot shower to get all the horse smell and ash off of us. Then it was dinner and time to crash, already sore from 6 hours on a horse.
Sunday the 21st: On sunday we spent the day hobbling around a national park that was more like a jungle in the middle of the city. It was basically a series of walking paths that leaded us to different springs and mini waterfalls, perfect for picture crazy girls (not me). Then we drove to the city of Patzcuaro where we had time to eat and shop. The city had a lot of spanish influence and was very different from Guanajuato. Then it was back on the bus to pass out until we got back home in GTO. All in all, an intense and amazing weekend.
lunes, 8 de junio de 2009
Only in Mexico
After completing 2 whole weeks in GTO I think it's safe to say that you can take Al out of her elements but some things never change. For example, I am battling a cold right now even though I live in 80 degree weather (classic Al sickness) and I've managed to somehow pick of the nickname Al with some people in the ISA group.....I don't know how that follows me everywhere but I like it.
Recap of eventos:
I have a spanish business class every day and within the first few days of class I was already getting feisty with my classmates. I guess my Minnesotan, social worker personality just does not mix well with a Texan, economist personality when talking about the advancement of industrialization vs. the preservation of culture. Bah, some things never change such as the fact that I don't always play nice with the other kids. I realize how different I am from people outside of the Luther bubble and its a culture shock.
Last saturday the ISA group traveled to Teotihuacan, some ancient Aztec ruins about 5 hours from Guanajuato. It was a long day of climbing pyramids and bartering with vendors. Both aspects proved to be rewarding. This past saturday we went on a museum marathon including a mummy museum, a torture museum based on the spanish inquisition, a tour of the silver mines, and a walk through the church at Valenciana. Then we sported our mexican jerseys and gathered at one of my favorite bars to (unfortunately) watch Mexico lose to El Salvador. Although the loss was a shame we still had fun celebrating.
Yesterday I got to experience a true Mexican fiesta. I tagged along with my friend Eddie to the birthday party of his 8 year old brother. It was comparable to a large high school graduation party. There were at least 100 family members with all the tradition food I could possibly fit in my stomach. The location consisted of tents, a pool, a soccer field, and even a hired dj. We spent the day sitting around, eating, and dancing with drunken relatives. I would estimate that we got asked if we wanted another beer or tequila at least once every 30 minutes. After the fiesta, we went back to the family's house to watch Salvador open his ridiculous amount of presents and then helped him break a pinata and have more tequila presented to us. All in all, an insane 8th birthday party. MTV's My Super Sweet 16 has competition.
Today we left the city to explore more of the state. A few friends and I hopped on a couple different busses to travel to Leon, the place to buy leather. Although I didn't buy anything it was fun to experience more freedom and learn new skills such as how to get from point A to point B outside of this small city. Mariah and I are definitely making plans to get to the beach later this summer.
Finally, only in mexico:
-will you see a man leading a pack of donkeys down the city streets, weaving inbetween taxis.
-will a 38 year old man buy you roses and insist on being your 'friend' even though you clearly state his age is an ultimatum.
-will a clown putting on a show in the center harrass you until you give him a kiss. (yes ian...a clown....made me kiss him....scariest moment ever.)
-will tequila be served on a sunday afternoon at an 8 year old's birthday party
-are short SHORT shorts considered formal evening wear with a pair of ridiculous high heels (and anyone who can walk in heels on cobblestone hills is my hero.)
...That's all I can think of for now.
Love from GTO.
Recap of eventos:
I have a spanish business class every day and within the first few days of class I was already getting feisty with my classmates. I guess my Minnesotan, social worker personality just does not mix well with a Texan, economist personality when talking about the advancement of industrialization vs. the preservation of culture. Bah, some things never change such as the fact that I don't always play nice with the other kids. I realize how different I am from people outside of the Luther bubble and its a culture shock.
Last saturday the ISA group traveled to Teotihuacan, some ancient Aztec ruins about 5 hours from Guanajuato. It was a long day of climbing pyramids and bartering with vendors. Both aspects proved to be rewarding. This past saturday we went on a museum marathon including a mummy museum, a torture museum based on the spanish inquisition, a tour of the silver mines, and a walk through the church at Valenciana. Then we sported our mexican jerseys and gathered at one of my favorite bars to (unfortunately) watch Mexico lose to El Salvador. Although the loss was a shame we still had fun celebrating.
