I was a little nervous about arriving in Mexico City (known within the country as Mexico or DF). 

I had been excited but then everytime I mentioned that I was going to the giant megatropolis of North America someone would gasp and ask how scared I was.

Didn´t have any troubles, though, the whole process was amazingly easy and we had our hostel pick us up and take us to our corner of the city... Coyoacan.

The rest of the afternoon we kinda just meandered around the streets and then went to Frida Kahlo´s home...

It was incredible with trinkets and paintings and clothes all over... and the property that the house is on is deceivingly enormous for being in the city.

We didnt go to the Zocalo this time, we are planning on coming back a day early and staying near there so we can see the sights easier... typical gringa tourists, you know.

Spent Sunday with our friend Ivan in Puebla and had the most amazing afternoon.

We went to Cholula and saw the pyramid ruins and climbed all over the site where it had been before but now there is a church built on top of it... in the typical Spanish manner.

We ate in the market and had these incredibly huge quesadillas made with blue corn tortillas and these mushroom flower things that grow out of the corn husks... they are black and slimy and delicious. I am pretty sure that every picture for the rest of the day shows black teeth and happy faces.

It was so fun to see Ivan... we had met him when we were living in Guanajuato the first time and hadn´t seen him since we left that December.

Autumn and Lariza had visited him last summer and he told us that we were the only four people who had come to see him.  The only four people and all from the states... I felt awful, not cause we saw him, but that noone else from Gto... who is still living there... has taken the time to see him.

Wild.

We have now been in Zihuatanejo for three incredibly suffocating nights... the heat here is almost intolerable... my uncle Kurt would be even more miserable than we are. 

We have done nothing other than sit under the umbrellas on the beach and do, well, nothing.

We occasionally brave the kinda trash littered water and enormous waves to get a break from the heat... then it is back to the shade and reading.

It has been nice to do nothing but I am ready to get out of here and somewhere twenty degrees cooler.

Tonight, around 9pm we are taking a bus to Guadalajara and are going to stay with Dan.

Can´t wait to see him, it´s been about two years... there is alot of catching up to do!

This first week of the trip has been great and from here it can only get better... Mexico, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Chicago, Florida and then the big Spain...

covering all of the bases before I have to stay in one place for longer than a month!

xoxcr

 Another thing that I will always link to Chile is the ant population they have... in the beds.  I just now have no visible signs of the ant bites that I got while sleep-talking in my comfy little bed.  I didn't notice them at first... maybe it was because everything was so new and exciting I was a bit blind to the small neuances of the city, but this became a huge source of irritation.  There were ants everywhere... in the kitchen, in the bathroom, on the patio, in my BED.  [Toward the end of my semester in Mexico, I know there was this type of bug with pinchers that I started to see around the house, but my Señora said that it was a seasonal thing...  and they really were manageable.]  The ants were just out of control... and I, after questioning some of my fellow study abroad companions, was not the only one that was experiencing midnight munchings.  I don't know if it is a good thing to admit, but the fact that I had partners in my misery made it a little easier to bare.

The micros were an aspect of wonder in Valparaíso and Viña.  These in-town buses each had at least 3 numbers on their windows or doors and I was told the first day not to decide to get on a bus just because of what it said on the signs (there was an insane amount of writing on the front windshield and door-side of each micro).  These buses slowed down only when you waved at them and never really came to a complete stop while you hollered at the driver to see where he was going and then jump on quickly if you wanted him to take you there.  I thought - at first - that this kind of attitude from the chauffeurs was just because I was, so obviously, not from there... but I learned almost immediatly not to hold myself in such high esteem... everyone is treated equally in that situation.  Kids, Chileans, older people, and foriegners alike all had to yell and jump to get on the right micro... but wait! the adventure doesn't stop there!  Once on the bus you had to ask the chauffeur how much it was and I never understood why (still don't), on the same bus route -and I thought the same bus- I would pay with in the range of 250 pesos to 500 pesos.  Sometimes I got a discount when I showed my student ID and then once I got yelled at... another time he did actually stop the bus to examine my ID and then ask me where I came from and why I was here.  Thank goodness there were only about 10 people on the bus... most of the time they were so full that people were squished and squeezed so much that it appeared as if they were bonding to one another.  Only rarely did you see courtesy shown to the elderly or women with babies but only then did you really have the chance of scoring a seat.

