Before heading into these last two weeks, I thought I was in for my most relaxing stretch. I only had to adjust to a new teacher, and wasn't leaving Puebla for the weekends. As often is the case, I was wrong. Homework piled up; I gave an hour and a half presentation yesterday.
Thankfully, all that is over. With the presentation behind me, these last two weeks of class should be relatively painless. I was able to travel again (I'm writing this from Oaxaca). Oaxaca is a city about four hours south of Puebla. It has a large indigenous population, so the culture feels a little different. We got in last night, and today we're going to see the pyramids, which are a set of well preserved Mayan ruins. We also might go see the worlds "widest" tree, which is about 2,500 years old. That puts life in perspective.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
First Trip
Sorry I've been relatively absent, it's been a busy week. Last Tuesday my class embarked on a field trip to Mexico City, arguably the second largest city in the world depending on how you draw the border. It has a population of 18,000,000 (million) people. The trip was mostly to visit a couple museums and experience the city itself.
First we visited Teotihuacan, home to what's traditionally know as the Pyramid of the Sun, seen in the picture below. It's not mine as I haven't had much time to upload and organize most of them yet, but it was just as impressive as the picture. The hike up to the top was refreshing.
Next up were the Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky Museums in Mexico City. Frida was a famous painter while Trotsky was seen as Lenin's heir until Stalin killed everybody but him. To get to these places we used the Metro, which was an experience in itself (my picture below). It was everyone for themselves, standing room only. Once the metro stopped, everyone who needed to disembark pushed their way off no matter who was in their path, including this poor old woman. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, but I'm glad we got to experience it.
The next day we went to the Museum of anthropology for a quick visit. After that, Dario, Natalie, Brittany and I headed south to the city of Taxco. Taxco is a small city of about 50,000 people. It's well know for its multiple silver mines and beautiful small town feel. It lived up to the expectations. I had a wonderful, warm, relaxing weekend. The views were beautiful along with the city itself. Not to mention the delicious eight dollar meals. It had many tiny streets running sharply up and down the side of the valley. According to Natalie, it almost felt like cities she had visited in Europe.
The only downside to Taxco? I got bit by a spider on both ankles while exploring Las Grutas (large caverns close to the city). I suppose it's my own fault for not wearing long pants.
First we visited Teotihuacan, home to what's traditionally know as the Pyramid of the Sun, seen in the picture below. It's not mine as I haven't had much time to upload and organize most of them yet, but it was just as impressive as the picture. The hike up to the top was refreshing.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"Being"
After a month, I've started to notice subtle cultural differences. I have always had a rough grasp of one such difference, and a small class discussion today refined my understanding.
Speaking in general terms, it seems that people in Puebla do not associate spending money with having fun, at least, not as much as people do in Seattle. For example, an “estadounidense" (the Spanish word for United State's Citizen, lest I fall into an ethnocentric language trap), usually assumes that the amount of money spent on a Seahawk's ticket, shopping, or at a nice restaurant correlates with the quality of the experience. Of course I'm making a blanket generalization that most of you probably aren't guilty of (flattering my audience), but bear with me. Pueblans seem to enjoy "being," just as much as they enjoy "doing." An afternoon spent at the Zócalo (city center) seems to be just as enjoyable as a night out clubbing. It's not so much the activity or cost, but the company and "the moment." Perhaps this is because of differences in material wealth, and perhaps they would act in a similar manner if they had more money. In this case, I don't think I am capable of passing judgment.
Speaking in general terms, it seems that people in Puebla do not associate spending money with having fun, at least, not as much as people do in Seattle. For example, an “estadounidense" (the Spanish word for United State's Citizen, lest I fall into an ethnocentric language trap), usually assumes that the amount of money spent on a Seahawk's ticket, shopping, or at a nice restaurant correlates with the quality of the experience. Of course I'm making a blanket generalization that most of you probably aren't guilty of (flattering my audience), but bear with me. Pueblans seem to enjoy "being," just as much as they enjoy "doing." An afternoon spent at the Zócalo (city center) seems to be just as enjoyable as a night out clubbing. It's not so much the activity or cost, but the company and "the moment." Perhaps this is because of differences in material wealth, and perhaps they would act in a similar manner if they had more money. In this case, I don't think I am capable of passing judgment.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sun
I haven't felt anything less than 70 degree heat since last weekend, it's been quite nice. I've been capitalizing by hanging out on our family's roof to do my homework and read. I also walked to the center of Puebla and looked around the local market a bit.
