Que Bonita

The Tropic of Cancer

2006-07-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that if you stand on the Tropic of Cancer, on the first day of summer at noon, you have virtually no shadow? That is because the suns main rays are directly above you. Now if you have a little meat on your bones, you might have a slight one, but it is the shortest shadow you will ever have. This has been brought to you, by useless facts of America. Also, the Tropic smells horrible, at least the p´lace we were standing in. But, you can find marble just laying on the ground.

The Grandson of the great muralist Orozco

2006-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

The New Project in Guadalajara

2006-07-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Opera

2006-07-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to the opera...and we left early. The performance was not very spectacular and I was a little disappointed as this was my first opera experience. The opera, entitled Don Giovanni was composed by the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Yesterday, Bob gave us the run down on what the opera was about, which was very helpful. If you ever go to the opera, please read some sort of comprehensive synopsis. Your head will hurt a little less and you will be able to follow along better. It was a great experience, I do not mean to take anything away from it. I do believe that I will continue to go to the opera. Bob DeSimmone, our resident famous opera composer, who I am posed with is internationally famous in the opera circuit. The way in which he explains the opera makes one want to see it and appreciate it. However, his assessment of the performance was less than glowing.A sentiment that was echoed by the group, which explains, why we left early.

Parasailing

2006-07-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

I did it! I did it! I parasailed, well actually I parascended. It was the most peaceful thing ever in life. At first, there was screaming...things being said that should not appear in print and then the parasail took off. Too late to do anything, but enjoy the ride and hope for the best. As I ascended into the air...and stopped screaming, I was overcome with a strong sense of peace. Just me and the water and the air...and the boat...and the beach, but it was still peaceful. "Watch for the flag," the man said before I went up. From the time I reached the air, I frantically looked for that American flag to wave we home. From where I was, I could see all the people anxiously watching the World Cup in huddles, children playing on the beach and the top of the mountain. The sunlight glistened on the waves below, and then reality hit me. There was nothing keeping me from hitting that water if the line broke. I did not panic though. I kept enjoying the most peaceful ride, I had ever had. When it was all over, I kept screaming, "I did it! I did it!" and my very patient friends in their teacher voices said, "Yes you did, good job." Condescending or not, I took it. It was one of my highlights of this trip.

The Boat Ride of A Lifetime

2006-07-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

To end our time in Mazatlan, we all went on a boat cruise. The weather was great, we all got dolled up...well some of us did, we went out for the time of our lives. We sailed around Mazatlan, just as the sun was setting over the horizon. The sky was orange and pink. It was surreal. Libations were free flowing and though the music was a compilation of 80's tunes, which included yes the YMCA song, we had a great time.

Beautiful Mazatlan

2006-07-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

Mazatlan is a beautiful place. For those of you that can remember, it was actually a stopon the show Love Boat. That little tidbit came from my father. Last night,I had the great experienceof climbing to the topof the lighthouse. As I sit here suffering from that excursion, I do believe that it was worth it. I walked from the hotel to the lighthouse at sunset and snapped some pictures along the way. A sunset over the Pacific Ocean is truly beautiful. It is hard because pictures never truly capture the beauty that the eye beholds. The lighthouse is the same height as the one in the Strait of Gibraltar, however it is the highest lighthouse in use. Stumbling over rocks in my flip flops, I pressed on because I knew this was another one of those once in a lifetime exeriences. For future reference, don´t climb anything in the dark in flip flop, especially with things crawling around that you are not sure of what they are. A lesson learned and duly noted. The view from the top was breathtaking and I would probably have more pictures if my battery didn´t die half way up. Another lesson, bring extra batteries always. I still managed to geta view of Mazatlan lit up and sparkly.

