Brave or Stupid?

So, one of the major reasons why we moved to Puebla was to get better at (Andy), learn (me) the Spanish language. We've been here less than two weeks and I'm happy to report that I am dreaming in Spanish! Oh...how silly of me, I made that sound like an improvement in my language skills. I do dream in some sort of Spanglish nightmare most nights though. Nothing seems to really make sense...it's what I imagine an infant to hear all the time. Just some loud, confusing noises, with people looking at you and expecting you to know what is going on.

Yes, yes, I took Spanish in high school...15 years ago. I'll let that sink in for you. 15 years ago. I know people that are 15 years old...I mean, that's their entire lifetime. I think I must have thought I was the never-aging-woman, or maybe I'm really just that bad at math, but I didn't realize it had been 15 years since I sat in a classroom and tried to conjugate verbs. I kept telling myself, and others, "Oh, I took Spanish in high school, the language barrier wouldn't be that big of a deal."

That's pretty much the face I feel like I'm making 90% of the time while trying to figure out what is going on around me. (At least it's how I feel inside).

So, as you can gather, it's been an adjustment. I actually understand, depending on who I'm speaking with, about 60% of what is being said...roughly. As I mentioned before, hand gestures on the part of the speaker are responsible for at least 30% of that 60%. (That's half...see, I'm not so terrible at math. Okay, yes I am). Some people seem to be way easier to understand. I'm not sure why this is...it's not like they are talking slower and louder to me. Or are they and I'm just to busy making this ^^^ face in my head to realize that they are talking to me like a deaf child? There have been several times, throughout our short journey so far (see first post) where I have questioned myself, "Am I brave or stupid?" Seriously, before we left, people kept saying how brave I was to be doing this. That's when I began to think...am I really brave? Bravery implies that I know full well what I'm getting into and doing it anyway. Or am I stupid? Which implies that I have no idea what I'm getting into and doing it anyway. I'm gonna say, yesterday I was feeling it was a toss-up...50/50. (Apparently I like numbers this morning)

We have the TV on, in Spanish, for the majority of the day. All the signs around me are in Spanish, expect for Converse...what's up with that, yo? You are advertising in the middle of Mexico, use Spanish A-holes! (Stepping down from my soap box). Andy, thankfully, speaks to me in English, because, if not, I think my head might literally explode. But when we are out, I hear Spanish all the time. I do not expect, nor do I want people to speak to me in English. I am NOT in an English speaking country and no one should have to accommodate me. I'm the one who needs to accommodate/change/adapt/evolve. Otherwise I feel like I should be marching around in one of these: 

demanding people change their entire lives for me. (Image borrowed from The Google)

But still, with all of this understanding, I sometimes feel pretty lost. In my logical mind (not a very big percentage of my brain these days) I know that I won't "get it" for awhile. I won't really start to understand what the hell is going on around me, that I won't be able to fully communicate like I want to, that I won't be frustrated about 80% of the time until...I don't know when. The planner in me, the part of my brain that likes to know what is going on at all times is really struggling with this concept. I like to be really good at things, otherwise I feel like I shouldn't do them. This is a massive personality flaw...I know it, calling myself out on it for all the world (or the 8 of you who read this) to see. I'm trying to get over it. So maybe this is the best thing for me...to be uncomfortable, to be out of any "element" I have ever known. Also, the irrational part of my brain that catastrophizes (Counseling Term) feels like I'll NEVER get it...that I'll just be a bumbling idiot for Time and All Eternity. 

There are moments when I feel like that old 80's commercial, the one with the egg. "This is your brain, this is your brain on drugs" but in my case, substitute "drugs" for "Spanish." 

(Image borrowed from The Google).

Because of this ^^^ I have not done as much studying as I should have and I have not put myself out there as much as I would have liked. But today, I've decided I'm not going to wallow in the fact that I failed level 3 of 5 on the Duolingo "beginners food" section...twice. (And really?! The food section?! Look at me...I obviously know how to communicate getting food into my belly). I'm not going to let my fear of sounding stupid, even in front of Andy (how silly is that?! He's like my biggest supporter), get in my way. I'm going down to the little market down the road from our house by myself. Yup, I'm doing it! It's only two blocks down the road, but it's my first time out without the security of Andy and his Spanish knowledge. 

