Week 17 & 18: "I Beautiful Speak English"

Fact: I have encountered many Mexican families that don't even set up their own Christmas Tree, but it is looked at as the job of the maid that works for them!

When I left you off I was just hanging out, well the next day yielded the same results, until my whole family went to a near by house, which is bigger than the one I live in (if you can picture it!). After Isaura, Carla, Caro, and I went to the movies.  Caro spent the night at my house.  The next day consisted of organizing the goodbye party for Fran.  Hopefully everyone remembers one of my good friends, Fran from Brasil, well the story is still quite fuzzy but there were lots of mishaps with her family, so eventually Rotary in Brasil had enough and decided Fran needed to go home.  The following day consisted of buying tons of decorations for Fran's party, then later we went to a friends house where we set up for the party.  Fran showed up with a friend and we spent the night dancing, sharing stories and jokes, then I showed the video I made for Fran (which was quite good, not to toot my own horn).  The next day Caro, Aurore, Astrid, and I took a taxi to the airport and said goodbye to Fran.  She gave me a stuffed animal of hers that she said her mom gave to her a long time ago and she wanted me to have it.  Of course we shared some tears, but now Fran is much happier in Brasil because she doesn't have to fight about her house.  

The next day consisted of exercise, then I went to Caro's we set up the Christmas Tree with her maid, then we went to Kike's house and looked at his AMAZING scrapbook of his year exchange in Oklahoma!  The following day I sent a package to my family with lots of goodies from Morelia.  Then we went to a Rotary Meeting, they turned down my request to go to Chiapas and I was extremely upset.  Isaura was too but we had to respect that they are trying to protect us.  The next day we got to see Mama Mia a Ballet/Musical.  It was different, because no one sang and the only danced a little bit of Ballet to ABBA songs, if you can picture it.  However it was cool to see the Mexican interpretation of Mama Mia, which involved a lot more Catholic rituals.  After a couple of friends invited Caro and I to their house where we hung out discussing school and college.  

Sunday was the normal repertoire, but everyone joined in for a game of "Basta".  Which for those of you who know what it is, is quite dificult.  So just imagine playing it in spanish!  But it turned out being really fun!  Then Regina and I watched Toy Story 2 in Spanglish; you can change the languages on the TV- I think we enjoy this a little too much.

Monday Caro and I went shopping (as much as we can here-which is close to nothing).  After we met Kike and we went to Mari Mar's (one of my friends) house to wish her a happy birthday!  After Caro and Kike came to my house.  We watched some dance videos, and just hung out.  

The next morning all of the exchange students from Morelia (minus Aurore) went to see the Monarch Butterflies that migrate near to Morelia all the way from Canada.  We had to endure quite the hike up a mountain, but it was worth it!!  They COVERED the trees and when the sun came out they all left there temporary home on the limbs of the tree to stretch their wings while it was warm enough.  After we went to Tlalpujahua, a near by town that is famous for making blown glass ornaments.  

The next day Caro, Rox, and I filmed some little videos that I am putting together for my school's news program.  After we met up with some friends and hung out for a little while.  The next day my whole family went to my host Aunt Lupita's house for my Host Grandma's birthday.  I really enjoy the family gatherings because all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins are really nice and we get along really well.  My two youngest cousins Mateo and Julia (their mom is Lupita) got a bunny rabbit.  Mateo is three so he is still grasping the idea that the bunny is fragile.  He would run around with it and even try to sit on it- So I told him he needed to be more careful with it.  He said "Oh I know my mom told me not to throw it"  I laughed and said "ok" then he proceeded to run with it again, so I said "Mateo you're not being careful" and he replied "No, my mom told me not to throw the rabbit; this isn't throwing it!" then ran off.  Then I caught him poking its eyes and I said "Mateo what are you doing?!" and he said "His eyes are really red!" then poked them again- the rabbit is Albino!  Besides Mateo beating up his poor rabbit the afternoon was really fun!   The next day I cooked myself breakfast and took a book and read outside!  That was quite the adventure, it is december and I can go outside comfortably in a t-shirt!  Then I changed and took a walking path to the workout club, it was SO beautiful, there were cliffs covered with plants- it was just breathtaking.  It's amazing how I can still manage to find things here that take my breath away!  After I worked out I went home and got ready for a friend's party.  Favio picked me up at 12 because we were going to travel the next day.

I was up and ready by 8am, and we were off.  We drove two hours to get to a little town, then we rented horses.  I know you are asking your self why?  Well the answer- The World's Youngest Volcano!  We had to ride the horse 3 hours to get to the volcano, and my horse had a temper.  He bucked a little bit, and had to be in front of all the other horses, which if it meant it full out running (I got quite the experience)!  When we arrived we looked up at the Volcano and realized that we had to climb it!!  Of course there was 2 feet of Volcanic ash and hardened volcanic rock on the path- nothing was easy.  After literally and hour climbing up we made it to the top exhausted but the view was worth it.  Then Regina, Favio, and I climbed to the very top and had to ski down 3 feet of volcanic ash!  Then we got back on our horses and rode to what was once a town, but after the volcano erupted the lava took over everything with the exception of part of a church!  Then we went back home.

The next day we went to Guadalajara because my family was getting their visas.  When we got there we visited the center then the shopping mall.  We enjoyed a huge lunch!  It started with bread and all types of sauces, then empanadas, then parts of a throat of a cow (I think they said it was glands), then I had Fetichini Alfredo.  We shopped a little bit before heading to the hotel.  The next day we went out to breakfast and my family got their visas.  Then we headed back home.  I went to Caro's house and the whole family went to Rox's friend's house for a very yummy American/German meal.  

This week's title was courtesy of Favio my host dad

Week 14,15, & 16: "Parangaricutirimicuaro"

This blog dates all the way back to November 10th just about 3 weeks ago, I have found that two-three week intervals work better for my schedule. Now on with the show!

In school we had an Exchange Student Interview and we got video taped speaking spanish, which I am sure everyone will enjoy later on when our spanish has improved immensely (which I am counting on).  After school I had basketball practice and then I went with Isaura and Isa to get Isa's dress fitted for a friend's 15th birthday party.  

The next day Fran, Caro, and I went to Tec (a local high school/college) with my best Mexican friend Kike (Enrique is his name but Kike is the nickname and it is pronounced Key Kay).  We went to all of his classes and even got to check out some of the University classes.  It was really neat to see a different school that has more of an open mind perspective, and we got to meet some people that are my age-which was nice.  After Kike told us we wanted to take us to "picnic"; I asked what it was and he said it was the MOST beautiful view in Morelia.   So after school we bought sushi and went to "picnic".  He wasn't joking it was SO beautiful, but to get there you had to go out on this backroad.  Turns out Kike's mom was looking to buy come land out there but changed her mind, so when we went this time we looked at the house she wanted to buy and then some guys were working on a mansion type house near there and they let us go inside and look!  They had a cantina (outside bar) all set up with old movie posters and everything!  They had a walk out as well and you could look down the cliff side-it was a really cool house!  After we went back because I had my first Basketball game, which we lost but we played well.  After I went home and packed for the Basketball tournament in Aguascalientes.  Then at 9:40 I went to Caro's house to sleep over (it was easier to go with her parents then to make Isaura drive me all the way down).  

The next day we left Morelia will all the basketball, volleyball, and soccer (boys and girls) teams.  We got to Aguascalientes checked in then met our "host families".  I was with the Captain of our basketball team, Laura, and we went with a girl who was named Karina.  She has two brothers, one is 18 the other is 12, and her parents were in a nearby town on a business trip but her brother is 18 and the maid took care of all the food and stuff.  After we got settled in Karina and her brother (Roberto I think was his name) took us to the mall to get some lunch.  After we showered and got ready for the opening ceremony.  The opening ceremony consisted of different cheerleading dances and even an Olympic torch lighting ceremony type thing.  After Karina took us to a friends house were all the athletes were meeting, but it was really cold so we didn't stay long.  The next day we had a game at 9am so we went to school at 8:30.  We lost the game again but only by two points!  The rest of the day we had off so we cheered the other teams on, then that night we went to a huge concert/party!  It was in a garden and when we got there they had shut the door and weren't letting people in, so I held up the ticket we had to get in and said I was from NY, and they let me and my friends in (my friends consisted of my basketball team, Karina and her friends, and some girls that we met while waiting at the door).  After that people keep asking me if I was the girl from NY, and they asked me my name.  Then I met up with Caro and lots of people from Valla.  Then Mariana (a friend of ours), Caro, and I walked around and we saw Karina in the VIP part; she told me she had a bracelet for me to get in, but one of her friends had it and she didn't know where they went.  So instead Caro, Mariana, and I just jumped the VIP fence(But don't get too excited they didn't even care-it was more for looks than anything).  Then we decided we wanted to go up on the stage with the DJs so we went backstage and after explaining that we are exchange students the security guard let us through!  It was so fun we danced and took tons of pictures, people were even slapping our hands!  Eventually we left the party and got some sleep.  This wasn't the case for everyone, one exchange student actually arrived to the party drunk and ended up puking and passing out; and she left her host family from Aguascalientes to deal with her, then on the way home proceeded to puke in there car.  Luckily she isn't a friend of mine, and I made sure to tell her the next day that she was extremely disrespectful and she gave a bad name to everyone from Morelia (especially the exchange students).  

The next day we had another game at 9 then again at 2.  After the games we didn't make it to the finals but I played the whole time during both games and scored baskets.  After we went back to the house and ended up having to shower at a friends house because we didn't have gas to heat the water.  Karina had some friends over but Laura and I were beat so we went to sleep.  