I got to go to the congress building.  Pinochet moved it to Valparaíso in his last years of his dictatorship to further remove them from and diminish their power in his decisions.  They continue to meet there today and still don't have that much power... and to add to that sad fact, the building in which they meet is very ugly.  The senate and the representatives meet there and we got to visit one day during class.. inside it has alot of art work and sculptures... there is this huge door with a hand on it and when we asked whose hand it was the tour guide said that she didn't know... we all assume it is Pinochet's.  His death only a month before my visit didn't really affect me in any way when I was there.  We were required for one of my classes to interview people about their position and opinion of the politics in Chile... many replied "no estoy ni alli po" meaning I don't care one way or another or I have no interest at all... basically saying that they don't care.  Alot of people in ther mid twenties don't really want to get involved because they witnessed the end of the dictatorship and how their parents had been so involved without truly seeing the results they wanted.  Everyone I spoke to immediately responded with this phrase but then we went on to talk for over an hour about their opinions and their desires for the future of their country. 

The education system in Chile is set up in an interesting way... and the attitude for higher education is just as intriguing.  Children remain living with and as dependants of their parents until they are up to 27 or 28 years of age.  This is not seen as weird or that they are slacking in any way.  (Although I imagine the parents find it quite demanding on their pocket because the young Chileans that I met did not work and went out every night... granted it was summer, but still!) If a student picks a career that only takes 3 years of courses in order to graduate, and it doesn't matter what it is (even if it is the same career), it not viewed with as much respect as a career that took 7 years to complete.  This is one of the main reasons universities are unable to the typical US system of 4 year colleges.  For example: Two students are studying to be lawyers.  One goes to a college that has a program of 5 years and the other goes to one with a 7 year program.  Well, obviously the one who was in school longer knows more just because he was in school longer.  Also, there are no tests like the  LSAT that are required before continuing on to become a lawyer.  Once graduating from your university you are able to set up your own practice wherever you see fit... this creates a huge amount of lawyers and not enough clients... there are highly educated people who are sitting around without clients and who are not making very good money.  This, one of my professors said, is very common in a wide range of fields.  He said that he finds it incredibly comical that Chile is considered one of the most advanced and economically stable countries in Latin America.  (All I know is that it was no cheaper there than in the US.)

So...

I returned from the August trip to Mexico and began school two days later.  Not a bad semester: two studio art classes, an online class (yuk) and a very interesting history (of Latin America) course with a teacher who loves travelling as much as I do. 

I have a new job that I absolutly adore... Bread and Bagel.  I can walk to it from my house and I don't have to wear a uniform (THAT is a HUGE deal... I love having the option, not that I do it, of rolling out of bed and going to work and having that be not only normal, but acceptable as well.

Anyway, school was movin right along and all of the sudden it is the last week in September.  I had been emailing a couple of my girl friends that I met in Mexico (but they are from the States) about a little reunion down in Guanajuato.  It, for some odd reason, seems more justifable and makes more sense to organize get-togethers in Mexico than right here in the US of A.  We are from all over, I am basically the only one from the south... I was told I have a southern accent... if they only knew.  But I guess to untrained Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota ears I could be mistaken for my Kentucky kin.  OK... back on track... we were all talking about how it would be great to see everyone and why it wouldn't make just as much sense for all of us to go back to where we met, back to Guanajuato, rather than another state when it would be the same price for the plane tickets.  So, the week before my fall break, my friend Katie B and I buy our tickets and plan our trip back to Never Never Land. 

I had fall break from school the first Thursday and Friday in October so I took off Tuesday and Wednesday from school.  This gave me more time to get there and enjoy my time in one of the most vibrant cities that I know.  I left after classes on the 3 and drove to Nashville... I arrived in Chicago (round-about, I know... but it was the cheapest way).  Katie B got in from Minneapolis and then we camped out on the O'Hare airport floor until our 5:00 boarding time.  We finally arrived in Leon after a short stop in Houston and it was as if we had never left.