Brave or stupid?! Today...I'm feeling brave. 

A Feast for Your Eyes!

*A little shout-out to Kate for her beautiful new banner that she graciously made for me. I should mention that this was a unsolicited surprise on her part. How sweet?! I am a novice at this blog thing...as I'm sure you can all tell, and had no idea that I could do anything like that. Any-hoo...I love it! Hope you do too!

Many of you have been asking for more pictures. Guess what?! I listened! (I also got over myself and decided I'm just gonna take pictures when I want to, damn it!) I came to the realization that I take pictures all the time in the US, it's not being tacky and touristy, it's just me being me.

Also, now I can share some of the beauties that are Puebla with all my adoring fans. (Apparently, I'm feeling pretty full of myself today...let's roll with it, shall we?)

Andy and I went down to La Plaza yesterday afternoon around 5:30pm. Here's what I saw...

The light was gorgeous when we got there. Notice the massive bunches of mylar balloons in the background. They are being sold all over the Plaza.

Another part of the Plaza. The greens...you just can't capture the richness of it...but believe me, it's beautiful. If you don't believe, come and see for yourself! *Wink, wink, nudge, nudge*

One of the hotels that line the Plaza.

Flag on top of said hotel.

A sculpture in the center of the Plaza. The locals call it the Toilet Paper Roll. Kids run all around it and chase each other in and out of it. This is also the scene of an "attack by potato chips." I witnessed two brothers fighting and one proceeded to beat the s#%* out of his brother with a small bag of Lays potato chips. I didn't call the cops.

Andy playing in front of the sculpture. Blissfully unaware the the snack food assault that happened near him.

Starting out with some Beatles tunes. Did I mention that people in Puebla are Gaga (no, not the scary lady who wears meat dresses) for The Beatles? Well, it's true. 

"Here Comes the Sun" (Actually it was more like, "There Goes the Sun" but the Beatles didn't write a song with that title...it's not as catchy or as uplifting).

Andy was joined on the bench by a man named Oscar. One of the reasons why I love Andy is that he will sit and talk to pretty much anyone. Oscar obviously had his demons (note; he kept taking shots during his time with Andy), but Andy had conversations with him in between songs. Andy didn't just ignore him; he validated what Oscar had to say, and gave Oscar the sense that he was visible, something that I would imagine to be hard in a city with this many people and with demons as big as his. Plus, Oscar was pretty funny. (Andy gave him 20 pesos from them money he made). 

This is an entryway to an inside mall area. Mostly just little stalls selling Mexican goods to tourists.

Andy pulled in a fairly good crowd, despite the stiff competition from the Los Payasos (clowns). Payasos are all over Puebla, doing tricks, juggling, being clown-like at stop lights for small tips. But I think the best of the best put shows on for large crowds in the Plaza on Sunday afternoons. (It takes some getting used to...the clowns...being every. where. you. look. *Shudders*)

Then it got dark and a different beauty was revealed 

A full shot of the Cathedral and the bustling life below it. (The small light in the sky to the right is a flying, lighted toy). We walked over to our favorite place eat in La Plaza...two for one beers and Mega Cemas to share. (see older posts for pictures)

So there are some pictures of Puebla for you. :) I hope you enjoyed them. 

¡Tenemos Amigos! (We have friends!)

So...this is exciting people, we have friends. Yesterday we went to breakfast with our lovely neighbors, Pepe and Meche, Pepe is 80 and Meche is a few years younger (a lady never reveals her age...and she is a lady). They are so very sweet. They only speak Spanish, but are very patient with me and my lack of Spanish speaking. Fortunately, I can understand about 60% of what they are talking about...so that's a bonus. (Hand gestures on their part increase this percentage by at least 30%).

