STORY TIME
OLD MAN: On Thursday on the way to school Alyssa and I walked up to the bus stop and there was a cute old man sitting there. I said "Buenos dias" and he started talking to me. He talked fast. Like super duper fast and I only understood about 10 words. From what I did understand, I knew he was looking for the same bus as my roomie and me. So every time a bus drove by he was say "Chulul?" Finally our bus came and we got on. He started singing really loudly and walking up the isle holding his hat down for money. His voice wasn't too bad. He was such a cute and friendly old man. So I gave him some money and left feeling happy that I made a new friend.
DOG: There are these 2 dogs that bark like crazy every time I walk by their house. It's so annoying and last time they really scared me because they came out of nowhere. So in my anger I stopped and yelled, "no!" And the dog just sat and looked at me. My roommates forevermore think I am awesome :)
WEATHER
It is getting cooler. It's been in the high 80s most days (the first month was 100 or hotter every day). Apparently May is the hottest month of the year here.
SERVICE
I mentioned that our group started a service project, right? Well we went for the second time on Thursday and it was not what I expected. We didn't work with the sick people like I thought. Instead we moved rocks. The hospital wants to make it a better place for the people staying there. So our job is to move a huge pile of rocks so they can build a garden. We will be continuing our work every Tuesday and Thursday for two hours. And of course we got stuck in the group with only 4 guys. There were lots of bugs and sweat.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
PICTURES!
Finally I can post some. Still not all the ones I would like to, but it's better than nothing. Go to lolomugger.blogspot.com if you can't see the pics.
Here's me at Mayapán. I'm the 2nd one. This is right before it started pouring rain.
At the dance/play thing in the theater. I am the 3rd to last
Being tourists at the beach
Here's me at Mayapán. I'm the 2nd one. This is right before it started pouring rain.
At the dance/play thing in the theater. I am the 3rd to last
Being tourists at the beach
Biggest Bug of My Life, New Roomies, More.......
FOOD
So I have started a recipe book. My mamá mexicana has showed me how to make some of the foods and I'm excited to make authentic yucateca mexican food for my family when I get home. I have 4 recipes in it so far.
Also, because I am craving non Mexican food, I look forward to eating cereal on Tuesdays and Fridays (since those are the days our mom doesn’t want to wake up at 5:30 to make us breakfast… class it at 7). BUT, I do not look forward to the reason for the cereal. I can’t stand that class.
BUGS
Oh. My. Gosh. Guess what I saw this week? The biggest spider I have ever seen in my whole life (minus a tarantula, but it wasn't a tarantula!) I was sitting in class, minding my own business when I saw Mr. Spidey from the corner of my eye. I jumped a little because I knew it was a bug and I am scared of bugs. But then, I did a double take and realized that this was no ordinary spider. It was the size of the palm of a child's hand. I jumped up and ran to the other side of the classroom as it crawled under the food of Hannah, the girl sitting next to me. She didn't do anything because she assumed I was freaking out about a tiny bug as I often do. But then Kassie looked down and saw it and screamed and her papers flew all over. Then Hannah saw it and freaked out. And even Rex (the guy with the big arms... have I told you about him?) got scared. My teacher thinks we are crazy, he stepped on it like it was an ant. Finally we all calmed down and started class again. But my teacher thinks we're crazy for sure.
NEW ROOMMATES
Last week we got two new exchange student (from Arizona State University) who moved in. Our mom loves having students here. All her kids are grown and married so she always gets exchange students. The two new girls are nice.
MAMÁ MEXICANA
We played Rummy last week with her. She taught us all how to play. It was fun, but I suck at it... it's a numbers game.
She is so cute. She has so much energy and is so sweet. Yesterday I told her about some homework I have (to write down 10 Spanish sayings) and asked her if I could talk to her to hear some Spanish sayings. She said she would but she couldn't right then because she had some girlfriends coming over to play cards. Ten minutes later she walked into my bedroom and handed me a paper and said "tarea" which means "homework." Ha ha ha, she did it for me. She's so funny.
Today she asked us what we were doing after school and we weren't planning on doing anything. Just staying home and finishing homework. Then she got so excited because of this movie that just came out that she really wanted to see ("Letters to Juliet" or "Cartas a Julieta"). So we went to the movie. It was in Spanish and I understood it! Yay!
When we got home it was dinner time and it was ham and cheese sandwiches. It looked so yummy (even with mustard) and I've been craving something other than Mexican food. So I sat down and my mamá pulled my plate away. She found out that my tummy has been hurting and I have had diarrhea and so she said I get to eat bread and butter for dinner... no delicious looking sandwich. She's so sweet and worries so much when she finds out if anyone isn't feeling well.
SERVICE
Yesterday we started service projects. There’s 3 different groups. I’m in the group that works at this place for sick people. It’s a hospital run by the government that is free for poor people.
HAMMOCK
You may have heard the rumor that I sleep in a hammock now. Yes, it’s true, but not every night. I take turns with my roomies. All the rooms here have hammock hangers in them. It’s just a normal part of having a house. Everybody has it. Even the rooms at the place where I’m volunteering all have hammock hooks.
