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.