When we returned home from a relaxing breakfast and tours of a few health clubs in our neighborhood, we found this on the door:

The sign was from our landlord and his wife. Andy told them it was my birthday on Friday. How sweet is that?!

Then our landlord, and friend, Jose Luis, presented me with these:

These are traditional Mexican flowers that are made out of the corn husks that are used for making tamales. How beautiful and practical! Again, how sweet?!

We then spent the rest of the day hanging out around the house. We had discussed going to Texas BBQ, the scene of our wheel debacle, to see a band that Andy really likes. (We take taxis at night now...see?! We learned our lesson about driving/parking at night. We are such smart cookies!) We texted Rebecca, the woman who organizes the expat meetings and maintains the website All About Puebla, to see if she and her lovely husband Pablo, would like to join us. They were wanting to stay closer to their home in Cholula...literally 5 minutes from our house.

They invited us to a restaurant and bar called Intro owned by their friend Angel. Check out their website here Intro. It has to be said, that I tried my first martini there and it was pretty damn good. It was a fusion of asian flavors...it smelled so sweet, but didn't taste that way at all. Sorry, no pictures, I didn't feel like hauling out the iPad for a night out. We chatted, enjoyed getting to know these two interesting people, and generally enjoyed ourselves.

After I had drank several glasses of wine, Andy beers, some mezcal sent over by the chef Angel, we had the. best. dessert. I. have. ever. had. Ever. Seriously. Ever. It was a layered cheesecake, with three different flavors stacked on top of each other, a light chocolate cookie crumble on top of a light meringue, topped with eatable flowers, and served in a small, painted pottery, planter pot. The instructions from the waiter was to stick the spoon all the way down to get all the flavors. To. Die. For. Again, no picture...but I might just have to got back with the iPad and have another one...just for the sake of getting a picture for you all. No, no, I'll do it...just for you guys. I mean, it might be hard for me, but I just love you all so much. Okay, okay, fine, I'll do it!

Then we went back to Rebecca and Pablo's apartment and met their cat Lucy. She is such a sociable cat...very cute and playful. It was nice to get a little cat time in. (I have to admit, I am missing Kit-Kat something fierce). I had mentioned during the night that there is something about moving that makes you really appreciate the little things. We have been so very fortunate to rent a fully furnished apartment, but there are a few things that were not provided...one being a potholder. Now you are thinking, "really?! A potholder? No big deal." But let me tell you...it's a big deal. While we were hanging out last night, Rebecca pulled out a potholder from a drawer and gave it to me.

Again, isn't that sweet?!

Now, I should say that I don't feel like getting presents from people is the basis of friendship, nor do I expect material things from my friends, but these small tokens of friendship really just struck me. We have been here less than two weeks, and already people are willing to take the time out of their day to let us know that they are thinking about us, that they are listening to the little things. That goes a long way in my book.

We are looking forward to many more hangouts, like the walk/run in the BEAUTIFUL park new our house (it really deserves it own blog post, so more about that coming soon) and fantastic breakfast with Rebecca and Pablo.

*It should be noted that Rebecca's website and blog, were some of the reasons that I felt good about our decision to move to Puebla.

31 in Mexico

I'd like to say thank you to Andy for being my first guest blogger, and let's face it, probably only guest blogger for awhile as he's about the only person I really know here. ;) I'd also like to thank him for, well, just being pretty amazing. There really is no better partner that I could have chosen for myself (pats self on the back). He makes navigating this world much more fun, much more adventurous, and gives me the love and support that I sometimes don't even know that I need. (I had to sneak some cheese in there cause I didn't get the chance yesterday).

As Andy mentioned, yesterday was my birthday. We woke up, after the first night of really good sleep since we've been here...I like to think of that as my body's birthday present to itself, and walked to a little restaurant for some breakfast outside. As we sat waiting for my crepes (it's not all tacos and tamales here folks) filled with ham and cheese, Andy lovingly looked across the table at me, like only he can (swoon), and asked me if  I ever thought I would be spending my 31st birthday in Mexico. The answer was, "nope"...but man, I'm glad I am!

