My Arrival

Before I even begin with my start in Mexico, I have to talk about my last night at home. My friend Eliza threw me a very memorable going away party. The party took place in her warm, cozy 200 + year old house nestled in the woods. There was a fire burning in the wood stove inside and an even bigger bonfire outside. The food was a delicious assortment and the cakes, made by my good friend, Pam were not only a tasty treat, but funny renditions of me. The moon outside was a sight to see, in that, there was a halo of a rainbow around it. I took it as a sign that this was a special night and that I was doing the right thing by going on this journey. Last but not least, the company of friends who made the trek out to Monkton for this party topped the evening.

Now.....I arrived into Mexico City yesterday afternoon, and then took a bus to the town where I will be living for the next 8 weeks - Cuernavaca. As I was getting settled into my room, I was greeted by two cats - of course they found me! I must have been putting off my scent of crazy for cats lady....Feeling exhausted and hungry because I refused to buy airplane or airport food, I found my way into the center of town - about a 20 walk up and down the many hills of this town. There was bustling energy in the town on this Saturday night. Street vendors, craft markets, restaurants, dancers, clowns, drummers, mariachi players. I sat down at an outdoor cafe (60 degrees in the evening) and had some delicous quesadillas. As I was eating, I noticed the moon come up over this immense stone castle situated right in front of where I was sitting. Cool. Love that full moon...

Today, Sunday, I wanted to explore more of the town. Again, I walked into the center and headed off in the direction of the famous cathedral and park. There was a church service with a wedding happening. The music coming from the service echoed so loudly in this huge, old, moss covered stone building. I sat and enjoyed it for a while. Then off to the gardens where there were artists selling their goods in every nook. In addition, there were galleries with some really great art in the gardens.

This experience so far has been great. I am just getting a taste of life here. Taking it all in...since I am by myself and don´t speak the language too well yet, I am living in silence. But it´s OK, because my ears have become so atuned to my surroundings. Listening to the music, the people, the sweet talk of the children, the birds, everything...

Classes begin in the morning tomorrow and I´m looking forward to getting started!

I am still trying to figure out how to upload my images from Mexico into the computer to post here. I do have one of the moon I took with my phone. See photos at the end of all the posts. I have not figured out how to put them in the actual post. Chrissy, help!!!

Adios amigos.