Hanging out with the guys from the band ;)
Chivas vs. Atlas - check out my Mexican Soccer Jersey
The San Francisco of Mexico?
29 March 2009
Some More Pics from Guadalajara
In front of the Church in Taquepaque
Hanging out with the guys from the band ;)
Chivas vs. Atlas - check out my Mexican Soccer Jersey
The San Francisco of Mexico?
Hanging out with the guys from the band ;)
Chivas vs. Atlas - check out my Mexican Soccer Jersey
The San Francisco of Mexico?
Mexican Gyms
Those of you who have heard my (and Jessa’s) many tales of woe from working out at 24 Hour Fitness can now take heart that I was well prepared for the Mexican gym experience. Some of you may even be wondering why I am bothering, but due to the lack of running and sheer amount of food my host mother makes I decided I might as well make a futile effort.
I arrive at the gym that is entitled ‘Underfit’ and notice just like 24 Hour in SF guys are lifting in jeans and muscle t-shrits … I attend a Pilates class (which was interesting, I don’t know how else to describe it) but instead of 8 peaceful repetitions we did 20 of everything, super fast to some slow awful music and then another round. But this was not before I happened to notice the women’s aerobics class which was blaring J.Lo songs combined with Britney Spears dance moves and a bit of salsa….now that sounds like my kind of class!!
Update on the Mexican Gym Experience: after failing to explain my tight hamstrings in espanol I have decided instead to dedicate myself to salsa dance lessons for exercise…watch out Dancing with the Stars….;)
I arrive at the gym that is entitled ‘Underfit’ and notice just like 24 Hour in SF guys are lifting in jeans and muscle t-shrits … I attend a Pilates class (which was interesting, I don’t know how else to describe it) but instead of 8 peaceful repetitions we did 20 of everything, super fast to some slow awful music and then another round. But this was not before I happened to notice the women’s aerobics class which was blaring J.Lo songs combined with Britney Spears dance moves and a bit of salsa….now that sounds like my kind of class!!
Update on the Mexican Gym Experience: after failing to explain my tight hamstrings in espanol I have decided instead to dedicate myself to salsa dance lessons for exercise…watch out Dancing with the Stars….;)
27 March 2009
Frying Fish
The Frying of the Fish...bones, head, tail and all...
The delivery of said fish YUM!!!!
Anything fried and then covered in lime, chili and salt ends up tasting good!
The delivery of said fish YUM!!!!
Anything fried and then covered in lime, chili and salt ends up tasting good!
Why I love the Spanish Language
So who knew that me of all people could find grammar interesting, I have some pretty bad grammar and don’t really understand half of it, but while learning how to say things like I’m late or I’m snacking (on cookies, etc) the way its conjugated is not in the 1st person but in the 3rd person in a form that is used for actions that are not intentional, i.e. you will not accept responsibility for them. So you can't say Yo Estoy tarde (I am Late) instead you say “Se Me Hizo Tarde” which literally means something got in the way and made me late its not my fault….the same goes for snacking Se Me Antoja comer chocolates (literally translates to the chocolates snacked on me!) God, I love this language….
26 March 2009
Patzcuaro & Morelia
(In advance I apologize for the lousy formatting - its not me its the blog!)This past weekend the only 2 other cool Americans here and myself made a long journey out to the state of Michoacán and headed to two towns Patzcuaro and Morelia. The area of Michoacán is full of rolling hills, lakes, lush countryside and oddly enough pine trees!
Patzcuaro was considered to be the doorway to heaven by early inhabitants and then was discovered by conquistadors in the mid-1500s. It still is known for its indigenous arts.
First we headed to Lake Patzcuaro (which has a number of islands you can head out to, although we didn't have the time). Its also known for its fish, which is a little rare here since we are in the heartland and high-up. In particular, are yummy fried fish, bones, head tail and all (they are only a few centimeters long) cover them in lime, chili and a little salt and you got a tasty taste sensation!
(SF isn't the only one with cable cars!)
Downtown Patzcuaro is full of large plazas, red white buildings, and renown for its ice cream 
YUM! Zapote is a fruit here that
is BLACK in the inside and Green on the outside, kind of like a plum, but a little less sweet it makes for great ice cream! 