The Skin

2006-07-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

We saw this wonderful play called Piel.The premise of the play is that people should feel comfortable in their skin. There was a lot of skin shown during the play and I doubt strongly that it would be allowed to show in the United States in its entirety. After the play, we had the opportunity to eat with the performers and discuss their craft over tacos. They were extremely down to Earth and very approachable. In a discussion with the company director, he relayed that the performers based on something within and not their acting ability. No prior acting experience needed to be a star. Who knew? Who knows, next year I might have come down and try out some acting for the summer. Needless to say, I will not be showing any skin. Pictured separately are Claudio and Fabrina, who are the two main members of the company. Fabrina is from Gudalupe, which is an island in the Carribbean and Claudio is of Lebanese and Spanish decent. For each country in which the play isperformed, the actors do an intensive language study. They were also at the Four Seasons sharing in our celebration. Though the play was in Spanish, the idea came through, love the skin you are in.

Pre Hispanic...No More Please

2006-07-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

The National Museum of Anthropology was more of what we had been seeing pre hispanic artifacts. From Monte Alban, to Mitla, to Tenochtitlan we were inundated with stone and artifacts. The neat part about it was that the artifacts were separated by regions. As you turned the corner of each room, a little more of history was revealed. The amazing culures and civilizations that predated the Spanish told their story. Prior to my trip, I never knew the complexity of the Aztec civilization and their government, social stystem and economy. Colonizing does not equate to civilizing. We all need to appreciate the societies of antiquity pre oppression. However, I will say pace yourself. Too many artifacts in a small amount of time can make you a little crazy. As a matter of fact, hearing the words, pre Hispanic, causes one of my colleagues to get this glazed look over her face. Where her mind goes, I do not dare to ask, nor do I dare to mention pre Hispanic anything any longer, especially if she is in ear shot.

Churches and More Churches

2006-07-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Who knew there were so many orders of churches is Mexico? Well I do now. And I do believe we visited all of them. Catholicism is the national religion of Mexico and it plays an integral role in the life all Mexicans, both religiously and culurally. Ii have learned that one can tell a Franciscan Church, by the sun and moon symbols. Churches are important symbols in many places and are often very ornate and are dedicated to patron saint. Here are some pictures to show a glimpse of the beauty of the churches.

Lost in Mexico

2006-07-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

The blind leading the blind was the scene in Mexico City. We were attempting to locate a cemetery where many famous deceased Mexicans are buried, but for what ever reason we never got there. We took a van, walked and several trains and we ended up right back where we began ...at the hotel. The subways in Mexico City are just like the ones in New York City only there are murals on the walls. They are just as crowded and have the same "lived in" look. To tell you the truth, there is little difference between NYC and Mexico City. With any big city, one has to be careful and make wise decisions. Now, I will say that Mexico City is polluted, by air, noise and light. So it does have interesting smells and the like, but so does any other major city in the United States or the world for that matter. There was a Popeye´s and Mc Donalds, and several Wal-Marts I might add. Just another city. They did have good deals on silver. So if you are ever in the Zona Rosa and want silver, just go to the market to booth 138. Mc Donald´s is a very safe bet, if you get hungry and are a little leary of drinking beverages. Popeye´s is a little greasy, so think hard about eating there. Sanborn´s will do, if you are desperate. Don´t eat the breakfast, I don´t know what that hash brown really is. However, culturally Mexico Cuty has a lot to offer. Many museums, parks and I think we even saw a Six Flag´s.

Hardships and Sacrifices

2006-07-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

I begrudgingly awoke this morning to this view. The hardship was great, but I had to endure for the greater good. As you go to work this week, I want you to keep me in your thoughts, as I have to suffer at a beachside hotel. there is not much beach here as it is industrial, but water is beautiful anywhere it is. The current is forceful, so we will just have to settle with the rooftop pool.

This morning for the first time in a long while, I opted to go swimming. At the top of the hotel, there is a beautiful wading pool. The view is wonderful as well. You can see the whole city of Mazatlan,which we are about to tour.

