Mexico City is not nealy as scary as I had imagined. I love the architecture and there are great green spaces and plenty of trees along the streets. But don´t get me wrong, I still prefer a much smaller town. They have great public art works and even really cool benches, each one along Reforma is different. Went to the Anotropology Museum today to get my nerd fill. It was a great musuem.The big park in the city is wonderful, much better than Central Park in NYC.
Can I say again that the buildings are beautiful here. The old, in the case of the ruins near my hostal and the main square (third largest main city square in the world, very old, and then even the more recent skyscrapers are generally artistic and not just plain hulks of buildings. I wish I had more time here and someone to explore the city with, but I´ll just have to come back someday.
Last night I spent much more on a baile folklorico show at Bellas Artes than I spent on two nights at the hostel. Big Mexico purchase, but very entertaining. It was $40 for pretty much the worst seat in the house. The stained glass ceiling in the theater was glorious. There were over 50 dancers and a full mariachi band on stage.
And saying goodbye to San Miguel de Allende was sad. I cried when I hugged Benito for the last time. Then I snuck onto an earlier bus in the morning so I wouldn´t have to go through a second goodbye when he dropped me off at the bus station. I called him when I was already on the earlier bus, bad I know. I was leaving and I just wanted to get it over with. Oh no, typing this I am tearing up in the Internet Cafe. Testing my detachment skills.
Tomorrow morning I get up at 4 am to catch a flight and then spend over 25 hours in airports and planes. I plan to sleep in the food court in the Lima airport and then I meet up with Lauren, Liz and Julie in Cuzco later Saturday morning. I am so phyched and also nervious that I will get big blisters from my Mexi boots.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Carrera Practice at a Rancho
Last Friday afternoon, Margaux, Benito and I show up in his taxi to a Rancho about 15minutes out of town. Apparently he hadn't called ahead and doesn't know them too well. We roll up with 24 cans of Modelo in a huge trash bag of ice. There are about 7 guys training horses for carrera competitions. We are on a long dirt road way out in the hills, but we want to ride horses. Yes, I know I am petrified of horses, but I am facing my fears, plus I meditated all morning to get me good and calm. Plus Margaux has 4 and road for many years. She ended up impressing all the guys with her skills. I had to be led around like a child for fear that the horse would just take off with (or without) me. It was a great day. We spent the afternoon watching their practice and then they walked the horses to calm them down for us and we spent the rest of the time just chilling and talking to them. Seems the next show isn’t for another month of so, but we were invited to come and watch them practice any Friday. Or ride anytime. Unfortunately, I don't have any more Fridays here.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Guadalajara for the weekend
We had Friday off from school. Thursday was actually Labor Day, but the school switched it around so we could have exams on Thursday and a three day weekend. I passed level three, but this week I am taking one-on-one classes instead of starting up with the next level.
Friday Margaux, Jamie and I work up early to take the 5+ hour trip to Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. We paid the extra $4 so we had a really nice bus (the first class busses here are way better than any bus I have ever taken in the States) and good movies. I am proud that I know enough Spanish to understand movies.
Poor planning on our part, we arrived without a hotel and on a holiday weekend when the tourist booths were closed. No map, no guide book, but we found a simple hotel in the historic downtown and somehow immediately found our way to supposedly the largest market in the world under one roof.
After an attempted theft of Margaux's second camera lens (she is a great photographer) we were much more careful with our belongings. It was so hot this weekend. Way hotter than San Miguel, unbearable even. On Saturday we took the weirdest tour I have ever had (90% in Spanish) to Tequila, Mexico for a tour of Jose Cuervo's operations. It was the first time I tasted tequila since I horrible incident in Rosarita, Mexico after which I puked all over a friend and his friend{s car. That was 7 years ago. I have been avoiding tequila since, but I couldn't pass it up at the factory. I also love cooked agave, great sweet snack. We were told not to take pictures, so I have at least a dozen or so taken stealthily from waist height. I am just so bad with stupid rules. The hairnet picture is inside the factory too.
Sunday we spent most of the day at another market. This one was more artsy than the huge market, but not as pretty as the international art market that the city is so well known for. I bought a scarf and a skeleton lady and a necklace and I spent less than $7 and I got to bargain. Pretty sweet market.
