Week Three: And your new word is?

Week 3 flew by, I have been quite busy with everything and I will be starting activities after school soon.  I hope to play basketball and sing at my school, and take salsa lessons in town!

The second day of school I woke up even later then the first time-Isaura decided we needed a better alarm system.  School went by fairly quick, and the exchange students had a Mexican Culture class (and spanish classes some days as well).  I really enjoy these classes because I understand everything the teacher is saying, she speaks slow and clear, lucky for me.  Later we went into town and got my gym uniform-its pretty interesting (I'll make sure to take a picture); then Isaura and I went to a pilates class, it was really hard but I enjoyed it-I plan to return tomorrow.  I am officially a member at the club now, I have a code and I have to put my hand in this thing to get in.  Later that night I talked to Derek on skype and he talked to my host parents.  

The next day I woke up on time and got to school nice and early, which left me time to change into my gym clothes (when classes have gym everyone just wears their gym uniform all day-that is something I have to get used to).  Later that day I had Etimologia (which is Greek and Latin in spanish language) and it is probably my favorite class-we are learning greek right now.  After that I took the bus to the bus stop got picked up by Favio and we went straight to a party for Bernie (Justine from France's host brother who is going to France).  It was really fun because Fran (from Brasil) and I got everyone dancing and we had a lot of fun.  

Thursday I woke up and was afraid Isaura wasn't up because I didn't hear the blender (for my normal morning drink)-turns out it was broken!  But before we left Isaura cheered me up-she gave me a cell phone to use while I'm here, and she told me when Favio jr leaves I'll get his chip (which has more minutes and works better). Later on that day Elsa a girl in my class invited me to a party on Friday, and I was really pumped.  After school I went to the club and received my personal trainer workout (which I haven't been able to start), then Isaura jr Carla and I went to Starbucks for a while.  

Friday all my classes passed quickly, and in gym we met the coaches of the sports at the school, then spent the rest of the class talking.  Isaura and Favio were in Guadalajuara for the day so I went with Mariana (future host sister and Simon's current host sister).  We stopped at at a local taco joint for a while.  Mariana talks very very fast and it is often hard to tell what she is saying, and I can understand why Simon is often bored when he is with her (not speaking any spanish).  However Simon and I talked throughout lunch and he really enjoys hanging out with his host dad.  (I found out today that they went hang gliding-I think that's the name but it's when you jump off a cliff and coast down to the ground.  Then he told me this weekend they are going white water rafting, I'm so jealous!  I hope when I got to that family I get to do that as well!).  After I went home and got ready for the party-Elsa picked me up at 9:30pm and we went to a different gated community (there are hundreds around the city), it was a birthday party for Elsa's friend.  I met some people from my school and made some new friends, including Enrique and Bienvenido (yes his name is Welcome).  I really enjoy the parties here because everyone dances!  I learned some Mexican dances, including a partner one that Enrique taught me, it is quite hilarious!  Enrique went to the Oklahoma with Rotary last year so he practiced English and helped me with spanish.  He taught me a new word- It was the type of dance, and he kept asking me "and what is your new word?" and every time I had forgotten- and I still to this day can't remember that word.   I got invited to a party next week as well for Fatima (a girl in my class) her birthday was last week!  

The next day I had another party for Allie, Aurore(from France)'s host sister who is going to France tomorrow!  The party was really nice- we took pictures and sang some songs!  Then at 6 a Mariachi band came-they played for an hour (the singing was a little out of tune but the overall experience was good).  I left at 7 and Regina Isaura and I picked up some cake for the family.  Favio jr was leaving on Sunday morning for the US (He is in Dryden so if anyone runs into him tell him Maria-HAH says hola Favie).  The whole family came over and had cake and talked.  Eventually Favio jr came home,  he walked in the door and Julia (4 year old cousin) yelled FAVITOO!  She ran up to him and he said Julia! and scooped her up-he asked for a kiss and she kissed his cheek-then he kissed her cheek and smiled at her.  It was the sweetest thing!.  After a while I ended up watching a futbol game with my uncles, it was quite the Mexican memory.  My uncle got on the edge of his seat and said Oh! OHH! and I turned back to the TV right as a guy from the Morelia team dribbled around the goalie and scored a goal.  My uncle jumped up and screamed YEAHHHHHH! and ran into the kitchen.  (Morelia ended up winning 2-0)  I'm sure glad I witnessed that memory-because it was a part of Mexican culture I didn't want to miss out on!  The family left at 11pm and Favio asked me if I was ready to go, it was then I remembered that we were going to a party for one of Favio jr's friends.  So I ran up to the room and changed, we got to the party at 11:30pm ish.  It was really cool, it was a club type thing with chalkboard walls, and framed paintings.  I met some really cool people and got to hang out with Roxy (I believe she is my future host sister) and her host sister Caro (from Germany).  We didn't leave until 2:30-3:00am ish.  Favio jr was leaving at 6:30am so he didn't sleep.  Isaura jr slept for a little while and then they all woke up at 5:30 and went to the airport with Favio jr.  