Anomalies

2006-07-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

This trip has been filled with anomolies. For the first time, in a while,I have been able to let down my guard and do things that I would otherwise not do.I have caution to the wind and have seized the moment...Carpe Diem and stuff. For example, eating worms has never been on the top of my to do list, but low and behold I ate one. Tequila has never been something that I have just ahd to have, but now I can at least drink it without gagging. It took some practice, but anything worth doing takes some practice. And now, I have done something else, that has not been done in a while. I have adorned a bathing suit, and a two piece at that. The amazement does not stop there, I have proof... I HAVE A PICTURE. As we have a pool at the top of the hotel,I took advantage and tried to swim. Now the pool comes just above my hips, so it is not what you call deep. But in this humid place, any release is welcomed.

Arriving in Mazatlan

2006-07-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

We have finally arrived in Mazatlan. Now,I knowI have a tendency to exaggerated a little, but the trip took literally nine hours. It is eight o'clock Pacific time and we left at nine o´clock central time. I have not had anything to eat since breakfast and really am a little afraid to do so. People keep getting sick and I have tried never to be a follower. Arriving into Mazatlan was a little unsettling, we had just left one of the most beautiful places in the world...or maybe just in Mexico, and it seemed as though we were regressing. the closer and closer we got to the hotel,the more the scenery changed. There was slighty less graffitti on the buildings and the house seemed more modern. We reached the hotel and from the lobby, for the first time I ever, I saw my first sunset over the Pacific Ocean. I have seen surises over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but never the Pacific.I can not wait to actually touch the water. From my room, on the eighth floor,I can see the strip and the horizon. I can see the waves and foam crashing on the shore and I can smell the sea air. Tomorrow I will actually be able to see the sun sink down over the ocean, while listening to the waves playing a relaxing lullaby on the rocks. I am very excited about ournext adventures in this town. As the humidity is horrendous, just note there will be few if any pictures of me as I know my hair will be having issues for the next week.

Chapultepec-The Castle of Emperor Maximillian

2006-07-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Located in the middle of Mexico City is a castle. A very beautiful castle that looks as though is has been ripped the pages of a fairy tale book. The last Emperor of Mexico and his wife had this great edifice erected in the Austrian style. Marble and gold litter the walls of this once inhabited castle. Too bad Max was taken out and shot with two of his generals. He was said to be a great man that was of the people and that his demise was due to his wife. If you ask me that is propaganda. The walls contained larger than life-sized portraits of the Emperor. There were several thrones covered in gold leaf. Stain glass windows containing the Mexican symbol and the grasshopper symbol greeted you as you walked up the stairway.A bathtub created out of solid marble adorned the bathroom, as the Empress was prone to taking daily baths. I could definitely live in a castle. As you can see, I was at home. Note: Denise was sick this day, which is why she is not in any of the pictures.

My new home

2006-07-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

I have my new home in Morelia. I will be sending for my things and I wish you all well...just kidding...kind of. This is by far my most favorite place in Mexico so far. Morelia is a small town with a lot of culture. There are plenty of things to do and it is extremely laid back. We are only here for three days, but I could stay longer. Last night, as we were walking around the Zocalo, or square, there was a fireworks display. This is the only place in a Mexico that has a church dedicated to Jesus Christ, it is very Catholic, and the fire works display illustrated that to a tee. There were fireworks of Jesus, the Sacred Heart, the Crown of Thorns and the Crown. It was nice to see fire works as we will miss the Independence Day, I would the Fourth of July, but that have that all over the world. This is a great town to relax in. We found a Woolworth. Who knew that they still existed? And even better, I found Nivea lotion for real cheap. I went a little crazy, but a bargain is a bargain.

The Peacocks

2006-07-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

We went to visit a museum that had all these peacocks running around. I made fun of everyone because they took 10 pictures of BIRDS...now who needs that many pictures of birds.I mean you see one picture of a peacock and that really should be enough...right? I held out for a while and fought the good fight. Then...I broke down and took three. Actually, I took more then that, but I erased them and kept the best ones. How many pictures of peacocks does one person really need?