This past Sunday I attended a birthday party for the 92 year-old mother of one of the host Moms. Myself and three other students were invited. It was a wonderful experience. The family dynamic was very similar to what I grew up with. The party consisted of a large (and delicious) meal, followed by conversation. One difference: Mexicans seem to enjoy music DVDs at family events. Instead of watching TV, they just put in some seemingly random DVD of music videos. At this particular event, the music consisted of everything from the Beatles to Barry Manilow. No one understands the music, but I guess that doesn't matter.
I played basketball with a couple university students on Friday, it was quite the experience. They were difficult to understand because they talked fast and didn't seem to care about my presence or inability to speak (as opposed to the girls basketball players, who welcomed my friends Andrea and Amanda with open and rather enthusiastic arms). It's not that I expected a "welcome" of some sort, but a little bit of sympathy would have been nice.
Tomorrow I'll be watching Señor Farve and the other NFL playoff game while finishing my homework.
This past Sunday I attended a birthday party for the 92 year-old mother of one of the host Moms. Myself and three other students were invited. It was a wonderful experience. The family dynamic was very similar to what I grew up with. The party consisted of a large (and delicious) meal, followed by conversation. One difference: Mexicans seem to enjoy music DVDs at family events. Instead of watching TV, they just put in some seemingly random DVD of music videos. At this particular event, the music consisted of everything from the Beatles to Barry Manilow. No one understands the music, but I guess that doesn't matter.
I played basketball with a couple university students on Friday, it was quite the experience. They were difficult to understand because they talked fast and didn't seem to care about my presence or inability to speak (as opposed to the girls basketball players, who welcomed my friends Andrea and Amanda with open and rather enthusiastic arms). It's not that I expected a "welcome" of some sort, but a little bit of sympathy would have been nice.
Tomorrow I'll be watching Señor Farve and the other NFL playoff game while finishing my homework.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Average Day
My average week day begins at 7:10 am. The temperature in my room when I wake up is about 35 degrees. The homes here are built for the summer heat, so they have no heating system and little insulation. After a quick (usually warm) shower, our mamá feeds us breakfast. If there is one thing I miss about home, it's my customary breakfast food. Not to say that breakfast here isn't good, it's just strange to my experience. Quesadillas, beans, powdered milk, and tang orange juice are some of my consistent breakfast foods.
Breakfast is followed by a 15 minute bus ride to school, where we meet up with a few classmates. The school itself is located on a large plot of land surrounded by a fence. The buildings are relatively nice, and I plan on playing basketball next week when the rest of the Mexican students arrive. They are still on their Christmas break. Class lasts from 9:00-12:30 with a professor from Seattle. In two weeks we'll have a Mexican professor, so that should be interesting.
After class Dario and I usually take the bus home. I got a membership to a local gym where I workout before lunch is served at 2:30. This is the largest meal of the day for Mexicans, and that was somewhat of an adjustment for me. Lunch is followed by the activity of our choice. Usually we spend some time with our family, or hang out with some of our friends in the group.
So that is my best attempt at an average weekday. Side note: today I went on an errand for my family to purchase tortillas and beer - sometimes I enjoy living stereotypes.
Breakfast is followed by a 15 minute bus ride to school, where we meet up with a few classmates. The school itself is located on a large plot of land surrounded by a fence. The buildings are relatively nice, and I plan on playing basketball next week when the rest of the Mexican students arrive. They are still on their Christmas break. Class lasts from 9:00-12:30 with a professor from Seattle. In two weeks we'll have a Mexican professor, so that should be interesting.
