WaNt tO SeE mORe pHotOs???

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tHe lAst fEw dAyS Of mY brEaK...

Friday evening Kristine and I met up with our friends, Cecilia and Katia. As it turns out they know each other from High School. We walked to the concert together and ended up getting separated from Katia. There were hundreds and hundreds of young Mexicans lined up for the concert. I happened to walk by the baseball park around 12 in the afternoon and there was already a large line forming.

Anyhow... I don't know how we managed but we were able to get in without having to stand in the huge long line. We arrived and hung around the entrance for awhile and the next thing I knew we were being ushered in. Above, Kri, Cecilia and I are posing with our tickets. =)

The concert was supposed to begin at 5 pm but it didn't start until 6:30. There were tons and tons of youth just hanging around. As it got darker the park filled up even more. Then out came the beer and cigarettes. Apparently the majority of the artists aren't the best but there were a few groups that were going to make an appearance that made the event worthwhile. I enjoyed hanging around and listening to the bands and screaming here and there.

The three of us had decided that we would stick around until 9:30 or so but if Cecilia's favorite band made an appearance sooner we would depart. I was hip on the idea but as 8 o'clock rolled around so did some nasty clouds. Some people began to leave as the clouds rolled in. Then the lightening came. I really wanted to stick around so I thought that a little rain wouldn't hurt me. Well let's just say that it wasn't a little rain. As it began to pour people flocked to the nearest exit. Cecilia and I jumped around and laughed while Kristine stood frozen. We found her something to block out the rain but after about fifteen minutes of solid pouring the concert was postponed and Kristine and I decided it would be best to return home. Here I am completely soaked. We walked home because the buses were packed with people and got even more drenched. I thought that it was quite a way to end the night so I found myself laughing a lot. Kristine wasn't quite so amused....

Early Saturday morning we departed on a family excursion. There were eleven of in total. Antonio, my dad, told us that we would arrive in about three hours but that three hours turned into five hours. In total, we spent 10 hours in the car that day. We were going to stay the night in Tolantongo but after taking a pull we all agreed that it was best to leave. When I wasn't sleeping I was playing corners with Alfonso, my little brother. He was so sweet. He would cuddle up next to me and fall asleep. haha... It was a great bonding experience!



Anyhow... here we all are at the right. (back: sister Carolina, boyfriend Hector, dad Antonio, boyfriend Marcos, front: sister Daniela and Denise of Marcos, sister Mari, Kristine, mom Yolanda and brother Alfonso.

I really wish that I could have taken pictures of the excursion but I will do my best to explain. First, I must say that we did not bask in the sun all day. It was raining. But we all changed into our swim suites and hiked in the rain to the Tunnel and cave. We weren't allowed to bring anything other than our swim suites and sandals because anything left unattended would likely be walked off with. Anyhow, we approached a waterfall. Mari told me, "Come on," as she ascended the stairs and walked through the waterfall to a tunnel. I thought..... "hmmm.... I really don't want to slip and fall and be carried off downstream soooooo... I think I'll just wait here." Well, let's just say that wasn't an option. So... I walked through a falls and entered this tunnel. Water was rushing out, but it was warm water. It was pretty dark in the tunnel and I was trying to be careful of my footing so that I wouldn't be carried off and become part of the Falls and I was trying to be careful as to not step on anyone. There were people lining the tunnel just sitting in the warm water that was rushing out. I was then pulled into a pond about five feet deep. It was a really neat experience but it was a bit scary because it was soooo dark. When we went to get out I was the last one and I lost my sandal in the pond. When I finally retrieved it the majority had already exited the tunnel. I asked somebody above to help me up and some random ladies helped me. =)

Anyways.... we made our way down below where there was a more open area with warm water. There were a couple of spots where the warm water just poured. We rubbed mud like stuff all over our bodies as an exfoliate and then stepped under the pounding water. There was also this cave that you could enter but it was difficult. I went with Mari and we had to use a rope to pull ourselves through the strong current of water. We then crossed the rushing water and sat in what seemed like a natural sauna. It was so neat. And to exit we just got to let go of the rope and be rushed out with the current. I don't really know how to describe the experience because I have never seen anything like it. Anyhow.... it was a really great excursion, and to top it off we had tacos at an amazing taco stand for dinner!