We started to reflect on our travels over the last 6 1/2 years and just how very fortunate we have been. We talked about being younger and what we had imagined our lives to be like...where we would be by a certain age, what we would be doing, etc. Andy said that he wanted to be a wandering minstrel playing his music around the world. (Pretty much!) I had envisioned myself living in a bungalow on the beach in Southern California with my musician husband. (Pretty close!) But I never would have thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would be turning the big 3-1 (What?! It feels big!) in Mexico with plans to stay for a year.

After a delightful breakfast, with conversations you can only share with your partner, we spent the rest of the day relaxing at home. Andy is not feeling 100% (has a cough and a cold)...I'm not feeling super great myself (slight stuffy nose and tired), so a nice day lounging about was just what we needed.

We ventured out to get some roasted chicken from "El Pollo Devino" (The Devine Chicken)...our new favorite place. Pedro, the owner of the shop, was so kind, a smile that lit up the room, his broken English better than most I've heard so far, and his excitement to have us there, the inexpensive prices (An entire roasted chicken, a huge tub of red rice, a dozen corn tortillas, some sautéed onions, and some salsa all for under $10!!) all sealed the deal that we will be going back there...soon...often...like once a week...maybe twice. ;)

We ended the night by watching the second episode in the third season of Sherlock, split a Cadbury chocolate bar (What?! It was Valentines Day!), and went to bed fairly early. Wonderful birthday spent with my wonderful love.

Here are a few pictures from my past to chronicle my 31 years:

Gotta love the early 80's picture backgrounds. Notice the mo-hawk I'm sporting

Christmas with a Gremlin (aka, me)

Rockin' the overalls baby

Me and my dad. My great grandmother made that dress for me. I called it my Little House on the Prairie Dress

Tutu...on my head, always on my head. (Hey Doan Girls! Lookin' Good!)

I'm like 6/7/8 here...I don't know. All I know is that I was LOVIN' that hair wrap

Me and my Ultimate, Julia, in out Junior year of high school

22...not 5 like the picture might suggest, 22. 

Me and my honey in Anchorage, AK this summer

What?! You noticed there are no pictures from Middle School? Hmm...weird...that's totally weird...cause that was like my BEST time as far as looks go, I swear! I mean, you'll just have to take my word for it...you can trust me. (Or can you?!)

We are off to breakfast with Pepe and Mecha, Andy's host family and our neighbors. It should be noted that I may run off with Pepe...I think we have a deep love and understanding of each other. That and he's 80...and A-DOR-A-BLE! and I love old men. 

Calle 46

Hola a todos!, it is my pleasure to be Anne's first guest blogger.  She has asked me to share the story of how we got our wheel back.  I have to give all the credit to our new friend and neighbor, Nacho....we don't know his "real" name, as he claims that Nacho is his real name.  Anyhow, after a morning visit to Toyota to discover that a new wheel, tire and the little logo piece in the middle of the wheel would cost us about 10,000 pesos....roughly $750.00, we consulted our domestic lady, who on Thursdays does a sort of general tidying up of the stairs, outside hallways, and washes sheets and towels.  She immediately referred us to the gentleman living in Number 5, Nacho.  We had met him the week before when we were bringing our things in.  He welcomed us and told us he had lived in San Diego for many years.  He was very friendly and told us if we needed anything to just ask.  We knocked on his door and told him our story......he gave a knowing sigh, apologized on behalf of the rest of Mexico, and told us he knew just what to do.  In 45 mins Nacho and I, (we left Anne at home partly because Nacho insisted it was no place for her, and partly because she was a little angry about the whole thing and I knew it would be better to just keep her at home) were on our way to Calle 46.