After class Dario and I usually take the bus home. I got a membership to a local gym where I workout before lunch is served at 2:30. This is the largest meal of the day for Mexicans, and that was somewhat of an adjustment for me. Lunch is followed by the activity of our choice. Usually we spend some time with our family, or hang out with some of our friends in the group.
So that is my best attempt at an average weekday. Side note: today I went on an errand for my family to purchase tortillas and beer - sometimes I enjoy living stereotypes.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Race to Relax
One of the most curious differences between Puebla and Washington is the manner in which people drive. Everything seems to be a race, whether the driver is grandma or a 16 year-old. The buses I've been riding are old, worn and stick shift. The rides are as frightening as they are entertaining. I feel like I'm in the third Harry Potter movie as we pass other buses and cars at 40 mph, clearing them by inches. It's a good idea to hold on within two seconds of getting on, as the bus driver is usually indifferent to your safety - the front and back doors are commonly open while moving. Note for Grandma: I've never felt like I was going to fall off, that's not a possibility.
Life in Puebla is generally slower than life in Seattle, and therein lies the irony. While home/social life is relaxed and slow, traffic is chaotic. I suppose balance isn't a bad thing. Work begins around 8:00 in the morning, then everyone heads home for lunch at 2:00*. Following lunch, a short rest before heading back to work around 4:00.* It's not a bad way to live.
Earlier today I toured Puebla with my class. The Cathedral was fascinating - I hope to have some pictures up soon.
P.S. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to leave them in comments. It's difficult to narrow my topic, so they would be much more helpful than annoying!
*Mexico time: A vague notion of a deadline with no consequences associated with lateness
Life in Puebla is generally slower than life in Seattle, and therein lies the irony. While home/social life is relaxed and slow, traffic is chaotic. I suppose balance isn't a bad thing. Work begins around 8:00 in the morning, then everyone heads home for lunch at 2:00*. Following lunch, a short rest before heading back to work around 4:00.* It's not a bad way to live.
Earlier today I toured Puebla with my class. The Cathedral was fascinating - I hope to have some pictures up soon.
P.S. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to leave them in comments. It's difficult to narrow my topic, so they would be much more helpful than annoying!
*Mexico time: A vague notion of a deadline with no consequences associated with lateness
Monday, January 4, 2010
First Experiences
The flights were ok, but a bit long. I wasn't able to sleep. Andrea (my friend, classmate, and traveling partner) and I landed in Mexico city at about 11:00 am on Sunday. Our section of the airport was new and impressive. First, we had to fill out "tourist cards" and go through customs. The card part was a rude awakening for me, as I struggled through some sentences in Spanish. My clerk was not sympathetic, although Andrea's was. The rest of the trip was a blur. The bus ride to Puebla took 2 hours, but the bus itself was very nice. We purchased tickets for a taxi ride for about $5.00 each. Our driver kept telling us to calm down (tranquilo), while eating sunflower seeds and driving stick. We didn't have seatbelts.
My family consists of Patricia and Javier, both in their mid-fifties. Their kids are either in or have graduated from college, so we're the only kids. By "we're," I mean Dario and I. He's from Seattle University as well, and I had a class with him and the other students on the trip last quarter. He was born in California, but as both his parents were born in Columbia, he speaks Spanish fairly well. I have to be assertive to prevent him from unintentionally dominating conversations. I understand most everything my hosts say, but am slow to produce well constructed sentences of my own.
My room is somewhat separated from the house. Dario and I have our own rooms, as well as a small sitting area with a TV. I'm writing this blog from wireless internet, which I didn't expect to have! Technologically, mi casa has far surpassed my low expectations.
Food has been delicious so far, but different. My breakfast consisted of some meat scrambled in an egg, milk and "orange juice," which was more like tang than actual juice. The milk is also interesting, as it comes out of a coffee creamer like container and tastes different. Other notables: potato soup, a bean dish which apparently had some sardine in it, and a fish fillet (white meat, I don't know what it was). It has been somewhat difficult to communicate the nature of "gluten-free" to my mamá, but we've made excellent progress. They are very willing to accommodate my diet, which is comforting.