Xochimilco- The Floating Gardens

2006-07-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have this knack of wearing white and light bottoms on days that it wants to rain..or should I say pour. On the day of the Casa Azul we went to see the floating gardens. There weretwo boats one was called the Titanic. For obvious reasons, I decided to go on the other boat. Not the best idea in the world, as it turns out. As the guide started to tell us about the region and the canal,...it started to rain. At first very lightly and then very hard. The rain against the roof sounded like someone was playing a serenade on a kettle drum. We could hardly hear anything that was being said and to make matters worse we were getting extremely wet. I tried my best to preserve my hair, to no avail. Then, when we thought it could not get much worse, the boat started to leak and my wedge heels, which had seen better days were getting soaked. I tried my best to shield myself with my jean jacket, which is not by any means water proof. thank goodness we made it back to shore before we were really in trouble. The scenery was very beautiful and even though I was getting saturated, I managed to snap some photos.

Casa Azul

2006-06-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don´t know, we went to the Blue House today. It is the home that Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo shared during their marriage. Frida was an artist that is mostly known for her self portraits and Diego Rivera is most known for his womanizing...I mean his murals. Diego Rivera was slightly more famous than his wife, especially during his lifetime. All throughtout the city of Mexico, there are exquisite murals depicting Mexican history and culture, with strong pro-communist undertones.
Diego Rivera was a strong proponent of Communism and its beliefs. To the point that he even housed Leon Trotsky, when Stahlin exiled him from Russia. Rivera´s murals depict the common man, the worker, indigenous people and their plight as an exploited group. Many of his works show Lenin and Stahlin, as teachers bringing light to the masses.
Frida Kahlo, on the other hand though also a strong proponent of Communism, is mostly known for her portraits illustrating the tribulations and sufferings that she endured during her lifetime. Struck with polio at an early age and unable to bear children due to a tragic bus accident, Kahlo endured a life of pain and operations.
Seeing the Casa Azul was a wonderful experience for me. After seeing the movie Frida, which starred Salma Hayek, I was in awe that I was actually there. We were unable to take picture inside, so I took several pictures outside. It was amazing that to see the original works.

The Four Seasons

2006-06-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of the best nights ever. We all got all dolled up and had a wonderful reception at the Four Seasons. The purpose was to celebrate us and all sorts of people were there. The entertainment for the evening was done by the world renowned cellist, Carlos Prieto. He told us the story of his Cello, named Ms. Cello Prieto and how she came to be in his hands. She is a Stradivari cello, which has survived several hundreds of years. If you are wondering, why a cello has a name, that should be the least of your questions. It even has frequent flyer miles. When he travels he buys a ticket for his cello to ensure its safety. He played so beautifully that I almost started to cry. I think that classical cello music is my new favorite...who knew. Among the other guests at last nights extravaganza was Tony GArza, the US Ambassador to Mexico, Mrs. Columba Bush, the wife of Jeb, Pebbles Wadsworth, Director of the Performing Arts Center at UT- Austin and a host of other people who made the Fulbright to Mexico possible. We were instructed to network and shmooze and like good little Fulbrighters we followed with great success. I must say Mrs. Bush is really a wonderful woman, very gracious and has a great deal of class. She is very petite and taking pictures with her made me feel a little, like the jolly brown giant.

La Gruta

2006-06-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cavemen ate in caves, and now I can join the ranks of those who have dined in a rock. After our grueling hike up the Temple of the Sun, we went for lunch at La Gruta. It is located deep within a cave and is within a short distance of Teotihuacan. Don't let the idea of eating a cave fool you. This meal was very delicious and the decor was tasteful and not over done. To provide ambiance and lighting, the steps of therestaurant are lined with votive candels. As you dine, a mariachi band will serenade you for a small fee. The colorful cloth napkins are hand woven and each meal presented with garnish on a colorful plate. It is very much worth the experience. In my picture, you will see that I am posing on the stairs...and on the floor. Denise inspired my Buddah like pose. Once again I attribute the picture to the lingering delirium from the temple.