Everyone in Puebla knows about Calle 46.  Even as I was putting on the spare tire at 11:30 pm in a badly lit street (thank you Don Thomas for the light!), the owner of the restaurant where we had spent the evening, and the new friends we had met there (who were parked right behind us), both told us that we might even find our actual missing wheel in Calle 46.  Nacho and I navigated the busy streets of Puebla, ducking in and out of side streets to avoid road closures due to construction, while he told me about Calle 46.  Calle 46 is where all the "hot" parts get sold/reunited to/with the someone/actual previous owners who would like to buy them.   The entire street and surrounding area is basically the spare car parts store for the entire city.   Now, you can, if you want, just go to Auto Zone, which they do have here, but they don't sell wheels for a Prius, and they certainly wouldn't have OUR wheel, but in Calle 46 there was a very good chance we would find our actual wheel.

After about 20 mins, Nacho and I arrived in the general area of Calle 46.  I knew this because we were immediately chased down by young men on BMX bikes offering to sell us a new rim.  Our little donut is yellow, so we were very easy to spot.  Nacho negotiated through the window.  The BMX bandits said they had a wheel and the price was 2500.00 pesos.  Nacho waived them off, and offered 2000.00 and not a peso more (while I thought....2500.00? a bargain compared to Toyota!), but before I could say anything the BMX bandidos were on there way and Nacho told me to drive on.  I told him about the price at Toyota and he said don't worry, don't worry....we will get your wheel back.  His easy manner and reassurance was soothing.  Somehow, I totally trusted this guy, so I drove on.

Two minutes later we were parked outside a little hole in the wall, among a mile long strip of little holes in the wall, selling wheels, front-ends, bumpers, mirrors and basically anything that can quickly be removed from the outside of any vehicle.  Again Nacho, this time out of the car, went to work.  There were three men and one woman in this particular "tienda" and they quickly began to communicate with other "tiendas"via those walkie talkie phones.  "Chirp.....tweet....blah blah blah....Toyota....chirp....tweet.....blah blah blah....Prius " Nacho held firm 2000.00 pesos.  One of the men jumped on a bike (can you guess what kind?) and rode down the street.  After a few minutes, I got out of the car.  I had experienced this kind of transaction before many years ago in Peru although I have to say that the car parts neighborhood in Peru was much much scarier than Calle 46.  The men and the woman were friendly, sympathetic even, and Nacho spoke with them easily.  He told them of the time he had had all four of his wheels stolen.  They all laughed.  There were quite a few "pendejos" and "chingas" and other colorful words strewn about the place by the time the young man who had left on the bike returned.

There was good news and bad news.  The good news?  They had a/the wheel.  The bad news?  They didn't want to bring it because it was too "hot", too "soon" and they were afraid of selling it back so fast.  We were told to come back tomorrow.  I was surprised by both the good news and the bad news.  Really? Our actual wheel?  Really? It is "too soon" to sell it back?  Nacho, exacerbated, said tell them to bring it, we are ready to buy it.  I was ready to come back tomorrow.  I just wanted to get out of there as fast as I could.  The young man left on the bike again.  Each time he went he was gone for more than 5 mins.  I stood nervously in the sun, I introduced myself to the owners of the store, I bought some flowers from a passing young lady for Anne and I quietly hoped for good news, while Nacho, in his pointy black cowboy boots, his Ray-Bans, jeans and blue button up collared shirt oozed confidence and was not intimidated in the least.

The news was the same.  They have it, but they want to wait....it is too hot....come back tomorrow.  Nacho, throwing his hands in the air and saying some thing like (for fucks sake!)...told them to go and tell the (little bastards) to bring the (fucking) wheel.  This time the woman went on the bike.  She was not gone long when she came back and said they will bring it, but there is a problem.  They want 6000.00 pesos.  Nacho nearly lost it....there were a lot more "pendejos" and "chingas" and he motioned me to get in the car.  I did and Nacho got in too.  I started the car and was ready to pull away when he said "wait, wait".  The negotiations continued through the window.  Nacho would not give another peso.  Finally they agreed on 2200.00 pesos....about $170.00.  2000.00 for the owners of the/our wheel and 200 as a finders fee for the owners of the store.  The woman said give me the $ and I will bring it.  Nacho told me to give them the money.  I refused.  I was not going to give them the money until I saw the wheel.  Nacho said it was OK.  Again, I refused.  "Tell them to bring it and I will pay them".  The woman left on the bike again.