The next day was tough on everyone, Isaura jr is still really upset.  Later on that day we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house for lunch.  We hung out with the cousins and the little ones put on a bikini/ dance show.  It was hilarious after the bikini portion they decided to dance and right as they got to the end a huge clash of thunder scared them all-they screamed and ran every which way!  We left not too long afterwords and when I got home talked to Derek again on skype, he got to meet my host sisters this time.  

Today I had to wake up at 5 am because both Regina and Isaura jr have school and Isaura has to drive them-so I had to take the bus.  I will be taking the bus all this week until Patti (Mariana's mom-my future host mom) moves into the new house close to my house now; then I will get to ride to school with her and Simon.  School went fairly quickly today, in Filosofia the teacher asked me if I understood everything- I told him only a little.  So he told me to listen to him- he turned to the class and told them that they needed to help me understand, he said invite me into their groups, and help me with spanish; he went on to say it is a different culture and a different country so it is difficult for me.  Later on in the day one of the teachers didn't come to class so my whole class just hung out and talked-it was really nice.  After school I took the bus home and got picked up by Favio and his mom.  We went home and had a nice lunch-I realized that I am starting to understand my family more, and I actually understood something funny and laughed at the same time as everyone else-this is a good sign.  

I hope everyone is enjoying my entries!  I'm sure you're just as anxious as I am to see the pictures online- I am still waiting for my wire to arrive-if it doesn't come by next week, I am going to go to the local apple store and buy some sort of converter for my camera.  

I miss you all!  Talk to you soon!

Mariah

Week Two: "Maria-HAH"

I can't believe that my second week here is done already!  I can tell that my spanish is getting a little bit better everyday, and my host mom tells all of the Rotary people that my spanish is really good.  I hope you enjoy this weeks events-and I will have pictures shortly I promise!