The final day in Aguascalientes we watched the championship games and then had the closing ceremony.  During the ceremony Tepic were being extremely rude to Tepa ( the team they had lost to, AFTER they tried to cheat).  So after quite the closing ceremony which consisted of some nasty words we all left.  We stopped at a food court type thing to eat and Tepa and Tepic both showed up, and as we were leaving they starting fighting!  We had to leave but no one really knew what happened after that.  We got home at 9:30 then Favio picked me up and after numerous stops we finally went home.

The next day I slept in forever and did almost nothing all day.  At 6:30 I went to Starbucks and hung out with all of my friends, but they were all studying so when Kike came we left to go get some dinner and after we went back to Kike's and I just talked with him and his mom.  Then I took a cab home.  The next day we had school then Caro and I went shopping at the center then we went home.

The next day I had a basketball game after school.  So I went down to the other school that Valla owns and we won our game!  Isaura couldn't get me until 7pm, so I went to a friend's store and then I went home.  Regina went to see New Moon at 12!

The next day Caro and I went with a whole bunch of people from the school to see New Moon, and we went in the VIP theater!  It is crazy!  They have recliners and people to wait on you-I didn't think I could go to the regular movies again.

But it turns out the next day I went with Kike and Pedro to see 2012 in the regular theater.  After we went to a cool club restaurant type thing called the Martina.  We ate dinner there then went back to Kike's house where Isaura picked me up.  The next day I got a call at 10am, and it was Caroline from my district in NY.  She is living in Puebla, at town about 7 hours away from Morelia.  We planned to meet up in Morelia because her district was there visiting.  So I met Fran at starbucks and then we took a cab to the center and met up with the other Rotary group.  It was really funny because Caroline and I spoke Spanish to each other almost the entire time!  When I got home I talked to Derek for over an hour, it was really nice to talk to him again!

The next day was the typical slow Sunday, I went for a run, then we had sushi for lunch.  At 6:30 Isaura and I left to go see a concert and we brought Caro along too.  It was 3 guys from Scotland that sing Opera, but it was a HILARIOUS show!  The spoke some spanish but mostly English, and they kept everyone laughing.  On Monday I skyped with Spanish classes at my school in NY.  It is strange because most of the time it has become easier to speak Spanish than English!  It is really cool this feeling of become bi-lingual!  Right now I believe that my English and my Spanish are equal, I might not know as many words in spanish as I do in English but it is just as easy to speak Spanish as it is to speak English!    After I went to school for the second half of the day and the we had a Cultural night and we sang a traditional Mexican song then enjoyed the rest f the show, before going home.  

The next day during school ibe if the directors of the school asked Fran, and I if we wanted to change schools, because we have already finished High School and they could imagine that we are getting bored with the same classes.  Fran and I want to change, and I explained to them that it is the same classes as last year and even two years before that and for the first semester it was perfect becasue I didn't understand everything, but now I want a challenge so Tec is a better schoice.  Tec is a high school/college so I can take both regular high school classes and college classes.  Unfortuntely I don't think Rotary in Mexico will let me switch, however I am going to do my best to change school because I know it will be for my benefit!  After school Regina and I were the only ones home, my other host sister Isa has been having trouble with her head and they have started doing tests on her brain.  And as of right now she is ok, and it is nothing serious.  After I went with Caro to the center and then we had really awful pizza for dinner.

In school we had a "Life after Valla" day, all of the local colleges came and even a group about an Au Pair in USA!  After school I went home, ate, then went to Elsa's singing school.  She has singing lessons for one hour, piano for the next, then two hours of INTENSE music theory!  After I went to her house for 2 hours and we just talked, then Isaura and Favio picked me up and we went home.  Oh and today it was made official, I am Mexican.  There is a word that all Mexicans can say and only a couple of foreigners, well I can say it, so I am Mexican now!  The word is my title of this blog, good luck pronouncing it!

It was Thanksgiving, and although I didn't get to watch the parade, or eat turkey until I couldn't button my pants, or smell the best apple pie; I was happy.  I called my family and got to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and then I spent the day explaining Thanksgiving to all of my friends here!  After school I went to Caro's house and then we went to a Pastorela (Nativity type play) that was put on by my school.  

We had secret santa with my class today, and I gave some coffee from NY to one of the girls in my class. I got a gift basket from Elsa, and everyone had a good time.  It was my last day of school until January!  I plan to take cooking classes, and to travel with Kike and his family, and also with my host family!  At 8:30 I went with Caro, Kike (from my school not my best friend), Fedee, and some of their friends to the Martina where we had dinner then we went to Kike and Fedee's cousin's birthday party.  

My grandma emailed me and she got me thinking about how much of an influence we have on Mexico and other countries.  She was asking about holidays and when they started decorating for Christmas.  I explained that their Christmas season is significantly longer than ours and much more religious based.  Then I mentioned how I have witnessed it first hand living for just three months in Mexico our effect on their culture, and even though they don't celebrate Halloween all of the stores had their Halloween decorations side by side with there Christmas ones.  Sometimes I get a little frustrated with American customs that they have recently adopted here, and I want to experience another culture for one year without mine, but at the same time I am happy to see that our countries recognize each other and acknowledge the other's different cultures.  

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Miss you all!

Week 12 & 13 "Viva Hoy Viva tu vida!" "Jesus had long hair so why can't we?"

It has been a while- can't think of a better excuse for my absence in my blog other that I was extremely busy here in good old Mexico.  Well let's get down to business.

Week 12:  "Viva Hoy Viva tu vida!"

Mariana,Simon, and I were on our way to school, we were on the main road and all of a sudden all of the cars stopped suddenly in front of us- Mariana slammed on the breaks and we stopped 2 feet from the car in front, but then we heard screaching behind us and I said no and grabbed my head!  Right as I said no there was a crash and then the middle car hit our car!  We got out and the back of Mariana's car only had a dent in it, the second car was only smashed up in the back, and the third car was completely smashed in the front.  We made sure everyone was ok and talked with the third car driver (he is from the same school).  Then we went to school with Patti (my second host mom) and Mariana went to get a neck brace because her neck was bothering her.  We call the neck braces the Valladolid fashion because so many people have them!  After school we went to a Rotary meeting and Justine asked if we could stay in our second host family through Christmas-we still aren't sure what is happening.

After school the next day Fran and I went to the center of town, we ate salads for lunch then went to the "Candy Market" and I got some candy to send to my family.  The next day after school we had to help set up for Vallafest at my school.  so Fran and I went and got salads then we met Simon and a bunch of people from my class and we set up our lottery which consisted of prizes like peanuts, pins, and kisses (on the cheek) from all of us!  This was a big hit!  They had tons of games and african music, it turned out being really fun.  Kike one of my best Mexican friends was there and asked us if we wanted to go with him to his house, then it would be easier for our parents to come get us.  Favio and Isaura jr picked me up and after we dropped off Caro, Isaura jr began to cry (she is having boy trouble).  So then Favio began a lecture about living your life that lasted the whole way home and 45 minutes sitting in the driveway!  He kept saying "Viva la Vida Vive TU Vida!"  

The next day I woke up late and got ready in 10 minutes because I was really late and Mariana had a test.  That night I went to Bienvenido's house with Kike and we listened to music and just talked-it was really nice.  Then fran came and we went to Velvet, but there wasn't anyone there so we decided to leave.  As we were leaving we met 2 exchange students one from Germany and one from Slovakia (and their Mexican host brother).  Eventually we went home.  The next day Isaura, Favio, Regina, and I went out for sushi.  We had the chef that cooks at the table and I tried fish eggs!  Surprisingly I liked everything.  After we went back to the house and watched some of my dance recitals-they really enjoyed them.  After we watched Favio jr's ski diving video!

On Sunday Regina had her second half of her tennis tournament, it started at 8 in the morning and I promised I would go so I was up at 7:45 and ready by 8.  I went downstairs and that is when Favio told me we had turned the clocks back one hour (a week before the US, and which I was completely oblivious of) so I had really gotten up at 6:45!  (for those of you that know me this is a big step for a Sunday or any day really).  Then we arrived at 8am at the club and climbed the ridiculous amount of stair to the tennis courts only to find out that Regina didn't start until 9am!  After the tournament ended Isaura and I went to the gym and ran for 30 minutes then stretched.  Caro and Rox (her host sister) came to my house and we watched "The Hangover" for the 4th time!  Then we watched some of my dance videos and Caro's vaulting videos.  The next day nothing interesting happened, besides the fact that 3 of Regina's friends came to the house and one speaks REALLY fast so Isaura would quiz me on what she was saying-its was entertaining to say the least.

Week 13:  "Jesus had long hair so why can't we?"

After school I went to futbol practice with Caro, and it was pretty funny.  They are not strict and we just had fun the whole time.  After we ate at Caro's house and went to Simon's house to watch a movie.  After school the next day Caro and I went with a friend from my class and we ate "ahombajadas" (i'm not sure how to write it) but they translate to "drowned tortas" so it is like a sandwich but with a lot of salsa!  They were really good and the guy who owns the restaurant was really nice.  After we went to the mall just to walk around then I went home.  I was talking to Fran and she told me that rotary in Brasil wanted to send her home, right now we still aren't sure what is going on, but she is keeping me posted.  