Here are my parents, Antonio and Yolanda. There are really great. Antonio loves to joke around and tease me. Yola is soooo sweet. She loves to talk and she always happens to make her way quietly to my room and peeks in. I'm to the point now that I just expect that any minute she'll be at my door. I'm the same age as their girls so they tend to care for me as one of their own. If Antonio ever sees me on the street he picks me up and gives me a ride. He also will come pick me up so that I do not have to come home alone in the dark. Anyhow, yeah.... things are good here. Thanks for all your love and support!

MY VACATION...

Well.... my week of vacation is nearing an end. I only have three more days left before I resume classes. I'm not totally thrilled about starting back up again but I feel that this week was a really nice break. Kristine and I got to hang out and do a lot of fun activities with our Mexican friends. Tomorrow we'll be attending a concert with Cecilia and Katia and on Saturday we'll be traveling with my family to some hot springs. We'll be spending the day in the sun. =)

Anyhow, I've definitely taken some time to think during this past week. I know, who doesn't, right? Well, what I mean is that I've been able to look back and see how things have come together and I'm really happy that I'm here in Mexico. I wish we weren't leaving in seven weeks but I do realize that that is a big chunk of time. So, I'm hoping to make the most of it!


Anywhoo..... my week. On Monday, I stopped by my aerobics teacher's house to drop off a card. She begged me to come in for a while and I ended up chatting with her for a couple of hours. Then I made my way to the school to do my rounds of visiting. Later that afternoon Kristine, Cecilia and I went and saw a Disney movie in the theatre. We thought it was going to be in English but it wasn't. I really didn't mind except the fact that sometimes I feel like the translations and the voices of the translation don't really match up that well. Anyway, that's being picky. At the right is a picture or Kri and me with our aerobics teacher, Soco. I really like her. She's one of my good friends that I can rely on.

Tuesday, Kristine and I spent the afternoon with Katia, our friend from our aerobics class. She invited us over to lunch at her house and after indulging in tasty food we made our way to the school where we spent the afternoon soaking up the sun, swimming and taking photos. She wants Kristine and I to help here with her English but she really doesn't speak any at all and I think more than anything she just wants our friendship. As we were walking to our aerobics class a car full of guys approached us. The tried talking us into going to a party. They even got out of the car and greeted us all. It was quite the experience. I blame it on the little spandex shorts Kristine was prancing around in. hehehe

But, reality has hit me in hanging out with Katia. Her house is super tiny. There is a kitchen and a living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom/laundry room. Katia shares a room with her two brothers that are both teenagers. I guess it just came as a shock to me. This situation isn't too common in the U.S. so even when there are families that live like this it is a shame to the family. But here.... it just seems normal. Her family told us that there house was our house and that we are welcome at anytime. I'm am awed again and again by the generosity and love of the Mexican people. Also, today Kristine and I went shopping for toys. Because in order to get a ticket for the concert you have to purchase a toy and exchange it for a ticket. I think that concert is for some kind of benefit. Anyways... I could see that it was a struggle for Katia. Money is a struggle. She spent a little of $10 and then later commented that she spent like a million bucks. I don't know..... little things like that get to me. I guess this is just an opportunity for me to see how it is Mexicans truly live. I'm being privileged to have a snapshot of what life is really like for many Mexicans.