In addition the town is famous for the Virgin of Salud (health) if you pray to her your health problems should (theoretically) disappear.(Public Library in Morelia & Basilica famous for its towers)
Morelia is another incredible colonial city, and was the birthplace of Jose Maria Morelos who with Miguel Hildago started the War of Independence from Spain in 1810 (it may have been the first capital...sounds a little like Philly's history). Despite GTO, Patzcuaro and Morelia all be founded around the same time the architecture is incredibly different.. Large stone, imposing buildings and a huge basilica are tempered by the Mercado de Dulces (an entire one block market full of candies, sweet nuts, chocolate, sugary treats, candied fruit, cookies, sweet tostadas, caramels, marzipan and coconut like confections….YUM you can just tell how excited we are to be here…(ok will upload later - taking forever!)
19 March 2009
Lions, Tigers, and SCORPIONS - Oh My!!!!
So every night I've been going to sleep to the sounds of what I thought were crickets...I just found out however that they're not crickets - they're SCORPIONS!!!! I was assured that the ones here are not the poisonous ones however they still hurt when they bite. I think I'll start wearing my shoes in the house from now on. I knew this place was too good to be true....
My First Futbol Game!!!!
Chivas vs. Atlas
As you all know I’m beyond clueless when it comes to spectator sports, but I have to say its hard to not get excited by the game. It was a huge deal this game because Chivas and Atlas are both teams from Guadalajara and Chivas is the only team in the world to have all of its players from its country. The stadium was absolutely packed and the energy from the crowd was contagious, combine that with 90 minutes of sprinting, no time-outs and a huge beer it’s a perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Here is footage of the game! (courtesy of Karin & Matt)
As you all know I’m beyond clueless when it comes to spectator sports, but I have to say its hard to not get excited by the game. It was a huge deal this game because Chivas and Atlas are both teams from Guadalajara and Chivas is the only team in the world to have all of its players from its country. The stadium was absolutely packed and the energy from the crowd was contagious, combine that with 90 minutes of sprinting, no time-outs and a huge beer it’s a perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Here is footage of the game! (courtesy of Karin & Matt)
Guadalajara!
I made my first excursion in Mexico this past weekend - off to Guadalajara to visit Kristen (a good friend of mine from Monterey who is living and teaching in Mexico). Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico with 6 million people (Mexico City has 24 million!).
El Centro - Unfortunately I left the Flip (my camera) at Kristen’s house when we went off to explore, but here are some pics I found on the internet. Guadalajara, like GTO, started off as a colonial city and this was the heart of it, including a huge basilica that is only and all white and gold on the inside. One of the oldest theaters, the palacio (palace for the governor), tons of fountains, plazas, and fantastic murals conveying Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain in the early 1800s with the final battle in 1811 in Guadalajara. And to top off all the historic sites the best pañaleria ever - some sweet bread FILLED with oozing dark chocolate - YUM!
Some other sites include Zapopan, used to be a colonial city outside of Guadalajara but is now kind of in the middle of the sprawling city. Its famous for its illuminated basilica at night, which is really quite beautiful although the neon crosses do give it a Vegas flare. The Pope even came to visit the 10-inch corn-paste Virgen de Zapopan which is supposedly famous for granting miracles and goes on tour for 5 months of the year.
Tonala & Taquepaque are both artist communities in town that are quite interesting and so many beautiful locals arts and crafts. I found myself questioning the idea of only bringing a backpack and instead contemplating buying a house in Mexico so I could decorate appropriately!
14 March 2009
Banda Music!
So a wave has swept the country of Banda music! My house brother and I went to check it out last night. Its kind of a throwback to big bands i.e. 16 musicians. They go around playing in nightclubs instead of Djs. And they wear some loud outfits.
So we went to this bar, complete with girls decked out in stilettos, guys dressed very suave, buckets of beer and tequila shots complete with disco ball and smoke machine and next thing we know a 16 piece band with 2 singers start belting out songs and everyone is dancing up a storm, including people doing aerials and very complicated spins, turns, and dips. They definitely played some common songs, because everyone seems to know the words. And to top it off a Mexican TV station showed up to capture the phenomenon and yours truly made it on (as I was only 1 of 2 gringos in the bar so I guess that was newsworthy).