SUNDAYS
It’s so cute to listen to the people sing in church. It doesn’t matter if you have the crappiest voice, you just belt it. They all sing so loudly. We sang a song in Relief Society that is one of those songs with 2 parts for guys and girls and they sing at different times. There is this cute tiny old lady who sang the guy part so loudly. She is definitely tone deaf, but so cute.
Some Last Notes…
Last week we went to this cultural event thing. It was a dance show/play at the theater in Merida. It was fun but got a little boring after a while because the dancing was the same the whole time.
So I have started a recipe book. My mamá mexicana has showed me how to make some of the foods and I'm excited to make authentic yucateca mexican food for my family when I get home. I have 4 recipes in it so far.
Also, because I am craving non Mexican food, I look forward to eating cereal on Tuesdays and Fridays (since those are the days our mom doesn’t want to wake up at 5:30 to make us breakfast… class it at 7). BUT, I do not look forward to the reason for the cereal. I can’t stand that class.
BUGS
Oh. My. Gosh. Guess what I saw this week? The biggest spider I have ever seen in my whole life (minus a tarantula, but it wasn't a tarantula!) I was sitting in class, minding my own business when I saw Mr. Spidey from the corner of my eye. I jumped a little because I knew it was a bug and I am scared of bugs. But then, I did a double take and realized that this was no ordinary spider. It was the size of the palm of a child's hand. I jumped up and ran to the other side of the classroom as it crawled under the food of Hannah, the girl sitting next to me. She didn't do anything because she assumed I was freaking out about a tiny bug as I often do. But then Kassie looked down and saw it and screamed and her papers flew all over. Then Hannah saw it and freaked out. And even Rex (the guy with the big arms... have I told you about him?) got scared. My teacher thinks we are crazy, he stepped on it like it was an ant. Finally we all calmed down and started class again. But my teacher thinks we're crazy for sure.
NEW ROOMMATES
Last week we got two new exchange student (from Arizona State University) who moved in. Our mom loves having students here. All her kids are grown and married so she always gets exchange students. The two new girls are nice.
MAMÁ MEXICANA
We played Rummy last week with her. She taught us all how to play. It was fun, but I suck at it... it's a numbers game.
She is so cute. She has so much energy and is so sweet. Yesterday I told her about some homework I have (to write down 10 Spanish sayings) and asked her if I could talk to her to hear some Spanish sayings. She said she would but she couldn't right then because she had some girlfriends coming over to play cards. Ten minutes later she walked into my bedroom and handed me a paper and said "tarea" which means "homework." Ha ha ha, she did it for me. She's so funny.
Today she asked us what we were doing after school and we weren't planning on doing anything. Just staying home and finishing homework. Then she got so excited because of this movie that just came out that she really wanted to see ("Letters to Juliet" or "Cartas a Julieta"). So we went to the movie. It was in Spanish and I understood it! Yay!
When we got home it was dinner time and it was ham and cheese sandwiches. It looked so yummy (even with mustard) and I've been craving something other than Mexican food. So I sat down and my mamá pulled my plate away. She found out that my tummy has been hurting and I have had diarrhea and so she said I get to eat bread and butter for dinner... no delicious looking sandwich. She's so sweet and worries so much when she finds out if anyone isn't feeling well.
SERVICE
Yesterday we started service projects. There’s 3 different groups. I’m in the group that works at this place for sick people. It’s a hospital run by the government that is free for poor people.
HAMMOCK
You may have heard the rumor that I sleep in a hammock now. Yes, it’s true, but not every night. I take turns with my roomies. All the rooms here have hammock hangers in them. It’s just a normal part of having a house. Everybody has it. Even the rooms at the place where I’m volunteering all have hammock hooks.
SUNDAYS
It’s so cute to listen to the people sing in church. It doesn’t matter if you have the crappiest voice, you just belt it. They all sing so loudly. We sang a song in Relief Society that is one of those songs with 2 parts for guys and girls and they sing at different times. There is this cute tiny old lady who sang the guy part so loudly. She is definitely tone deaf, but so cute.
Some Last Notes…
Last week we went to this cultural event thing. It was a dance show/play at the theater in Merida. It was fun but got a little boring after a while because the dancing was the same the whole time.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
AMAZING! Best Day Yet.
First off, I will say that I am happy. Life is good. It's a beautiful thing! Saturday was seriously the funnest day yet in Mexico. It was soooo amazing. First we went to Loltún which is a huge cave. FREAKING AMAZING! You don't even know. First of all, how can anything be that cool? How did God even create a world that does awesome things like they do? How did He think up the idea that water could run through a mountain and make holes in the mountain that are not only beautiful, but they are cool (temp) and dry in the midst of a climate that is hot and humid! It's truly amazing.
We walked into the caves and saw all the stalignites and stalagmites. Did you know that it takes 100 years for one to grow like a half inch. And if you touch it then it stops the growth for 200 years because of the oils on your hands! Okay, so I`m pretty sure that´s what the guide said... but it was in Spanish, so don`t trust me 100 %.
