To begin with, that video that was attached to my last post was a mistake. There is a much better one but I am still struggling with how to get them from the Cloud to this blog. Hopefull, I'll learn soon.
There was a week 0 in which we gathered in DC, got a acquainted a bit then traveled to Queretaro where we began training with some general sessions. Then Week 1 began with us moving into our host homes for the next 10 weeks and the real serious training sessions began. We've had sessions on Safety and Security, Medical Issues, lots of language and culture sessions and briefings on Peace Corps policies, mission, values and expectations. We've had several sessions on diversity and Mexican History which have all been useful despite my long history with Peace Corps. There is always something new and of course, this is my first time in Mexico with the opportunity to learn all about what it has to offer and how I will be useful. We have received our assignments and following Week 4, we will be going to our assigned schools for three days to meet our counter parts and get started with integrating into the various communities so we can get started once training is finally over in early November. This past week has been interesting, as all are. Sept 15 was the day of celebration of Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810. We have learned that their actual independence did not come until a few years later when they wrote their constitution but they celebrate 1810 as there was a huge battle that day and independence was declared. But, what is interesting now is that they celebrate for an entire week prior to the 15th....parades almost nightly, dancing by indigenous groups in parks all over Queretaro, fireworks, family gatherings and much more. I did not do much personally as we have class all day and I don't like walking on the very uneven sidewalks and streets at night. But, I'll catch it in the future, for sure. We had a little celebrationish at the school and I'll try to attach some photos. It ended with a street food, Esquitos, which is basically sweet corn cut from the cob, seasoned deliciously and served in a dixie cup with a variety of toppings. It was so delicious and the party was fun too.
The photo above was shown during a presentation on Mexico's history. The green section shows how much of the current US was originally held by Mexico prior to the Monroe Doctrine.
This is the corn dish, Esquitos, that I mentioned above. Yum
Our group in D.C. just after we picked up our Visas at the Mexican Consulate.
This is a mural on the wall in a restaurant we visited. Murals are very big here and there are many beautiful examples in government buildings and other places.
Yes, its me. This was taken in the Casa de la Marqueza which is currently a very fancy hotel in the Historical Center of Queretaro.
And, yes, thanks to Google search engine, I know how to download my photos from the Icloud to my laptop. Yep. Still working on the video portion.
Yesterday, Saturday, I took a walk around some parts of the city I had not seen and ended up at a huge shopping center which included a Costco which was packed and a lot of other stores, most seemingly local or at least Mexican. I got there about lunch time so I found a food court and a chinese place that looked popular. I got my food and was sitting there trying not to slurp the noodles too vigorsly, when a total stranger walked by my table on his way up to order and said, "buen provecho." I had heard this many times but for some reason it struck me as super funny that he, a total stranger, would say to me, " enjoy your lunch." They also say good morning and good afternoon to almost everyone they come into eye contact with. It's nice. I took a local ride share company, DiDi,home with the things I had purchased. The driver asked me where I was from so I have learned that they assume its the US, so now I say, Colorado. Well, this time he didn't assume the US so he asked me if that is in the US....duh... Anyhow, as we talked, I learned that his favorite song is Sacrifice by Elton John. And, he was very excited to hear the correct pronunciation of the word "mutual" as in mutual misunderstanding and the word "lyrics." We spent the rest of the ride listening to Elton ( I learned later that Sinead Oconnor actually wrote the lyrics and music,) and saying the words mutual and lyrics a million times.Seems I always have a good time with the taxi drivers.....non threatening, I guess.
THat's it for now...the Beastie continues to pass by and blow its sad whistle, the Morrocans and Libyans struggle....what next ?
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