30 seconds later here comes a man carrying our wheel....our actual wheel....we know this because Anne had two Bridgestone tires on the back and two of another brand on the front.  The tire they brought was a Bridgestone with the exact same wear as the other.  I didn't argue, accuse, or hesitate in any way.  I handed over the cash and began to put the wheel in the trunk.  The owner of the store said "wait, we will put the wheel (back) on for you".  How nice, I thought.  They put the wheel on while I thanked the owners of the store and told them that I hope I don't ever see them again.  Nacho and I drove home.....I couldn't believe what had just happened.  In less than 17 hours since it went missing in a city of 4 million people, we had our wheel back....our ACTUAL wheel.  Incredible.  I told Nacho Anne was going to kiss him.....and she did.  We were both very happy and felt we had learned a valuable lesson.  After all, it could have been much much worse.  They could have taken all four wheels, they could have smashed one window and been off with my guitar and my iPad.  We were lucky.

Our wheel...right back where it belongs

Nacho: Our friend, neighbor, and angel

Sorry this blog has been so long.  Thanks for sticking with me.  We are not too upset with the folks who stole the wheel.  In a country with serious poverty issues people look for ways to survive.  In another life I know I could easily be the wheel thief.  Lesson learned, nobody got hurt, and we will be much smarter from now on.  For the record, we don't think our car was targeted because we had foreign plates or because it is fairly new.  The car parked behind us would have shielded our plate from being seen by a casual observer.  Our car was targeted because it was in the right spot.  A badly lit street, at night, where it was easy for them to take the wheel without being seen.  Again, lesson learned.

OK.  I should end this thing.  Thank you to Anne for asking me to be her first guest blogger and also for being my partner on this little journey.  I can't imagine doing this....living in Mexico....with anyone else.  She is brave, adventurous, funny, beautiful and I am so glad we have been able to share 6.5 years together.  Today is her 31st birthday too!....Happy Birthday babe!...I love you!

La Rueda de la Fortuna-The Wheel of Fortune

Fuck! (Sorry, Judy) But seriously...that's about the only word that can describe the last 12 hours. Let me start off by saying that Andy and I are fine...let's just preface this post with that.

Okay, so here's the deal...we're keepin' it real, right?! Let's just get to the facts: one of the wheels on The Bandit (my beloved car...now in hindsight a bit of an ironic name...I digress) was stolen while Andy and I were hanging out with the expat group at the Texas BBQ restaurant.

This is what three of our wheels look like

This is what the rear passenger side wheel looks like

I'll wait while you enjoy this: One of these things is not like the other...for real, thanks Sesame Street for having the perfect soundtrack for today. 

Okay, cute, right?! We have to laugh about this...otherwise, I'll cry again.

Here's the quick and dirty of it, cause we gotta go figure this S*@# out:

• We totally parked on the street in a neighborhood we didn't know...at night. (Our bad)
• We learned NOT to park on the street in a neighborhood that we don't know...at night.
• It was only a wheel, not the window, not the whole car, not the iPad that was in there...not a living thing.
• The little assholes (Sorry again, Judy) left ALL the lug nuts so it was easier-ish for Andy to put the spare on.
• There were still people we knew there to help us.
• Hopefully we won't have to sell organs to but a new wheel. 

But in the spirit of "Keepin' it Real" I will tell you that we both laid awake for hours totally reconsidering our decision to come here. There were a few tears shed in the dark, by me...I don't know about Andy, it was dark. We were making hypothetical (or were they?!) plans to leave in May. We were dreaming of soggy England and thinking it sounded like a grey paradise!

We finally got a few hours of sleep. Things are looking brighter, literally...the sun is out and it's warm. We are off to the Toyota Dealership to see if they can help out...and if not, then we are off to the part of town (read, sketchy) where people sell all these car parts that have been "found" on the streets.