Later we passed this part where water dripped in and the mayans used that water because it was fresh. Then we saw these naturally made poles. When you hit the pole in a specific spot it echoed and sounded like it was hollow inside. Anyway, the Mayans used that to tell if someone was a virgin or not. I guess the girl would hit it and then walk around the pole and if the noise was still ringing when she was finished then she wasn`t a virgin. And so they sacrificed her. Or was it the virgin they sacrificed. Hmmm... Spanish again.
Okay, so we were walked deeper and deeper into the cave for about a half hour. No birds, no animals, no algea, not even any bugs! Then all of the sudden I heard an animal and asked the tour guide what it was. He said it was a bird and I was like "what? How did a bird get way down in here?" He just looked at me and helped me climb down off of a huge rock so I could go and see what everyone else was looking at. I walked around the corner and guess what I saw? Green. Green trees and plants and bushes with birds flying all around tweeting. The light was shining through a hole in the cave and it was like going from a dark, cold, quiet winter to a beautiful green springtime. Amazing. The light was shining through as if there were an angel coming down. But none appeared. One of the guys in our group, the jokester, was like, "hey, take a picture. This could be used as an analogy that life only grows where there is light." He was kidding, but seriously, it`s true! As much as I loved the dark, cool, awesome, amazing, beautiful caves, I cannot explain how amazing it was to turn that corner and see the green trees and birds and light. Wow. I got the chills.
After the caves we went to Mayapán, another site of Mayan ruins. We didn`t have a tour guide for this one. Also, we were the ONLY ones there. Not a single other tourist was there. You know what that means for a bunch of college students who have been couped up on a long bus ride? Yeah, we played on the pyramids and ruins like little kids on a playground. It was SOOOO fun! I climbed to the top of this super tall pyramid with super thin steps and then was too scared to get down so I had to sit on my but and scoot all the way down. Then it started to rain. It poured, like it always seems to do here when it rains. It was so nice because it helped with the heat, but I also did a rain dance. It was quite fun. Then I went off and explored the jungle around the ruins and climbed a hill where some of my other group members were. This one kid was like, "if we stayed here for a few more years then we would break up into two tribes and start fighting." I guess you kinda had to be there but it was so funny because there was a group of us standing on top of this hill (like a watch tower) looking at the other kids playing on top of the pyramid. Okay, pictures come later today. Sorry, I`m at school and don`t have them with me.
We walked into the caves and saw all the stalignites and stalagmites. Did you know that it takes 100 years for one to grow like a half inch. And if you touch it then it stops the growth for 200 years because of the oils on your hands! Okay, so I`m pretty sure that´s what the guide said... but it was in Spanish, so don`t trust me 100 %.
Later we passed this part where water dripped in and the mayans used that water because it was fresh. Then we saw these naturally made poles. When you hit the pole in a specific spot it echoed and sounded like it was hollow inside. Anyway, the Mayans used that to tell if someone was a virgin or not. I guess the girl would hit it and then walk around the pole and if the noise was still ringing when she was finished then she wasn`t a virgin. And so they sacrificed her. Or was it the virgin they sacrificed. Hmmm... Spanish again.
Okay, so we were walked deeper and deeper into the cave for about a half hour. No birds, no animals, no algea, not even any bugs! Then all of the sudden I heard an animal and asked the tour guide what it was. He said it was a bird and I was like "what? How did a bird get way down in here?" He just looked at me and helped me climb down off of a huge rock so I could go and see what everyone else was looking at. I walked around the corner and guess what I saw? Green. Green trees and plants and bushes with birds flying all around tweeting. The light was shining through a hole in the cave and it was like going from a dark, cold, quiet winter to a beautiful green springtime. Amazing. The light was shining through as if there were an angel coming down. But none appeared. One of the guys in our group, the jokester, was like, "hey, take a picture. This could be used as an analogy that life only grows where there is light." He was kidding, but seriously, it`s true! As much as I loved the dark, cool, awesome, amazing, beautiful caves, I cannot explain how amazing it was to turn that corner and see the green trees and birds and light. Wow. I got the chills.
After the caves we went to Mayapán, another site of Mayan ruins. We didn`t have a tour guide for this one. Also, we were the ONLY ones there. Not a single other tourist was there. You know what that means for a bunch of college students who have been couped up on a long bus ride? Yeah, we played on the pyramids and ruins like little kids on a playground. It was SOOOO fun! I climbed to the top of this super tall pyramid with super thin steps and then was too scared to get down so I had to sit on my but and scoot all the way down. Then it started to rain. It poured, like it always seems to do here when it rains. It was so nice because it helped with the heat, but I also did a rain dance. It was quite fun. Then I went off and explored the jungle around the ruins and climbed a hill where some of my other group members were. This one kid was like, "if we stayed here for a few more years then we would break up into two tribes and start fighting." I guess you kinda had to be there but it was so funny because there was a group of us standing on top of this hill (like a watch tower) looking at the other kids playing on top of the pyramid. Okay, pictures come later today. Sorry, I`m at school and don`t have them with me.
Monday, May 17, 2010
I Kissed a Politician... And Then Merida Flooded! Oh... and I went to Uxmal!
Today is the day that I try to post pictures. Sooo, if you're reading this from your email then go to lolomugger.blogspot.com. And if you still can't see the pictures, then I have successfully failed. And if indeed I have failed, then ignore the random letters and numbers in today's blog.