The next day when we got to school Edith,our English/Spanish teacher, told us that a school bus had gotten into an accident and it turns out that Fran was in it!  We asked around and at first no one knew anything about it, but later on we found out it was REALLY bad!  It was a school van and another big van had slammed into them then they slammed into a house; one girl flew out of the door of the car and Fran's head was bleeding.  Caro, Simon, and I were really upset and we wanted to leave school to talk to Fran.  She didn't remember anything about who she was when she first was asked, so they were really worried.  I had called her host dad because the school didn't have the number, but she doesn't get along with her host family very well so we wanted to be there to help calm her down.  The teachers kept telling us that everyone was ok but then saying how horrible the crash was and that everyone was in the hospital, but we couldn't leave.  So after school Caro came to my house we ate lunch then headed to the hospital (meanwhile Fran had called me and let me know that she was ok but was staying the night in the hospital).  We headed to the hospital and Luis and Elsa were there, so we talked for a while and then Fran told me that her host dad had left and didn't say anything about coming back, and her host mom had only been there for ten minutes and then just left!  So Caro and I went out to "Muertec" (a Day of the Dead) celebration at a nearby school with Kike.  We walked around for a while taking some Day of the dead bread, then we went with Kike to Starbucks to get Fran some coffee too.  We went back to the hospital and we saw the other girls in the accident they were worse but everyone luckily was ok.  So Fran's dad said he wasn't spending the night in the hospital so Caro and I did.  We woke up at 5:30 and showered for school and then walked almost all the way up the hill to school (its a LONG walk).  We eventually got picked up by Gasca- and friend from Caro's class.  I wasn't going home again because Regina was going to a Jonas Brother's concert in Guadalajara and my whole family was going, so I was spending the night in my second host families house.  So Mariana brought me to her house we ate and did lots of running around, I even went to her dad's office to help her wiht her English to apply for Rotary exchange next year.  We picked up Simon and then went back to the house.  We changed for the Halloween party and left at 10:30-it wasn't a very god party because it was FREEZING outside so everyone had a hard time enjoying themselves but we made it fun.  

The next morning I had breakfast with Patti (second host mom) and we talked a lot-she is really funny and we get along really well.  Isaura came and we went home, I packed my bag and we went to Tzinztuntzan.  Caro and Rox came too as my friends (every time each of the kids are allowed to invite friends to come with us).  The neighbors were having a party so we stopped by, it was all really young kids so we didn't stay long but I talked with a boy from California and he was really nice, and it turns out he goes to Isaura jr's school so I'm sure I will get to talk to him again.

The next day we went out in the boat and in the dougnut (raft pulled behind the boat!) then we went back had lunch and changed to go see the Day of the Dead graves!  There were SO many people there and tons of beautiful graves set up!  They are very important to Mexicans, I won't kill you with the long history but just a brief summary.  There are two nights the first is November 1 it is special for the kids that died (but adults too) the second day recognizes adults more than kids.  They start setting up and some stay all night.  The traditional belief is that you put their favorite foods and things at their "altar" and they come back for that night and be with the family and enjoy their favorite foods!  It is really interesting all they way to set up and altar, but mainly you need special colors that represent different things and there are special flowers as well.  After we went to "Los Yacatas", which are ruins that over look Tzintzuntzan, it was really cool we watched some of the local dancing, listened to Mariachis, and got to see the cemetary all lit up (from all of the candles on the graves).  The next day we went out in the boat again along with the doughnut, and then we went waterskiing!  Eventually we went home to get ready for school.

The next day was the beginning of my 4th month!  I went to school and then after school went home to eat lunch with my family.  After I went out with Caro, Fran ,and Juan (a friend of Rotary members).  We talked and just hung out.  The next day at school was the same, then after I went to the mall with Fran and Caro and we got salads and talked for a really long time about our different cultures and the different sterotypes everyone gives us.  Then Caro and I had to go to a Rotary meeting, Simon's grandma said we needed to dress up but of course I was in my gym clothes from school and we didn't have time to change.  Luckily it turned out that we didn't need anything, we went to the "Expoval".  It was promoting local businesses and good from Morelia and Michoacan.  After we went out fro tacos then I went home.  

In school I got really upset with the teacher.  He had been bothering me lately, because he would walk around the school and telling boys they had to cut their hair (when it wasn't even long).  I don't understand why they can' have long hair in the first place, as long as it is kept neat what is the problem?  So one of my friends came in this day to school (he has beautiful curly hair that wasn't barely even long) and it turns out the teacher had told him to cut it.  I say this a flipped I asked my friends why he was making people cut their hair?  No one seemed to know, then Caro and I asked one of the directors of school and he couldn't give us a straight answer either.  He kept saying that it was more of a man thing, and so Caro said well then girls can't have short hair (she had shorter hair).  I am sure he was a little put off by the questioning but Caro and I had been discussing this for a while now, and here we have found that they like to take a lot of individuality a way from people.  So after I was talking with my friend and I said to him "Jesus had long hair, so why can't you?"- He laughed and all of my friends got a kick out of it too!  Then the next day I told him I had come to the conclusion that he wasn't allowed to a grow a beard either because Jesus had that too!  He loved that as well, and although it was a joke I can't seem to figure out why they can't just let them have some individuality.  Mexico right now doesn't have a lot of different types of people.  Most everyone wears Abercrombie and Fitch and hardly anyone acts crazy in public- I just can't see why they would possible want to put out one of the only flames of individuality that Mexico's teenagers are holding onto.  However I am trying to stay open and not judge, but there is this part of my that wants to go into school one day with a completely shaved head, just so see how this teacher and the school in general would react (but don't worry mom I won't I love my hair too much haha).  

After school I went home and found out that Isaura jr had stayed home from school sick, I went to her room and said "Why didn't you tell me?" and she said "What do you mean?" "I mean that you were going to stay home sick...we are always sick on the same days and now you have one more day than me!"  We laughed and then talked about her upcoming Killers concert.  Then I went to a new Dance aerobics class with my pilates teacher, it was really fun.  Then after to pilates.  After school the next day I went to Caro's house to eat lunch, then we went back to the school because Caro was going to be the goalie for the soccer team, she played the whole first half and NO ONE scored on her!  Then later that night we went to Karaoke with Maria,Liz, Max, Memo, Miguel, Maria's friend, Patti, Daniela, Shantal, and Caro; then we went to Velvet for a while.  The next day I slept in really late, got up made myself breakfast and then headed to Caro's grandma's house for lunch.  Then we went to Shantal's halloween party, it was really calm, but fun.  

Fran stayed the night at my house, the next day we watched movies and lounged around then eventually went to Caro's grandma's house again for lunch.  Then we went with her cousins to a local park, which has a BMX track, skateboarding area, actual carnival rides, and tons of candies!  And finally today I payed for my upcoming trip to Aguascalientes.  I am going with the basketball team, we leave on Thursday and play every morning and afternoon and then we go to parties with all of the teams that we are playing against in the night.  It is really neat because we stay with families there, so I will also be getting a little taste of culture in another state!  

Once again apologies for the ever so late blog post, as I am sure you have figured out I have been EXTREMELY busy lately!  

Week 10 & 11: "Veo Veo Morelia es..."

Apologies to all on the week late blog-I have been really busy lately.  

On October 6 (Tuesday) we received a new schedule from the school, they told us we only need to pick 8 our of the 11 classes to get grades for.  Then the other classes we didn't have to go to, we could just work on our project for Mexican Culture.  Fran came to my house after school and we studied for our spanish test.

I got to school and realized that I had almost NO classes on Wednesdays, just gym first period and spanish the 5th hour.  Gym got canceled because my class had a big test so Simon, Caro, and I went to work at the computer room for the entire morning!  But this new schedule didn't last long, it turns out that the teacher who told us we didn't have to go hadn't asked the director of the school-so now we have to go to class and sit there because we can't participate (it is very strange and we are still trying to figure out what they want from us).  After lunch I went to my spinning class and then ran before returning home to put up my blog.  

The next day after school we had lunch with my whole family at my house.  Favio's aunt is a nun and she was going back to her house, so they had a going away party.  We had mole (traditional salsa/chili type thing from the town Puebla).  Then Caro, Mariana, and I went to watch a soccer game at Valla (school).  After we went for tacos then Mariana brought me home. 

The next day Mariana and I were heading to school and we got stuck in the middle of the intersection for 10 minutes waiting for a bunch of religious bikers to go by.  After school Caro, Fran and I went to the mall for a little while, then I took a taxi home.  At 10:30 Fran and I met up and took a taxi to Velvet (discotec right next to ego).  We got there and tons of people we are the door, I met a guy from the Dominican Republic and he said he was an exchange student to so he took my hand and I grabbed Fran and we got to the front of the group and they said they were letting more people in; but we told that we were exchange students so he said ok go ahead!  Tons of people from my class were there and I met some of my friends's friends.  We spent the night dancing, then we both went back to my house.  

Fran slept at my house and Caro came to house the next morning and we went to Tzintzuntzan with my family.  We got there and we cooked a Tuna Pasta Dish-which turned out to be really good.  We hung out the rest of the night.  Caro, Fran and I watched RENT on my lap top, and Fran asked if we could put Portuguese subtitles up, so I did.  Caro and I were laughing because she got REALLY excited but after 20 minutes she just fell asleep! (verdad Fran? jaja)

The next morning we had breakfast and despite the cold we went in the boat.  Fran, Caro, and I piled on the doughnut (pull behind the boat) and we went tons of times, getting flipped off and thrown into the lake.  I tried the "table" but I didn't get to get all the way up on it because a storm came-but another time.  We headed back with Caro and I on the doughnut, then it started to pour and the rain was hitting us so hard!  We finally got back and ran and jumped in the pool-it was like a hot tub.  We played cards then headed home.