I am sure we would have seen much more had we planned ahead or hot been ridiculously hot all weekend, but it was once again good to get out of San Miguel because it made me appreciate how nice it is there once again. Gratitude for what I have!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Motorcycle Molly
Last weekend I suprised myself. I have always thought motorcycles are dangerous and thus stupid I could not understand why people don't just buy a small car instead. That seems much more useful for friends and rainy days. Ever since I’ve met him, Benito has said he's saving up for a moto. Of course I made fun of him and said he should spend that money fixing his dead teeth. Anyway, after last Sunday I can at least understand why he wants them and why people keep Cape Cod Harley in business. We went for a long ride all around town. Cobblestone streets with speed bumps with someone who has scars on his body from a horrific moto accident in the past, yup scary. I cried at one point and tried to blame it on the wind even though I was wearing sunglasses. All in all, I loved it. It was so much fun and made me want a motorcycle. I still maintain that motorcycles are dangerous and dumb, but I can understand that they are lots of fun too. Then we stopped and he asked me if I wanted to learn to drive. Always looking to learn more, I said sure. Then instructions started coming at me in rapid Spanish. I soon realized I was not ready to learn and got back on the back. Fun day. Sorry mom, I know you are made, especially because helmets are unheard of here. Oh and yes, he crosses himself in front of every church even while on the bike. There were some cross moments way out in the mountains too, but I didn't see any church there.
This Sunday I went to a baptismo party for Benito's younger sister's baby. There were tons of Mexicans sitting around eating cake and drinking agua de jamaica (hibiscus flower iced tea). I could understand a good 80% of what they were talking about, but the conversation was way too fast for me to join in. I was certainly the mute gringa in the corner with a stupid smile on her face.Who knows what his family thinks of me. I am much better one on one. When we left, I couldn't stop talking for hours because I had been so quiet at the party.
I think I need to stop drinking so much here- last week was one long party. Sure I am studying lots and getting lots of reading done too, but I mean to spend more time meditating and thinking about what I want to do for a career when I get back to the states. Sangria can help with that right? Ok, I doubt it, but it was nice to see the connection between eating junk food and bad dreams this morning. I usually eat really well, but yesterday I downed cake and beer and ice cream late at night. Then I woke up in a nightmare involving a Mexico City taxi driver. Good motivation to stay away from bad food. I never knew how much it affected my body until I gave it up at yoga camp.
I am off to pick up my clothes from the laundry; hopefully they will all be there. Last week a friend of mine had to bring in the police because the laundry shop tried to tell her they didn't have her clothes. The clothes were hidden in the back. I am comforted by the fact that my clothes aren't so nice and I am taller than almost all the women around here.
This Sunday I went to a baptismo party for Benito's younger sister's baby. There were tons of Mexicans sitting around eating cake and drinking agua de jamaica (hibiscus flower iced tea). I could understand a good 80% of what they were talking about, but the conversation was way too fast for me to join in. I was certainly the mute gringa in the corner with a stupid smile on her face.Who knows what his family thinks of me. I am much better one on one. When we left, I couldn't stop talking for hours because I had been so quiet at the party.
I think I need to stop drinking so much here- last week was one long party. Sure I am studying lots and getting lots of reading done too, but I mean to spend more time meditating and thinking about what I want to do for a career when I get back to the states. Sangria can help with that right? Ok, I doubt it, but it was nice to see the connection between eating junk food and bad dreams this morning. I usually eat really well, but yesterday I downed cake and beer and ice cream late at night. Then I woke up in a nightmare involving a Mexico City taxi driver. Good motivation to stay away from bad food. I never knew how much it affected my body until I gave it up at yoga camp.