So we went to this bar, complete with girls decked out in stilettos, guys dressed very suave, buckets of beer and tequila shots complete with disco ball and smoke machine and next thing we know a 16 piece band with 2 singers start belting out songs and everyone is dancing up a storm, including people doing aerials and very complicated spins, turns, and dips. They definitely played some common songs, because everyone seems to know the words. And to top it off a Mexican TV station showed up to capture the phenomenon and yours truly made it on (as I was only 1 of 2 gringos in the bar so I guess that was newsworthy).
A Little About the Town
As I walked very slowly huffing and puffing, I was dismayed at how quickly I had gotten out of shape, until I found out that the elevation here is almost 7,000 feet! No wonder I’m out of breath! Not sure if I’ll be running here anytime soon. Although maybe I could give those Kenyans who train in Tahoe a run for their money! Back to GTO (as locals affectionately refer to it as)…
Guanajuato is a world heritage site and is popular with Mexican tourists but not gringos. There are a zillion museums, plazas everywhere you look, something like 33 churches and many cobblestone streets and alleys. GTO was a silver mining town during colonial times and seems very European. Some cool sites:
Jardin de Union - is beautiful garden right in the middle of town and almost every night they have music on Sunday the local symphony and marching band played. Most nights its traditional music and the park is FILLED with people dancing and listening. If you look at the video its that funny triangle garden.
El Pipila - a huge statue that overlooks the city is in honor of a miner who was critical in the first war of independence.
Just wandering around I’ve counted 3 theaters and street performers including mimes, mariachis, and musicians are everywhere.
La Universidad - was a Jesuit University started in 1732.
Besos! (kisses!) Many of the side streets are narrow with steps, the most famous is the most narrow - the balconies are so close that if you are one you could easily reach across (or kiss someone) the alley to the other one . legend has it that a very wealthy family with a daughter lived in one and in the other a poor miner. They used to meet on the their respective balconies and kiss. Long story short (and similar to Romeo & Juliet) the father of the girl finds out and eventually kills her. Now rumor has it that if you go past the 3rd step without kissing someone you will have 7 years of bad luck! They are very superstitious here, so I’m not going to tempt fate and I Haven’t gone past the 3rd step.
Guanajuato is a world heritage site and is popular with Mexican tourists but not gringos. There are a zillion museums, plazas everywhere you look, something like 33 churches and many cobblestone streets and alleys. GTO was a silver mining town during colonial times and seems very European. Some cool sites:
Jardin de Union - is beautiful garden right in the middle of town and almost every night they have music on Sunday the local symphony and marching band played. Most nights its traditional music and the park is FILLED with people dancing and listening. If you look at the video its that funny triangle garden.
El Pipila - a huge statue that overlooks the city is in honor of a miner who was critical in the first war of independence.
Just wandering around I’ve counted 3 theaters and street performers including mimes, mariachis, and musicians are everywhere.
La Universidad - was a Jesuit University started in 1732.
Besos! (kisses!) Many of the side streets are narrow with steps, the most famous is the most narrow - the balconies are so close that if you are one you could easily reach across (or kiss someone) the alley to the other one . legend has it that a very wealthy family with a daughter lived in one and in the other a poor miner. They used to meet on the their respective balconies and kiss. Long story short (and similar to Romeo & Juliet) the father of the girl finds out and eventually kills her. Now rumor has it that if you go past the 3rd step without kissing someone you will have 7 years of bad luck! They are very superstitious here, so I’m not going to tempt fate and I Haven’t gone past the 3rd step.
13 March 2009
12 March 2009
Lentil Soup with Bananas?
Aside from 'Maggie' confusion, my host mother is fantastic and she is an amazing cook, everything from scratch including yogurt! And she has decided I’m too skinny. Breakfast is at 8, This morning she made me a HUGE bowl of fresh fruit (papya, guava, mango, banana), oatmeal, yogurt, homemade granola, and I had to beg her not to make me eat huevos y tortillas.