After school on Monday we went to Applebee's because it was Mariana's birthday.  Then Fran, Astrid, and I went to the movies.  Later that when Regina and I were skyping with my dad we heard a crash and Regina and I had to check the whole house-turns out it was just Regina's guitar falling over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Halfway!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't go to school the next day because I woke up with a wicked headache.  I had planned on going to school late, but Isaura wanted me to stay home the whole day to make sure I was really ok.  

The next day after lunch I met Maria, Liz, Max, and Caro at Maria's house and we headed to a lounge to watch the Mexico futbol game.  After we headed to a Greek Taco place and we were goofing around and I was running and took a corner to fast and cut up my knee and elbow pretty bad!  We met our friends Guillermo and Miguel for tacos and lets just say no one forgot about me falling, not to mention they found it hilarious that tacos there were called gringos.  I went to Caro's house and slept there.

We went to a girl in our jazz class's house to work a little on our dance.  She told us it was food too, but we didn't get any so we left and cooked breakfast back at Caro's house then I went home with Isaura and packed for Puerto Vallarta (the beach we were going to with Rotary).  Then Favio took me to the bus stop, he is trying to teach me tongue twisters in spanish-they are really hard to remember!  Then at 4:30 all of us from Morelia and a couple other excahnge students got onto the bus and we spent 15 hours driving to Puerto Vallarta!  It should have taken us 8 but we picked up all of the other exchange students.  

We arrived at 8 am in Puerto Vallarta and changed into our bathing suits, then went right onto a boat.  We stopped and some people went snorkeling, but I didn't go because they didn't have a lot of equipment so I let those who hadn't gone before get a chance.  Then we went horse back riding up to a waterfall and then went swimming there for a while before going back on the horses back to the boat.  I even got my house so a gallup type thing-it was really fun!  We had lunch then headed to the hotel, showered, and had dinner.  

We went to breakfast then we went into the sea.  After we moved to the pool and we hung out there the whole day!  That night we went to a discotec and it was super crowded, but really fun!

We got up the next day, packed and headed to the center of Puerto Vallarta.  We shopped and ate for a little bit before heading home.  We arrived in Morelia at 8:30ish and Isaura picked me up.  We went shopping for some things before heading home.  I was greeting by a package from my family, including some candy that I have missed so very very much.  

And to explain the title, there is a popular reggaeton song and we changed it to "Veo Veo Morelia es la mas chingoda ve lo que es!"  We are the craziest exchange students so we decided to make a song about it!  

Week 9: "We need to work on my English or I am never going to understand your parents when they come to visit!"

Once again the week flew by, and I am posting a late blog-story of my life!  So lets get started:

September 29: Fran didn't go to school again, Caro and I had a waterfight, and school went by slowly.  After school I had lunch at my house and got ready for Caro's surprise birthday party.  As Isaura jr was doing my hair for the party (she really enjoys this) we talked to Favio for the first time on skype, and his english has gotten a lot better.  He said he was freezing and I just laughed and said "Oh you wait!"  At 8:30 Isaura took me to the party, it was fun but Caro knew what was happening, so the surprise part didn't really happen.  I went home around 12:30 and slept. 

I woke up late so I didn't get to skype with the spanish class like I had promised.  At 4:30 I went to Starbucks with Fran and then we went to Caro's house to have a small birthday cake to celebrate her birthday.  I left about 9:00pm and then did last weeks blog.

The next day in school we were in the middle of the class and I teacher showed up and said we needed to go downstairs.  Turns out everyone had to take a drug test, it is normal and all the classes have to do it.  After that I had English, I was greeted by the teacher saying you have a test today and laughing.  I thought she was joking so when she handed me the test I said "Oh we really have a test?!" she said "yes" then I said "Oh darn, but I didn't study!" everyone laughed.  I found a couple parts tough because they were more England English-but I ended up correcting a part-haha.  After lunch Isaura, Caro, and I went shopping for everything I needed for my "American Food" at my house the next day.  Isaura told me in the car that we needed to practice speaking English, I said why and she said "We need to work on my English because I am never going to understand your parents when they come to visit!"  I laughed and agreed to speak to her in English-that was a challenge in itself, I kept switching back to spanish!  After an interesting shopping trip we dropped of Caro and got Gaspachos for dinner.  Then I decided to skype with my spanish class the next day so I went to sleep.

I woke up at 6:20am to skype with my spanish class in the US.  Despite their microphone not really working it was successful.  I really like seeing everyone again and of course showing Senora how much my spanish has improved (it still needs some work).  At 11:00 Caro came to my house so we could start preparing food.  Caro was the only one who made something from her country- I asked everyone else but they didn't end up cooking anything.  It was hard work-we were cooking for 30 people!  I made my mom's BBQ meatloaf (which was a hit), along with apple pie (everyone loved as well!), pasta with cheesy sause, pancakes, and as a joke Isaura cooked some hot dogs and hamburgers.  Everyone came to my house after school (around 3pm) and I had about 25 people there from my school, 4 of Favio jr's friends, my second host family, and Regina and Isaura had some friends come as well.  My friends from school didn't leave until 7:30-8:00ish!  We enjoyed food, talked to Julia and Emily briefly on skype, looked at some pictures of my friends and house, jumped on the trampoline, and told jokes!  It turned out being really fun!  After the party Fran stayed at my house because Favio jr's friend Daniel invited me to a party!  He said about 9pm, so we went at 9:30 (here wen someone tells you a time you go AT LEAST 30 mins later then what they say).  The party was official, we had to have our names on the list (there were 2 bouncers at the door), our names were there but luckily Daniel showed up the same time as us and the guy let us right in.  The party was really nice, I met a girl who lived in NY for 7 years, and I spent most of the night talking to Santiago (my friends brother I met him in Ixtapa).  Santiago told me he has a very rich friend who lives near Morelia and in NY, and he said he thinks his friend will be back to Morelia soon.  He will be having a party, and apparently his parties are in this HUGE house and are really really cool!  Santiago said there is TONS of food, a whole bunch of Mariachi bands (they are expensive), then they change to rock bands, and its a dance party!  He said he told his friend he had a friend from NY here and now his friend told Santiago to invite me to the party!  So I am really excited for that!  

 The next day we left at 9am for a second weekend in Ixtapa, but this time it was with the grandparents.  We arrived at their house around 1pm and it was so hot Isaura jr and I immediately put on our bathing suits and went into the pool.  (At this point in time I would like to let all of you know I happen to have a tan!  Yes,yes its true...and no its not a burn....its a genuine -but not very strong tan...but it's there and that's what counts!)  We stayed in the pool all afternoon only getting out to eat lunch.  I tried one of the HOTTEST chili pepper's in Mexico!  It surprisingly wasn't that hot, but we couldn't eat more than a small piece or it would be bad for the stomach!  My host dad says I am more Mexican than Isaura jr.  Eventually we headed to a beach that isn't super popular, it's called Playa Ropa (clothing beach)-of course Favio and I took the opportunity to make some jokes about this, then he was telling me about the other beaches-and one was Playa Gato (cat beach).  I asked him why it was called that and he said "Because you can only wear cats on the beach" we laughed and then Isaura's dad said it was because it has lots of "insert a spanish word I don't know", so then I asked what that word was and he said "um cat-sharks"  I laughed and said "ahh catfish"  we laughed about this for a while.  We then went into the ocean enjoying the waves, some were so big Favio would shout when everyone needed to dive under the wave!  We left when it got dark and went back to the house and went straight into the pool.  We hung out there for a long time before going into the house to sleep.   However we didn't get much sleep because the house was SUPER hot!  

The next day we found ourselves in the pool again before lunch, then we headed back home.  But before we left the grandma said it looked like I got a little burnt on my face so she Globbed on this healing cream-everyone thought it was great!  When I got into the car I wiped off some so I had only  small amount on my face.  As we were leaving we got stopped by the army and as they were checking the car Isaura says to me "It's a good thing you wiped that junk off your face my mom put on otherwise the army would never let us pass!"  We all laughed then headed home.

Monday morning I woke up and turned on my shower (to get the water to warm up) and then returned to my bed to wait.  On the way back I spotted something black on my floor- I turned on my light and there was a small SCORPION just sitting there!  I couldn't believe it, i just stared at it for a couple seconds before running to get a shoe to squish it (it took two tries to kill it!)  I showed Isaura who told me it was a type of scorpion; smaller but still poisonous-sweet!   After that school went by slow despite entertaining everyone with my scorpion story and after school Simon and I waited for what seemed like FOREVER for Isaura to come get us.  I had forgotten that all of the girls that help clean and cook started their two week vacation so Isaura had to do all of their work.    

This weekend I am going to be spending in Tzintzuntzan at the lake, then the next weekend we are going to Puerto Vallarta to the beach again (with Rotary).  It's deffinitely true-I spend all of my time at the beach-but that's just fine with me!  

Miss you all- I'll be sure to think about you all in the snow while I'm sunbathing on the beach, not to rub it in or anything...

Week 9: "Model Exchange Students and Cocodrilos"

I apologize for the extremely late blog, I have been a "floja" lately!  I hope everyone looked at the photos!  They are at the bottom of this page, I hopefully will be adding a couple more in tonight.