Oh, I happened to see my first Senora on Tuesday, as well. I was walking by her house and she was right beside me in her car. I decided to wait and say something to her. I said, "Hi, good afternoon. How are you?" At that she replied, "I'm fine, thank you. Bye." And as she was entering the gate she was like, "this is how it is." I turned around probably with the biggest look of disgust but luckily there was no one there to receive all the words my facial expressions were expressing. Anyways.... It was disappointing. But, I'm happy now with my new family. I also ran into my second Senora today. We chatted for a little bit and she adjusted my off the shoulder shirt the way she wanted it. Anyways... it is good to know that I am still on good terms with her.

On to Wednesday......Kristine and I went to the Galerias where we had a little mini coffee date and then wandered around the mall. It wasn't the most exciting event but it was relaxing and nice to just be out doing something. On the way back home I noticed that our Taxi driver was dozing off a bit. When Kristine got out of the car I began to talk to him. I was seriously afraid that he was going to fall asleep at the wheel. I was watching in the rear view mirror as his eyes would open and close. I asked if he was tired and he admitted he was. He shared with me that he works 12 hours a day, seven days a week and maybe he takes home $20 for his family. I can't believe it. I make that in two hours. It was a really good conversation but it just served as a reminder that Mexico is not the U.S. I guess I just don't really understand these differences..... (sigh)

Later that evening we had coffee with Cecilia and one of her friends, Josue. As we were walking to meet them we were stopped at a red light. I couldn't help but stare at a woman who was across the street digging through the garbage. I know we have this in the U.S. but it is just so hard for me to watch and to see. I found it interesting that at lunch my family had been discussing hunger in Mexico and how the richest man in the world happens to be from Mexico. Mexico has money and sources of income. The problem is that there is just poor distribution. Conversation was a bit slow with Josue and Cecilia but it was good to get to know somebody else and practice Spanish. After our coffee session Kristine and I attended our aerobics class. Here we are at the right after one of our classes. Usually I'm drenched in sweat. yuck!

Today..... Kristine and I spent the evening shopping with our friend Candy. We went to Plaza Cuernavaca. We were accompanied by her one year old daughter as well. =) Candy is a firecracker. I have so much fun talking to her and she is just soooooo wonderful!. Here we are being silly with my pink sunglasses. We passed them around and took silly pictures! haha...

Anyways.... life is good here in Mexico. I am really enjoying my time here and I hope that the next seven weeks are filled with fun, learning experiences. Please just keep Kristine and I in your prayers. We still find ourselves having rough days and not always being understanding of the other. But, thank you for all your support and prayers that you have thus provided me with. I know that they have really benefited me. Know that I am truly happy and excited for the next seven weeks. Sometimes I find myself thinking about life post graduation, I wonder if I'll ever even come back to Mexico. It makes me so sad to think that I may go back to the U.S. and never return. I know that the things that I have seen and learned here will always be a part of who I am, but I just find it so unsatisfying to think that I'll live in the U.S. for the rest of my life. I don't want to. I hope God has other plans in store for me....

NevER beeN KiSsEd...

Well, it is true. I have never been kissed and I turned down one of my most promising chances today. Kristine and I traveled to Tepoztlan and spent the day shopping and wandering around the cute little town. We made it just fine to Tepoztlan with the help of my Mexican dad but I wasn't quite sure how to go about getting home. Kristine and I asked a few different traffic directors but no one really knew. Or should I say, we didn't really understand them.

Anyhow, the last person I asked happened to be a younger gentlemen. Probably in his twenties. He asked me if he could take us there and I gladly accepted his help. We ended up having to walk a ways. He asked our names and why we were here alone in Mexico and for how long and so on. He told me he was a Hair Stylist and at that I replied that Kristine has interest in beauty. I was successful in pawning him off to converse with Kristine. For those of you who know me, I did what I normally do with guys. I just kind of went on my way not really paying a whole lot of attention to the conversation.

Anyways, he learned my name, what I study, that I'm a Christian, that I haven't met many Mexican boys, that I'm here for another two months, that I'm single and that I don't go out. I didn't even learn his name.