Remember...we are fine, we are feeling better today...I'll keep you posted on the acquisition of the wheel. 

¡La Bamba!

I need to start this blog with a correction, mostly for our own safety. Popo, our friendly neighborhood volcano, is, in fact, a man. A very masculine warrior man. My friend Mary sent me a website detailing the legend behind Popo. It tells the story way more eloquently than I can...so check it out! The manliest volcano around I should note, that I really do try to be culturally sensitive, so I totally own up to the fact that I was a bad gringa...bad gringa! Now that that topic is out of the way and I have singlehandedly saved the city of Puebla from being destroyed by an insulted volcano...oh wait, I'm doing it again...bad gringa!

Yesterday was a good day. Not that other days here have been bad, Monday was a bit rough, but yesterday just felt good. Probably, in part, because we got a few minor things around the apartment fixed and our cleaning lady came. Yeah, that's right, I said cleaning lady...the service is part of our rent...seriously...every week. (If that's not incentive to pack your life into a Prius and move to a foreign country without knowing the language, than I don't know what is!) We'll call that number 1 in my list of why yesterday was a good day. (I'm a list person, you will soon find this out).

2.) Andy had his first gig at a preschool about three seconds away from the house. It was a freebie, as most of his first concerts are, but they loved him so much they want to have him back every week! He's pretty much a bad-ass. (I already knew this, but thought I'd drop this knowledge on a few of you who don't already know). He dropped off cards and cd's at other schools in the area and I'm sure they will be  knocking down the door soon.

3.) We (I mean, Andy) found a little market that sets up down the street from us every Tuesday. Just some people with stalls set up on the street. You can buy whole, dead, chickens, fresh fish, fresh shrimp, fruits and veggies, aprons, and knock-off purses. We only needed the fruits and veggies this time around...but good to know the other items are available.

All of this goodness was only about $3.50! 

This papaya is NOT from the market down the street...but was too pretty to be left out

4.) I was able to ask Ellia, the woman who cleans the apartments, with the help of Spanishdct.com, how to prepare the Chile Poblano (the big green chile). I mostly understood her. Basically, I roast it. I am no culinary genius, but that I can do! (Thank you New Mexico!)

5.) I got to meet Andy's guide, from the Language Institute, Juan Manuel. Talk about a great kid! Okay, okay, I use kid in a general term, I think he's in his early twenties. He met us in El Centro, basically the mid-point between our houses, to discuss continuing Spanish lessons with us. I am pleased (ask me about this after he has fried my brain with Spanish knowledge and given me homework) to say that he will be coming to the house twice a week to work with both of us. We decided it would be best to split the time with him, an hour for me and my basics, and an hour with Andy for the more advanced stuff. But back to the point of #5...this kid is awesome! He is going to school, works like three jobs, plays drums in a rock/punk band, and is teaching himself Icelandic in his "spare time." That's right, he's teaching himself Icelandic...my mother tongue...also one of the hardest languages in the world. If that doesn't knock your socks off, you haven't heard Icelandic. Google it...or stalk my mom and family, and have them speak it to you. 

6.) We have been saying, "A Huevo!", while pulling a fist down from the air (picture someone who is excited and saying "yes!"). Andy learned the phrase from Dr. Arizpe...not ever really knowing what it meant. Juan Manuel explained that it is a very cultural thing, and it means something to the effect of "Hell Yeah!" So we were essentially using it in the right context, without even knowing it. 

7.) And then this happened...

Andy playing La Bamba with musicians in the plaza

There are generally several musicians wandering around in the Plaza. We were finishing up our drinks with Juan Manuel when we saw this band. I was gathering up our camelback and chatting with Juan Manuel when I heard Andy singing La Bamba. I turned around, and there he was, singing with these guys. Once they finished, they came over, Andy grabbed his guitar and they went to town! When they ended, Andy said, "A Huevo!" and then the band asked if he was Mexican. Best compliment to date. 

It was totally random, totally spontaneous, and totally wonderful! ...just like Puebla.