The Temple of the Sun

2006-06-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that there is a secret conspiracy by Fulbright to either kill us, maim us or just put us out of commission. It has to be something. All I am going to say is four words...TEMPLE OF THE SUN. Yes, today we climbed the biggest of the two temples at Teotihuacan. Our tour guide said that it only takes 20 minutes to walk up, look around and come back down. Clearly she hasn't done it is some time. As a amatter of fact she made the statement that she doesn't climb, she digs. She is a foremost authority on Teotihuacan and she says that she lives just like they didthousands of years ago, with her mother-in-law in the next room. Her last name is Goldsmith, I will have to check for a first name. She said that Teotihucan is not even really the name of the city, archaeologists just called it that because it had to have a name. There is no record of their language and archaeologists just named it. Man, I have been duped all these years. Oh, the deception. Anyway, I know that my body is going to kill me in the morning. My friend Denise and I felt like giving and turning around before we started step one. All we needed was a sign, just like the Aztecs saw an eagle eating a snake on the cactus, we needed some divine intervention. About half way up, we saw three old ladies over the age of 85 and five children under the age of ten climbing to the top of the temple. We'll we could not be outdone, so we climbed all the way to the top...stopping periodically to breath, pant, and cry. Our guide said it could be done in 20 minutes, I think we did it in 40, but we did it none the less. We almost fell on the way, and after saying Aye Dios Mio (Oh My Goodness), some nice old man grabbed me by the arm and assisted me, who was assistng my friend down the last 40 steps of the temple. I am smiling in the picture only because it makes a better picture. Do not be fooled by the jovial disposition, pictures were just an excuse to breath.

Temple of the Sun

Me in front of the Temple of the Sun, not fully realizing the ramifications of climbing it. You can tell because I am still smiling!

At the top, not of the Temple of the Sun, but of a lesser ruin...this one only have 200 steps as opposed to the 10, million steps of the big one. You can see by my smile that I really thought I had accomplished something...boy was I delusional..man the air at this altitude is something else.

This is one of the stops Denise and I made, to catch our breath and re-evaluate what we were doing and why? The answer: This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and if the little old ladies could do it, so could we.

Delirium and the thin air have gotten to me. You can tell because I am smiling.

The Market

2006-06-25T15:16:00.001-07:00

We started out the day by attending a market. I did't see anything that I really had to have. There was a great deal of art. Many people showcased their talents, whether if it was crafts, jewelry or paintings. The only thing was that the cost was astronomical. The prices that they were asking were ridiculous. Apparently, this particular market was set up so that the rich people would have some place "safe" to shop.The prices clearly reflected it.

We ate at this cute restaurant on a terrace, everyone is a little leary of eating because people keep getting sick. It is election time and there were people canvassing for the PAN party and Felipe Calderon. The PAN party would be compared to the Republican Party in the States, they tend to be mor conservative and rich people tend to be members. They gave out flags and lipstick with his name on it, as well as hats which stated vote for Calderon. They were free so I took one of each. I figure they will be great teaching tools, plus what candidate in U.S do you know gives away free lipstick. Now, it is clearly not my shade or my brand for that matter, but it might make a great gift...just kidding. When we got ready to get back on the bus, the bus driver joked that I coudn't get on the bus with that stuff and we laughed. I guess we know who he is not voting for.

My Buddies

2006-06-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

The older we get the harder it is to make friends. As adults we are guarded and unwilling to let people in to our circle. Being in the program has caused us all to let down our guards and build friendships that seem to have lasted longer than two weeks. We have shared experiences that are unique. On this trip I have met great educators and all around wonderful people, who I hope to remain in contact with for years to come.

(Me, Beverly, Jennifer and Denise in front of Tlacochahuaya learning about the 16th century organ it houses.)