Anyhow..... stick with me. We cross the street all the while him telling me to not kill myself and to be careful and then he kisses us on the cheek and says goodbye. After saying his little goodbye he comes over to me and tells me that I am extremely beautiful and that he is attracted to me. Then he turns to Kristine and says, "You're pretty too. But I'm more attracted to Violeta." He then looks at me and asks if I have taken offense. I was quite taken aback, a little flattered and said no, that I was not bothered. He then proceeded to ask if he could steal a kiss from me. Not fully registering what he was asking I kind of nodded my head and he began to cock his head as to get ready for the kiss. Then realizing that it wasn't going to be kiss on the cheek because he had just done that, I replied, "I think not." At this he said okay and took my hand and kissed it saying thank you very much. I really didn't know what for. I was taken aback, flattered and yet totally confused as to why he found me attractive when all the while I was not really giving him the time of day. As he turned around to leave I said, "Now what do we need to do here?" He explained to just find the right bus and then he turned to leave.

I know I did what was right in not kissing him but I wish I would have at least taken down his name. He was quite good looking and he was sweet, too. I also wanted to kick myself for being so snotty. Soooo..... I guess I can still say that I have never been kissed.....

LoNgER wAlKs, MoRe meN....

As you may have noticed I switched up my blog a bit. I noticed that my readers were no longer commenting which leads me to believe that I don't have as many readers because my blog was BORING. So.... I changed it. Just for you! =)

Well.... I finished up my first two classes with one A and and A-. Not too happy about the A- but it's not too bad for still being in summer mode. (i.e. the teacher was being generous) Kristine and I are now enjoying ten days free of school. Yay-hoo!!!! Tomorrow we are traveling to Tepoztlan again to enjoy the market. Monday and Tuesday we have plans with our Mexican friends and Wednesday we're planning on spending a day at the mall. Saturday and Sunday we are traveling to some hot springs with my family. Kri doesn't know it yet but she'll find out soon.....

Sooo..... last night right before my aerobics teacher was about to drop me off at my house she invited me to her house for coffee. I thought, why most certainly. She told me that it was best to advise my family but I said it was no big deal. I was thinking we would be maybe a half hour or hour more. Well friends, I arrived back to my house 2 hours and 45 minutes later. I apologized over and over again for missing supper and not advising my family. But since they have daughters my age it was easily forgotten and I was offered supper at 11:30 at night. 1) It was an honor to be invited to my teacher's house and 2) We had such great conversation. She says that it difficult to have conversations with people but she most certainly didn't have a problem chatting away with me. I really enjoyed her company. I told her about some of my desires, specifically about wanting to see some of the poverty in Mexico and she told me that she could take me. She likes girls our age because she wishes she had a daughter. She told me last night that if she had a daughter she wishes that she was as pretty as me. I find it so interesting that she sees the beauty in me and not really anything else. I mean, think about it. Aerobics- you're hot, sweaty, and nasty. Usually my hair is sticking out in all directions and I'm sweating from head to toe. All I can say, is NOT pretty. Anyways, I'm probably one of her worst students, she calls me a rebel. ha, I can't really deny it.

I think one thing that I have discovered more about myself is that men scare me. Even if they're not doing anything. For example....

#1. One evening Kri was getting ready to walk back in the dark. I told her to hold her keys a certain way so that she could use it as a weapon if she came across any bad guys. Then as she was getting ready to turn around and leave I just saw a man walking down the street and I screamed. Then.... Kristine screamed and jumped inside the gate. It was horrible..... I feel so bad for that man.

#2. One time Kri and I were standing around chatting with a friend. There was this man that was across the street and I watched him cross and approach us. But he just came so close that I gasped for air and jumped back. He just wanted to know the hour. Anyways.... my reaction was a bit over the top.

#3. One evening Kristine and I were walking with a friend of ours to go to the center of town. All of the sudden some man approached me asking me about the Lord's prayer. But I was frightened and so I jumped back and gasped for air. He was a little taken aback by my response to his presence.