We never made it to the spinning classes or pilates, but Isaura said she will take me some time soon (and I believe I am going to do Yoga tomorrow).   Later on Isaura, Isaura jr and I went and got our hair cut, Isaura junior suggested I get mine cut with side bangs so I did and I really like it!  After that Isaura jr decided I needed some make up of my own (she has been experimenting on me).  After we had a professional consultant do my makeup they got me a light foundation and lip gloss stuff.  We got home and I went for a run-it was the perfect temperature and I got a beautiful view of the town.  When I got back Isaura jr, Regina and I watched Hercules and all sang I won't say I'm in Love together (it is our favorite part)!  The next morning we got up and packed for our 4 day trip to Tzinsunsan* (Seen-soon-son), my host family has a house by the lake there.  Some of Isaura jr's friends came (Paula, Carla, and Fany), then we packed up the car and we left.  On the way I finally got to exchange my money: I exchanged $200 and got over 2,ooo pesos!  (I haven't spent any yet) It took us about an hour to get there.  The first night it was only Isaura, Isaura jr, her friends, and I.  The next day we woke up and went right into the pool, then another car pulled up.  It was one of the two other host families I will be living with during my exchange and my current host brother Favio.  Patti is the mom, (The dad wasn't there), Mariana is 15, Julia is 12, and Mao is 11; and they are currently hosting Simon an exchange student from Denmark.  Isaura had mentioned Simon many times to me-he speaks 4 languages, none of which are spanish, but he does speak English.  He is very shy so Isaura encouraged me to talk to him.   I found out the he had only been here for 2 days!  We all took a walk out to the boat (it is about a soccer field away-2 other houses are there) and when we returned we had what I have named Mexican Corn on the Cob.  It is normal corn on the cob- but there isn't any butter to be found, sour cream, limes and salt(which I have found they put on EVERYTHING), cheese, and hot salsa sauce (Dad I can see you mouth watering from here).  After dinner my future host brother Mao (who reminds me of Luke) showed me some magic tricks, it was really funny and I enjoyed it a lot.  The next morning I went for a walk with Patti and Isaura-they are really good friends so I really enjoyed their company- I really like them both.  After that we all piled into their two boats and went out onto the lake, I didn't bring my swim suit so I didn't go out on the float they pulled behind but I had fun none the less.  We stayed out until 4:30pm then went back to the house for lunch.  After Simon, Favio jr, and I played soccer- It was really fun- Favio jr is quite the character and Simon is really good at soccer (Patti was happy because Simon hadn't really done too much with them- I think it is easier for him to talk to me because I speak English and I understand that he is tired and that he doesn't always want to eat, and he has a bigger time difference then me!).  Isaura's parents came, I liked them a lot, and I talked about the history of Patzquaro and the United States with Isaura's father.  After another boat ride and some more soccer we went to sleep.  We woke up and piled into the boats once again (with my bathing suit this time), and I went out on the float...it was really fun!  We hung out for a while swimming in the middle of the lake and listening to music!  We went back to the house and decided to go to a near by town called Patzcuaro (it is famous for it's icecream).  It was a really cute town with a center square and lots of little markets set up everywhere.  Favio dorve us and he said that he was buying everyone a bracelet!  Then Favio took Regina and I on a tour, we went into this alley garden thing and he showed us the weaved baskets, handmade clothes, and fun masks.  He pointed to 3 of the ugly masks and said they were Regina, Isaura jr, and Favio jr.  We all laughed then Regina pointed to one and said it was her dad, but right after she said oh no wait!  THIS is my dad!   It was a really ugly mask of an old man with a huge nose!  We laughed and then Favio pointed to two grim reapers and said one was Regina and one was me!  We laughed and went back into the market.  Then Favio said I needed a bracelet, because I hadn't found one I wanted.  So he laughed and said if I didn't get a bracelet then I didn't like Mexico.  I gasped loudly and laughed, he put his hand on my should and said "You like Mexico don't you?" and I answered "of course!" and he said "Then I guess you need a bracelet don't you?"  We both laughed and I ended up getting a blue and green bracelet for 10 pesos (not even a dollar).  After that Favio treated us to coffee with icecream (white chocolate to be exact) and we went back to the house.   (PS: Derek I went of Rail Road Tracks twice and lifted up my feet- you better be lifting yours up too)  On the ride back Mao my future host brother and I sang some rap songs (this reminded me of Luke and I laughed really hard when Mao acted gansta just like Luke).  When I got back I realized I had a nice burn on my knees, feet, back, shoulders, and scalp!  I had plenty of sunscreen on but the sun here is really strong!  When we got back Regina and I decided that she had established a nickname for me.  "Maria-HAH"  this is because so many people here can't pronounce Mariah that she makes fun of them by saying Maria-HAH.  Besides Maria-HAH my family enjoys referring to me as a "floja".  Which is someone who sleeps a lot- and it is true.