FOREIGN POLITICS
First let me say that there the elections for the state of Yucatán just happened today. So for the past 3 weeks I have been looking at political signs all over the city. Angelica watches me wherever I go. She's like Big Brother, it's so creepy! Her huge face is on every sign in the city. (I think she won by the way. My mama wasn't too happy).
Anyway, so my roommates and I were walking home from the mall and there was a little political rally going on near the 7 Eleven where we live. There were tons of young people about our age and when we walked through they all attacked us with free T-shirts and bracelets and bow horns. It's like, "Hey look, white kids!" I don't know why they were so excited. It's not like we can even vote. But I'm happy 'cause I got a free T-shirt that says, "Mérida, cómo te quiero!" which is the little phrase written next to Angelica's heads all over town. Well anyway, there's this other guy, Javier, who is running for something too. I've seen his face around town too. Well, Javier was there! The guys were like, "You want to meet Javier?" and we were like, "of course!" and so Javier came over and met us all. He kissed us on the cheek... the way people shake hands here and then we were like, "that's not Javier!" He looked way too young. I hope he didn't speak English. Anyway, as we walked home we saw a sign with Javier's face on it and realized that we actually HAD met Javier and he kissed us. It was fun, but scary at the time. Scary because they wanted to take a picture of us and I was thinking how badly I didn't want to go to Mexican jail. I don’t know if I broke any laws by "supporting" some political party. Anyway, I'm fine. Maybe my papa will see my face in the newspaper :-)
FLOOD
Today it rained. A lot. Like poured rained. Poured a lot. My roommates and I went outside to play in the rain and decided that we wanted to get popsicles. So we walked to the popsicles place. Well we mostly walked, but we practically swam some of the time. The street looked like a river. Then when we got to the popsicles place the door was closed and I could see the worker inside taking a nap! So we stood there for like 10 minutes under some cover and stared in the window and watched the lightning. Then finally Senor Worker woke up and let us in to buy our popsicles. I probably have a Mexican street water disease now.
Oh, by the way, when it rains. the bugs come out! I went to a bush to hide for cover and literally got attacked by moths and freaked out and ran down the street screaming while some local girls laughed their heads off at me.
Then walking home was difficult because it was swim-walking and my eyes were shut part of the time while my roommate guided me and chanted "there are no bugs. It's only rain. No bugs." I made it home in one piece, but it was definitely a close one.
UXMAL
Okay, Friday we went to Uxmal. Hole. E. Crap. AMAZING. There's only 11 building uncovered there and they are so amazing. But did you know that there are over 200 more! When we stood on top of one of the buildings and looked out over the practically flat ground around us for miles and miles and miles, our guide told us that anywhere where there is a little hill is actually a building that hasn't been uncovered. Then I asked why they were uncovering them and my teacher said "Money." So if there are any archeologists out there willing to volunteer, please do! There are ancient Mayan buildings under the ground that could be even more amazing that the huge pyramid at Uxmal! PLEASE. Somebody needs to do it!
Then, we ate at the Uxmal restaraunt. It was yummy. Then we swam in a pool there. I was happy. No fish, since it was a real pool with chlorine and everything!
Oh, we also went to the beach on Saturday and my awesome roommie built a sand castle of the Uxmal pyramid and when people walked by they took pictures of it. One kid even asked to take a picture of it with my roommate.
FOREIGN POLITICS
First let me say that there the elections for the state of Yucatán just happened today. So for the past 3 weeks I have been looking at political signs all over the city. Angelica watches me wherever I go. She's like Big Brother, it's so creepy! Her huge face is on every sign in the city. (I think she won by the way. My mama wasn't too happy).
Anyway, so my roommates and I were walking home from the mall and there was a little political rally going on near the 7 Eleven where we live. There were tons of young people about our age and when we walked through they all attacked us with free T-shirts and bracelets and bow horns. It's like, "Hey look, white kids!" I don't know why they were so excited. It's not like we can even vote. But I'm happy 'cause I got a free T-shirt that says, "Mérida, cómo te quiero!" which is the little phrase written next to Angelica's heads all over town. Well anyway, there's this other guy, Javier, who is running for something too. I've seen his face around town too. Well, Javier was there! The guys were like, "You want to meet Javier?" and we were like, "of course!" and so Javier came over and met us all. He kissed us on the cheek... the way people shake hands here and then we were like, "that's not Javier!" He looked way too young. I hope he didn't speak English. Anyway, as we walked home we saw a sign with Javier's face on it and realized that we actually HAD met Javier and he kissed us. It was fun, but scary at the time. Scary because they wanted to take a picture of us and I was thinking how badly I didn't want to go to Mexican jail. I don’t know if I broke any laws by "supporting" some political party. Anyway, I'm fine. Maybe my papa will see my face in the newspaper :-)
FLOOD
Today it rained. A lot. Like poured rained. Poured a lot. My roommates and I went outside to play in the rain and decided that we wanted to get popsicles. So we walked to the popsicles place. Well we mostly walked, but we practically swam some of the time. The street looked like a river. Then when we got to the popsicles place the door was closed and I could see the worker inside taking a nap! So we stood there for like 10 minutes under some cover and stared in the window and watched the lightning. Then finally Senor Worker woke up and let us in to buy our popsicles. I probably have a Mexican street water disease now.
