NatalieDisney

Let me begin this blog by describing a recent hilarious scene in my life as I know it in Oaxaca, Mexico. There are about thirty of us, and maybe fifty Oaxaquenos, in the movie theatre for half-price Wednesday. The four main characters in this American film, all from New York City, have taken a trip to, where else? Mexico. One of the characters brings snack packs of chocolate pudding along, and refuses to eat anything else for the duration of their stay - no matter how enticing and delectable the Mexican meals appear. One of her friends chooses to confront her: "Charlotte, you could really do without the pudding for just one night! We are at a FIVE STAR resort, for goodness' sake!" Her reply: one of the most common phrases we have learned to use ... read more

For some of you, there are parts to review--things you've already heard, images you've already seen--so thank you for your patience and understanding. It's really only been a week, but I already feel I've been here a month. The various things I've seen and learned in this past week equal or surpass the amount I would typically absorb in a year's time. A language, which I had previously still viewed as foreign, now seems possible to encompass in my scope of knowledge. It becomes more beautiful and familiar to me each day. The greatest reward I've met in my years of education are the conversations I've had with my host family here: simple as they still may be, their increasing length and complexity thrills me each time. The doorbell here is buzzing. Buzzing with the entry ... read more