Tuesday the 22nd.  The exchange students and all the kids in their first year at Valladolid had to go on a team building trip to "La Planta".  It was about an hour away and all mud!  Of course they didn't tell us to bring a change of clothes-but everyone EXCEPT me did anyway!  We started off watching tons of environmental movies after the 3rd one we weren't paying much attention.  We like to refer to ourselves as Model Exchange students, I wish someone had taken a picture: I had Simon asleep on my right shoulder, Caro and I were talking to my left, Fran was asleep leaning on her hand behind us, and in front were Aurore and Justine speaking french and not watching the movie!  What a group we were!  After we got split into teams and after much debating Fran changed to my team because I was the only exchange student in that group.  The first activity we went to was a ropes course (and if any of you remember 8th grade transition that isn't the easiest thing for me).  But I did it-it was extra hard because everything was wood and it had rained so it was extra slippery!  After we went on a nature walk then INTO and UP a river!  Of course I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and had no change of clothes-smart I know.  We went a good mile up the river and then got a waterfall (10ft or so) and I was relived because this meant that we were done, but then the person with us said Oh no we have to rock climb up the waterfall!  I couldn't believe it!  After we went a little more up the river and got to a "waterslide" (slippery rocks) and hung out there for a while before returning back down the river, BACK DOWN THE WATERFALL (this is without ropes or anything!) and back down the river!  We got back and walked a little bit to lunch, my pants were soaked so they kept falling off and I was walking really weird-not to mention the water was freezing so I was super uncomfortable.  As I got into the dining hall Caro and Simon start hysterically laughing at the way I am walking.  After lunch Simon changed to our group because he didn't want to go to the river.  We were heading to a mud pit!  I told them I didn't have a change of clothes so I didn't want to participate, luckily I didn't have to because it started to rain.  We ran back to the meeting point and everyone got changed, Simon changed then offered his other short to me, and although they were wet they were 20 times better than my jeans.  We left a little while later, then Justine, Simon, Caro, Fran, and I went with Mauricio (future host dad, Simon's host dad) and we got Gaspachos and then Mariana drove everyone home.  Gaspachos are VERY popular here- it is all these different kinds of fruit chopped up with juice, cheese, and chili!  Surprisingly I really liked it-I am becoming more Mexican everyday!  I went home took and shower and went to sleep.  

I woke up the next day and I didn't have a voice and my head was pounding-so I didn't go to school.  Isaura jr stayed home too!  I slept for a long time and took some pills for my cold. 

The next day I went to school, and when we stopped to get Simon his grandma said he wasn't coming.  I sent him a message and asked him what was up-he told me he was REALLY sick he threw up BLOOD!  I was freaking out the whole day, turns out he went to the hospital and it was an infection in his throat from trowing up so much!  Fran didn't got to school either-she had problems with her stomach.  Caro was really late to school-but she just wanted to sleep in!  We are quite the bunch!  After school I had lunch with the family, then went to spin and right after to Aurore's house, then we went to Ego with her dad for 80's night.  It wasn't what I hoped it would be-but it was funny to hear Mexican 80's music.  Then we went to my house and slept.  

We woke up showered and packed for our trip to Ixtapa!  Aurore found out that all of us were going to Ixtapa (my family, Fran with her friend Astrid, and Caro with friends) so she invited herself to Astrid's house too-Astrid's parents changed their plans around so Aurore could go with them, but she didn't have a ride so she asked me if she could ride with us-my parents said it was fine so we went.  We left at 1:00 and got to Ixtapa at about 5pm.  As we were driving to Ixtapa I had one of those landscape emotion connections, and any of you that have traveled know what I mean.  As we got just about 2 hours out of Morelia the lush green mountains (that come one right after the other here) were sprinkled with a new brand of plant-the cylinder cactus.  These plants were everywhere, they added a new texture to the mountains of Morelia that I have come to know and love.  Paired with a softer looking tree the mountains seemed to pop!  And as I literally got on the edge of my seat to get a second look we hit a tunnel and on the other side was a rolling river so beautiful it looked like it was airbrushed in, you know like something you would see in a Mexico promotional magazine (well I happen to be living proof that, that breathtaking view does indeed exist!).  And although I was breathing the whole time I did happen to notice that my jaw had dropped just slightly.  And as I got a closer look at the mountains I found that they were made of cliffs that were covered iwth lime green vines that climed up the sides and secured themselves on the trunks of the trees.  At the base of the mountain was a light grass that looked like seaweed when the wind blew!  Absolutely gorgeous and hot!  Then Aurore saw the house and proceeded to invite herself to STAY THE WHOLE WEEKEND there!  She didn't ask her mom, she didn't ask Astrid (or even talk to Astrid)-it was really strange I couldn't believe it.  That night we all went to Senor Frogs and hung out (Caro, Maria, Paty, Santiago, Fran, Astrid, Astrid's cousin, Aurore, and I).  Then Aurore's host mom called Astrid's mom and found out Aurore didn't come to the house, and got really angry when she found out what Aurore did.  So she called my mom and my mom put Aurore's bags in the car for when they came to pick us up, well Aurore got into the car and went with us anyway!  Really strange.

The next day we got right into our bathing suits to go out onto the yacht!  (We were staying at a house with friends of the family)  Aurore then proceeded to invite herself on the yacht too!  So we all piled onto the yacht and headed out into the ocean a little bit then we went to a more private beach.  We anchored the boat then jumped in and swam to shore-Regina, Isaura jr, Isaura, Lore (her family owns the house and yacht), and I all jumped right in-but of course Aurore made a big deal about getting in and needed a life jacket too, but after much fuss she finally got in.  We spent the day there and returned to the house at 6:00 and had dinner.  Then all of the girls headed out to check out the market, it wasn't anything special so we went for homemade icecream!  I met up with Caro, Santiago, Maria, and Paty I decided to go with them and I asked Isaura if it was ok and she said of course!  Then she asked Aurore if she wanted to go and Aurore said she was tired and just wanted to stay WITH MY FAMILY!  I found this really strange then I talked to Isaura later on and she said the same thing.  (It's not that I don't like Aurore-she is very nice-but this weekend she was extremely pushy and strange).  So then my family left and we headed to Senor Frogs to meet up with Fran and Astrid, Astrid told me she and her mom were mad/upset with Aurore because she didn't talk to them at all!  After meeting a girl from Miami, a guy from Newport Beach Rhode Island, and a guy from San Diego we went to a cool restaurant next store-it was like a tree house!  After we went to the beach to see all of the town on the water-beautiful but it was impossible to take pictures!  

Sunday we went to the "Club House" and lounged around the pool and had lunch before heading back home.  We got back and Isaura jr had been making fun of my spanish so Isaura said we should speak English so I could make fun of her.  Well it didn't last long and Isaura jr doesn't like to speak English.  After that we went to sleep.

Monday at school passed surprisingly quickly!  Simon, Caro, and I were laughing the whole day-we still can't figure out why we all were so goofy but it was funny!  I had a famous salsa/chili type thing for lunch-it originated in Puebla (the town were Krista Henry went on exchange) it was really tasty!  Then I had salsa class and then went to sleep.

I forgot to mention in the marina where their yacht was- had tons of signs up warning everyone about the crocodiles!  They have tons in this marina and everyone had to be careful.  Regina and I were joking around and I was whistling like a dogs saying "ven, ven, cocodrilos" (come, come crocodiles)!  

Mariah

Week 7: "Thank you for Saving My Life!"

I forgot to tell everyone last week, I added photos!  Scroll down past my first blog and you will find them!  Of course there are only a couple but at least it is something for those of you who don't have a facebook!

Tuesday September 15; I was really tired all day long-but I made it through school.  There was a conference at another school that I the exchange students got invited to, but it turns out we weren't allowed to leave without written permission so we didn't go.  After school I went home for lunch, and at 5:30 Isaura and I went for a meeting at Valladolid (The school-the official name is Valladolid Instituto Preparatoria).  After the meeting we went back home to get ready for the party.  Favio said we would leave about 9pm, so I was ready a little before and I went downstairs.  Everyone was not quite ready so I hung out for a while 9:30 rolled around and Favio told me I should change because it was outside and I didn't have a sweater.  Finally after receiving sombreros, watching Favio do a Mexican Hat Dance (that was hilarious) we started out the door.  Isaura said she forgot something and headed to the closet right next to the door outside, then Favio opened the door and I was second.  He waited for Isaura and then I screamed "Que asco! Que asco!" (Yuck! Yuck!) Favio said "what?" and I answered "Mira a la izquierda!" Look to the left! and he looked up to the left of the door then I said "NO ABAJO!" (No down) and right by the door was a huge snake!  It was white with black spots, it curled up as Favio shut the door.  Favio told Isaura not to move and slowly shut the door.  Then he asked how did you see that? and I said I really didn't know-he told me he was glad.  There was a big scene- we had to call the security and everything!  They told us it was a cascabel-which is a poisonous snake!  Favio came up to me after they left and said "Thank you for saving my life!"  I said "um no problem" and he said "no seriously!" he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  Then Regina gave me a hug as well, the rest of the night Favio told everyone how I saved his life!  We got to the party late thanks to the snake, so we didn't get to participate in the yelling- it is tradition to yell at 11:00pm on the 15th of September it is something like Viva the president, viva the people, viva Mexico (x3) but it varies from city to city.  We didn't leave the party until 2:30am-so I was exhausted!  

