Well, today I had both of my first exams in my classes...and I am happy to say they were easy. Our classes here transfer back as pass/fail so i don't really have to worry about my grades but as many of you know, i kind of can't help it. I truly feel bad when i don't do my best on homework and stuff...i don't know what it is, but sometimes i wish i could just not care and just not do it or do it badly...ah well, i better quit talking about it or some of you who read this are just going to stop =)
I don't really have a whole lot to post tonight because it has just been school and hanging out here at home for the most part. I like talking to my host parents. They are really cool people--Javier who I think i already said is from Spain, was watching the football (soccer) game between spain and russia the other day--he was SO happy spain won! And Elda is always right here when we need something, there's never any awkwardness like there can be sometimes when you are in someone else's house and don't always understand everything they say. Though...i have to say I am proud of myself for holding conversations with them most every night. I feel like I can actually communicate, if not all that fluently or correctly sometimes =)
Ok, last thing that is kinda funny...so tonight me and 2 other girls wanted to go get sushi cause we heard there was a good place in the mall. So we went and we saw on the menu that mon, tues and wed nights there is a 2 for 1 special on certain sushi. so we thought why not? we should all get two and then eat a lot of sushi it'll be great right? so we each ordered 2 and the waiter told us that we were only paying for 3 and then he added that we can't take any of it to go...which should have tipped us off, but processing things in spanish still takes time. So whatever...it came and there was more sushi on our table than i have seen on one table in my life...seriously, it was a lot. haha...it makes me laugh just thinking about it! so...we made a valiant effort to eat it all, didn't quite, but it was delicious, and only $12 each for sushi, miso soup and bottled water...yum! So, this weekend we are going to Mexico City and Teotihuacan and i just can't wait to be herded around like a bunch of cows...such fun! ;) goodnight!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
acapulco cada uno
So this weekend was fun, but also not fun in a lot of ways for people around me. I think if we took an inventory of losses of property in the group for the weekend we could probably send a kid to college...phones, cameras, Tayna, my roommate, got her whole purse stolen, while we were sitting right there at dinner! It was the first night we were there, bad deal. She now has an even greater aversion to most mexicans, which is sad, but i can't say that i blame her too much.
It is interesting, because we talk about stereotypes all the time and how we shouldn't pay attention to them....but we do, and a lot of times have to to be able to function. The problem arises when you let stereotypes affect your attitude as a whole. To be cautious is one thing, to be close-minded is another. The problem is that stereotypes come from somewhere. Why do people have the stereotype that people from arkansas are uneducated? because years ago, they were often the poorest people, and uneducated, and some still are, but they also might have been mistaken for that when they were really very intelligent, just about different things...who needs to know Plato when you can run a prosperous farm? Why do we think that people from up north are stuck up? because some are...but maybe too they just don't have that compulsion to form relationships with people like most people from the south, they'd be friendly if introduced properly perhaps. *sigh*
Anyway, we had a great time on the beach, though the ocean water was kinda nasty where we were. Our hotel was pretty plush, and i enjoyed the 4 pillows and one bed i had all to myself because i only have one pillow here, though it is a good one =)
I wish that people could figure out that they don't have to go out every night to have a good time, that sometimes the best times are had sitting around and chatting, relaxing, and getting to know each other. Anyway, they will learn.
On the way back yesterday it rained a LOT on us, the tvs were playing a movie on the bus and water started leaking in on the tv and it shorted out and caught on fire....yea, and i was sitting right under it. no worries, it was a small fire, the bus driver pulled over after repeated mass shouting of his passengers and turned them off and told us not to worry....it probably happens all the time. i had to change seats though, not because of that but because it then started to rain on me from somewhere in the roof.
To top it off, we saw 3 cars wrecked, don't know how, but it was single cars every time so it wasn't like a run-in, more of a lost control....3, in 4 hrs. yea.