I know I have more examples but I'm just not remembering them...... anyways... usually my reaction is jump and gasp for air. Not the most welcoming response.

Anyways.... I titled my entry longer walks, more men because now that I live further away I walk a lot more. I like it. But I don't like the men I encounter along the way. They always say things about my appearance and even when I think they're being kind I realize that they are being naughty.

Anyhow, today I left Kri's house as to get home before dark. It was dusk and my walk was going just fine until I turned to go up the hill leading to my house. My neighborhood is very desolate. As I was beginning my hike up the hill I noticed that a car was right beside me. I thought, just keep walking Violet. You're fine. Then the man started talking to me. I didn't hear him and so I just kept walking a little faster. Then he said in English, "Do you talk? Can you talk?" I thought I can talk but I most certainly don't want to talk to you. I don't know you. Then he said, "Will it bother you?" At that I replied, "Yes, I don't want to talk to you." All the while I was walking faster and faster and he was following me. I was so scared and was relieved when he zoomed off. But then..... he returned and drove by me again. My heart was racing so fast from the incline and that scary encounter. I told my family about it but Tono told me it was no big deal. That is how Mexicans are. I'm sorry.... I don't care if that is how they are. What would have happened if I did talk to him or if I did get in his car? Ugh..... anyways.... I won't be walking at dusk anymore and I will let my aerobics teacher spoil me and drop me off at my house.

Life is good here. I really am enjoying myself and I wish I wasn't returning to the states so soon. I will post pictures soon. =)

A long awaited update....

So much to tell and I don't even know where to begin..... Well, let's see. I just changed families yesterday which means I am now on my third family. I live a distance away from the school with a family of five. The parents and the three children ages 20, 18 & 13. The reason I changed this last time was because I was living with an elderly couple and I just felt like it was more of my duty to serve them and not be served by them. I'm really excited for all that is in store with this new family. I will keep you all posted. =)

This past weekend Kristine and I traveled to Taxco which is known for it's sliver. We spent about a half hour wandering around a church that was constructed by Jose de la Borda who also constructed Jardin de la Borda in Cuernavaca. It was the house that Maximiliano, the second and last emperor of Mexico, occupied. I was bored during the tour since it was like the millionth church I have visited but I was still fascinated by all of the work it must have taken to construct such a church. After our lovely tour we spent two hours roaming the streets shopping and saying no to all of the indigenous vendors that shove things in your face for you to buy. I have a hard time resisting the kids so I usually end up chatting with them only to end up telling them that I'm not going to buy their product. Sometimes I slip them a little money because it just is so hard to see these kids out on the street.

Here is Kristine and I at the right. We decided that it would be a good idea to take a picture of this town. Why? dunno.... Don't we just look gorgeous? ha, no.

But, I must admit that the highlight of the trip was when we went to the nearby Oxxo to buy snacks for the ride home. They were having a promotion and were handing out iced coffee. Kristine and I were sucked in to buying the delicious treat and when I approached Kristine as she was waiting for our drinks I got a laugh. There was Kristine holding this giant yellow di staring at the two young workers looking so confused. Kristine was given instructions to roll the di and then was given prizes. She just kinda laughed nervously and wondered what the heck the prizes were for. It really was nothing too exciting, just a promotion. But when you're living in a foreign culture and you don't quite understand everything, you learn to just laugh. Soooo........ we laughed!

Here I am at the right with my iced coffee and prizes. My prizes weren't as crazy as Kristine's but yeah.....

Anyways... two weeks ago Kristine and I traveled to Xochicalco and visited the pyramids. It wasn't too exciting and we were both in a bad mood. The sun was beating down on us and I just felt so silly with my hot pink sunglasses that I usually take pride in wearing. Anyways... we did get some good photos that we may look back on one day and thank ourselves for. Or we may look back and say, now what was this again? hehehe.... I think I'm getting a little puffed up from all the history that I'm being bombarded with.