The next day we had school off for Independence Day-we didn't go anywhere because last year a bomb was set off in the center and it killed 40 some people, so instead Favio cooked Chili Relleno for lunch-it was really good!  At 5:00pm I went to the movies with Fran, Aurore, Caro, and Astrid (from Fran's class)-we went to Chili's after for a little snack and then we went back home.  I skyped with Derek after that then went to sleep.

Back to school-I wasn't tired at all.  My classes passed quickly and I had a lot of fun in Jazz.  I was the only one who remembered the new choreography and I did the dance steps right (Stacy I hope you are reading this!).  After school I went home had lunch then headed to spin class.  After that I went to my salsa class and had a lot of fun.  The teacher is really funny-he asked me my name and when I said it he said AH Mariah Carey.  The rest of the class he said "What's up? What's happening?" etc.  But I think the funniest part of class is when the teacher starts to count-he switched languages!  One, dos, twa, cuatro!  After I went home and went to sleep.

The next day in school Aurore said she had gotten into a fight with her host mom.  She said that she wanted to go back to France, and she said that she had cried for over an hour.  (You'll be glad to know she is better now).  After school I went with Elsa and we all went to Ruben's house for Area 4's comida (and area is 2 classes and comida is like lunch).  We had REALLY good tacos and taquito type things.  After Fran, Caro, and I went with Guillermo and Luis from my class, they took us to Las Americas (the shopping plaza).  Fran bought a dress, and Caro bought some clothes for the antro.  Enrique (who has all the parties) came up to me in the store and we had a nice talk- I met his mom and ended up helping her pick out a dress for a 12 year old's birthday (of course I chose a beautiful purple one).  We were leading to Starbucks after they finished shopping and a car drove by and splashed us!  We were completely SOAKED!  We got a good laugh out of it though!  I went home talked to dad on skype and then went to Caro's house.  We were supposed to go to Enrique's house but there wasn't a lot of people going and we didn't have a ride so we decided against it.  Caro, two girls from her class, and I went out for sushi and then Caro and I went back to her house.  Roxy (Caro's host sister) had a couple of friends over so we hung out with them until Favio came to pick me up.  When we got home we were stuck outside, the door was locked and not shut properly so the key wouldn't work.  Luckily another door was open so we got in and I went to sleep.  

The next day I had to be a local hotel at 8:30 am for my rotary district conference.  We had a lot of fun.  I met a girl from Sauquoit NY and she knew of Milford!  We talked for a while and I thought to myself "She has the same accent as me!"-it was strange that I thought this because I never considered myself having an accent before!  We had some team building activities and even did an activity where we took off our shoes and put 2 other shoes on!  The guy who was giving instructions used my shoe as an example-it was hilarious how he described it (it was my green converse, you know the ones).  After we had lunch and headed to our rooms before going on a bus to the zoo.  (by the way there are 65 rotary students in out district-we had 66 but the one girl from Denmark went home 15 days into her exchange, I believe someone said her parents were getting a divorce).  The zoo was fun!  After we went back to watch the lighting of the Cathedral then we had dinner.  After we had 45 minutes to change for ego.  We left for ego at 11pm and got there at about 1130.  Rotary bought each student two cervezas and a soda if we wanted it.  We had a lot of fun dancing, but Justine got mad because Guillermo told her to stop dancing so dirty (which was the truth-surprise surprise).  Then she said she was mad because he didn't tell Fran she was dancing dirty too!  Fran is a crazy dancer, but she is far from dirty!  We left at 2:30 and got to the hotel at 3am!  

Sunday everyone was tired, but we enjoyed a really good breakfast.  Then we were sitting with Caro and another girl from Germany, they were speaking German and it was strange because I kind of understood what they were saying.  I asked what a word was and another boy looked at me and said "Ah she understands!"  then Simon explained what they had said.  There are a TON of german exchange students in the district so I was listening to German all weekend, I really enjoyed it and I think I might try a class in college!  There are a bunch of french exchange students as well, but listening to french for two days just reminded me why I don't like it so much.  After we went on a tour of Morelia and then had free time.  Favio and Isaura picked me up at 2:45 and we went out to lunch with some family at Applebee's.  I got a buffalo chicken salad (I thought of you Arika!) and I realized how much I missed buffalo chicken wings!  We left at 6:30pm-and I was really tired and my throat was starting to hurt.  I went home and went to sleep.

Today school went by really quickly, I think it was because I was still tired and therefore was a little bit goofy.  Edith my spanish teacher found this really amusing and milked it for all it was worth.  After spanish class my throat really started to hurt along with my stomach and head.  I had lunch at the house and then Favio told me to take some medicene.  I talked to Luke and Jaclyn on skype for a while then slept for an hour or so.  Isaura asked if I wanted to go to Salsa class or not, I didn't want to miss it so I went.  I got there a little late because there was lots of traffic, but the class passed quickly as well.  I chose not to dance with a partner at the end of class because I didn't want to pass whatever sickness I have to them too!  When I didn't get a partner the teacher said 'Mariah- What's up?  You don't like the Mexican men?"  I told him I was sick, but he just chuckled and went the rest of the class making fun of me.  We learned some more combinations and there was a reggaeton move that he put in and said it was for me!  After class I was beat, I went home, wrote my blog and headed to bed.

By the way I am not extremely sick or anything-it's really just my throat.  And no it isn't SWINE FLU-that is a joke here too.  

Buenos Noches,

Mariah   

Week 6: "Que te parece? Fine Fine Fine Very Good Very Good Very Good"

Of Course I finished my blog and then Favio asked if I wanted to go to my cousin's birthday party, which turned out to be really fun!  I enjoy all of the family and I really like going to see them.  But anyways on with the show.  By the Way: Uchepos are like ground up corn, they basically taste like corn bread, but much better!

September 9: School went by slowly, and nothing really happened besides the fact that Simon got sick.  Then I went with Mariana as always, but we stopped with her friends to get Sushi to go- which let me tell you is not something you should eat in the car, Mariana spilt soy sauce all over her pants!  Then I finally got to skype with my Dad and Luke!  It was nice to see them again, then I went to pilates and spinning.  

The next day was a lot better-we did nothing in the only two regular classes I had.  Then I had Mexican Culture and my first two classes of Jazz!  Although it was only working on the arms I really enjoyed it-and it provided a break from the normal routine.  After we had the oh so famous "Rojos, Azules, y Blancos" (Reds, Blues, and Whites), which is a school competition, it welcomes the new high schoolers and the exchange students.  We had to wear our color- I was in white because I am in the senior class.  We painted our faces, had noise makers, and cheered the whole time for our team.  There were tons of different competitions, including bobbing for apples, various water balloon activities, and even an obstacle course containing chugging a beer!  I took lots of pictures-I'll try to put some one here when I can!  After the competition (it was a couple of hours...in which everyone got burnt thanks to the afternoon sun) Fran came over and I skyped with my whole family.  Then we stopped at Starbucks, and then went looking for a salsa school.  We found one and after dropping off Fran we went to check it out.  We met the teacher who I found really nice and quite amusing, he said to come back and watch the salsa class on Monday at 7:30pm.  Then I returned home and skyped with my dad who met Favio-neither one of them speaks the other's language so it was hilarious seeing them communicate!  Despite the language difference they got along really well and they both said that they like each other-which I could well imagine because they remind me of each other.  I can't wait until they meet in person.

Friday we had no school-rest from the competition!  So at 9:30 Isaura and I went to the club an I went for a run-so much for rest!  After I went to my friend Elsa's house and met her and Judith.  We picked up another friend and we went shopping.  I ended up getting a discotec dress that I really love, and a couple new shirts.  After Isaura picked me up and I went home to change.  Then she took me to Judith's house.  A couple of her friends were there-including Judas from my class.  We headed to Bienvenido's house for the party.  Of course it was a surprise so we waited right round the corner and my friend Enrique laid in front of a car and waited for Bienvenido to leave the house.  His mother had told him to go get something at the store, once he got around the other corner we sprinted into his house.  We waited at the door with noise makers, shaving cream and confetti.  Then Enrique climed on top of the garage and made sure he was coming, then when he walked in the door we yelled surprise and we all got COVERED in shaving cream and confetti.  I had so much confetti on me I woke up the next day and there was confetti in my bed- and I had changed! (Now that's disturbing)  The rest of the party went really well, Bienvenido was really happy and of course like all parties here we danced until about 1:00.  

Saturday I woke up early and went to Simon's house- we then packed up a huge van and headed to Patzcuaro.  I went with Simon, Gloria (his grandma), Justine, Sandra (her mom-my 3rd host mom), and her sister (I can't remember her name), Caro, Roxy (her sister), Bernardo (Simon's Dad's Friend), and two cousins (of someone-still a little confused).  It was pretty fun, we took pictures- Patzcuaro is home to the largest Plaza in all of Latin America-and we walked around.  The only complaint I had about the trip was the comment that Sandra made-Simon and Bernardo had walked down a different street because we were all looking at jewelry, and then Sandra said lets go.  We started to leave and Gloria realized we were missing Simon and Bernardo, we didn't see them, so Sandra said "Oh just leave them, they aren't sociable people anyway!"  Of course I chimed in that we needed to wait and received quite the look from Sandra and Justine.  But after waiting 2 minutes Simon and Bernardo came around the corner.  After we went to lunch and had "Orange Chicken"-it was delicious and orange.  After we got back Fran and I met in the Centro and watched the lighting of the Cathedral with our host dad's then we went back to my house to get ready.  We were going to our first Antro/Discotec.  "ego" is the name, and it has the BEST view.  I'll put some pictures up, we had a lot of fun and we actually got everyone dancing.  Fran and I plan on going back again, but I believe we are going this coming weekend with rotary so that should be fun!