I am off to pick up my clothes from the laundry; hopefully they will all be there. Last week a friend of mine had to bring in the police because the laundry shop tried to tell her they didn't have her clothes. The clothes were hidden in the back. I am comforted by the fact that my clothes aren't so nice and I am taller than almost all the women around here.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Adobe, not Illustrator
So yesterday was great day. One of the students from last month has a daughter who bought an ex-hacienda 25 minutes outside of San Miguel two years ago. They have been fixing it up ever since. The student’s son took 5 of us on a tour yesterday. First we stopped by a work site to drop in on a class in making adobe building. People from all around the world had some to take the class. It’s pretty early to make the block once you have the right mix and they are much more environmentally friendly than concrete blocks. My favorite guy was a Haitian guy living in Canada, but preparing to help build permanent adobe structure back in Haiti. He had already bought himself a little brick making machine. They cost around $4500 USD and he got his from India, shipping included. It seemed like a great project. They people running the course were Jeff and Jim from http://www.tierraycal.com
Then we went to the hacienda. http://www.cantosdelossantos.com/us.html That family certainly has taken on a large project. The place was started in the 1770s, another part added in 1861 and then a 16 room hotel was started in 1980. Then the Mexican general who owned it fell out of power and could no longer us army funds and soldiers to finish his project. It went into ruin until this family of property managers from DC bought it two years ago. They are using looks of sustainable building materials and methods. It was good to spend a day talking about something I used to be so passionate about.
Then we sat down to a home cooking feast at the Hacienda with chef Ananda. Fresh- baked rosemary bread with olive oil, the best salad I’ve had in months, eggplant parmesan and then apple crisp with whip cream and lemonade. You would think I would try to loose weight before hiking in Peru, but apparently that is not my strategy. It was a wonderful day and I am back in the saddle with green building. Thursday I have dinner with three women who are working to bring more adobe projects to casita Linda. http://www.casitalinda.org All about the web links today.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Street Sweepers and Crosses
Ok, so every morning I wake up and after practicing yoga and eating fruit and oatmeal (I never new how good oatmeal cooked on the stove the long way could taste. No more microwave or instant for me if I can help it), I leave for school. Saying Hola and Buenos Dias to many people on the way.
It’s a short walk from my apartment to my school, past dozens of colonial houses on cobble stone streets. You know the kind of building that does not look like much from the outside, a protected front, but opens up to magical court yards and detailed rooms on the inside. I also pass by three major churches. The majority of people who walk or drive by these churches make the sign of the cross as they do so. So on this walk; I am surrounded by very religious people. It’s funny, three crosses in a row. I haven’t seen any car accidents in front of the churches, so I guess it’s safe for people to be so into it. This is a picture of one of the churches- the Oratorio. It is a beautiful walk to school and of course as a result I am often late to Conversation class.
All along the way, the help or household owner as well as restaurateurs and shop keepers are outside sweeping up the sidewalks in front of their place. They use handmade brooms and follow up with soap and water. Although it makes the stone sidewalks temporarily slippery, I am glad they are out there. I have never lived in a place with no rain. The roads are full of dust and dog poop. It’s important to clean it off the sidewalks and back into the streets. Still, given the wind around here, I’m hesitant to eat and of the roadside fare that is not covered by a clear plastic bag. Hmm, more about sidewalks, I like being the girl and walking on the inside. Benito always lets me go first and does that guiding thing with his hand. Me as an obedient girlfriend is certainly new. And the sidewalks are really narrow, so the custom is for the person facing traffic to step down and let the other person pass if there is not enough room. The people are so nice here, genuinely nice. Ok, the teenage couple next to me is exhibiting some gross mating rituals. I am off to the Jardin to read.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Still Loving it
San Miguel de Allende is quieter in April. Maybe lots of gringos have gone home to pay their taxes or spend the summer season in the States. Sometimes I curse the other gringos because there are so many, but I think their presence is a big part of what makes San Miguel special. They add to the cultural offerings and the arts. Plus, many restaurants cater to weak stomachs so I haven’t worried about eating raw veggies here. You know how much I love my salads. But I like shopping in the market and cooking at my house even more. Next week I am having a potluck.
While quieter, it’s also hotter and dustier this month. It hasn’t rained since I arrived. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen clouds here either. Apparently May will be the hottest month and then things cool down in June when the rains come. Until then I will marvel at how quickly my clothes dry and how much lotion my skin absorbs.
I like the new group of students taking Spanish with me at the Academia Hispano Americano. There are about 20 students from Mount Hood in Oregon at the school right now. They stay for 2 months and get 15 credits; seems like a good deal to me. Their presence certainly tips the age scale in the other direction. Last month the vast majority of students were retired.
I like learning Spanish much more than I expected. If I go back to the Cape in June, I think I will have to return here in the fall. Like Salsa, learning another language is a real challenge for me. It’s frustrating because I am usually so quick to pick up new things.