So, that was the weekend, hopefully the week will be just as eventful =)
It is interesting, because we talk about stereotypes all the time and how we shouldn't pay attention to them....but we do, and a lot of times have to to be able to function. The problem arises when you let stereotypes affect your attitude as a whole. To be cautious is one thing, to be close-minded is another. The problem is that stereotypes come from somewhere. Why do people have the stereotype that people from arkansas are uneducated? because years ago, they were often the poorest people, and uneducated, and some still are, but they also might have been mistaken for that when they were really very intelligent, just about different things...who needs to know Plato when you can run a prosperous farm? Why do we think that people from up north are stuck up? because some are...but maybe too they just don't have that compulsion to form relationships with people like most people from the south, they'd be friendly if introduced properly perhaps. *sigh*
Anyway, we had a great time on the beach, though the ocean water was kinda nasty where we were. Our hotel was pretty plush, and i enjoyed the 4 pillows and one bed i had all to myself because i only have one pillow here, though it is a good one =)
I wish that people could figure out that they don't have to go out every night to have a good time, that sometimes the best times are had sitting around and chatting, relaxing, and getting to know each other. Anyway, they will learn.
On the way back yesterday it rained a LOT on us, the tvs were playing a movie on the bus and water started leaking in on the tv and it shorted out and caught on fire....yea, and i was sitting right under it. no worries, it was a small fire, the bus driver pulled over after repeated mass shouting of his passengers and turned them off and told us not to worry....it probably happens all the time. i had to change seats though, not because of that but because it then started to rain on me from somewhere in the roof.
To top it off, we saw 3 cars wrecked, don't know how, but it was single cars every time so it wasn't like a run-in, more of a lost control....3, in 4 hrs. yea.
So, that was the weekend, hopefully the week will be just as eventful =)
Friday, June 6, 2008
from nothing to everything
Do you know how much I love thunderstorms? A LOT!!! And we have had storms here the past two nights! Don't worry mom, I don't think they have tornadoes. but the thunder was really, really loud...and the girl that lives in the house next to us told me today that apparently we have the city's lightening rod just not too far away =) no wonder it was so bright! So I am really glad to have my thesis proposal done because for the past two days that has been my focus, but it has been really hard to pull it all together (and it is due today) but I finally got it done last night! Today is also Natalia's birthday--she is the granddaughter of mi mama mexicana. So besides school, on Wednesday it was Jennie's birthday, one of the AIM girls. They were having a party for her at Paul and Sharita's, two of the missionaries. So after I got out of class I went home, did some homework and headed over there. They had told me that the 6 goes there. What I didn't know was that there are two #6 buses...yea...I definitely took the wrong one and ended up way the heck out where I wasn't supposed to be. Good thing I speak spanish to ask what i was supposed to do cause i could have been lost forever =) No, but I found it and though I was late for dinner, Sharita is an amazing person and kept some for me....and it was good! then we had cake, and then they all hit at the piñata, then we had candy. Fun times, for sure. Then we went back to the girls house and watched Matchstick Men. Yesterday I went to the small group that the youth have at Ben and Karen's (two other missionaries here) Their daughter, Marai (pronounced like mara-ee) is so precious, 8 months old today.
So, we are leaving for Acapulco today and last night Elda told me that I shouldn't swim in the ocean water because it is polluted. great. i am going to need to go to a real beach here at some point cause i want to swim in the ocean! but whatever, it will still be fun to sit on the beach and wade, maybe play some beach volleyball.
I really like my professors and the classes so far. The homework hasn't been too demanding and we will see about the tests. =)
So, we are leaving for Acapulco today and last night Elda told me that I shouldn't swim in the ocean water because it is polluted. great. i am going to need to go to a real beach here at some point cause i want to swim in the ocean! but whatever, it will still be fun to sit on the beach and wade, maybe play some beach volleyball.
I really like my professors and the classes so far. The homework hasn't been too demanding and we will see about the tests. =)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
school...does it ever change?
