A Blazer Ablaze

Well, we have had another week of adventures!

We were sent off to visit current volunteers all over Mexico. Roger went east to the Mexican equivalent of the Everglades(much smaller but still 1400 hectares) and I went to the Mexican equivalent of Mount St Helen's. For my trip the highlight was the Chevy Blazer ablaze. Fortunately the Bomberos came and got it out and no one was injured. As Smokey the Bear would say.."Only YOU can prevent Forest Fires!"



I also got a chance to do my thing with some kids. I presented an activity with 31 4th - 6th graders and taught them an American scouting song! Kids are Kids everywhere and these were no different.


The bus ride was interesting. Mexican buses run similar to some airports in the US. There is a schedule and they adhere to it very closely (unlike planes in the US). Each city has a station and the buses pull up to a designated slot. You get off one and wander down to the next "gate" to catch the next bus. Pretty slick. The countryside I observed was a combination of agriculture and flood damaged land. There were large areas of what looked like salt flats. I found out that in fact they were areas that flood each year and leave a residue that inhibits vegetation.

Roger traveled to a location near the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico where it was already beginning to warm up for the summer(95 and humid). The cienaga (swamp/bog) is owned by 8 communities in common and much of the area nearby is in Sugarcane production. There are 2 parrot species on an endangered species list one of which is endemic there and of course the crocodile is also on an endangered list. This is a poor region and there is interest in encouraging ecotourism, alternative sources of economic activity and conservation behaviors for this fragile region.

The Great "Mexican" Race
Today was an mini transportation rally in our training. We were sent off to find our way in groups of 3 to find 8 different places in Queretaro! It was really like the tv show. Luckily we each had at least one person in our group fairly fluent in espanol so we did not really get lost. I think everyone made it back...
Anne's group lucked into finding the Queretaro pyramid and today is the equinox celebration complete with native spirit dancing.
We went by bus, taxi and foot to many of the sites around Queretaro. At each place we had to collect some kind of souvenir and take a picture. I was the official photographer since my espanol is a bit sketchy at best! I think I have a better understanding now of how a 1-2 year old must feel when no one understands.
We ended the evening with a party at the home of our country director, complete with salsa dance lessons. I wish I could tell you this is OUR place, but alas it isn't. Beautiful though and hidden behind a wall right up against the sidewalk. Time for bed. Hasta Luego!

Espanol improvements

Hola, ?Como esta?
Nosotros estimamos bien. (we think this is correct) We are fine.

We are struggling along and haven't given up yet. Some days you certainly feel like just going home! We ventured out in class today to a new mercado and divided up to do some shopping (class assignment). It was interesting and we both survived pretty well. Roger played it to the hills and bought 5 flowers, una para mi and cuatro para la maestra. This evening we attended a cinema about an indigenous tribe. Unfortunately the subtitles were in espanol and I couldn't even read them in time!!! At least we could got the gist of the theme.

Next week we will be sent out on field trips alone to stay with fellow volunteers in programs similar to our own. We won't be going to our own future site though. I am fortunate as I get to travel with another volunteer and will be staying with a volunteer who knows my sister. I'm not feeling ready!

Our host family has suffered a family loss. The Mother's brother pasted away and they must go away for family obligations. It is difficult to know the best way to respond.

Better get going. The bell will ring all too soon!!

Yesterday morning we saw a hummer (Hummingbird that is) pop into the courtyard of our home for a brief moment! Maybe some day he can stay longer!

So yesterday training was a little different. We had our regular espanol class as usual, yeah, we got back our tests, not too bad, but nothing to write home about, then went on a field trip. This time we went in 15 passenger bus for a 1 hour trip. Word to the wise, if you have EVER gotten car sick and have an empty stomach, DO NOT SIT IN THE BACK OF THE BUS! Had to make a quick stop for one uncomfortable member.
Our trip was to a botanical garden (jardin) near Queretaro. It is all cacti and was very tranquil and interesting. They are doing some propogation of endangered species and have also created a wetland. The birds are on there way north, I promise you, we have seen them! Two current PCV's happened to stop by and so we met them. We had lunch of pizza and salad. YUM! Then we toured the garden and saw how the cacti are being cared for. It was amazing how many varieties of "succulants" there are as not all dry loving plants are true cacti. (but you knew that).

Today we head for the mercado to do some purchasing......espanol class lasts ALL day! I feel more like a seive in there than a sponge!

So many new things!
We have had so many new experiences this week. Our class took a walk to the Mercado and each had to ask 5 Mexicanos for directions to a certain known place in the city. It was interesting to see that some didn't know but made up and answer anyway, one refused, one said "take a taxi" and one actually knew. We went passed the Mercado on Saturday and it looked about like a flea market in the US on Saturday...traffic and parking issues!

We walked several miles yesterday and my feet are still sore!

We attended a La Lucha Libre and now know who El Santo is. It was an interesting Mexican activity and he is the hero for Queretaro. We even saw them entering the arena in their costumes in the their cars. Look familiar?




I have met the resident cucaracha and we are friends..??? We have eaten many new foods, met many people, walked many miles and managed to learn some espanol. We have begun our shots. Rabies 1 of 3, Hep B 1 of 2 and later some more. Some of us attended a play! We understood it only because it was a play, but it was good practice in listening for words or phrases and have learned where to get cerveza...
Lunas we have our 1st espanol test so you may not hear from me for a while, but hasta luego and por favor escribame un e-mail!

Life is a Balancing Act

It occurred to me yesterday as I was balancing to dress between our sink and the door ( a space about 16 inches wide) in our 4 foot x 12 foot wide bathroom, that life is a balancing act, (Thank you Sabrina and Bev for that practice) and for the down times there are up times! For all our struggling with language and frustration that we can not understand the questions to answer the oral test, we are feeling pretty good. We have a great teacher and small class.

There are so many incredible things to experience. I bought cactus "leaves" and chayote on Sunday and have eaten them both. Very tasty. The birds are everywhere and the resident hummer is a distraction during our outdoor espanol class. The dog on the corner "speaks" to EVERYONE until about 11pm and the birds are the alarm clock (a bit earlier than I might set them). The garbage bag is placed in a tree and magically "disappears" overnight (a bit noisily though).

We are looking forward to learning more about our assignment. So far we know it is in the high desert south and east of Mexico City.

Hola!
From Washington to the training center in Mexico!
We have had quite a ride. We arrived in DC in 8 degree temperature and snow. It was FREEZING!
We arrived in Mexico in 40 degree temperature. What a change!
We have been immersed into the language and culture and are beginning to feel less stressed. We have no command of the language, but are studying hard and trying our baby espanol on others. It is beautiful here and everyone is so friendly, helpful and forgiving of our mistakes. We have a great staff and teachers and I know we will get along fine.
Our host family are very nice and have shown us around some. We have met most of their family. We have a small apartment in the side of their house with our own sitting room and bathroom (small, but adequate). We go to a little restaurant near the center for lunch each day and the owners take very good care of us.
Although we miss our family and friends, we know they are with us in spirit. And for now, "buenos noches" and salud!