My best guy friend, Kike, had come with Abraham and his fianceé, Christina, to pick us up... but then we turn around and see our friend Kitty, too.  He had come with our friends Aaron and Yarros!  So, Katie B went with Kitty (they were in this GREAT old VW van and it was SO hippy... no other word for it.  It had the flowers and designs painted all over it... I was a little, ok- alot, disappointed that I didn't get to ride in it, but I didn't want to hurt Kike's feelings.  We stayed with my friend Salvador who had just gotten back from six months studying and working in Germany.  He had a friend with him, Phuk, who didn't speak Spanish and spoke little English.  It was a little frustrating because I would try to talk to Salvador and Phuk at the same time and (Salvador learned more English than German during his time abroad, but speaks a little of both) it was so incredibly daunting to have a conversation with them; to clarify when we were going to go get lunch or meet back at the house could take a good 15 to 20 minutes.  And the worst was that they both chastized ME about my ENGLISH!  They said that I talk too fast, that I have a horrible pronunciation and that I don't speak very well.  I won't go there completly, but when I can converse in pure Spanish for a span of two weeks and they can't last two minutes, I think I should be the one correcting.

Anyway it was great being there again, especially for the Cervantino festival.  We got to see the fireworks and all of the goings on because the (sitting duck) President Vicente Fox came on the night of the inauguration.  It really was a great feel... so many people, the street food, the jewelry sellers and the artists along the street... so alive.

We had a great time and I got back to Bowling Green on Sunday night, the 8th, at about midnight... and even made it to work the next day!  I am a bit more sad coming home this time than the last... I knew I would have an opportunity in the near future to return, but now... because I will be graduating in May... I don't know if I will have the chance to go back for a long time. 

At least I take alot of pictures to transport myself back!

Hasta la proxima... xoxcr

So finally got a chance to sign on to the web site... sorry it has taken so long.

That is life in Mexico!

I am loving it, just to start off...

to walk out from behind of Teatro Juarez the first day here and see a group of my friends playing hacky-sack in front of the church and Jardin Union was wonderful...

when they saw me all of them just stopped and stared as if they were seeing a ghost... and it wasnt just my white skin, either... they all started talking at once and a wave of relief washed over me because before I had a little bit of fear about seeing them because I wasnt sure if they would remember me.

They did and it has been a blast ever since... not much has changed...

Some people have gone, some new ones have arrived but it is still the Guanajuato that I love.

I dont even know how to describe the feeling that I have when I am here... content? ...comfortable? ...realxed?... happy?

I wish there was a word.

Really, I dont know how it is possible to feel so at home in a place where I stand out SO much.

From the moment when I saw my great friend Kike at the airport, he brought me and my friend Nicole roses, I knew it would be as incredible as the first time.

There is more rain than before, but that hasnt stopped anything... walking around the streets, I have the most enormous smile on my face... it is imposible to stop!

Everyday someone has come up to me and been like "Celia! You came back! When? Where are you staying? For how long? Where are you going? Lets hang out!"

Some of them I dont even remember (which I do feel bad about) but secretly it makes me feel good that they remember me... and I thought if they remembered me it would be for my hair, but it is an entirely different story.

I am staying with the same family as before and they are as wonderful as always.

I feel a little bad because I am almost always out of the house visiting with friends, but I have a little bit of an advantage this time because I can speak alot better than before... I dont have to struggle with my stories or explain myself as much now... we have REAL conversations!

Nicole, a friend who was here for a week... she left yesterday, asked me, "How did you make such good friends when you didnt even speak the language last time?"

I didnt really even have an answer... I barely spoke last time.

Listening in on conversations and laughing at stories, but barely putting my two cents in is what I remember.  I think the guys are a little surprised at how much I talk now... the companionship is really what it is all about.  The effort to accept one another despite the differences that are SO obvious on the outside.

I realize that there are those who think very little of Mexico, but I have to say... to this date... I believe is is my favorite place.  Guanajuato can be a trap to those who come and visit, I realize that...

Everyone stays in the same groups... people work in the same places... live in the same houses... for years.

I had the luck to come in and meet people from all of the different groups and get to know everyone... and although I now have my friends, the majority of them hang out with different people so I am constantly meeting new people.

Kike and Abraham are more preppy and work at the gym.

Kitty, Yarros, Angel and Nacho work at Bar Fly and are (they want to be) hippies.

Oswaldo and Ivan work at Why Not and have their own style.

Polo lives a little outside of Guanajuato and is a musician.

There are so many more... some of the circles overlap, which is cool... but the best thing is that some of them dont get along, but because I am an "extranjera" I can be friends with all of them and noone gives me grief.