Alright, so mexico is mexico and therefore our school is crazily unorganized...we all had new schedules this morning and i've fixed it now but i have to catch the bus to school at 6:20....and yes, that is a.m. So...looks like Megan will be used to getting up early every morning after going to bed late. sounds fun =)
So Friday and Saturday were basically all occupied by sitting by the pool and swimming in it and generally hanging out. We all went out both nights and had a good time and got to know each other well. Sunday I went to church and it was good to be around all of them again! We all went to eat lunch at a hamburger place and it is funny but i like the ketchup here better than in the states!! They were good hamburgers too. Then i went and hung out with the girls for a bit...we watched an episode of 'buffy the vampire slayer' and i have to say that i probably won't ever watch any other episodes but it was entertaining.
Sunday night we stayed out very late...places here don't close til way in the morning and it isn't uncommon to still be at a place at 330 or 4am. so monday we slept in and then i went and got a present for Jennie, one of the AIM girls cause its her birthday tomorrow.
House comes on every day here!!! House is this television show that i love and it comes on every night at 8, so KT, i hope you are reading this!
So we started classes today and like i said, it was hectic but i think i will enjoy it for the most part. there is something about taking classes in another language...it of course makes it harder, but i pay attention more too i think. i dunno. my first class will be fun cause the professor is a young guy that enjoys it and makes it fun....the other one i dunno, we'll see.
other than that, we are going to acapulco this weekend!
i know that there's more i want to write but i just can't think of it now...more about my family and natalia, the 3 year old who came down the stairs in a superman costume today, and her cousins carlos ariel and iliana who are staying with us right now while their mom is in aruba...but i just don't know how to write that on here anymore. i'm becoming a very boring blogger cause all i do is relate events, and not a whole lot of those =)
i'll try to get better! but for now if you want to know specifics, email me i guess...:P
So Friday and Saturday were basically all occupied by sitting by the pool and swimming in it and generally hanging out. We all went out both nights and had a good time and got to know each other well. Sunday I went to church and it was good to be around all of them again! We all went to eat lunch at a hamburger place and it is funny but i like the ketchup here better than in the states!! They were good hamburgers too. Then i went and hung out with the girls for a bit...we watched an episode of 'buffy the vampire slayer' and i have to say that i probably won't ever watch any other episodes but it was entertaining.
Sunday night we stayed out very late...places here don't close til way in the morning and it isn't uncommon to still be at a place at 330 or 4am. so monday we slept in and then i went and got a present for Jennie, one of the AIM girls cause its her birthday tomorrow.
House comes on every day here!!! House is this television show that i love and it comes on every night at 8, so KT, i hope you are reading this!
So we started classes today and like i said, it was hectic but i think i will enjoy it for the most part. there is something about taking classes in another language...it of course makes it harder, but i pay attention more too i think. i dunno. my first class will be fun cause the professor is a young guy that enjoys it and makes it fun....the other one i dunno, we'll see.
other than that, we are going to acapulco this weekend!
i know that there's more i want to write but i just can't think of it now...more about my family and natalia, the 3 year old who came down the stairs in a superman costume today, and her cousins carlos ariel and iliana who are staying with us right now while their mom is in aruba...but i just don't know how to write that on here anymore. i'm becoming a very boring blogger cause all i do is relate events, and not a whole lot of those =)
i'll try to get better! but for now if you want to know specifics, email me i guess...:P
Thursday, May 29, 2008
paradigm shift
Wow what a difference it makes in my life from before school and now. I have a WONDERFUL host family that takes great care of me and Tayna, my roommate. There is Elda, mi madre mexicana and Javier her husband and their daughter Patricia and her daughter Natalia who is 3 and precious. They have a really nice place and a pool in the backyard...so basically i live in a resort =) School is annoying right now because we are doing a bunch of registration stuff and so basically we wait a LOT....but that is kind of mexico so i guess i shouldn't complain. Another thing that annoys me is going around in massive groups of americans...no bueno. but on the whole it has been great and it will be great as soon as classes start and we aren't forced to bunch together. So...on Monday night I stayed at the AIM girls house and hung with them a little...we watched a movie called 'the island' and i really enjoyed it. Tuesday I had to take a taxi to meet my host family because i wasn't coming in with all the rest of the group. I got there and they welcomed me and it was great. The campus is amazing, with basketball courts and a gym and all that--i think i may have put that in here before but yea, i'm still happy with it. and once we get our passwords i'll be able to use the computers there, which will be good. Last night we all went out like seems is mandatory for american students and inundated the places around the center. it was fun but i just feel like its too much american sometimes...still, we had a good time. today we were all supposed to go take a tour of downtown and learn how to ride the buses...but i already know that and know downtown so i just told them i wasn't going...and took some people with me. it has been so much more fun.
