Antiguedades

Hello friends and family!

First of all, happy Monday to all! I hope your weekends were top notch...mine was! On Friday night, I went to a mescaleria (a bar that serves all different types of mescal which is kind of like tequila but not) and then to another bar-club type of venue. On Saturday, I didn´t do much during the day except for chill and then go out again at night with the crazy Canadians and some taco-vending Mexicans...We went to a club called Oui which is supposed to be pretty fresa but was actually really fun. Of course, late night tacos ensued for both of my nights out. A girls gotta eat!

On Sunday, I met up with Gerry to have lunch with some English boys that live by him. He was very sweet to set the whole thing up, and we ended up getting along really well. They are student-teaching here from England and were really nice. We ate at Chili´s (worst choice ever...my burger was essentially raw...one for America) and then afterward, the boys and I met up with my friends, Carolina and Kayt, to walk to the coffee festival that was happening in the downtown. It was cool--we tried a whole bunch of coffees and then when we were feeling sufficiently wired and jumpy, we walked to another plaza where they were having an art fair. Loved it...duh. There was also an orchestra sort of concert that we happened upon in the evening. All in all, a great day!

Today was another unexpected adventure. After teaching in the morning, Carolina and I decided to go antiquing at some Bazars that she knew of. It was really cool--they had all this old stuff (I know, I know...that is the definition of antique) and we spent a few hours searching through the junk to find the gems. We happened upon this one shop that was excellent. The man had all of these old pin-up girl posters, several old type-writers, an old stove, and a bunch of other cool stuff. I even found a postcard from Tehuacan that was written in 1948! Que padre! We spent so long in his store looking at everything and asking questions that he took us into the back room and showed us this giant album of old documents and stuff that he was clearly proud of. There was this really funny identification card for a society entitled P.U.P (el Partido Unido de Pandejos) which literally means the United Group of Idiots! Hysterical.

The owner, Romeo (who is probably about 300 pounds and 6`feet tall), took a liking to us so much that he invited us to lunch! We, of course, accepted. He immediately summoned his (friend? servant?) Alvaro (a teeeeeeny tiny man) to bring us 2 bottles of red wine. (Oh, did I mention this was in the middle of the day and I had class again at 4?) He took out a bunch of styrofoam cups and lids and proceeded to pour one bottle into two cups for Lina and I and one entire bottle into another for himself. I am pretty sure my jaw dropped all the way to the antique-ass floor. After he moved his moto (which was actually a four-wheeler,)we followed him to an Italian restaurant where he ordered us spaghetti with red sauce and peperoni. (A strange choice, but free, and therefore delicious.) And we brought in the wine although he kept referring to it loudly as jugo de jamaica when within earshot of the waiters.

Romeo then  proceeded to entertain us with a story about how he met Gloria Gaynor at a club in Mexico many years ago and had a 2 day romance with her!! (Yes, that Gloria Gaynor!) The man was a complete and utter maniac and we loved him! I had to essentially eat and run because I had class, but we promised to visit him again in his shop. Just goes to show, you never know what a Monday afternoon will bring!

Settling in...

Hey everyone! I am sorry I haven't been good about blogging lately, but better late than never, right? I am starting to get used to my new city and my new schedule. I really, really like teaching this time around. The students are eager to learn which definitely makes my job easier. Today, however, is quiz day...so after this afternoon, I will see how much of what I actually say during class is staying in their heads and how much is just flying out the window.

In my free time, I have been exploring the city---the center is really beautiful and fun, and since I don't know my way around (anywhere...but especially in a new place) it takes me about 5 times longer to do anything than it would if A. I had a car and B. I knew where I was going. Therefore, I end up spending my time looking for things (i.e. the grocery store, laundry facilities) but on the way, I end up finding things I wasn't even looking for (i.e. cool cafes, puestos, the mall, parks, etc.) so it works out alright. Yesterday, I visited 4 different book stores, which was fun, and ended up purchasing a novel written in Spanish for children aged 10. Riiiight on my level (or maybe a little bit hard!)

I also live right next door to a park, which is awesome because at night, 3 of the four sides of the park are lined with food stands. Um, hello?! I have already found my favorite, and have been frequenting it every night. The people who work there may not know my name, yet, but they know my face...and my order (one lechuza of pastor, por favor.)

I have also started becoming friendly with some of the other teachers. There is one girl named Carolina who is Mexican-American who is super nice and has invited me to do a lot of stuff with her on the weekends. She is by far my favorite. There is also Emily and Kayt who are Canadian best friends who just moved here when I did. They are really nice as well. And then there is Gerry---he is a 63 year old man who is teaching here for a few months from California. He and I get along pretty well; we both like the kvetch and gossip, so what more do you need?

All in all, life is good. I am definitely spending more time alone than I am used to, but it is OK. I am learning how to fend for myself in this crazy Mexican world, rather than depending on other people to help me. I think that in time, this city will reveal itself to be full of fun and interesting things and people.

I hope all is well state-side! (And I promise to try to be better about blogging! I know you all enjoy the stupid little antecdotes more than you like general updates. And I promise to be better about posting pictures, too! Ay carumba!)

San Luis Potosi!

Hello friends and family,

Sorry it has been a while since I have written. I have been pretty busy settling into my new city, San Luis Potosi, and my new job. Everything is going well so far. My new job is really great! I teach mostly adults and a few adolescents and teenagers, so while that might mean less entertaining stories for you all, it means much less stress for me. My students now can actually sit still in their seats, do their work and listen to me. What a concept! My schedule is kind of intense...I work from 8 to 10 in the mornings, then 4 to 9 in the evenings, and I work on Saturdays. It is tiring, but at least while I'm at work, I enjoy being there. So far, I like this city. It is really pretty and really big, and it is actually kind of American-ized (the landmark that I use sometimes to get home is a Chile's.) I haven't had much time to explore as of yet, but I am sure I will. There is no rush! I currently live alone above a mom and her two kids. She is from Spain and owns the little convenient store next door. They are very sweet, and I have my own room and bathroom, but I may end up moving at the end of the month (I have already had problems with my toilet, my hot water, my regular water, and my lighting...) but I am not sure yet. My biggest focuses right now are teaching, and hopefully making friends!! That's all for now. :)