As far as life goes...... I am happy. It makes me sad to think that I am almost halfway done with my time here. I feel like there is still so much to do and so many friendships to continue working on. I definitely feel like I have a little circle of friends here and it feels so good. I have my friend Cecilia, whom we see three times a week. She is a blast. Here we are above in a little mini photo shoot! Last night we went and hung out with her and her best friend. I hope that this is just the beginning of more friendships. =)

And I also have my friend Candy. She is the secretary in the school but oh so much fun. She is so hysterical. She's a little like me so we have fun together. =) I'm pretty sure she doesn't get any work done while I'm around but I think she probably finds it worth while, or so I hope! And she has a daughter. She brought her last Friday so I could see her. She is sooooooo adorable. Every time I see little kids it just makes me wish I had my own. I know, patience...... someday.

Also, I have my whole aerobics class. I went to aerobics class last week to tell the teacher that I would not be coming again and I ended up having to explain to everyone what was going on and then they all told me that I didn't have a valid excuse and that I would be coming. Sooo... my adventure with aerobics continues. I've actually become acquainted with some younger girls that occasionally come and they want to go dancing. So, we'll see what happens there.

Anyways, I'm writing this all very fast because I have so much to do. Please be praying for me. For the transition with my new family and for our finals week. I'm so totally still in summer mode which is NOT a good thing. I hope I skip out of it before I come home. Ahh.... anyways, I apologize for not updating all you faithful readers sooner and I'm sorry I've been brief but I'll write more during my vacation next week.

oN tHe RoAd aGaiN...

This past Saturday Kristine and I traveled to three different towns. We were accompanied by Ramiro, the director of Universal and another student. It wasn't the most exciting excursion but Kristine and I managed to have fun. We visited three different convents that were all constructed in the 16th century by the Agustinos. They were all fairly similar but still interesting. Left, is the first convent that we visited in Yecapixtla.

After visiting the convent and seeking information about the year it was constructed and by whom. Kristine and I strolled through the atrium only to discover people selling things. I was in disbelief because I was reminded of when Jesus was angered by vendors in the temple. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It just didn't seem like the place to have things for sale.

Anyhow, Yecapixtla is known for their "Cecina" a type of meat. I think it's the meat from a cows leg. Anyways we hung out in the meat market and one of the ladies prepared meat tacos for us. It was so yummy. Here is Kristine next to the meat. It looked pretty gross to be honest but it was tasty. mmmm..... If Mexico had the same food regulation laws as the United States I'm sure Mexico would have big problem. Food is always out in the open and there are always flies. I don't know. I have kind of gotten used to the sight.

And here is me. =) I'm not much of a pop drinker but I absolutely love this drink. It is apple. It comes in red and golden and I'm so bummed that I haven't been able to encounter it in the U.S. Usually I have no problem drinking water unless this is an option. Luckily, my family consists of coke lovers and so it is not very often that I get to enjoy this luxury.

Our second stop was Totolaplan. This town seemed pretty dead. There was not a lot of activity in the streets. Ramiro gave us fifteen minutes to check out the convent and to seek out the year it was constructed and by whom. It was here that Kristine and I decided to have a little mini photo shoot to lighten up the journey a bit. The grounds were pretty and we had fun being silly. Here I am at the left. =)

Our last stop was Tlayapacan. There was a huge tourist market and it was also the day of the town market. We spent a couple of hours wandering around buying gifts for people at home (i.e. YOU!!!). And fifteen minutes prior to meeting up with Ramiro again, Kristine and I hustled over the convent to do our "homework." We encountered Ramiro there and he informed me that there was a museum that had mummies. Soooo...... since I missed the mummy museum in Guanajuato I decided to take a stroll through the museum. It was kind of a boring Museum because there were just a bunch of crucified Jesus' hanging around but when I got to the mummy room it was really cool. hehehe =) I know, it sounds gross but it is kind of fascinating, too. Anyhow, our last stop made the trip all the more worthwhile. Then we were back on the road again...