tomorrow and saturday are free days so i don't know what i'm going to do but classes don't start til tuesday. I'm in conversation and like a composition class.
alright, i'm tired of typing so that's it! =)
tomorrow and saturday are free days so i don't know what i'm going to do but classes don't start til tuesday. I'm in conversation and like a composition class.
alright, i'm tired of typing so that's it! =)
Monday, May 26, 2008
singing and singing
So Saturday I went to Isadora's parents place about a half hour from here. We took her moped and it was the craziest ride! All the cars were so close and there aren't really rules about lanes and passing and such, so people just go when they can...and we were right in the middle of it! it was fun and mom and dad, i promise i won't do it again =) We had a wonderful afternoon at her place. One thing I love about houses here, they are usually surrounded by a walled yard, so the gate is all locked up but the houses don't usually have any big locks on the doors or anything because they just lock the gate. We got the hammocks out and laid in them and swam a bit and Isa made some jewelry. She makes amazing stuff and she gave me a pair that are really beautiful. She and her ex-boyfriend made their way around Spain making and selling jewelry. Then her mom made tostadas...oh man. I was very bad at eating them and got messy, but they were delicious. and she made passion fruit ice thing...so yummy. they have a passion fruit plant there and it was loaded with fruits that are almost ripe. We left there and Isa dropped me off where I could catch the bus to Paul and Sharita's because they had a group come to sing at their place. I was supposed to take the #6 but i took a different one cause he said he was going to the same place--and then, long story short, i finally had to take a taxi, all of which cost me maybe $3 =) the singing was wonderful! we went up on the roof of their house (almost everyone has a place to sit on the roof) and sang for a long time and then ate tamales that Sergio made...So good! i talk about the food here way too much but i can't help it.
Yesterday I went to church. They have services at a hotel. It was nice to sing in yet another language...and it is funny what songs i associate with what languages too. After, we went and ate at a restaurant and laughed and talked a lot. It is different here than in Europe because in Europe when we had 10 people it was kind of a lot for most places and they thought we were a little odd for bringing so many. Here it is welcomed! They mash as many of us as possible in and you can sit there for hours and no one cares.
Last night me and the AIMers and Tyler, who is also an AIM guy but has been in Leon for a year already and is Rudy's cousin...well we all went to eat tacos and we had a lot of good laughs and those laughs continued when we went back to the girls' house...they are crazy, but so am I so it makes a good combination.
Alright, this is already too long probably but tomorrow I start my homestay with my family. I am excited to meet them!
Yesterday I went to church. They have services at a hotel. It was nice to sing in yet another language...and it is funny what songs i associate with what languages too. After, we went and ate at a restaurant and laughed and talked a lot. It is different here than in Europe because in Europe when we had 10 people it was kind of a lot for most places and they thought we were a little odd for bringing so many. Here it is welcomed! They mash as many of us as possible in and you can sit there for hours and no one cares.
Last night me and the AIMers and Tyler, who is also an AIM guy but has been in Leon for a year already and is Rudy's cousin...well we all went to eat tacos and we had a lot of good laughs and those laughs continued when we went back to the girls' house...they are crazy, but so am I so it makes a good combination.