I would love to come back here for a little while to live and work, outside/after of school, just to be here and really envelope myself in it... but I dont think this is a place I would want to stay forever...

one could go a little crazy with the drama... like in any small town.

Guadalajara may be the place for me... I think I am going there tomorrow with Kike...

or I may go with my friend Autumn to her place in San Miguel..,

the options and opportunities are endless in this "Neverland"!

Ok... time is up... love to all

xox cr

So, school is a LOT tougher here than it ever was in Mexico, but it feels like a break compared to the past semester so I am trying not to complain too much.

I spent all day on Tuesday studying for a test the next day and then Tuesday night I went to a Chambao concert that was here in Segovia.  It was probably one of the best nights of my whole trip.  The music is kinda ¨flamenco-chill¨, if that means anything to you.  It was great, the instruments and singing and the clapping... I tried to take some video with my camera but I don´t know if it will translate the ¨vibe¨ like I would like it to do.  The concert got over around 12:30 am (the night was still young in spanish terms) so I went to the Plaza Mayor to study (more) with Nicole.  After two cups of coffee, I was on a role and then it got hit with sleepiness so headed home but woke up early to study some more. (The history of Spain is a complicated one... SO glad we don´t have kings and ¨overthrowing¨ and stuff like that to remember... although, I am ashamed of what little I do know about the history of my country.)  When I was studying before the test, I was in a café in the Plaza Mayor and I saw my professor (bonus points!!!) and she told me that she eats there every morning because the waiter is SO cute... I SO agree with her!

My final is on Monday and for this test we only have to cover from 1808 until present day.  We have covered the entire, and I mean it, history of Spain... we began in pre-historic times.  I can´t say that I will retain everything, but I am pretty sure (knock on wood) that I am gonna walk away with an A!!! Woo HOO!

Off for an excursion... headed to Pedraza for the afternoon with the group. 

xox cr

So...

I definitly don´t speak this kind of Spanish. I am in Empuriabrava for my long weekend. Travelling alone and finding my way among all of the FRENCH-speaking people... I need you Markus!!!

Spain has 4 basic "toungues": Castellano (basic... kinda... spanish), Gallego, Euskera and Catalán.

I am in the region (Cataluña) where the dialect Catalan is spoken. It is kinda neat, though... everyone assumes I am french and comes up to me just rambling on until I tell them, in Spanish, that I either speak Spanish or English... then they just look confused. ?Noone seems to belive that I am from the states; which is kinda cool except that the little Frech I know comes from U.Kurt or my ballet classes (I am great with the unconjugated verbs like: to melt, to bend, to raise, step of the cat (not a verb but I can still say it).

Anyway, it is a pretty cool?town, alot of seafood and alot of water... I don´t know what I ate for dinner. ?I would rather not know, but it was fried so I just tried to think of it as bread.

AHHH!!! time... xox cr

So I am about to leave for Ampuriabrava via Figueres via Madrid. 

I will catch the train from here (Segovia) and ride that for a couple of hours and then get on another at Madrid at 10:00 pm then ride all night long to arrive at Figueres.

Not much going on here, just heat,heat and more heat... but it seems that everyone is basically in the same situation. (Gathering from the emails and quick chats with family back in the states.)

A shout out to Papa... Happy Birthday!!! I am glad you got my card... this postal system seems a bit more reliable than that of Mexico. However, I saw on the news that there is a huge protest about the postal system on the receiving end in Spain.  People will go 3 weeks without getting a single piece of postage and then, if and when they finally do get something, it is the neighbor´s from down the street.  Crazy. 

Ok, off for my adventure... xox cr

I don´t know if it is sacreligios to say this, but I don´t want to see any more churches.

I know they are all beautiful but really after seeing about 7 in the past two weeks, all of the cathedrals, which eachhas it´s ownamazing and individual history, seem to be exactly the same!

Today we went to Salamanca and Ávila... both beautiful in their own right, but it is kinda the same thing: they all havethe samecobblestone streets, the same tourist stores, the same type of churches... I feel that the importance and the beauty of these places is severly diminished for the short amount of time that we have to appreciate them in.

I did get to see the first library in Europe and the place where some of my favorite spanish poets studied and lived, but that was pretty much a blur, too.

