I still remind myself everyday that I'm in Mexico. Things are pretty much the same: I still go to an uninspiring school that doesn´t understand the essence of true learning, I eat a lot of tacos, and I hang out with some very lovely people that I feel are starting to become not only good friends, but also family. However, with being here for so long I finally am starting to realize and appreciate all of the lessons I have learned--counsiously and unconsciously. Each day brings new things:
Some of these pictures are a bit old, but here's another view of Lake Chapala with Michelle and Katie
From walking the beach in Sayulita to helping Alfredo sell balloons on Valentine's day (well maybe not Jess ha) I am so lucky to have my "mexican family"...
...espeically because we all take one thing very seriously...eating tacos!
after a graffetti birthday party:
Waiting for tacos in Tlaquepaque:
Before I came, several people said "whatever you do, don't go to Mexico City"! They didn't need to tell me this, as I had no desire to visit a place that is known for being dirty, dangerous for Americans, etc. However, as more time passed in Guadalajara I kept hearing about all the historic and interesting things to do and see in D.F./the surrounding area. So we decided to go last minute with Tec, and I am so glad I went. I was very impressed with everything I saw, and I really liked the city!!! Of course we went with a group, were doing touristy things, and were only there for a long weekend...but overall I felt the downtown was very beautiful and many things have such an interesting history it's hard to not be amazed.
In front of the Cathedral and Opera House
On the moon pyramid in Teotihuacan
More pictures are on facebook.
Quickly: I am posting some articles that I have found very interesting. One is about the corruption amoungst the police in Mexico. Just to ensure everyone that I have felt safe here (Guadalajara is more south, most of the problems are up north near the border), the ridiculousness of the police here makes the cops in the U.S. seem perfect. I have heard of other internationals having to pay off the cops to keep from getting a ticket due to some obscure made up law. I know Hillary (yes we are on a first name basis) was here recently to steer the effort against drug cartels in a new direction that is meant to work on civil/police forces, not government groups or more weapons. I hope this effort is taken seriously, as many times a surprising concept of fixing things at the root (working on building strong communities) and not up at the top (government throwing money around for weapons or more military force) makes things go away! Imagine that.
Police Corruption: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/25/world/AP-LT-Mexico-Corruption.html?ref=americas
Also an interesting article on salsa "the soul of mexico":http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/dining/17salsa.html?scp=1&sq=salsa%20mexico&st=cse
I quickly want to reference some things from back home that are on my mind:
The Healthcare Bill: I am glad that we are taking a step to bring healthcare to everyone. However, I realize I do not understand the complete system, the loopholes, and the actual bill. I have done some reading and research, but no where near the amount I would need to do in order to completley comprehend the situation our country is in. I doubt the people who worked so hard on it, or the people who voted on it comprehend everything completely either. With this, I am pretty positive that the rest of the nation does not understand the current system or bill as well. If this were the case, then we would already have a system that everyone was content with. Consequently, I am a little confused as to why everyone is so mouthy on something they know hardly anything about. I guess it is the same for most hot topics, but don't people want to understand what they're angry or happy about? Don't people want to acknowledge the other side and look at other facts if not to make their own opinion stronger? And that is all I will say about that.
Sports: It's good I didn't do a NCAA bracket this year because it would have been garbage after the first day. I hope Duke or West Virginia can pull it out. I still don't know about Tiger...we'll see how he does at the masters. I want people to yell at him midswing so he feels bad/learns his lesson, but I still hope he does well.
If you made it this far, then thanks for sticking with me! I plan on enjoying the precious time I have left here, while at the same time looking forward to a trip to Europe this summer to visit friends, and ending back up in my beloved state of North Carolina. Miss all of you!
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