We woke up the next day and said goodbye-but most of the good byes were see you laters, because there was a Rotary dinner at 2:00pm at Patti's ranch (my future host family).  We left but didn't get to the dinner until 3, I am still getting used to the laid back schedule here.  I met my chair contact Laura and she went over the rules and told us that we have a district rotary meeting on September 19th (we have 60 exchange students in the whole district and 6 inbounds in my town and school (Caro Germany, Fed or Ferd Brazil, Orzoro* France, Justine France, and Simon Denmark).  We left a little while later and Isaura jr told me we needed to go to the closet because we needed to pick out clothes for my first day of school.  I woke up late the next day for school, so Isaura didn't call for the bus-she gave me a ride up instead.  It ended up working out well because I got to ask all of the questions I had.  When I got to school (AT 7AM mind you!) I got help from a teacher, we talked and I found out that he works for Sabarro the pizza place and he is also an English teacher for people who speak spanish.  Knowing that I wanted to do the same thing as him he said he was going to put me in a class.  So I went with him and after a while in the first class I figured out it was politics.  Then a strange bell went off for 30 seconds and everyone stood outside.  I saw Simon and Ozcoro and we talked, then we returned to the room and they asked who was studying English and who was studying French.  I wasn't sure and neither were the teachers but since I speak English we decided on French.  I didn't understand anything in the class (I believe it is French 2), but I introduced myself in French and said that was the extent of my french (in spanish) everyone laughed and I sat down.  The teachers are very nice to the exchange students, they understand that the spanish is fast and we don't understand a lot.  After French we had a 25 minute break, I met up with some of the exchange students and met some of my other friends.  (Mariana my future host sister and another one of Isaura jr's friends) After I had Philisophy, and something else I have yet to figure out what is was, then Biology 2.  The teacher of Biology was really nice, I could hardly understand him most of the time, but he spoke slowly for me when I looked completely lost.  We had a test, just to see what we knew, and for the most part I could figure it out, then he started saying letters, ARN and some others, I was completely lost.  He saw my face and laughed, he apologized and wrote DNA and RNA and this is the English version.  After that I had history, but it was more of how history has applied to today.  Then another break after that I had Psychology, I didn't understand anything the woman was saying and she didn't seem too phased that I didn't understand, after that we had another break and then we went to our final class.  It was confusing because it was English and French again, but this time it was preliminary French and regular English.  I told the french teacher that I had taken french in the morning and didn't know where to go, she suggested English- I told her that I spoke English but she said that was alright.  So I went with the English students.  After a whole lecture in spanish the teacher looked and me and said si? and I said si.  He asked my name I told him Mariah, he said Mariah?  Where are you from?  I said the US and he said SO WHY ARE YOU HERE?  He laughed and I said I'm not sure- I explained what happened and he said he would talk to someone.  The class had to write in English why they were taking this class and what they wanted to get out of it- he told me to write in Spanish, and when he read it he complimented my spanish.  After class he said he didn't mind me in the English class but he thinks that two French classes will be better than one, and I agree.  The schedule is really crazy, so I am not sure what I have tomorrow, I know I have Psychology again and at least one French class, I'm guessing Math as well.  I also found out that the Exchange Students have a Spanish Class and a Culture class, we talked to the teacher and she said she wasn't sure when they would be but they would start next week and she would come to our class rooms and get us when they were starting.  I have to wake up every morning at 5:30am for school- so much for being a floja- Regina my host sister finds this absolutely hilarious!  I told her that if she laughed at me too much I would jump on her at 5:30 am and then she would be sorry! haha

After school I took the bus to the center of town and Favio jr picked me up.  We all had lunch and then Isaura Regina and I went to the store to get notebooks for school and some food for the house.  Tomorrow after school we are going to get my uniform for gym-its a polo and wind pants-yuck!  

I miss you all and pictures are soon to come!  

Let me know if you have any questions

Love,

Mariah 

Week One: Es caliente?

They say that anticipation is worse then actually doing something.  Well in this case they were right.  I was very nervous for my exchange.  But now that I am here I am very happy and enjoying it.

The first day was quite the mix of emotions.  The trip here was pretty uneventful, besides the fact that when I got to Houston I had to take a tram to another terminal and go to this tiny little corner in less than 45 minutes!  The plane to Morelia was tiny!  There were only 40 people on it and one side didn't even have an overhead to put bags.  Flying in was wonderful, it was all mountains that were beautiful and a lush green.  I arrived at the airport and we all had to walk a good half mile to the airport.  When I arrived all of the lights were off and there was only 4 people working there, I got my bags and went through customs (a guy looked at my sheet put my bags through a check and let me go).  I came out the other side an looked for my family.  I didn;t see them, so I headed for the door-but someone touched my shoulder and said "Maria" "Mariah-yes"  It was my host mom.  She gave me a kiss on the cheek (custom here when you see someone-every time!) and a hug then my younger host sister Regina and my host dad.  We arrived at my house- which is in a gated community (yes Jaclyn! haha).  The house is beautiful!  It is very modern and quite huge.  (I will have pictures soon).  I am sharing a room with my host sisters for now, and when Favio (my host brother) goes to America in 2 weeks I will get his room.  Isaura I hadn't met yet because she was in Madrid with her friends on a trip for her birthday (she came home on Wednesday)

My Family: Isaura is my host mom, Favio is my host dad, Favio (who I will refer to as Favio jr) is my 17 year old host brother, Isaura (who I will refer to as Isaura jr) is my 15 year old host sister, and Regina is my 11 year old host sister. 