Oh, by the way, when it rains. the bugs come out! I went to a bush to hide for cover and literally got attacked by moths and freaked out and ran down the street screaming while some local girls laughed their heads off at me.
Then walking home was difficult because it was swim-walking and my eyes were shut part of the time while my roommate guided me and chanted "there are no bugs. It's only rain. No bugs." I made it home in one piece, but it was definitely a close one.
UXMAL
Okay, Friday we went to Uxmal. Hole. E. Crap. AMAZING. There's only 11 building uncovered there and they are so amazing. But did you know that there are over 200 more! When we stood on top of one of the buildings and looked out over the practically flat ground around us for miles and miles and miles, our guide told us that anywhere where there is a little hill is actually a building that hasn't been uncovered. Then I asked why they were uncovering them and my teacher said "Money." So if there are any archeologists out there willing to volunteer, please do! There are ancient Mayan buildings under the ground that could be even more amazing that the huge pyramid at Uxmal! PLEASE. Somebody needs to do it!
Then, we ate at the Uxmal restaraunt. It was yummy. Then we swam in a pool there. I was happy. No fish, since it was a real pool with chlorine and everything!
Oh, we also went to the beach on Saturday and my awesome roommie built a sand castle of the Uxmal pyramid and when people walked by they took pictures of it. One kid even asked to take a picture of it with my roommate.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Random Facts about Mexico
MEXICO
It`s not so different from home, except that there are TONS of cops. And they hold really big guns. Oh, and also, the kids don`t wear carseats! They just sit in shotgun on somebody`s lap. It´s absurd!
But... they have Siglo XXI which is Century 21 (the movie theater). And they have Cruz Roja Mexicana which is The Red Cross. And they have Trailor Parks... which are just called Trailor Parks, like in English. I will post pictures soon. When I figure out how.
MEXICAN DAD
Our Mexican dad is a doctor, but he`s retired so now he just helps poor people for free. Isn`t that cool? He`s so nice. He doesn´t talk very much. His family is big and loud, but he usually just stays quiet with a permanent smile on his face. He`s so happy.
BUG BITES
Oh, and I have tons of new bug bites and can`t find the freaking itching cream at the store. So Heidi is sending me some. Mom and Courtney, remember that time when you blended up oatmeal with water and put it all over my legs because they itched? (Well two times actually. Mom, you did it once, and Courtney, you did it once). Well I need your help again. Except, this time I need the oatmeal all over my whole body!
It`s not so different from home, except that there are TONS of cops. And they hold really big guns. Oh, and also, the kids don`t wear carseats! They just sit in shotgun on somebody`s lap. It´s absurd!
But... they have Siglo XXI which is Century 21 (the movie theater). And they have Cruz Roja Mexicana which is The Red Cross. And they have Trailor Parks... which are just called Trailor Parks, like in English. I will post pictures soon. When I figure out how.
MEXICAN DAD
Our Mexican dad is a doctor, but he`s retired so now he just helps poor people for free. Isn`t that cool? He`s so nice. He doesn´t talk very much. His family is big and loud, but he usually just stays quiet with a permanent smile on his face. He`s so happy.
BUG BITES
Oh, and I have tons of new bug bites and can`t find the freaking itching cream at the store. So Heidi is sending me some. Mom and Courtney, remember that time when you blended up oatmeal with water and put it all over my legs because they itched? (Well two times actually. Mom, you did it once, and Courtney, you did it once). Well I need your help again. Except, this time I need the oatmeal all over my whole body!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
ok im writing this blog from my cell phone because im waiting for someone to mail me a battery charger. so... my phone wont let me do capital letters or apostrophes on this site so im sorry for the grammar and spelling errors.
i just wanted to say that it will feel so great to come home and not be the minority. exclmation point... it wont let me do one.
i just wanted to say that it will feel so great to come home and not be the minority. exclmation point... it wont let me do one.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Rumors of Me in Mexico... you don't wanna miss these ones...
Rumors of Me in Mexico... you don't wanna miss these ones...
CELESTÚN!
There's a rumor going around that I ate SHRIMP! Well, it's true. I did. There were little tiny baby shrimpies and I ate some... on a cracker. It was spicy. That’s as spicy as I’ll go. By the way, I didn’t just eat one bite. I ate multiple bites. Thank you very much. I grow a little more each day
So yesterday we went to Celestún. We got on a boat and saw tons of flamingos! First of all, they make totally hideous sounds. But they look so pretty. And seeing hundreds and hundreds of them was so awesome. Our guía (guide) told us that there's normally even more flamingos, but I can't imagine there being more than there was. It’s like this beach where fresh water comes from underground and it’s like a natural filter that is perfect for the flamingos! Also, we got lucky enough to see a flock of flamingos flying. They looked soooo pretty! Again, I wish I could have understood more, but it was all in Spanish, so that’s all I got.