Besides the fun I am having with new friends, great weather, and friendly Mexican people, one thing that is certainly keeping me here is my boy Benito. He’s really fun and hanging out with his has done wonders for my Spanish. He doesn't speak any English and you know how much I like to talk. He is very patient and also helpful with corrections, plus his facial expressions are precioso. I appreciate the experience.
Every morning I wake up so amazed that I am in Mexico. I love the dusty cobble stone streets and the whistles I get from policemen. I mean, sure they can’t be trusted, but at least they are good for boosting confidence.
I still need to invite some stillness into my life and take time to figure out what I want. It took a long walk yesterday to figure out that I did indeed want to go to Peru with Liz, Lauren and Julie in May. I just made reservations today for some crazy plane rides. I leave Mexico City at 7 am on May 16th and I don’t get to Cuzco until 7 am the next day. As a super highlight, I get to stop over for at least a week in Costa Rica on the way home. I am a little nervous about hiking with three girls that are in incredible shape. One is doing another Iron man this summer, the other is training for a Half Iron man, and the third is always in good shape, especially with her recent spinning adventures. These are impressive, but intimidating friends. It’s only for 4 days, so even with the high altitude and the many flavors of Mexican ice cream I am sampling, I will make it, just not sure how good I will feel during it. http://www.salkantay.org/salcantay/salkantay-package-details-4days.html
In preparation, I joined a crappy little gym last Monday. It has a few stationary bikes and lots of weights and I got a student discount. Four rooms of weights and many pictures of Mexican body builders on the walls. I saw another woman there today, so my fear that I was the only girl was put to rest. It’s hysterical and very dirty and so Mexico for me. No one is ever at the desk to check me in, but that’s ok, because there are only 1-2 other people there at a time. They think my crazy abs and leg lifts are pretty funny too.
I’m off to a birthday party tonight at a bar with a wonderful view. Since the clocks changed last week, I will make it in time to see the sunset over the city. While making the reservations, it was the first time I have thought about going home. I might just fly back to Boston from Costa Rica in June in time to make the Provincetown International Film Festival that starts on the 18th. Not sure what I want, but here are a few thoughts. I want to feel the extreme peace that I felt during the last few weeks of Yoga TT in Bacalar. I want to enjoy Mexico while I am here. I want to meet up with the girls in Peru. Those are three things I can control, so that’s good. Just have no idea what I want to do when my travels are over. For now, I´ll just live in the now.
While quieter, it’s also hotter and dustier this month. It hasn’t rained since I arrived. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen clouds here either. Apparently May will be the hottest month and then things cool down in June when the rains come. Until then I will marvel at how quickly my clothes dry and how much lotion my skin absorbs.
I like the new group of students taking Spanish with me at the Academia Hispano Americano. There are about 20 students from Mount Hood in Oregon at the school right now. They stay for 2 months and get 15 credits; seems like a good deal to me. Their presence certainly tips the age scale in the other direction. Last month the vast majority of students were retired.
I like learning Spanish much more than I expected. If I go back to the Cape in June, I think I will have to return here in the fall. Like Salsa, learning another language is a real challenge for me. It’s frustrating because I am usually so quick to pick up new things.
Besides the fun I am having with new friends, great weather, and friendly Mexican people, one thing that is certainly keeping me here is my boy Benito. He’s really fun and hanging out with his has done wonders for my Spanish. He doesn't speak any English and you know how much I like to talk. He is very patient and also helpful with corrections, plus his facial expressions are precioso. I appreciate the experience.
Every morning I wake up so amazed that I am in Mexico. I love the dusty cobble stone streets and the whistles I get from policemen. I mean, sure they can’t be trusted, but at least they are good for boosting confidence.