Then I met the two maids!  Yes maids!  They are really nice.  I'm not sure of their names, but I think one is Marie.

After the tour of the house, they took me into central Morelia.  It was sooo beautiful!  The cathedral and all of the shops!  Then we got tacos and headed home.

The next day I woke up and had eggs with salsa for breakfast.  Later that day we went to the club.  It is like a country club exclusive for people who live in Tres Marias (the gated community) and I am proud to say that I am now a member!  They have everything from spinning classes and pilates to a swim up bar and spa!  Wow!  Then Isaura and I went to the Candy Market and some other stores (quite the place to shop).  After that we checked out come dance studios (jazz and flamenco-but flamenco was closed).  We went to my school-which is on top of a huge mountain and has quite the view of Morelia!  My school is huge and blue! haha 

We then returned home and we all made banana cake (which is basically banana bread) and I found out that Favio wants to take me to the theater here to a show that is all "double meanings" but he is going to wait until I understand more.

I woke up sick the next day, but was better after I took some medicine and slept for another hour.  It wasn't anything serious just an upset stomach from the different food and time.  Isaura told me it was the salsa on the "torta" I had eaten for lunch.  Then Favio said we were going to his brother's house.  I met a whole bunch of relatives, then Isaura jr and I went back to the house and met her friend Edna. 

The next day Isaura jr woke me up and said that we had to go.  Turns out Favio jr Isaura (host mom) and I had a rotary breakfast.  I met some other rotary students and I got to know Favio more- it was a nice breakfast.  We all went to the school after that and I found out that I will be in the highest grade and the others are two grades below me!  I am scared but happy that I will be with people closer to my age.  I also got to try squash seeds-they are pretty good.  Thne Edna and Isaura jr asked me to go to a movie, Isaura said we would leave in 10 mins which ended up being 30, but we left eventually.  We stopped at an apple store first, then we got smoothies met some of their friends, then we went to Starbucks and they talked for forever.  Finally we went over to the plaza (the mall) and after more chatting with EVERYONE (they use the mall as a social gathering place rather than a shopping center) we went to the theater.  We spent 3 mins looking at movies.  Isaura jr said she was hungry and we left, I still to this day don't know what happened to the movie.  But we went to Mikono (I wasn't sure what this was so I just followed), well it turned out being a Sushi restaurant!  I told them I had never had sushi, so Edna ordered for me.  It came and it was rice, shrimp, avacado, and cheese-I think.  Well I tried it and I liked it!  Yes ladies and gents I actually consumed and enjoyed sushi. (Derek this is for you).  But what I found most interesting was a Japanese man speaking spanish-haha quite the adventure.

Fany Isaura's friend spent the night so when we all woke up we went to Fany's house beofre going school shopping for them.  Then after lunch and a quick trip to the plaza we were leaving again.  I asked Isaura jr where and she said to her cousins house.  We got there and I met a million girls all about my age and a woman came up to me and asked "Are you Maria"  I answered yes (They can't pronounce Mariah very well so I have to live with Maria-no Luke that isn't a free pass sorry).  She said I am your aunt.  Well right after that we were moved to the dining room-which was covered in decorations, I didn't know what it was for but before I could ask we were pushed into a corner and told to be quiet.  Then some girls walked in and they blasted music, it turns out it was a going away party for a cousin, she is going to sweden.  I met some more people and then we left.

The next day we spent at another aunts house and I met even more people.  Oh and I'm sure you will love this dad- I ate grasshopper!  Yes grasshopper, I saw and ate a leg!  Yikes, but surprisingly good.  

Today we hung out for a while I talked to Julia on skype and showed her the house and some of my family.  Then Isaura jr, Carla her friend, and I went to Starbucks and hung out with some of her friends.  It was nice- they are very helpful with spanish.  Then we returned home.

Tomorrow I am going to try spinning and pilates!  And eventually (hopefully) a dance class!  I am still trying to get used to the language and the food!  They speak really fast and slur their words, most of the time when I ask them to slow it down by the second try I can get it.  I have realized though now that I am starting think is Spanish and I am starting to treat spanish as I would treat English!

Sorry this is so long-there is just so much to say!

I miss you all!  Talk to you soon!

Mariah 

PS: "Es caliente" is the big joke in my house.  I was trying to ask if something was hot (like spicy) but it is picante NOT caliente so now Isaura jr always says caliente and laughs.  It is quite amusing!