Yesterday was the first rain that I have seen since I arrived... and it rained HARD. There was hail involved, as well! It started out of nowhere... created rivers out of the streets and then stopped. Weird. It didn´t cool down any yesterday, just made it more humid... but today it has been a bit cooler in general.

Off to celebrate the birthday of a new friend... love to all.

xox cr

Thursday, with the sun, we got up and gathered our things in preparation to meet our host families.? With no information other than the address, I was more than ready to leave Madrid and get settled in Segovia.

?

When we got to the bus stop, we waited anxiously to hear our name and when mine was called, I went to meet my family.? Really, it is just my senora, Maria Carmen Jimenez, but her ex-husband drove her there and her 30-something daughter Marta was there to greet me as well.? Marta was off to work and told me that she would be by to eat lunch with me on most days; I wasn't introduced to the ex.

?

My Senora is too funny... I am her first student and, poor thing, she is SO nervous about the veggie-only thing.? She showed me a stack of papers when we first got to her apartment and told me they were a bunch of vegetarian recipies.? She had told her friends that there was an American girl (me) coming to live in her apartment for about a month and she didn't eat meat... there was an inpouring of recipies that we are going to try together.? She also took me to the grocery store because she didn't want to get fruit or yogurt or any type of "unmeat" item that I wouldn't like... I try to tell her that it really doesn't matter and that I don't want her to be troubled but she will hear none of it and then tell me that she is hoping that this new "diet" will help her lose weight.? (However we discovered that we both love bread and so we have enough carbs between the both of us to fuel the high-speed train that we took from Madrid to Sevilla.)

?

My room is nice with a big window, a desk, closets and drawers... but the only thing that is not so bueno is that there is an old little clown doll with the most horrifying face.? I am going to have to put him in a drawer or something.

?

After class on Friday I got a small bag together and walked to the apartment where my friend Nicole is staying (about 30 min from my house and only about 2 from where we have class... meaning I had already walked 1.5 hours before noon on Friday).? We got picked up by a driver (side note: this trip was planned by Nicole's friend/boyfriend Stu who had alot of money and is very friendly with it) named David who drove us from Segovia to Madrid.? David was so much fun... we talked about food (of course), the toros, beaches, vacations, food, sports, how hungry we were and finally how to navigate the train station.

?

We almost missed our train due to absentmindedness but we got on, got comfy and then we were on our way.? The AVE (the train) goes about 300 km/hr and comes with (in order from the beginning:) a drink, a newspaper, a snack, a hot towelette, a drink, a meal, dessert and, finally,?a drink.? It was a fun experience and really quick... 2.5 hours for a trip of 471 km.

?

The hotel in which we stayed in Sevilla was so wonderful... really beautiful and everyone was so nice.? Sevilla was fun... HOT HOT HOT.? I thought Madrid was Hot but I had no idea... I can't even emphasize.? The unbearable hours spanned about 2 till 10.? But we saw some beautiful architecture and then we went to a Flamenco show which just took my breath away.? Despite the horse-drawn carriges that attracted a ton of flies and the sun that was so strong I could feel the new freckles forming, it wasn't bad.? I didn't mind the heat but it was the burning sun that I didn't enjoy... thank goodness I had all of my sunscreen with me (don't worry mom).

?

So now we are awaiting our chauffeur for the final time (I wish I could have Stu plan... and pay for... a trip to Barcelona and Figueras for my long weekend).? I am glad to be heading back to Segovia, though.? I am ready to kind of get lost in the city and really feel settled... it is gorgeous, too.? There is a GINORMOUS aquaduct that I walk by everyday on my way to school... so great.? The legend is that the devil put it there, but I don't understand that because why would the devil put it there if it something that aids the city?? Oh well... anyway, Segovia reminds me more of a Guanajuato in the sense that I will more than likely run into people that I know in the street and I can walk everywhere.? I plan on leaving Saturday morning without a map and just going to figure it out.? I really can't wait.

?

Alright, now I am catching what I can of the France vs. Italy final World Cup game and it is already 1-1... bye! Love to all! xox cr

?

OH! ps... Felipe (the newly elected president of Mexico) and I have some history... I met him in Guanajuato Grill, a discoteca, when I was there! How funny is that!!!?? ok, bye.