Then, we took the boat to a cenote in the middle of a beach. It's hard to explain, but we drove the boat into a huge grove of trees in this tiny, shallow path of water and then to a dock. Then we swam in the cenote... it's a natural pool that isn’t all salty like the ocean. The water was perfectly clear and beautiful! But I didn't swim in it because I learned my lesson at the last cenote. Even though this one was MUCH cleaner, it still had fish everywhere.
Okay, so while my group was swimming I decided to walk around a little. One of the Mexican guys showed me around and we stumbled upon a crocodile. Yes, you read correctly, a CROCODILE… in the same water that my group was swimming in (just right around the corner)! And they didn’t even warn us! I went back and told everyone in the group to come see. The crocodile was holding perfectly still and we could only see its butt. Everyone came to look and soon enough there was a rumor that it was a fake crocodile. Professor H. (our teacher from BYU) told us that the guide told him that it was fake and that the guides just put it there to mess with people. So this one chick was climbing in to take a picture with the crocodile (since it wasn’t real) and Professor H. came frantically running over to stop her. Then he told us that it's actually real and that he only said it was fake as a joke. What kind of joke is that? Ay yi yi.
So then we got back on the boat to go back to the beach and eat (shrimp). But our guía stoped. Sitting there, in the middle of the ocean is a concrete thing with a hole in it and water is coming out of it and pouring into the ocean. Our guía reached out and stuck his water bottle in the middle of it and filled it up. He said that it is "agua dulce" which means fresh water. Then he let us stick our heads out of the boat and drink strait from the concrete tube in the middle of the ocean with algae growing on it. I didn't drink it. They say not to drink the water in Mexico… and so I don't.
CHURCH
I understood a lot more today than I did last week. I think it’s more due to my ability to concentrate this week more than it is due to my abundance in learning—although I am definitely learning.
The lady sitting in front of my in sacrament meeting look just like Bonnie G., Art’s wife—except she was Mexican. But seriously, she looked just like the Mexican version of Bonnie.
Also today in church, some girl shook my hand. I note this because I meet new people every day (at least 5 a day) and I’ve only had 2 handshakes since my time here in Mexico. Mostly it’s kisses on the cheek. Alright… enough for today. I love you all! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you moms, especially Mom (Susan), Kelly, Heidi, Hope, Shawn, Grandma, and Alana!
MOM—you are the best mom ever! I love you soooo much! I heard you bowled well. Muah! Here’s a tribute to you…
Dear Mom,
I’m sorry that I’m not home with you,
But you’re on vacation too.
Today my spirit feels so low
Because I miss you so.
It’s Mother’s Day so here’s a rhyme
For the month of May
I love you so much, more than time
And you deserve it every day.
You sew so good, and plant so much
You help and love and clean.
There’s nothing better than a mother’s touch
To make an adult out of me.
The end
I know it’s cheesy; leave me alone.
CELESTÚN!
There's a rumor going around that I ate SHRIMP! Well, it's true. I did. There were little tiny baby shrimpies and I ate some... on a cracker. It was spicy. That’s as spicy as I’ll go. By the way, I didn’t just eat one bite. I ate multiple bites. Thank you very much. I grow a little more each day
So yesterday we went to Celestún. We got on a boat and saw tons of flamingos! First of all, they make totally hideous sounds. But they look so pretty. And seeing hundreds and hundreds of them was so awesome. Our guía (guide) told us that there's normally even more flamingos, but I can't imagine there being more than there was. It’s like this beach where fresh water comes from underground and it’s like a natural filter that is perfect for the flamingos! Also, we got lucky enough to see a flock of flamingos flying. They looked soooo pretty! Again, I wish I could have understood more, but it was all in Spanish, so that’s all I got.
Then, we took the boat to a cenote in the middle of a beach. It's hard to explain, but we drove the boat into a huge grove of trees in this tiny, shallow path of water and then to a dock. Then we swam in the cenote... it's a natural pool that isn’t all salty like the ocean. The water was perfectly clear and beautiful! But I didn't swim in it because I learned my lesson at the last cenote. Even though this one was MUCH cleaner, it still had fish everywhere.
Okay, so while my group was swimming I decided to walk around a little. One of the Mexican guys showed me around and we stumbled upon a crocodile. Yes, you read correctly, a CROCODILE… in the same water that my group was swimming in (just right around the corner)! And they didn’t even warn us! I went back and told everyone in the group to come see. The crocodile was holding perfectly still and we could only see its butt. Everyone came to look and soon enough there was a rumor that it was a fake crocodile. Professor H. (our teacher from BYU) told us that the guide told him that it was fake and that the guides just put it there to mess with people. So this one chick was climbing in to take a picture with the crocodile (since it wasn’t real) and Professor H. came frantically running over to stop her. Then he told us that it's actually real and that he only said it was fake as a joke. What kind of joke is that? Ay yi yi.
So then we got back on the boat to go back to the beach and eat (shrimp). But our guía stoped. Sitting there, in the middle of the ocean is a concrete thing with a hole in it and water is coming out of it and pouring into the ocean. Our guía reached out and stuck his water bottle in the middle of it and filled it up. He said that it is "agua dulce" which means fresh water. Then he let us stick our heads out of the boat and drink strait from the concrete tube in the middle of the ocean with algae growing on it. I didn't drink it. They say not to drink the water in Mexico… and so I don't.
