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Published: January 27th 2009
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So this past week has been crazy! I can't believe it's been a week since I've been here. My Spanish is getting a little better and I'm getting way more accustomed to life here. The best part of this experience is submerging yourself into another culture, and seeing how other parts of the world exist. With human civilization comes life, and all the life has in store for us. There is never a better or worse culture, just a different culture. This last week alone has been an amazing time for me to think and reflect on my life and a little bit on Mexican life. Enjoy the pictures and please share your thoughts!
Life
Life here is so much different then the US, but it reminds me a little bit of Thailand. The street vendors, the houses, the massive fences around houses, the stray dogs roaming the street, the trees, the weather, the food is even semi-similar. Maybe climate shapes a culture, and maybe that's why they have many similarities. The blending of cultures here is also so amazing. There are many mines here (we got to visit one), especially with a lot of silver. Perhaps that is what
drew the attention of the Spanish, which caused them to colonize the city. With the cobble stone streets and the colorful buildings, I almost feel like I'm in a European fairytale only with stray dogs everywhere. However, indigenous life here is very much alive. Yesterday I went to Leon, Mexico and at the fair there were this awesome ceremonial dance by Los voladores de Papantla. I posted a video of them...they are seriously awesome. Or check them out here: http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=CGd5owGow1E.
From my understanding, it is supposed to represent the four directions among other things.
Everything here is so much more relaxed, yet somewhat efficient. I hear "No te preocupas," which means "Don't worry" about 5 times a day. I swear this city never sleeps. Oh and everyone here lives in the present. It's pretty much a good thing for people like me who never make plans. That what we discussed in class today, oh and I started school today. It's pretty easy. I think I may switch to a more challenging course. I'm going to stick it out for a day or two and see how it goes.
People are out until about 5 am. I'm too much of
a baby and get a little cranky at about 3 am if I do go out.
Love
amor. Interesting stuff here. From what I've encountered, many people here aren't as faithful to their significant others and they are a lot more open about their infidelity. I'm sure that is not always the case or at least I hope. I'd like to pretend true love exists. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, there is a profound love for Jesus here. The majority of the people here are catholic, but it is much more liberal and almost a mix with indigenous culture. We went to this HUGGGGGEEEE Jesus statue called Cristo Rey and it sits in the heart of Guanajuato, because everyone keeps Jesus in their hearts here. Speaking of that, we took a bus there and we had to go up so high in the mountains and it was semi frightening. Remember the Looney Tune show with Road Runner and the Coyote, and how the coyote always fell off the cliff and stuff. Thats how the mountains were. No railings and very narrow streets and the bus was zooming! I was creeped out a little. More about Jesus, there's
a street here called Sangre de Cristo which means blood of Christ, and there's a bloody crucifix on my bedroom wall....Very interesting. My family also has a certificate from the pope framed and on the wall. Also Guanjuato is known for their kissing, but recently kissing has been banned out the street. There is a lot of controversy behind it and it is cool to see how different people react to it. I kind of wonder how they are going to enforce it...
Death
This country sometimes seems to take death so lightly. Seriously. Maybe has to do with the fact that everyone lives in the present. Maybe they don't take life for granted and do what they want to do now now so that they have no regrets. Anyhow, we went to this Mummy Museum and the museum has all natural mummies and that been preserved because of the altitude, climate and air of Guanajuato. Mummification naturally occurred and they just stuck them in a museum. It was pretty creepy. They have a candy store and it is called La Catrina, which is like a skeleton lady that is always around during Dia de los muertos. If any of
Alma and I
My ISA director you had Spanish class, you may remember the cheesy telenovela we watched with Jaime. haha. We also went to this Inquisition Museum and it was messed up. The museum was called Hacienda Cochero. I felt pretty sick coming out of it. I just can't believe humans can impose that kind of pain on other humans, even if they have differences. It sickens me. I have the pics of the torture tools and mummies. Check it out. Some are gruesome. One lady was buried alive. Lots of dead babies. Some still have hair on them. Some also still had clothes in tact.
Anyhow I'm having fun. Started school Monday and been LOVING Mexico. I found an awesome group of friends and I'm pretty happy. I miss you all and I hope things are going well! Don't forget to check out the pics. and videos.
Love,
Nancy
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zach
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muy bien
bozhoo nancita, nice article! and very cool pictures, i hope i look that good when i'm that old. glad you are having fun and i miss you. -Zach