So while walking around the Plaza del Sol yesterday after I wrote, we came upon a huge parade for gay rights. Alot of people wanted to continue on and see the rest of the city but a few of us stayed and watched the excitement. I got some great pictures and then we decided to walk around some more.

Some people wanted to find a bar and watch Brazil vs. France in the world cup but a fellow student named Tiffany and I decided to catch the bus to get backto thecolegio. WELL...

All of the bus routes were cut off from the main areas due to the demonstration that was going on so we walked... and walked...and walked... every bus stop that we came to that was actually functioning was not the right one that we needed to get back to the dorms so we decided we could split the next taxi that we saw.We were ever so optimistic with that decision because everyone wasoccupied and there weren´t that many to begin with... again due to the parade. FINALLY we found a cab but he wouldn´t take us because he said it was too far (this is now 2.5 hours of walking). We stumble upon a police station and ask for advice but they aren´t really any help... they had to get a map to see where we were talking about. I asked Tiffany if I should cry and try to get them to give us a ride and she responded, ¨No, they don´t care that much.¨ So walking and walking... asking everyone we saw how to get home and they all pointed in opposite directions telling us, ¨Walk that way and then when you get there (with no specifics onwhere ¨there¨ was) ask someone else.¨

3.5 hours later (11:00pm- oddly it was just then dark... at nine o´clock it seemed like 6) we finally found a running bus route that took us near our home.

I was complaining the whole time but I got some fun pictures and a rally sign for memories. Also, I know the city a little bit more. However, I can honestly say that now I am ready for Segovia. We start classes tomorrow so today is really our last full day of no plans, but I want to be able to go to a city where the buses are optional and walking is not impossible.

We are going to the art museum today. I am with two guys, Jordan from Bulgaria and Chris from Louisville. I am going again for class on Wednesday but it is huge and Sunday´s are free so we didn´t see why we shouldn´t go twice. There are alot of stands set up in the streets today, Sunday, and I bought a cool old bracelet with Spain´s crest on it for 2€ (euros) and then an old brass lion head to make a necklace out of. (It looks like something that would be made into a drawer pull but didn´t have holes in the mouth so I can convert it to jewelry.)

There were alot of other great things... this moon-face thing that would go on the wall but it was 30€. Everything is so much more expensive here... our dollar is SO weak!

Hasta la proxima... cr

So I have to be a bit breif due to the internet café and the prices...

The fligt went fairly well considering the beginning that we had to deal with. We left over an hour and a half late because someone got sick, they had to pull back up to the gate, get the passenger off, take all of the luggage off to look for hers, put all of the luggage back on and finally wait in line to take off. Despite my frostbitten toes, the actual air-time was fine.

We got into Madrid at about 10 am or something (3 am central) and it has basically been nonstop from there. Got our stuff unloaded at the colegio mayor (some college dorms that make the one I lived in at Western look like the Ritz) and then "Nasty" Nicole and I went for a walk around. Now we have visited many places in the greater plaza mayor area of Madrid and I am not sure how I feel about the city. I will reserve my judgement for until after I have spent some more time here but basically I feel like unless you want to spend money there really is very little to do here. I think that I will like Segovia alot more.

On my flight I met a girl named Alina Z.... I cant spell her last name. Anyway she is a Russian Jew who has lived in Boston since she was 5. We had a great 3 hour chat waiting for the plane to arrive at the terminal and then convinced this girl who was sitting by me to switch with her. She is in Salamanca and I am thinking that I may go visit her on one of the weekends. I dont think it is that far away... but I will double-check on my handy dandy map thatI purchased before my trip.

Ok, gotta go... here it is 7:30 and we have a bit of a trek in front of us til we get to eat at 9:30.

I like how pesos work alot better than euros.

I know I haven't written in SO long but really I think it is the best interest of all the people (aka those related to me) who read this because noone is really all that intrigued with my "travels" back and forth between Bowling Green, KY and Columbia, TN.  However, those two hour trips can be quite the adventure.

I am at my last day of volunteering at El Centro La Esperanza before I pack for Spain.