Everyday lunch is at 3 and is always different, yesterday we had chilie rellenos, mountains of perfectly cooked carne with onions and peppers, friend plantains, frigjoles, tortillas, topped off with apples covered in chili powder or jelly beans! (the jelly beans are an odd touch, I don’t quite get it). Today she made this amazing lentil soup, spicy, flavorful and then put bananas in it! It seemed odd but once I tried it, it was surpassingly good the spicyness with the sweet.
At lunch there is also always tons of people, cousins, kids, in-laws, grandkids and they are all very patient with my terrible Spanish asking lots of questions. I tend to have a bit of food coma afterward and they always ask why I am sleepy.
Supper is a smaller meal at 8pm and comes complete with cinnamon tea! It usually consists of enchiladas or something like a Cuban sandwich and frutas!! Only problemo es no veduras frescas! i.e. no leafy greens for me! Which all of you know could quite possibly spell certain death for me, but I did some investigation and found 2 restaurants that serve salad. I’ll be hitting them up for a mid-morning snack!
I promise to post info on the town soon ;)
Everyday lunch is at 3 and is always different, yesterday we had chilie rellenos, mountains of perfectly cooked carne with onions and peppers, friend plantains, frigjoles, tortillas, topped off with apples covered in chili powder or jelly beans! (the jelly beans are an odd touch, I don’t quite get it). Today she made this amazing lentil soup, spicy, flavorful and then put bananas in it! It seemed odd but once I tried it, it was surpassingly good the spicyness with the sweet.
At lunch there is also always tons of people, cousins, kids, in-laws, grandkids and they are all very patient with my terrible Spanish asking lots of questions. I tend to have a bit of food coma afterward and they always ask why I am sleepy.
Supper is a smaller meal at 8pm and comes complete with cinnamon tea! It usually consists of enchiladas or something like a Cuban sandwich and frutas!! Only problemo es no veduras frescas! i.e. no leafy greens for me! Which all of you know could quite possibly spell certain death for me, but I did some investigation and found 2 restaurants that serve salad. I’ll be hitting them up for a mid-morning snack!
I promise to post info on the town soon ;)
No, me llama es Marguerita!
My host family keeps calling me Maggie, and I kept ignoring them, not intentionally but I just don’t respond when I heard that name. When I introduced myself to family friends as Marguerita, my host mother quickly corrects me and says ‘No es Maggie‘. Who’s Maggie?! I come to find out a few weeks ago and awful woman named Peggy arrived and told everyone she was Marguerita! She turned out to be so awful, the school called the family to tell her they were kicking her out after lss than 2 weeks, because no one could teach her! I’ve already heard some rumors around the house of her incredibly poor behavior, ordering around the family to serve her on their daughter‘s wedding day, wash her dishes, and even criticizing the host mother’s cooking and accent…hmmm maybe I can reclaim my real name!
10 March 2009
La Primera Dia de Eschuela...
The first day of school
Its been awhile since I had a first day of school, I guess I was nervous, because I woke up this morning and as I looked at my clothes & realized that the next few months I was going to be putting on the same 2 pairs of jeans with a few t-shirts and tank tops I brought. It felt surreal and I also felt odd, maybe even a little sad, knowing that I wasn’t going to dress up a bit more and head to work.
But my nerves soon turned into excitement (emocionante - so glad I finally learned that word) when I arrived at school. It was a hustle of excitement as I took placement tests and got my schedule. As I waited for my schedule, I realized that I didn’t have the persistent headache and furrowed brow I had since arriving, I then realized I was having my first conversation in English!
I decided that I was going to be a serious student and really learn the language. I start off with 2 grammar classes, 1 class on practical Espanol (how to actually use it!), a conversational Spanish class, as well as a private lesson (today I learned the past tense - progress!) and salsa lessons!!! Next week I’ll start traditional cooking classes. I start the day at 9, wrap up most of my classes by 2pm, head home for the big meal with my host mother at 3pm and then back to school for studying, mi privada (private lesson) and salsa classes. Plus with all the museums, sites, theater and concerts I think I’ll be busy and I was concerned that I would have too much time on my hands, I even heard rumors of a Pilates studio in town….