(Me, Jennifer, Denise, John and Leigh Ann at the National Palace)

(Me and Denise at the Templo Mayor)

(Jennifer and Denise on the streets of Mexico City)

Jennifer and I bonding over a plate of enchiladas.

Francisco Toledo

2006-06-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Templo Mayor

2006-06-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the Fort Worth Trio, which is half of the sextet standing in front of the Templo Mayor. The Templo Mayor are Aztec temples that were discovered under the city of Mexico. When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they just covered it and built over it. The city was known as Tenotichtitlan. In the museum, there are many examples of Aztec culture, from representations of their gods to cooking wear that was used. The ruins have not been totally excavated due to the water table. It is felt that the structure would be too unstable. Surrounding the Templo Mayor are buildings that clearly reflect the Spanish influence. They are more ornate and decorative.

The Cross

2006-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

THE CROSS AT THE FEET.

Seeing this cross helped me to understand the Catholic belief in miracles and the reverence they place on religion. My dear friend and road dog, being a devout Catholic teared up at the sight and gazed in amazement at the sight. This is the cross that sat at the feet of the Virigen Guadalupe. Years ago, a bomb went off in the church which held the tilma of the Virgin. This is what happened to the cross...nothing happen to tilma of the Virgin. This cross is made of gold and is on display at the back of the Basilica.

Almost at the Top

2006-06-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

In the background is the tops of the Basilica, where we witnessed a mass, which was presided over by the Bishop. Still suffering from the pain of climbing the other ruins, Jennifer coaxed me into climbing to the top of one of the churches in the compund. Half way up, about 100 stairs, she bamboozled me into thinking I had reached the top, which is why you see me smiling. Just after this picture, we turned the corner..and what was revealed to me was the other 100 stairs, which I begrudgingly climbed. Despite the pain it was well worth it.

Cheese

2006-06-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here I am outside the door if the Basilica de Guadalupe. She is the patron saint of Mexico. The doors, in front of which I am posing, as craved with very ornate decorations, which date back several centuries.

American Breakfast

2006-06-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

We are now in Mexico City, a city that looks much like that of New York. This is this morning, just before I ate my American Breakfast, which consisted of an omlette with cheese, fruit and coffee. I have noticed that the portions given to you in Mexico are enough to satiate you, not stuff you. Who knows with all the walking we are doing, I might be in shape by the end of the trip.

The Ride to Mexico City

2006-06-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful view we saw as we sped toward the city of Mexico. For as far as the eye could see, mountains upon mountais clustered together to form this breathtaking landscape. The ride to D.F took approximately 6 hours in length and was well worth the ride. Now those of you who know me, know that I slept for at least half of that, but with that said, the other three hours was a great experience. We passed small towns, toll booths, and fields of cactus, as well as crossing several bridges. As it is the rainy season, we were rained on and saw a rainbow frame a mountain, as if it were a multi-colored halo. The rays of sun shot out of the clouds as shards of sunshine, kissing the tops of mountains.

Mitla

2006-06-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

I did it! I climbed these ruins in a skirt and high heels, bumped my head on the high beams because I was too tall, climbed down into the tomb and still remained dry and cute. The tomb at Mitla, is a burial ground which exhibits Zapotecan designs. In the tombs, there are designs for lightening, rain and clouds. The prominence that these designs play in the tombs, illustrates the importance this ethnic group placed on nature. The Zapotecan are an indigenous group that live in Oaxaca. There civilization predates the Spanish and has lasted for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the language of this group is becoming extinct.

The Girls

2006-06-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the girls after on our way to meet Susana Trilling. For those of you who don{t know who she is, she is a famous cook that has been on PBS. She fed us cactus and told us about the food in Oaxaca. Susana is originally from Pennsylvania, but she is of Mexican decent. Her specialty is Oaxacan cuisine. She explained how herbs and flowers such as Bouganvilla can be used as cleansing agents for the body.
As our bus could not fit through the streets of the small town, in which she lives, we had to walk quite a ways, cross a river and climb a hill and about one hundred steps to her house. Her house acts as a cooking school and a bed and breakfast.
Here Susana is pictured explaining the various plants used in the region. She is a great speaker.

