What a whirlwind week this has been! Week one in Mexico is coming to a close and I can’t even express how much I’ve experienced and learned. I’ve certainly put my Spanish to use in a variety of situations and am really starting to feel comfortable in this new space! Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned…
- Alcohol is CHEAP. It’s kind of astonishing.
- I can successfully navigate a city by bus.
- Mexicans believe family is the central unit and should be protected at all times.
- Mexico is safe, just a few people asking for money here and there.
- The best view from Monterrey is in Obispado.
- Chile and Lime is a popular drink flavor. Yuck.
- I walk over three miles in a day.
- Burger King delivers.
- Movies in Spanish are HYSTERICAL and cheap. (Monsters University was great)
- Driving in Mexico is slightly terrifying. It’s certainly an art form.
- People eat dinner at 11 PM. And it’s normal. What?
- Traffic is INSANE. Everyone’s car is a little banged up.
- Altitude change is serious business. My ears could tell you all about it.
Here are a few photos with captions to explain my week:
My view from a bridge going from Monterrey to San Pedro, one of the richest districts in all of Latin America.
Eating some froyo at Galerias in Monterrey from Nutrisa with Ashley. It was a bit more bitter than in the states, even with the chocolate sauce.
The gorgeous views from a family friend’s school. Grades 6-8th.
The view from Obispado, from which you can see all of Monterrey and our dear friend Pepe.
The first time I have been able to order a drink! Electric lemonade was delicious. Good times with good friends.
Made my first Mexican meal all by myself! Eggs with chorizo and some avocado of course!
Had the opportunity to attend a true Mexican wedding on Friday night. What an experience. Apparently, Mexicans wear prom dresses to weddings so of course I was the underdressed gringa but that didn’t stop me from having a blast. The ceremony was first, in a church and was very long. The picture below depicts the lasso ceremony in which the bride and groom share a lasso to represent their ties and commitment to one another. After the ceremony, we drove to an extravagant hotel where the reception was held. There was a four course meal and HOURS of dancing. We didn’t leave until three AM and the party was still going strong. What an awesome night.
With love from Mexico,
Sarah Alexandra
