Ive spent most of my time in Puerto in the tourist area. My classes are the top of the hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, then Dr. Bill (classmate) walk down a steep flight of cement stairs to walk after lunch or buy pre or post bug-bite medications. For some reason, the mosquitos eat me alive. The locals tell me that mosquitos love "sangre guera" or white-girl blood. Apparently. Its so hot that I cant wear pants, so I been slathering on 40% DEET bug spray. Dengue fever is still a problem here, but Im feeling healthy so far.
Oaxaca is known for having beautiful textiles and delicious mole. Ive been enjoying both. I already bought 3 embroidered bloused (I <3 them!) and have eaten a mole or guajillo chile sauce for lunch everday. Most days, Bill and I walk 20 steps to El Fondo, where women cook a prepared lunch in fron of there home for 30 pesos, or about $2.50. We eat well, chicken or eggs with a mole or guajillo sauce, fresh salsa made in the mocajete, black beans, and different flavors of agua fresca (mix of water and blended fruit). Betty, the chef, makes our tortillas fresh, right on the griddle over a hot fire. Its delicious and better than any food on the touristy road so far.
Today is my last day here in Puerto and the weather is cloudy and a bit cooler. I was bummed as I wanted to get some sun, but I woke up to the most beautiful waves instead. All the pro guys were out today, riding the 20 foot waves. I didnt realize I was seeing something spectacular, but one guy rode a tube for about 50 feet. Everyone on the beach the clapped. It was amazing. Ive surfed twice here, but I think I will stick to shopping today.
Coincidentally, my trip to Puerto coincided with the dia de la Santa. The whole town has taken part and Ive been invited by all the locals to take part in the parties, fireworks, and parade. Yesterday there was a beautiful boat procession taking a statue of the Virgin out to sea. I could hear the singing from my room. Mexicans celebrate Catholicism frequently and outwardly in such a vibrant way. It was a perfect week to visit this city.
Tonight is my last night here, and Ill be taking it easy. Theres a large number of Italians here and they opened restaurants here so Ill be eating some pasta, before I head to countryside to eat more standard Mexican fare.
Tomorrow I leave for Chamacuaro, Guanajuato, the hometown of the Alfaros. Gabriel and his family are driving to Mexico from Chicago. They just hit the border at Nuevo Laredo and there seems to be a long line of Mexicans returning home for the Christmas season. Ive seen how the whole town shuts down for holidays and Ive got posadas, fiestas, Christmas food, and parades to look forward to while in the campo. Seeing how important it is to celebrate religious holidays communily, and with family, I think I am beginning to understand the rush come back here. Que tengan un buena Navidad!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Oaxacaing
Im in Mexico and its great. The weather is beautiful, I go to the beach everyday, I do yoga in Spanish and Im learning a lot in my Spanish classes too.
My first day, I mention that Im from Chicago in class. Bill, my classmate, asked what part? Turns out he and his wife lived on Thomas Street (my street) for 9 years. The world just keeps getting smaller!
Bill is a Doctor, which is good, since I was stung by a jellyfish while surfing the first day and have like a hundred mosquito bites on my legs. Ouch! He generously passed on his billion mg probiotic drink that he and his family took when they started to get sick and my stomach feels like its made of steel now. Also, he told me which medicines to "import" from the pharmacy, since you can buy whatever you need. I will have quite a stock of antibiotics when I get home.
Back to Puerto Escondido. Its really lovely here. Cheap food, beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and the best part...no snow.
Miss you guys, but not enough to come back to that weather!
My first day, I mention that Im from Chicago in class. Bill, my classmate, asked what part? Turns out he and his wife lived on Thomas Street (my street) for 9 years. The world just keeps getting smaller!
Bill is a Doctor, which is good, since I was stung by a jellyfish while surfing the first day and have like a hundred mosquito bites on my legs. Ouch! He generously passed on his billion mg probiotic drink that he and his family took when they started to get sick and my stomach feels like its made of steel now. Also, he told me which medicines to "import" from the pharmacy, since you can buy whatever you need. I will have quite a stock of antibiotics when I get home.
Back to Puerto Escondido. Its really lovely here. Cheap food, beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and the best part...no snow.
Miss you guys, but not enough to come back to that weather!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Diggin' this weather...
Gabe and I have been geeking out over gardening and decided to prep his backyard for a garden and grass lawn next year. To get started, we purchased a city-approved, but not quite-rat proof outdoor compost bin. We fooled the buggers by building a rock moat around the bin. Once we tackled our little outdoor rodent problem, we thought it was good idea to get an indoor worm composting bin. Just a tip, worms little to explore and they do try and escape! Gabe's step-mom Elsa thinks we are a bit nuts feeding our little pets, "los gusanos". After all our hard work over the summer, we had about 15 gallons of compost to use. With the 70 degree weather over the weekend, we broke out the shovel and the hoe and went to town on prepping the ground for a Spring planting.
Hard at work. Yes, I'm gardening in boat shoes.
This is how the backyard looked earlier this year.
Before we started on Sunday.
Voila! Ready for Spring planting.
Hard at work. Yes, I'm gardening in boat shoes.
This is how the backyard looked earlier this year.
Before we started on Sunday.
Voila! Ready for Spring planting.
Monday, October 19, 2009
I think I miss Africa a bit. My old roomie/over-achieving gal pal Shann was in Chicago for a quick weekend in between jobs in Kenya and Tanzania. Sigh. I'm jealous. For my book-club pick this month, I chose a light-hearted read called "The Poisonwood Bible". At night, I switch between that and King Leopold's Ghost. You know when read bedtime stories about Mobutu, you really love a place. 
I've been in Chicago for about 2 1/2 years now, and I am happy here. Good job, great boyfriend, some traveling abroad. But I yearn for new adventures, and am feeling that draw back to Africa. They say that "Africa gets under your skin". Any visit and it changes you forever. It was great to catch up with Shann and feel that energy from her. What I felt being there. The beauty, the people, the history, the sadness and the potential. You want to be there and be a part of it. It is intoxicating and extreme. And now, I'm feeling that draw again. Will I find a way to go back?
I've been in Chicago for about 2 1/2 years now, and I am happy here. Good job, great boyfriend, some traveling abroad. But I yearn for new adventures, and am feeling that draw back to Africa. They say that "Africa gets under your skin". Any visit and it changes you forever. It was great to catch up with Shann and feel that energy from her. What I felt being there. The beauty, the people, the history, the sadness and the potential. You want to be there and be a part of it. It is intoxicating and extreme. And now, I'm feeling that draw again. Will I find a way to go back?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hey summer, where ya be
Don't worry Shann, I haven't actually started a new blog. This summer has been full of fun events, and I guess I've been too caught up to record them for my friends and family. Here's a quick recap.
4th of July in Door County
We rocked Bergen's wedding reception
Mexican Independence Day from Gabe's roof
Went to some perfect games (any Cubs game, and THE perfect Sox game, go Buehrle!)
Celebrated my first "29th" birthday at Warren Dunes
Did some Chicago stuff
Saw some family
And saw more friends
4th of July in Door County
We rocked Bergen's wedding reception
Mexican Independence Day from Gabe's roof
Went to some perfect games (any Cubs game, and THE perfect Sox game, go Buehrle!)
Celebrated my first "29th" birthday at Warren Dunes
Did some Chicago stuff
Saw some family
And saw more friends
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