Yesterday I got to experience a true Mexican fiesta. I tagged along with my friend Eddie to the birthday party of his 8 year old brother. It was comparable to a large high school graduation party. There were at least 100 family members with all the tradition food I could possibly fit in my stomach. The location consisted of tents, a pool, a soccer field, and even a hired dj. We spent the day sitting around, eating, and dancing with drunken relatives. I would estimate that we got asked if we wanted another beer or tequila at least once every 30 minutes. After the fiesta, we went back to the family's house to watch Salvador open his ridiculous amount of presents and then helped him break a pinata and have more tequila presented to us. All in all, an insane 8th birthday party. MTV's My Super Sweet 16 has competition.
Today we left the city to explore more of the state. A few friends and I hopped on a couple different busses to travel to Leon, the place to buy leather. Although I didn't buy anything it was fun to experience more freedom and learn new skills such as how to get from point A to point B outside of this small city. Mariah and I are definitely making plans to get to the beach later this summer.
Finally, only in mexico:
-will you see a man leading a pack of donkeys down the city streets, weaving inbetween taxis.
-will a 38 year old man buy you roses and insist on being your 'friend' even though you clearly state his age is an ultimatum.
-will a clown putting on a show in the center harrass you until you give him a kiss. (yes ian...a clown....made me kiss him....scariest moment ever.)
-will tequila be served on a sunday afternoon at an 8 year old's birthday party
-are short SHORT shorts considered formal evening wear with a pair of ridiculous high heels (and anyone who can walk in heels on cobblestone hills is my hero.)
...That's all I can think of for now.
Love from GTO.
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
primera semana
Hey kiddos,
It´s been five days since I arrived in Gto (guanajuato, mexico) so I think its safe to comment on smalls things like daily life and school. We got to Gto sunday evening and had our first supper (la cena) with our families. My host family is really nice and they are very used to hosting students from all around the world. I live in a garage (yeah...sounds awesome, doesn´t it?) converted into a bedroom and bathroom off of the main house with my roomate Mariah. So far we´ve gotten along well and cohabitate easily.
A typical day this week has been wake up and eat breakfast at 8am. A typical breakfast has been different fruits (mango, watermelon, grapes, bananas....you name it), toast, and sometimes eggs. Then Mariah and I walk the 25 minute hilly walk to the language school. My 2 classes are from 9-1pm and then I go exploring around the city until 3 when we walk the hills back home for la comida, the main meal of the day. This meal is multiple courses and have all been delicious. Then, a siesta is necessary since we´re in mexico. The siesta is probably the easiest aspect of mexican culture to adapt to :) Then during the evening we´ve done things such as take dance lessons, explore the city more, and of course find mexican tequila and cervezas (beer) to ''try''.
more to write later. much much more but we are on our way to two different fiestas tonight (not including the toga party hosted at a local bar....which i may or may not attend)
love love.
It´s been five days since I arrived in Gto (guanajuato, mexico) so I think its safe to comment on smalls things like daily life and school. We got to Gto sunday evening and had our first supper (la cena) with our families. My host family is really nice and they are very used to hosting students from all around the world. I live in a garage (yeah...sounds awesome, doesn´t it?) converted into a bedroom and bathroom off of the main house with my roomate Mariah. So far we´ve gotten along well and cohabitate easily.
A typical day this week has been wake up and eat breakfast at 8am. A typical breakfast has been different fruits (mango, watermelon, grapes, bananas....you name it), toast, and sometimes eggs. Then Mariah and I walk the 25 minute hilly walk to the language school. My 2 classes are from 9-1pm and then I go exploring around the city until 3 when we walk the hills back home for la comida, the main meal of the day. This meal is multiple courses and have all been delicious. Then, a siesta is necessary since we´re in mexico. The siesta is probably the easiest aspect of mexican culture to adapt to :) Then during the evening we´ve done things such as take dance lessons, explore the city more, and of course find mexican tequila and cervezas (beer) to ''try''.
more to write later. much much more but we are on our way to two different fiestas tonight (not including the toga party hosted at a local bar....which i may or may not attend)
love love.
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