Summer wrap-up & Mexico

This summer, I rarely used computer much, hence the huge time gap in posts. My computer’s screen was whack since I replaced it about two years ago, but had worsened just as the school year ended, and got to the point that I couldn’t use it for more than a few minutes before the screen became gray. Unfortunately, that also meant that I did not follow through from the first post in regard to completing the Guarani Language podcasts.

Additionally, I got a job, which means I got paid, but I didn’t have much time left to volunteer at the slough where it’s more fun. However, I got a summer membership to a gym, and kicked ass! I committed about three hours per day, 4-6 times/week for swimming, spinning, elliptical, weights and cardio. The amazing endorphin high was often the only way I could get through a day of work with a smile plastered on my face.

While I fell in love with spinning and became a better swimmer, I lost about 12 lbs in just under two months, but seriously gained it all back (and some more after returning) in two short weeks in a visit to Mexico, in a hiatus from my semi-vegetarian lifestyle. I couldn’t say I regret those tacos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), dulces (candy), helados (delectable ice cream), cocteles de fruta (fruit cocktails), and pan dulce (sweet artisan bread), as I savored almost every bite.

The primary reason for my visit was not only food, but to visit mi Tierra Patria (Motherland), see my grandparents and extended family from my father’s side. Every mid-September, around the time of El Grito (Independence day) the family holds a reunion at the grandparent’s ranch in Arandas, Jalisco. I hadn’t been for seven years, as school in the US decided to begin their school year by this time, so I couldn’t thank God for a better time to go: out of college, just before beginning the Peace Corps, and in the epic year of the bicentenario (bicentenary anniversary of independence).

I went with my sister, her husband and two kids, and stayed in an aunt’s house, who has kids of about the same age as my niece and nephew. I don’t know exactly how we ended up with the relative who has the smallest house, so nine of us crammed into a tiny two-floor rectangle box house in two rooms, with one bathroom. That alone, and the fact that the kids where the same age meant there was never a moment of peace and silence, especially from a pair of two year old boys constantly playing or fighting. Nonetheless, we made time to go out and see the city. We spent a weekend in Acapulco in lieu of Puerto Vallarta, where my uncle and grandma were, but was too far. In the city we toured through the colorful boats of the richly historical Xochimilco, climbed the Sun Pyramid of Teotihuacan, saw the beautiful decorations of the Zocalo (central square) for the festivities, visited more family, visited the house my mother has rented to a cousin, which I grew up in until I was four, shopped and ate tons of taco grease with the freshest fruit juice to wash it down.

The day before El Grito, we headed to Jalisco, where the festivities had already begun with beauty contests, parades, and some kinds of contests amongst the vaqueros (cowboys). The night of the Grito was amusing and crazy; the whole town put away their trucks and exchanged them for a horse and tequila bottle. The streets were littered with drunks and live Banda music while men showed off their girls and steed in possibly the best western wear they owned. I must admit, the atmosphere was contagious, and I began to enjoy the music, feeling out of place in my sandals and cargo pants. The girls also were at their best (many looking like clones of each other in the way they dressed and carried themselves), with curled hair and makeup that clearly took hours to prepare, blouses with thick belts at the waist, and jeans tucked into boots.

Anyway, this is getting too lengthy, and if you’ve gotten to this point, I’m surprised I haven’t bored you. The only awesome thing that followed was the family reunion at the ranch, where we ate freshly picked corn and a variety of fruits, but most importantly had the chance to catch up with family who were a constant presence until I was four, but now rarely see. :-(

Well I’m off! Currently in Miami, waiting for the time to go to the airport and head to Brazil for an amazingly long 14.5 hour layover!!!!!