It was a normal slow Sunday.  Favio cooked his famous burgers, which included the normal toppings and something slightly different-pinapple!  It took a while for me to muster up the courage but I ate it.  I actually didn't hate it, I wouldn't order it all the time but I deffinitely suggest you try it!  (The pinapple was fried...I think)  Then I went to the movies with Isaura jr, Karla (her friend) and we saw Orphan- and the whole time Isaura jr and I had a hold of each other's arm!  

Monday-school went quickly and Simon told me that his class had to take a drug test (you know pee in cup) I found this pretty hilarious and after a while he did too.  After school I talked to Julia and her friends on skype then headed to my first salsa class.  Favio's mom and grandmother had come over for lunch so we took them home first and I found out that Favio's grandmother had 43 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren!  I got to the salsa class and when I walked in I was greeted by Laura's smiling face- for those of you who don't remember Laura is my pilates teacher and we get along really well.  We had a nice conversation while we were waiting for everyone to get there.  I found out that she is (i think) married to Bernardo (the other pilates teacher) and they have a son.  Then the class started and I met her friend- I can't remember his name- and she made me get up and dance with everyone else.  I LOVED the class and surprisingly caught on quickly!  The last 10 minutes we danced with a partner- I of course got the shortest guy in the class (pausing for the predicted chuckling).  But he turned out to be one of the best dancers there, and so I learned some really good moves and I was comfortable dancing with him and Laura's friend too!  Aurore is taking the class as well, she came later so she was learning at a slower pace, but she seemed to like it a lot as well.  On the way home Regina, Isaura, and I worked on some of my spanish-well one conversation in particular!  We were laughing the whole way home!  Then Isaura mentioned that there was a song that doesn't make sense but it is really funny so when we got home Regina and I listened to it!  Part of the lyrics are the title of my blog for this week.

Also I have to mention that today and tomorrow is the celebration of Mexican Independence Day!  It starts today at 11 and goes all through tomorrow.  But I will describe the festivities in next week's blog.

Week 5: "It's the party of Bienvenido" "Yeah but for who?"

Tuesday was one of the best days I have had during my stay here.  We made it to school without popping a tire, which would make anyone's day!  We didn't have Mexican Culture, so we got a free pass out of class, I sat with Aurore and Simon's class (they had gym) and talked to all of my friends there.  It was nice to sit outside for an hour and talk to everyone, it deffinitly beat the pants of sitting in the classroom watching everyone take a test.  Then I had French II, we played a game and everyone was laughing the whole time.  After school Mariana was driving us home and as we were leaving the parking lot she took off her sweater and let go of the wheel we started heading towards the right hand side so I grabbed the wheel, then Simon said "AHH You just broke a rule, NO DRIVING"  This is an ongoing joke now in my family.  At 5:30pm I went to a spinning class for an hour-which I LOVED, then I went to an hour of pilates.  After that I showered and went to an hour of Yoga!  As we left the club I got my hand print and number to work (need a pass code and to scan your hand to get into the club).  As I walked in the door I saw a package- it was my camera cord!  I was so happy and I proceeded to add a lot of photos on my facebook!  

I woke up and wished Isaura a happy birthday!  Then when Mariana and I went to pick up Simon, he said that we was sick and he wasn't going to school.  I had gym first hour of the day, and everyone was really tired, so as a joke I told the gym teacher that I was a  lazy girl from the US and I couldn't run, he chuckled then said we had to run 2 laps.  Well Aurora (one of my friends in my class room) and I were the ONLY ones who ran.  In the second lap the gym teacher said "Floja huh?  Pero tu puedes corre!" (You're a lazy person?  But you can run?).  Then we stopped Aurora and I and made the rest of the class run another lap and we just stood there.  When we got home we changed quick and went out to this fancy restaurant for dinner for Isaura.  It was this awesome pizzeria type thing, with the coolest sink I have ever seen!  Then I went to spinning, then ran for 15 mins before pilates, then went to pilates (with a different teacher).  Then I got home and went to sleep.

The next day I wasn't going to school because I had a rotary meeting at 9:30 (of course we didn't get there until 9:50).  Turns out Isaura wasn't going to the breakfast because it was a Rotary meeting, and it was only for Rotary Camelinas (Caro, Simon, Justine, and I).  After the meeting Laura (the chair person) said we should go back to school because it was so late.  So Caro and I went with Gloria (Simon's Grandma) and we met Laura at the Zoo, we just went there to buy tickets for the when we go for the Rotary District Conference.  Then we were invited to go to see the Hotel we were going to be staying at, then to lunch.  Justine turned down the offer and had another lady take her home, so that left Caro, Simon, Gloria, Laura, and I.  We got to see this BEAUTIFUL hotel and we went to the roof, we are renting it out for a night to watch the light show on the Cathedral.  Then we went out to lunch in the centro.  Laura said since it was hot she was getting us a beer, we had one corona (she insisted because it is part of the culture).  It was offically a month that I had been here, and I got to try Chili Relleno-my dad had been telling me about this dish for months.  Well this restaurant had it is Urchepos (MY FAVORITE FOOD HERE) so it was a wonderful lunch.  After I went to Simon's house to wait for my mom- he is currently living with Gloria because Patti (my future host mom and his current host mom) had moved and they weren't ready to host him yet.  So I talked to Gloria, then Luis (grandfather) and Simon.  I found Luis really interesting, he told me he lived in NYC for 4 years and he is a very philosophical person; I enjoyed talking to him!  Then I went to Spinning, then Pilates, then I ran for 30 minutes before going home and going to sleep.  

The next day Simon and I were getting picked up by Gloria at 11:00-of course it turned out to be 12:00 before she got there.  Justine and her mom were with her, Justine didn't go to school.  Then we went to the Immigration office, but we were missing all of these papers.  We ended up running all around the city (5 hours).  We had lunch at this restaurant that is very popular-it is called El Infierno, I am pretty sure everyone can figure out what that means.  The tacos were AWESOME!  After I met Isaura and we went home.  Later on I went to a dinner party thing for Fran's brother (he is going to Canada).  

I hung out for the afternoon and then when Isaura got home she suggested we rent a traditional movie of Mexico.  I can't remember the title- but it was hilarious.  It was a musical type movie- I can't even begin to tell you the plot because it is so complicated, but I really liked it.  Then at 8:30pm I went with Aurore and Luis (one of my friends) to see the lighting of the Cathedral.  It was amazing, there was this introductory video, then all this music and fireworks as they turned on the lights.  It was so pretty and there were tons of people, it was like a mini carnaval, and this happens EVERY Saturday.  I was in awe!  After we got churros (by request of Aurore) and watched an african drum band.  Then we passed through the center where they had a HUGE TV set up and tons of people were watching a football game (Mexico vs Costa Rica).  Then we went to a coffee shop and got come coffee, and it was right next to a bar so we got to experience some real Mexican Futbol culture!   

Sunday was another lazy day, Fran and I went to Starbucks and Subway.  Then we went shopping.

Monday went by pretty slow.  After school Fran and I started to walk to the convenience store to get some more candy for a present for my friend.  (It is his birthday today-his name is Bienvenido).  On our way there Isaura pulled up and asked where we were going, turns out I had misunderstood her when she had told me that she was picking me up after school.  She is going to pick Simon and I up after school every monday now!  We got home later and Isaura jr was home sick, and Regina has a cold.  Then I talked to my dad before going with Isaura and Regina into town.  Regina had a guitar class so Isaura and I bought a gift bag for Bienvenido's present, then we went to a little mall type thing.  She asked if I wanted some coffee and I said sure.  I told her I was going to pay for it because she is always driving me everywhere, she was really grateful and it made me feel a little bit better.  

Today was alright, classes pasted fairly quickly.  Bienvenido really liked his present and the card that I made for him.  He then asked if we wanted to go get tacos with him and all of our friends.  Fran and I went, then Elsa drove us to Starbucks were we met Isaura and then we went home.  

The language is still a challenge but I learn new things everyday and I am slowly improving.  Today my Mexican Law teacher told me that I spoke and understood spanish very well.  He told me he understood everything I wrote on the test we had (the test that I attempted), he said that I was a very smart girl.  I was really happy to hear this, I just wish I could understand everything!  I get frustrated when I don't understand because I want to be on the same level as my class mates and I want to be able to express myself; but it still a little tough.   

And to explain the caption.  Bienvenido is welcome in spanish, so I was trying to explain to Isaura jr that my friend Bienvenido was having a party on Friday.  But she didn't realize I was talking about my friend Bienvenido, and not a welcome party.  She kept asking who the party was for and I would answer Bienvenido, and she would say "Yeah but for WHO?"  We eventually figured it out, we found this quite hilarious.

Miss and Love you all,

Mariah

PS: My parents are sending a package out tomorrow or the next day if you have anything you need to send to me, just let them know!  haha

Week Four: Aye Perdon!

It has been a month!  I still am in awe of my house, city, and the culture.  It seems that I learn something new, or realize something different everyday!  I am going to apologize right now- I don't have pictures up- my host mom and I went to buy a camera disk converter and I brought my lap top to try it there, but I went to a dance class and Isaura bought one for me without trying it.  So when I got home of course my computer wouldn't read it, and all of the other computers in the house wouldn't even recognize it!  So trust me I am just as upset as you are, not to mention all my friends here are waiting for me to put pictures up from the parties!  I will try my hardest to get something tomorrow.

