La Carniceria

On Sunday I went to "La Carniceria" (the meat counter) in Wal-Mart. I was planning on making Stir Fry for dinner and I needed some meat. I walked up to the counter and asked if they had any "Bistec" (really basic red meat). The older man working there looked at me blankly and said in an annoyed tone "of course we have bistec, we are the meat counter". I apologized for asking such an apparently obvious question and told him it was my first time in a "carniceria" in Mexico. A smile immediately came across his face and he loudly said "well, welcome to Mexico!!!". He then proceeded to give me a rather extensive summary of ALL the services offered by the carniceria, as well as show me many of the meats they had for sell. Once he was done with his "orientation" he happily went to get my cut of bistec and assured me that he had picked the very best one they had just for me.

Moral of the story: Sometimes being a foreigner suits me just fine!

Differences and Statistics

Things that are different here in Mexico from in the U.S.:

-squirrels are black, not gray

-used toilet paper goes in the trash can next to the toilet, NOT the toilet itself

-10% is a GOOD tip

-refills on drinks are NOT free

-red lights are only obeyed if there are actually cars coming the other way

-toilet paper is never provided in bathrooms... you bring your own (even in the seminary where I live)

-when both arriving and leaving any place you much great or say goodbye with a "kiss" on the cheek to everyone in attendance (otherwise you are being rude)

-lunch is served at 2:30/3pm

-when entering into any store you must "check" all belongs (except for money) at the front counter and you my pick them back up when you leave

-when ordering "water" at a restaurant you will receive flavored water (usually flavored by fruit!), non-flavored water is referred to as "agua simple" (simple water) and only comes in a bottle

-"lechera" (sweetened-condensed milk) is used on pancakes, NOT syrup.... and it's good!!!

-you pay as you go with cell phones, cell phone "plans" do not really exist

-I can talk in English and no one really understands :)

A few personal statistics:

-I have seen the moon 6 times and a total of 11 stars

-I have eaten 99 tortillas since August 31st

Mexican Independence Day

We celebrated big for Mexico's independence day. I'm going to tell most of the story through pictures, but to give you a brief summary of the festivities....We started out with a party in Peter's apartment. We had about 50 students show-up between the RUF group and the English Club. We ate Pozole (traditional Independence day food) and played games. Then we headed to our home church for MORE food, a Mariachi band, and "fair" type games and crafts. Then we headed downtown at 11pm for the "grito" (which means "shout"). The president says "Viva" and we all say "Mexico". We repeat this process 10 times then there are AWESOME fireworks!

Downtown for the "grito"

We all got married at a "booth" in the church...apparently this is common on independence day.

Precious little Nina and Karla from the church

The Mariachi Band

Ariana from English Club and me.

Chicas at the party in Peter's apartment

festivities at the church

a little be of the food!!!...soooo good!

Mexico City International Half Marathon

On Friday afternoon we played soccer for our CURyCLUB activity. I of course stepped in a hole while playing and twisted my ankle. I set out for a few minutes, but for the love of the game I resumed playing and didn't think much of it. That evening I went downtown and after about three hours of walking around my ankle had had enough. It progressively got worse throughout the evening and by the end I was not able to walk enough to even make it home on the metro. I was sent home in a taxi. I spent that evening and all day Saturday icing, elevating, and praying. My ankle gradually started feeling better and the swelling went down. Sunday morning was my big half-marathon race and I was determined to "complete" it (preferably running, but with my ankle I was thinking about hopping!). However, I was able to run it Sunday morning with my ankle all taped-up and some aspirin. It took me 2 hours 7 minutes and 18 seconds. The energy was AMAZING! The entire 13.1 miles of road that I ran was lined with people cheering us on. Lots of people were also giving out candy, fruit, and drinks along the way. There was both a half-marathon and a full marathon, and I'm not sure exactly how many runners there were, but I was number 15,038...so A LOT. What a great way to experience Mexican passion for sports!

Can you see me crossing the Finish Line? I'm the ONLY person NOT wearing green, white, and red....I guess I missed the memo.

Tortilla Challenge

Since Tuesday, August 31st I have been counting how many tortillas I have eaten. Mexicans eat tortillas at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I decided I would count how many I eat for the duration of my time here. So far...49!

Independance Day is coming...

Everything in Mexico is decorated for Independance Day which is THIS Wednesday, September 15th! I even saw jello being sold on the street and it was layered in colors of red, green, and white!

Eating Bugs???

There are three girls (Sandra, Lili, and Yesenia) from the English Club that I have been trying to eat lunch with regularly. For some reason they have made it their mission to help me experience ALL "common" foods in Mexico. Yesterday, instead of eating on campus, our original plan, they took me to a local cafe because they said I "just had to try Chapulines". Turns out Chapulines are bugs in the grasshopper family. They are "toasted" and served whole with hot sauce and lime. They were crunchy and tasted like salty bugs. ....all I know is I'm glad this experience is under my belt and in the past!

a live chapulin

cooked chapulines ready to be served