I still need to invite some stillness into my life and take time to figure out what I want. It took a long walk yesterday to figure out that I did indeed want to go to Peru with Liz, Lauren and Julie in May. I just made reservations today for some crazy plane rides. I leave Mexico City at 7 am on May 16th and I don’t get to Cuzco until 7 am the next day. As a super highlight, I get to stop over for at least a week in Costa Rica on the way home. I am a little nervous about hiking with three girls that are in incredible shape. One is doing another Iron man this summer, the other is training for a Half Iron man, and the third is always in good shape, especially with her recent spinning adventures. These are impressive, but intimidating friends. It’s only for 4 days, so even with the high altitude and the many flavors of Mexican ice cream I am sampling, I will make it, just not sure how good I will feel during it. http://www.salkantay.org/salcantay/salkantay-package-details-4days.html
In preparation, I joined a crappy little gym last Monday. It has a few stationary bikes and lots of weights and I got a student discount. Four rooms of weights and many pictures of Mexican body builders on the walls. I saw another woman there today, so my fear that I was the only girl was put to rest. It’s hysterical and very dirty and so Mexico for me. No one is ever at the desk to check me in, but that’s ok, because there are only 1-2 other people there at a time. They think my crazy abs and leg lifts are pretty funny too.
I’m off to a birthday party tonight at a bar with a wonderful view. Since the clocks changed last week, I will make it in time to see the sunset over the city. While making the reservations, it was the first time I have thought about going home. I might just fly back to Boston from Costa Rica in June in time to make the Provincetown International Film Festival that starts on the 18th. Not sure what I want, but here are a few thoughts. I want to feel the extreme peace that I felt during the last few weeks of Yoga TT in Bacalar. I want to enjoy Mexico while I am here. I want to meet up with the girls in Peru. Those are three things I can control, so that’s good. Just have no idea what I want to do when my travels are over. For now, I´ll just live in the now.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Pacifico
Really this post should be named Victoria because I am downing far more of that type of beer. On Monday, Melissa, Charlotte and I took two buses to Morelia for the night. Cool town, we saw no other white tourists and the guys were a little more agressive than they are in SMA. The next mornng we caught an early bus to Playa Azul on the Pacific coast. Totally deserted down, but some good waves. A little tough with the untertow, but nice to play in the ocean. We stayed at a very kitch hotel with a non funtional waterslide. Only lasted one night. I was chased off the beach the next morning by a pack of wild dogs. Clearly they thought my Down Dog was too much for them to handle. I had to pack up my yoga mat and move it back to the hotel.
Then we took more buses further south to Zihuatenjo. Everything just works out in MExico. We arrive at a station and the next bus is just waiting for us. It´s been far too easy.
Many more people here, but the waiters must confuse us with stupid tourists. For three meals eaten out, two places have tried to rip us off by overcharging. Go girls on a budget and knowing how to argue a point in Spanish. Speaking of budget, we are in a hotel that is $8 each a night. Bugs and no hot water, but the air is hot enough to enjoy the cool showers and it is right on the beach. Casa Elvira. Plus when you get home from salsa dancing at 4 am, you don´t need much more than a bed and the sound of crashing waves to make you happy.
As nice as the beach is, it makes me appreciate what I have in SMA more. I will be back to the coast, but I am also looking forward to getting back home on Saturday.
Then we took more buses further south to Zihuatenjo. Everything just works out in MExico. We arrive at a station and the next bus is just waiting for us. It´s been far too easy.
Many more people here, but the waiters must confuse us with stupid tourists. For three meals eaten out, two places have tried to rip us off by overcharging. Go girls on a budget and knowing how to argue a point in Spanish. Speaking of budget, we are in a hotel that is $8 each a night. Bugs and no hot water, but the air is hot enough to enjoy the cool showers and it is right on the beach. Casa Elvira. Plus when you get home from salsa dancing at 4 am, you don´t need much more than a bed and the sound of crashing waves to make you happy.
As nice as the beach is, it makes me appreciate what I have in SMA more. I will be back to the coast, but I am also looking forward to getting back home on Saturday.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Entering level 3
I just passed my exams for level 2 in Spanish at the Academia Hispano Americana here in San Miguel. We get a week off and then classes start up again and I will be in the next level (3 of 6). Erika left early this morning, now I can finally sleep. We were on the go the whole time. Lots of laughes and really good food. We ran out of time- I had so much fun with her. If anyone wants to come visit, please do, I have plenty of space and there is lots to do here. Yesterday I skipped classes and we headed to Guantajuato for the day. It´s about an hour away with 15,000 university students and the birth place of Diego Rivera. Benito, he´s my friend down here who drives a taxi and is really good at pool, was a great guide around SMA and we eneded up going out with him most evenings too. I had my third visit to La Gruta hot springs on Wednesday but I don´t think they cleaned it after the holiday weekend. The water was pretty gross. Gross and hot- great combo.