CHURCH
I understood a lot more today than I did last week. I think it’s more due to my ability to concentrate this week more than it is due to my abundance in learning—although I am definitely learning.
The lady sitting in front of my in sacrament meeting look just like Bonnie G., Art’s wife—except she was Mexican. But seriously, she looked just like the Mexican version of Bonnie.
Also today in church, some girl shook my hand. I note this because I meet new people every day (at least 5 a day) and I’ve only had 2 handshakes since my time here in Mexico. Mostly it’s kisses on the cheek. Alright… enough for today. I love you all! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you moms, especially Mom (Susan), Kelly, Heidi, Hope, Shawn, Grandma, and Alana!
MOM—you are the best mom ever! I love you soooo much! I heard you bowled well. Muah! Here’s a tribute to you…
Dear Mom,
I’m sorry that I’m not home with you,
But you’re on vacation too.
Today my spirit feels so low
Because I miss you so.
It’s Mother’s Day so here’s a rhyme
For the month of May
I love you so much, more than time
And you deserve it every day.
You sew so good, and plant so much
You help and love and clean.
There’s nothing better than a mother’s touch
To make an adult out of me.
The end
I know it’s cheesy; leave me alone.
Friday, May 7, 2010
If you want a souvenir then read on...
I feel like I haven't written in a long time. And I won't be able to write everything I want to right now because it's hard to keep my eyes open. I've been at the beach all day and the sun makes me super tired.
I was taking a shower tonight after the beach and the water ran out. I had to use a water bottle to get the soap off of me. I am in Mexico...
Then my roommate was in the shower and the water ran out on her too.
Ohhh, and I ate mustard today. And yesterday too. I think 3 times already. I'm growing up.
Oh, also, two days ago we went to see Iron Man 2 (in English with Spanish subtitles) and it was only 40 pesos! Which is like 4 bucks. Nice, huh? And plus, the movie came out here 2 days before it did in the states. The day of Iron Man was a crappy day for toilet paper. I went pee THREE times that day and realized that I had no TP after I had already peed. It was so annoying! I cannot believe it happened three times in one day (and twice at the movie theater... in two different stalls).
Okay chicos, here comes the good part. I've done most of my shopping already... I know I still have 5 and a half weeks left (uh ohhh), but if you want a specific souvenir then tell me now.
I was taking a shower tonight after the beach and the water ran out. I had to use a water bottle to get the soap off of me. I am in Mexico...
Then my roommate was in the shower and the water ran out on her too.
Ohhh, and I ate mustard today. And yesterday too. I think 3 times already. I'm growing up.
Oh, also, two days ago we went to see Iron Man 2 (in English with Spanish subtitles) and it was only 40 pesos! Which is like 4 bucks. Nice, huh? And plus, the movie came out here 2 days before it did in the states. The day of Iron Man was a crappy day for toilet paper. I went pee THREE times that day and realized that I had no TP after I had already peed. It was so annoying! I cannot believe it happened three times in one day (and twice at the movie theater... in two different stalls).
Okay chicos, here comes the good part. I've done most of my shopping already... I know I still have 5 and a half weeks left (uh ohhh), but if you want a specific souvenir then tell me now.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sour Cream is NOT Mexican
I`ve eaten beans every day! As proud of myself that I am, they still gross me out... not the flavor, just the thought. Two days ago they served me actual beans (not all mushed up) and I snuck them onto my roommates plate when my Mexican mamà left the room. I`m still working on eating the actual beans/june bugs. I`m betting that I`ll be able to do it by the end of the six weeks here... maybe.
Okay, so Mexico has done something to me... it makes me VERY happy to see a 7 eleven. I have NEVER been so happy to see a 7 eleven in my whole life. Just to see it and know that I can buy a cold drink is awesome. It`s rare to find a place here that used AC. The school does, and the 7 elevens do, but almost nobody else. At the house there is no AC in the main part so it`s super hot. And we have AC in the bedroom but we can only turn it on at night (to sleep) or for the times in the day when we are too hot to concentrate on doing our homework.
Today, I was cold. It was the first time I have been cold since I`ve been in Mexico. I`m in the library at school right now and the AC is on. I took a nap and woke up so cold! I went outside and it felt SOOOO good, about 78 degrees. (First time it has been in the 70s since I`ve been here, and that includes night time). I wanted to finish my nap in the shade outside but I couldn`t get the courage to sit on the grass... there`s all these weird-looking bugs here and I don`t want to sleep with them.
Heidi called me yesterday and told me that Daniel wanted to see me. I miss all the munchkins so much! All the munchkins here speak Spanish only and look at me funny `cause I`m the tallest person they`ve ever seen, and I`m white. Well, I`m not so white anymore, since we went to the beach on Saturday... I`m back to my normal color... but still whiter than the Mexicanos. I have skype if anybody wants to see me! :-)
And finally for the sour cream... I know you`ve all been dying to hear this one. I don`t think sour cream is even Mexican. Did you know that? I haven`t had sour cream once yet since I`ve been here. And I haven`t seen any anywhere. I ordered a quesadilla and there was white stuff on top, but it was just regular creme (like heavy whipping cream)! Weird huh? They use the plain cream here all the time.