Tuesday I took the bus to school again, and the schedule changed for my Mexican Culture and Spanish classes, we now have classes every day of the week.  Then we watched a movie about Michoacan, and Simon and I joked that I was one of the girls in the video and he was the other with the ribbons in his hair.  I took the bus home and we had lunch with minimal talking because Isaura jr pointed out that it was one of Favio jr's favorite meals.  By the way the host parents of Favio jr sent pictures and said he was doing really well so I am happy for him.  After lunch Isaura, Regina, and I went to the Secondary Valladolid (a lot closer to my house then the Prepatory school where I go), and we talked to the basketball coach.  It turns out that basketball practice is Tuesday-Thursday for two hours each day-so I opted out; because I would not be able to do Pilates, Salsa, or go to the gym.  Then as we headed back to the club it started to pour-which is quite normal here- but then it started to hail!  It hailed for some long it looked like there was snow, seems like I can't escape the snow wherever i go!  Isaura dropped me off at the club because she had a friend coming over, and I went to the Pilates class alone.  I enjoyed it a lot, and after I took a shower at the club it is really nice just to hang out there.  When I returned home I moved all of my stuff into Favio jr's room, it is nice to have my own room again-as much as I liked sharing with Regina and Isaura jr; I needed some space to myself.  Isaura and Favio told me that they were leaving and they would see me tomorrow, and as I was returning to my room Isaura jr said "hey", i turned around and she said "ready?" and she threw a thing of mascara to me-she said she got it for me because she loves me! haha  We had dinner a little later and I went to sleep.  

Wednesday I had gym as my first class-at 7am in the morning mind you (it was still dark).  And let me tell you, gym classes in the United States don't even compare to gym in Mexico!  We ran so much!  Then we had all of these sit ups-at least DOUBLE what we do in the US, and the same with pushups.  After that we had to do step ups and then we ran again!  I was so tired after, but I was proud of myself for surviving it at 7am in the morning!  School went slow because I was excited for after school- Caro, Fran, Aurore, and I were going to Plaza Americas (the mall thing).  Aurore's dad picked us up and we went to Pizza Hut-it was hilarious because we were trying to figure out what we wanted, and the girl behind the counter was laughing at us trying to speak spanish and understand each other.  Then I finally told the girl (and the rest of the kitchen who were now watching) that we were all exchange students and we spoke 4 different languages!  Everyone found this quite funny-eventually we figured it out and I got a personal supreme pizza.  It didn't taste like anything I could get from NY pizzeria's but it made me feel a little better.  After, we went to Starbucks and talked for a while with the girl working there.  Finally we headed to the mall to shop.  We had planned to shop for a lot longer but Isaura told me that Laura (from Rotary) had called and said we HAD to go to this Rotary thing at a nursing home- Isaura tried to explain that we had plans but Laura didn't acknowledge it.  So we left the mall at 4:45 and went to a Nursing Home, turns out that no one knew why we were there.  The president of the club came and talked to us and we explained that we were exchange students-turns out this wasn't even our club, and we all have different clubs throughout Morelia.  We ended up staying for not even an hour and leaving.  After Isaura dropped off the other exchange students Regina, Isaura and I went to the MEGA super market and got some stuff for me room before returning home.  Then I fell asleep at 9pm, and woke up at 10:30 to tell my host dad that I didn't want supper.  

The next day went by slowly-in Mexican Culture we sang mine and FRan's favorite song "Mexico en tu piel" (Asi se siente Mexico)-which means Mexico on your skin and This is Mexico.  The after lunch at my house Isaura and I went to the gym and we ran before Pilates, and then after the pilates class we showered and headed back home.  I really like Laura the pilates teacher-and I know she gets a good laugh at me, the first class I was like WHOA phew when we did this one thing for the thighs-it was crazy hard (now I can do it haha).  Then at the second class I kept falling off the yoga ball, so when I come she always laughs, but she is glad that I try.  

Today I got to wake up later because Mariana (future host sister) and her family moved into their new house which is closer to my house, so I got to ride into school with her and Simon.  Then at school I found out that on Thursdays I get to have a Jazz class for two hours (DURING SCHOOL), I am really excited.  After school (Caro, Fran, Simon, Aurore, and I) along with tons of other people from our school went to a party thing at a neighborhood across the street from the school.  We enjoyed some tacos and we got to meet some new people-we made plans for that night to go to another party at my friend Enrique's house (you know him as the boy who was teaching me all the dances at the last party).  We left the party and went to our houses to get ready.  I talked to Arika on skype and showed her my house, then got ready for the party.  Isaura and Favio ended up driving Aurore and I to the party because my friends didn't have a car.  Fran's parents brought her and Caro had to go to another party with her sister.  The party was again-very fun!  We danced and Enrique and I did the Souja Boy and Cha Cha Slide for everyone.  During the Cha Cha Slide I asked if he knew the "Charlie Brown", which is part of the dance, he said yes but when it came he and I didn't something different.  Everyone cheered when they saw me do it and then we all starting dancing again.  I got to do some salsa, the other dance that I learned, and the Mexican partner dance with another friend.  After the party I went to Aurore's house and slept because the party was really far from my house.  

Isaura picked me up from Aurore's house and we went home.  Isaura said we were going to Tzintzuntzan for one night and Favio was going to cook his famous burgers (apparently my dad has some Mexican competition).  But later Isaura said we weren't going to go because it was raining and kind of cold out.  So some family came to the house and we had a nice lunch.  After a while Isaura jr asked if I wanted to go to the movies with her and her friends I said yes.  We saw "The Time Traveler's Wife (El Amare por Siempre)", it was really good- and I got to understand everything because it was in English I paid attention to the subtitles somewhat and caught some spanish.  After we returned to the house and had cake and icecream.  I talked with some of the family that was still there and they told me that I understand a lot, and my spanish was really good!  I watched "Hey Arnold" (Oye Arnold), "Rocket Power", and "The Angry Beavers" in spanish which was hilarious, but I enjoyed seeing all my favorite shows from a while back.  (DAD AND JACLYN-there were commercials for As Told By Ginger and that show with the comic book and Action League Now!...I was really excited!)  Regina told me that they played these old shows only on Saturday nights on this special channel.  After that I talked to Jaclyn, Mom, and Dad before going to sleep.  

We all woke up late today, Isaura and Favio don't normally wake up that late but they stayed up with their friends til 4am.  I had breakfast and talked to Allie on skype.  We spent the whole day lounging around and catching up on sleep.

The day off worked really well for me because I was well rested for the horrible monday morning headed my way.  I went with Mariana to school again today, and we picked up Simon.  As we were driving down the road we hit this HUGE bump, and after a few seconds Mariana said "Oh No!" and pulled to the side of the road- I got out and sure enough her front tire was completely flat!  We called her mom and she called a taxi, but it missed us the first time, so we had to call again.  Once we finally got the taxi Simon's door didn't want to close and the driver had to get out and shut it.  Then on the way to school there was more traffic than usual and of course the taxi was a standard and we were stuck on the hill; it was tough.  We decided that it just wasn't a day for school, there were too many signs telling us not to go.  We waited outside because we were so late to our first class.  Then the rest of the day passed quite quickly, Simon and I didn't go to our last classes because we were excused to work on our project.  After school Patti picked us up (Mariana's mom and my future host mom); she brought Simon and Mariana to Simon's home and asked me to move up front.  She said that she was amazed because Simon talked so much around me.  She was really happy when I told her that Simon and I are good friends and we talk all the time, she also complimented my spanish and said I had come a long way from the last time she had talked to me (at Tzintzuntzan).  This was nice to hear!  Then she told me that she wanted us (my family) over for lunch tomorrow, I believe she said for tacos (what a surprise).  But let me tell you something, for those of you who think Mexican is the same thing over and over- your wrong.  Every meal is so different, and although most do include tortillas I never seem to get bored with what we are served.  And I have determined I am slowly becoming Mexican- I put more and more salsa on my tacos now, I am quite proud of myself and my stomach.  Eventually Isaura, Isaura jr, Regina, and I went to Regina's guitar class, then we went to find a wire for my camera (you know how that turned out), and I went to a dance class.  We learned a couple different partner dances- I am not sure if I returned.  I didn't mind the class but it wasn't really a challenge and it was all adults that had obviously never danced before.  After an hour and 15 mins Isaura picked me up and we went to the mall.  Isaura jr needed a blue sweater for school and she wanted new clothes.  Isaura tried to get me to shop, but I didn't see anything I couldn't live without so I didn't try anything on.  We returned home and Isaura and Favio left for a party, Isaura said she would see us in the morning.

I am having a lot of fun here, and I hope I am conveying that in my blog's-it is tough to express how beautiful it is here and how nice everyone is.  I have a lot of friends at school and I am starting to understand more spanish-sometimes it catches me off guard.  This month has gone incredibly fast, and although everyone warned me it would fly by I didn't always believe them.  I am enjoying this culture, and I hope you are too through my blog-if you have any questions please let me know I don't mind sharing some stories!

Miss you all very much,

Mariah 

PS: Aye Perdon- has become part of my permenate vocabulary here.  I say AYE every time someone is picking on me or anytime I trip, basically all the time.  Perdon is a way to excuse yourself, so whenever I run into Isaura jr or Regina (on purpose) I always say Aye Perdon!  They find this quite amusing, I haven't really figured out why.  I like to say oye also, it is like "hey or oh yeah".