Alright, this is already too long probably but tomorrow I start my homestay with my family. I am excited to meet them!
Friday, May 23, 2008
tulse luper and AIMers
Wed night my friend Isadora was showing a movie and talking about it a little at her university cultural center. It was called 'Las Maletas de Tulse Luper'--Tulse Luper's Suitcases. It was the oddest movie I have ever seen. It might be interesting if I understood it all--cause they put it in Spanish--but i dunno. Anyway...
Yesterday I had a really good evening because I got to spend time with some members of the church here. They were having their youth small group last night at one of the missionaries houses (there are three couples here, who have been here various lengths) There is also, like i posted before, a group from AIM who just got here. They are cool people. We had a good study and then Paul and Charita (two of the missionaries) and I went to another small group because the lady there was helping them with renewing their visas. That group was really cool--they 'started' at 8 but we got there after nine and still people were arriving. I might attend there though it would be challenging because they would speak spanish. Then we went to the house where the girl AIMers will be living (their names are Jennie, Amanda, Sarah, Andrew and Rudy) The girls' house is really amazing! It is nice and big and located near the center and has a rooftop view of the volcano when its clear--pretty great. I hung out with them for a little while last night and they love to laugh and have a good time and we had a lot of fun. I know they are going to love it here and do well. They will be here for over a year most likely. I also met a girl named Aileen at the study. She is from here and really has a lot going for her. She studied in the US, and because she was with a Christian family, she was influenced to become a Christian. Only her older brother is also a Christian in her family and none of her friends so she is even more amazing to me. She is going to be an au pair in Dallas this summer with a Christian family and I hope that is a great experience for her.
Also, the other night i got to witness an authentic mexican gossip session. It was fascinating! Isadora had some friends over and they just went on and on in very rapid spanish about this person and that person and what they were doing. it was really fun.
There is also another girl coming to do study abroad that contacted the missionaries. It is kinda funny to me cause it seems there's just this overabundance of Christian influence here--when really there's not but in comparison to other places i've been, it's more.
Anyway, that's what i've got for now. Tomorrow me and Isadora are going to her parents house to swim and relax and have a good time so that should be fun and a challenge to my spanish abilities. wish me luck...=)
Yesterday I had a really good evening because I got to spend time with some members of the church here. They were having their youth small group last night at one of the missionaries houses (there are three couples here, who have been here various lengths) There is also, like i posted before, a group from AIM who just got here. They are cool people. We had a good study and then Paul and Charita (two of the missionaries) and I went to another small group because the lady there was helping them with renewing their visas. That group was really cool--they 'started' at 8 but we got there after nine and still people were arriving. I might attend there though it would be challenging because they would speak spanish. Then we went to the house where the girl AIMers will be living (their names are Jennie, Amanda, Sarah, Andrew and Rudy) The girls' house is really amazing! It is nice and big and located near the center and has a rooftop view of the volcano when its clear--pretty great. I hung out with them for a little while last night and they love to laugh and have a good time and we had a lot of fun. I know they are going to love it here and do well. They will be here for over a year most likely. I also met a girl named Aileen at the study. She is from here and really has a lot going for her. She studied in the US, and because she was with a Christian family, she was influenced to become a Christian. Only her older brother is also a Christian in her family and none of her friends so she is even more amazing to me. She is going to be an au pair in Dallas this summer with a Christian family and I hope that is a great experience for her.
Also, the other night i got to witness an authentic mexican gossip session. It was fascinating! Isadora had some friends over and they just went on and on in very rapid spanish about this person and that person and what they were doing. it was really fun.
There is also another girl coming to do study abroad that contacted the missionaries. It is kinda funny to me cause it seems there's just this overabundance of Christian influence here--when really there's not but in comparison to other places i've been, it's more.
Anyway, that's what i've got for now. Tomorrow me and Isadora are going to her parents house to swim and relax and have a good time so that should be fun and a challenge to my spanish abilities. wish me luck...=)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