The Sexy-Tet and Augustin

2006-06-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here was has been labeled the sexy-tet! The six of us though very different in some ways and very alike in others have bonded immensely over the last week. At the Guelagetza, we were all pulled on stage to dance with dancers. Of all the people in the room we were chosen and pulled from the audience on by one. In Oaxaca, we braved the crowds and ventured into the Zocalo to see the protests of the teachers. Together we climbed Monte Alban and got soaked to gether...pictures I refused to post on the internet in any way, shape or form.From the top (Jorge, Me, Leigh Ann, Jennifer, Denise, Augustin and John) Though Augustin is a very nice person, he is not an official or unofficial member of the sexy-tet.

See through and soaked

2006-06-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Thousands of steps in torrential downpour..is really an experience. As we climbed to the top of this massive stair-stepper the reain started to pour. At first light and then harder and harder. Slippery and steep we pressed on to the top. As we got to the top, we found shelter under a tree. Now you would think that teachers would know better than to find shelter under a tree in the middle of thunder and lightening, not to mention that we were on the highest point on the mountain, but apparently common sense did not kick in. Let's all take a collective sigh as we think that these are the people teaching the adults of tomorrow. We did make it off...obviously and as we alighted from the steps, I was amazed at the amount of heat that was given off by the steps. The air was cold, but the heat from the steps neuralized it somehow. See through and soaked to the bone, I made it back down.

Torrential Downpour...How wonderful!

2006-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Half way through our first real day in Oaxaca, one of the administrators of the trips turns to me and says I hope that you brought an umbrella because we are climbing Monte Alban in the midst of rain. I wish she would have told me that before I left, for one I was wearing linen and for another I was wearing a white top. Not really the best thing to be wearing in torrential down pour with no umbrella. The rain was very beautiful over the valley. You could actually see the storm moving in from the distance.

Monte Alban

2006-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Monte Alban was the first ruin we went to. The Zapoteca cleared away the mountain tops and created their sacred places there. They did this in a time when there were no known major tools.

Oaxaca...What a place!

2006-06-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

O.K We have made it to Oaxaca. Now of course, we landed in the middle of an uprising. The teachers of Oaxaca were protesting the streets. As underpaid teachers, we sympathized and empathized with their plight.

Our first stop was Santo Domingo. A Dominican Monastery created by Franciscan Monks. Now I would have more pictures than I do, accept my camera died and I didn't have any more batteries. The walls of the monastery were made of green stone and gold leaf. This was the spot of the first demise of my press and curl. Though beautiful the rain and humidity did me in. The sky turned a dark bluish grey and bolt of lightening seemed to shoot out of the sky and reach out to touch the tops of the mountains. The thunder roared and reverberated through the valley. With each drop my hair puffed. Luckily I have my flat iron to help contain the puff.

Too Early

2006-06-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

It is entirely too early in the morning to be up. At 4:30 we leave for the airport, with a wait time of two hours. TWO HOURS!! Our plane leaves at 7:30 and we are off for Mexico. I am so excited, I can't stand it. I almost couldn't sleep last night. Almost...sleep is one thing that I will never give up for anything. Well Adios and it is off to Oaxaca.

Un-beweaveable

2006-06-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

If teaching doesn't work out, I can always be a weaver. Yeah right, can you say weaveably challenged. We visited an Oaxacan Museum where we learned about the arts of Oaxaca, a state in Mexico with a large indigenous population.

Brazilian Dinner June 17

2006-06-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here is Denise and myself at dinner. Denise is from Brownsville, which is the last town in Texas before Mexico. You can't get anymore south than where Denise is from. Brownsville takes deep south to a whole new level.