Mis primeros dias en Guanajuato

For those of you who cared to text me, you already know that I have made it to Mexico in one piece. For those of you who are just seeing this and obviously care significantly less, I have made it to Mexico in one piece. Lets start from the beginning of my journey: Wednesday night in the states. I finished all of my packing and errands and spent the rest of the evening watching Orange is the New Black and waiting for my boyfriend to get off work, which he didn't until 1am. So after about 3 hours of sleep, I awoke at 4:51am. This was an hour and 21 minutes after I was suppose to wake up. Lots of anxiety. Rushing and yelling at said boyfriend ;) we were out the door in about 15 minutes on the way to Dulles International Airport. Thank god for patient men and no traffic. Finally, I was at the gate with 20 minutes to spare. The flight was pretty uneventful and I landed in México around 2pm.

Picture of said patient boyfriend

Don Victor picked me up from the airport. He was a very short statured, Hispanic man with glasses. He put me in a white van by myself (I know, I thought the same thing) and was rambling broken Spanish to me while the wind roared from the open windows and mariachi music played loudly in the van. He asked me so many questions and I had absolutely no idea what he was saying. I thought to myself how in the world would I survive these next 6 weeks if I can't even understand the van driver. More anxiety.

After a 30 minutes ride over the mountains and through windy cobblestone streets of the city, we arrived at my new front door. My family greeted me and we had some almuerzo together. I live alone with my host mom Pily, but her son and daughters and adorable grandkids are always around (especially around meal time). They have been very welcoming and the apartment has a lovely view of the hills in the city.

My first full day, I woke up and was told there was a funeral to attend. My host mom and brother (David) took a bus about an hour outside of Guanajuato. I met the whole family (in a very awkward situation) and  attended the misa (service) for the late family member. I am not usually one for religion, but it was an absolutely beautiful service and a Mariachi band played beautiful songs in her honor. We arrived home a few hours later and I slept and slept and slept. An interesting first day to say the least...

Then finally I was able to explore the city with 2 students from my program. It is the most beautiful city that I have ever seen. It feels like living in the past with the incredible temples, colorful houses, and the small shops and stands on every corner. We went to a mummy museum, Diego Rivera's house, and the huge Mercado Hidalgo. We drank tintas de verano which is an awesome Spanish drink that Jarrod recommended. Then I walked home and attempted to open the neighbor's door in which she laughed and laughed and told me that is was nice to meet me. (I probably would have been screamed at in the U.S.) We also found a Starbucks for a little taste of home :)

                       

More importantly, the food is AMAZING!!! To keep this long post short, my favorite so far has been Salpicon frio which is pretty much beef, lettuce, fresh veggies, avocado, with some olive oil and salt and pepper eaten with crispy tortillas. I was trying not to eat like a pig but it was so delicious. Also, we made agua de melon which was fresh cantaloupe, mint and water which we blended. Maybe since I'm writing it down I'll remember and try to cook it. But as my boyfriend said to me the other day. I miss you but I wish I could say I miss your cooking. I can't cook...

Unfortunately, classes start tomorrow and living the tourist life will come to an end but I'm sure I will have plenty more to share, if you're not bored with me already! If anyone is even reading this....

Hablamos pronto mis queridos amigos,

Melissa (o Melly like my host family says)