Tonight I took my first walk around the area surrounding my house with Patricia. She took me to a grocery store which resembled a much downsized Wal-mart. It had everything from clothes to fish. Surprisingly, Umbrella (American hip-hop) played over the speakers, followed by an unsurprising Shakira song, and a song by Enrique Iglesias. The last two songs just furthered the stereotype - apparently Mexican entertainment is heavily influenced by America.
Good first days - time to sleep.
My family consists of Patricia and Javier, both in their mid-fifties. Their kids are either in or have graduated from college, so we're the only kids. By "we're," I mean Dario and I. He's from Seattle University as well, and I had a class with him and the other students on the trip last quarter. He was born in California, but as both his parents were born in Columbia, he speaks Spanish fairly well. I have to be assertive to prevent him from unintentionally dominating conversations. I understand most everything my hosts say, but am slow to produce well constructed sentences of my own.
My room is somewhat separated from the house. Dario and I have our own rooms, as well as a small sitting area with a TV. I'm writing this blog from wireless internet, which I didn't expect to have! Technologically, mi casa has far surpassed my low expectations.
Food has been delicious so far, but different. My breakfast consisted of some meat scrambled in an egg, milk and "orange juice," which was more like tang than actual juice. The milk is also interesting, as it comes out of a coffee creamer like container and tastes different. Other notables: potato soup, a bean dish which apparently had some sardine in it, and a fish fillet (white meat, I don't know what it was). It has been somewhat difficult to communicate the nature of "gluten-free" to my mamá, but we've made excellent progress. They are very willing to accommodate my diet, which is comforting.
Tonight I took my first walk around the area surrounding my house with Patricia. She took me to a grocery store which resembled a much downsized Wal-mart. It had everything from clothes to fish. Surprisingly, Umbrella (American hip-hop) played over the speakers, followed by an unsurprising Shakira song, and a song by Enrique Iglesias. The last two songs just furthered the stereotype - apparently Mexican entertainment is heavily influenced by America.
Good first days - time to sleep.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Trip Plans and Stressful Anticipation
I board the plane in about fifteen minutes. The words are coming slowly right now, so I'll have to keep this first post short.
I really have no idea what to expect, besides the basics. I am going to Puebla, Mexico to study abroad for winter quarter - I return the 12th of March. My friend and classmate Dario and I will be staying with a host family near the Universidad Iberoamericana (Ibero for short). I'll be taking 15 credits of Spanish language classes with a group of kids from Seattle University. I know the majority of them, so that is quite reassuring. One of my professors is also from S.U., so I won't be technically alone.
Sounds simple enough, right? Yet that small paragraph represents the basic extent of my knowledge. The unknowns greatly outnumber the things I know for certain. At times I feel challenged and encouraged by this, at times, paralyzed with a feeling of helplessness. As cliché as it may sound, I am about to embark on a life changing experience - most likely for the better.
One percent of the world's population attends a form of college. One percent of U.S. university students study abroad. This makes my trip statistically rare, and I'm extremely grateful for that. I am blessed. Looks like it's time to board...
I really have no idea what to expect, besides the basics. I am going to Puebla, Mexico to study abroad for winter quarter - I return the 12th of March. My friend and classmate Dario and I will be staying with a host family near the Universidad Iberoamericana (Ibero for short). I'll be taking 15 credits of Spanish language classes with a group of kids from Seattle University. I know the majority of them, so that is quite reassuring. One of my professors is also from S.U., so I won't be technically alone.
Sounds simple enough, right? Yet that small paragraph represents the basic extent of my knowledge. The unknowns greatly outnumber the things I know for certain. At times I feel challenged and encouraged by this, at times, paralyzed with a feeling of helplessness. As cliché as it may sound, I am about to embark on a life changing experience - most likely for the better.
One percent of the world's population attends a form of college. One percent of U.S. university students study abroad. This makes my trip statistically rare, and I'm extremely grateful for that. I am blessed. Looks like it's time to board...
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