Its been awhile since I had a first day of school, I guess I was nervous, because I woke up this morning and as I looked at my clothes & realized that the next few months I was going to be putting on the same 2 pairs of jeans with a few t-shirts and tank tops I brought. It felt surreal and I also felt odd, maybe even a little sad, knowing that I wasn’t going to dress up a bit more and head to work.
But my nerves soon turned into excitement (emocionante - so glad I finally learned that word) when I arrived at school. It was a hustle of excitement as I took placement tests and got my schedule. As I waited for my schedule, I realized that I didn’t have the persistent headache and furrowed brow I had since arriving, I then realized I was having my first conversation in English!
I decided that I was going to be a serious student and really learn the language. I start off with 2 grammar classes, 1 class on practical Espanol (how to actually use it!), a conversational Spanish class, as well as a private lesson (today I learned the past tense - progress!) and salsa lessons!!! Next week I’ll start traditional cooking classes. I start the day at 9, wrap up most of my classes by 2pm, head home for the big meal with my host mother at 3pm and then back to school for studying, mi privada (private lesson) and salsa classes. Plus with all the museums, sites, theater and concerts I think I’ll be busy and I was concerned that I would have too much time on my hands, I even heard rumors of a Pilates studio in town….
08 March 2009
Breadcrumbs
This is my first post ever! And I thought I would never be a blogger, oh well I promise I will post videos and photos soon!
Brian gave me breadcrumbs when I left yesterday so I could find my way home again and it worked!! I stuck them in my backpack and checked it. When I arrived in Mexico I noticed breadcrumbs on the conveyor belt and despite being pulled out by customs to investigate the smell of garlic and herbs only to find they had exploded in my bag it accomplished the purpose and left a small trail from SF to here, so don't worry I will find my way back!
I am staying in the town of Guanajuato, it is a gorgeous colonial town, mostly pedestrain streets and perfect temperature, a little on the cool side in the evening but the day is sunny and warm. Tons of churches and colorful buildings. They are really into the arts here so there are tons of museums and a university, one of the oldest in Mexico. They also have music all day in the park and all the church bells are so beautiful! So the driver brought me to host family last night, my host mother is very very nice (and a good cook! luckyme!). The house is absolutely beautiful, its this huge colonial house and my room is taller than it is wide with a brick ceiling. All the ceilings are wood-beamed and its right in the middle of town on a Plaza de San Francisco (see the breadcrumbs are working!)
School starts tomorrow and I will send pictures soon, been taking some video but a little shy to narrate - speaking english to myself on a crowded street might seem werid ,) And don't worry my host mother already took me to mass this morning, so I am in good hands!
Hasta Luego!
-Marguerite
Brian gave me breadcrumbs when I left yesterday so I could find my way home again and it worked!! I stuck them in my backpack and checked it. When I arrived in Mexico I noticed breadcrumbs on the conveyor belt and despite being pulled out by customs to investigate the smell of garlic and herbs only to find they had exploded in my bag it accomplished the purpose and left a small trail from SF to here, so don't worry I will find my way back!
I am staying in the town of Guanajuato, it is a gorgeous colonial town, mostly pedestrain streets and perfect temperature, a little on the cool side in the evening but the day is sunny and warm. Tons of churches and colorful buildings. They are really into the arts here so there are tons of museums and a university, one of the oldest in Mexico. They also have music all day in the park and all the church bells are so beautiful! So the driver brought me to host family last night, my host mother is very very nice (and a good cook! luckyme!). The house is absolutely beautiful, its this huge colonial house and my room is taller than it is wide with a brick ceiling. All the ceilings are wood-beamed and its right in the middle of town on a Plaza de San Francisco (see the breadcrumbs are working!)
School starts tomorrow and I will send pictures soon, been taking some video but a little shy to narrate - speaking english to myself on a crowded street might seem werid ,) And don't worry my host mother already took me to mass this morning, so I am in good hands!
Hasta Luego!
-Marguerite
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