Okay, so Mexico has done something to me... it makes me VERY happy to see a 7 eleven. I have NEVER been so happy to see a 7 eleven in my whole life. Just to see it and know that I can buy a cold drink is awesome. It`s rare to find a place here that used AC. The school does, and the 7 elevens do, but almost nobody else. At the house there is no AC in the main part so it`s super hot. And we have AC in the bedroom but we can only turn it on at night (to sleep) or for the times in the day when we are too hot to concentrate on doing our homework.
Today, I was cold. It was the first time I have been cold since I`ve been in Mexico. I`m in the library at school right now and the AC is on. I took a nap and woke up so cold! I went outside and it felt SOOOO good, about 78 degrees. (First time it has been in the 70s since I`ve been here, and that includes night time). I wanted to finish my nap in the shade outside but I couldn`t get the courage to sit on the grass... there`s all these weird-looking bugs here and I don`t want to sleep with them.
Heidi called me yesterday and told me that Daniel wanted to see me. I miss all the munchkins so much! All the munchkins here speak Spanish only and look at me funny `cause I`m the tallest person they`ve ever seen, and I`m white. Well, I`m not so white anymore, since we went to the beach on Saturday... I`m back to my normal color... but still whiter than the Mexicanos. I have skype if anybody wants to see me! :-)
And finally for the sour cream... I know you`ve all been dying to hear this one. I don`t think sour cream is even Mexican. Did you know that? I haven`t had sour cream once yet since I`ve been here. And I haven`t seen any anywhere. I ordered a quesadilla and there was white stuff on top, but it was just regular creme (like heavy whipping cream)! Weird huh? They use the plain cream here all the time.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sweat a lot? or pee a lot? That is the question
What do you think is better... to pee every half hour or to sweat constantly?
Anybody who knows me knows that I pee all the time. Well, when I planned for my Mexico trip, I expected to be peeing a lot, maybe even more than normal since I knew it was hot here and that I´d be drinking lots of water. Well I only pee like 3 times a day! It´s crazy. I`m sweating out all the pee. Nasty, huh?
Anybody who knows me knows that I pee all the time. Well, when I planned for my Mexico trip, I expected to be peeing a lot, maybe even more than normal since I knew it was hot here and that I´d be drinking lots of water. Well I only pee like 3 times a day! It´s crazy. I`m sweating out all the pee. Nasty, huh?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Church, My Mexican Name, Mayan Ruins, and Birds/Iguanas!
CHURCH
Today we went to church here in Merida. I think it was a branch rather than a ward. There were about 30 to 40 people (not including our study abroad group). So we were about half! I didn't understand very much of church. The people there talked fast, but it was fast Sunday so some of the kids from our group bore their testimonies.
MEXICAN NAME
So, my teacher told us to pick a Mexican name to have in class. Mine is Lola!!! Which is awesome since I use that name sometimes anyway. And I learned how to sing Eenie Meenie Miney Mo (sp?) in Spanish. It's fun.
And tomorrow is a holiday in Mexico so there is no school tomorrow! Woo hoo!
MAYAN RUINS
Yesterday we went to the Mayan Ruin called Dzibilchaltun. I wish I could understand Spanish better because the guy was telling us about all these cool things about the Mayans and I couldn't understand all of it. I wish I had a personal translator. But I'll tell you what I did understand. It's sooo cool! They were so smart! How were they so smart? They didn't even have computers. The Mayans built this sweet building and then wanted bigger buildings and so they built buildings on top of buildings. Look it up, I can't explain it very well.
There was also a cenote (a natural pool) there and I swam in it. BUT, I only swam in it because I knew I would regret it if I didn't. It was kind of embarrassing because there were lots of little fishies in there and I was screaming and hyperventilating. They kept touching me and they didn't swim away when I moved my hands. So finally my roommates swam with me to the edge to get out.
Also, this pool had tons of lily pads in it... everywhere! They look just like they look in movies and cartoons, with the pink flowers and everything.
THE BIRDS ARE IGUANAS!
So remember how I said I wished my mom was here so she could tell me what birds are that are making those weird sounds? Well, my Mama Mexicana told me that it's not a bird at all! It's an iguana!!!! Crazy huh? The iguanas sound like woodpeckers. Interesante, no?
I love you mom and dad! And I love you family!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Different Sizes in Mexico
So the people here might be smaller than us people in the U.S., but other things are BIGGER! I went to Dzibilchaltum today, some Mayan ruins, and saw lizards the size my my arm! One looked just like the little lizards we have at home except on steroids. Another looked like a huge iguana.
Also, there are so many new flowers and plants here that I don't recognize! I wish my mom was here to tell me what they all are. She would know. Also, there's new birds too. I can't see them, but I hear them every day and wake up to them every morning. She would know what they are too.
Also, there are so many new flowers and plants here that I don't recognize! I wish my mom was here to tell me what they all are. She would know. Also, there's new birds too. I can't see them, but I hear them every day and wake up to them every morning. She would know what they are too.
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