I am going to fly over to the great beyond for a five week class and I am crawling out of my skin for my departure to get here!  I have made an attemp at being better prepared for this trip than I was for my other to Mexico, but all I really do when I get on the internet or look into travel books is get so wrapped up in the pictures that I kinda lose track of the distances to these places from where I will be studying.  Although I have found that the area of Spain is actually smaller than that of Texas, I also have discovered that travelling across it is alot more expensive and still a bit time consuming.  Who knows where I will end up (as long as the funds are sufficient)!  I did love having the weekends without plans so that, at a moments notice, I could join on an excursion to the beach or to a different city and state... I will leave some unknowns for the same possiblity in this new country.  Not out of here for another week, but that is going to pass by so quickly... just like the time I will have over there.  Until then!

xox cr

Well, I know I have left my journal blank, but my last two weeks in Mexico were very hectic...

Mom came to visit the 18th of November and I took her around to all of the stores and tourist sites.  We had a pretty good time just the two of us, went to a birthday party for my friend Marianne from Norway... I took her out on the town to meet all of my friends... and then the boys came the 23rd.  It was alot more difficult with Dad, CH, and Tucker there, too.   Tucker wanted to go to the arcade, but he couldnt read any of the instructions because they were in Spanish, CH didnt really want to do anything with the parents, Dad didnt really have much of an opinion but walked really slow.  It was hard on me because I had to be with all of them in order for them to be able to communicate with anyone.  (Also, Dad tried (and I emphasize TRIED) to speak Spanish... he said he remembered some from high school... but it was a little embarrassing.) Anyway, I think that was the longest part of my trip... We had a Thanksgiving dinner, all of the kids from my program got together and the ISA people made us Turkey and tried to make dressing and "fixins" but it wasnt quite the same.  Two days before Thanksgiving, the host dad of my friend Katie Brandt died and so she was late to the dinner because of his mass.  The weekend that my family left, I went with Katie B, her host mom and her host brother to Aguas Calientes to visit some family.  That was alot of fun and the town was really beautiful.  I just can't believe in all of these small towns in Mexico there is such an amazing abundance of art and architecture and the history is just incredible. 

People in our group started leaving right after Thanksgiving so every night that we went out there were tears and goodbyes.  Our friends, the locals, were just like 'you are some crazy gringos'... My friend Salvador said to me, "It is sad for you all to be leaving here and going back to the states, but think about us.  We have to do this every semester... a new group comes in and we all get close and then you leave.  It makes it hard to get close to you."  I can't imagine how it might be to be a local down there... every semester a new group of foriegn students comes in and although they are different, they are, in reality, the same.  It is Never Never Land!

So I came back the 10th of December. 

That morning was really hard to leave... I got up and returned my key to my Senora and we both just started bawling... we tried not to talk about it so it was just like a huge elephant in the room.   I had a flight with Michal Tanner and Jessica Wilson and so at first it wasn't so bad.  We hung out in the airport for a while, Jess bought a huge sombrero de mariachi and had to wear it through customs and on the plane.  When we got to Houston, we all had to split up and I absolutly fell apart.  I called mom and couldn't even talk I was just sobbing... I called Lucy and talked to her and she kinda settled me down.  I have had alot harder time adjusting back to the life here in the states in comparison to how I felt in the beginning of my trip in Mexico.  I think the hardest thing was that I didnt have any idea of how Guanajuato would be when I was going, so I just accepted it as it came and as I began to know the city.  But here, returning here, I see that although there are some differences, this place is always the same.  I have changed, I think for the better.  I have learned alot, and I think because of how much I have learned, I know there is so much more out there that I have yet to learn.  I met some amazing people with such different experiences and interesting views on the way the world is... I loved being there because I learned something new everyday.  I was always improving my Spanish and discovering a new part of myself... wow that is so corny, but it is the truth.  This was an experience that I would not trade for anything in the world...  I am hoping to go back to Mexico next fall... but we'll have to see what the future holds for me.  Who knows where I will end up next!

So I went to Guadalajara with my group this weekend...

We left at 6 AM on Saturday morning and arrived around 11 AM at Herradura Tequila factory... we took a tour of the plant and saw the original houses (GORGEOUS) and this library they have on the agave plantation... There are still families from the original owners who live on the land in these cute little houses and work there.  We got to see all of these processes that made tequila and the interesting thing for me was that more than half of the process happens outside in open air tubs... that would never fly in the states, but it was really neat to see that they still kinda had some old school processes going on.  We also did a tequila tasting segment which, granted, is not as sophisticated as wine tasting, but it was fun.

&n