This coming vacation week I was supposed to go to Todos Santos in Baja because a classmate had offered up her house. Beach, waves, diving, guys.... yes!! Unfortunately the other two girls I was going with couldn´t get thier act together yesterday. I don´t think we´ll be going this week. Maybe I´ll take some art classes in town for the week. I´ve already circled about a dozen events in the local newspaper that can serve as my back up vacation.
Wow, its so wierd to type all this English, I even write my diary in Spanish now. It was great when Erika was here because she is pretty much fluent. I was the slow one at the table trying to grasp what everyone was saying and often turning to her for translation.
I really love this place and I can´t imagine leaving anytime soon. I just wish I had packed better clothes, any jewelry or some makeup. I didn´t know I´d be in such a town and want to look good. My mom sent down 4 skirts and some shirts with Erika. Continential lost her bag, but we got it the following night. Thank goodness; I feel like such a girl . I have never been so excited about new clothes in my life.
Ok, yeah I haven´t posted in a while. Semana Santa was a big deal down here. Hours and hours of processions and traditions. My favorite was the burning of Judas in the jardin. They hung about 15 paper mache figures, mostly men, but one witch too. One by one they were lit and they spun around shooting off sparks until they blew up into tiny peices and the crown cheered. Most of my pictures are on facebook, but I will try to figure some other way to make them accessible. It takes forever to load them onto the blog.
This coming vacation week I was supposed to go to Todos Santos in Baja because a classmate had offered up her house. Beach, waves, diving, guys.... yes!! Unfortunately the other two girls I was going with couldn´t get thier act together yesterday. I don´t think we´ll be going this week. Maybe I´ll take some art classes in town for the week. I´ve already circled about a dozen events in the local newspaper that can serve as my back up vacation.
Wow, its so wierd to type all this English, I even write my diary in Spanish now. It was great when Erika was here because she is pretty much fluent. I was the slow one at the table trying to grasp what everyone was saying and often turning to her for translation.
I really love this place and I can´t imagine leaving anytime soon. I just wish I had packed better clothes, any jewelry or some makeup. I didn´t know I´d be in such a town and want to look good. My mom sent down 4 skirts and some shirts with Erika. Continential lost her bag, but we got it the following night. Thank goodness; I feel like such a girl . I have never been so excited about new clothes in my life.
Ok, yeah I haven´t posted in a while. Semana Santa was a big deal down here. Hours and hours of processions and traditions. My favorite was the burning of Judas in the jardin. They hung about 15 paper mache figures, mostly men, but one witch too. One by one they were lit and they spun around shooting off sparks until they blew up into tiny peices and the crown cheered. Most of my pictures are on facebook, but I will try to figure some other way to make them accessible. It takes forever to load them onto the blog.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Smelly Apartment of my Own
Ah, so I have a new apartment. Although I miss having a roommate. Sean- you were so fun to live with this past year.
My new place is even closer to the main Jardin and my school. It was a good deal and its pretty big, seating for 10 people or so since it came furnished and utilities, linen and cleaning included. Downside, it doésn´t have as much light as I would like and it kinda smells like sewage and smoke . I had a cold when I rented it, so I am working through this issue.
When I told the family that I liked them and their food but I couldn´t live with that other student, the mother sat me down and said, YES! I know! Turns out the whole family and the three girls that work in the house avoid him like the plauge. That´s why they never ate with us. Shame. They don´t know what to do as he wants to stay for 5 more months.
And now I no longer live a half block from my mexican boyfriend. No more pebbles tossed at my window to get me to come down to the street. Back to basic text messaging. Thank goodness my cell corrects my spelling. I am getting much better at Spanish, even if I have been skipping some of the afternoon classes. This week I have to miss some of Wednesday because I am in a dramatic play reading. Yes, you read correctly. I have never thought of something like this, but they needed people as its Semana Santa and many people are gone. Its a holiday week, no school and everything is closed on Thursday and Friday. We´ll for me I just get Monday off for Benito Jaurez´s birthday- St. Patrick´s Day. And on Good Friday, people come here from as far as Mexico DF for the celebrations. I´ll be sure to pop my wallet in my front pocket and join the crowds.
Super good news, Erika from South Carolina is coming on Saturday to spend almost a week with me. I can´t wait to have a good friend to explore the area around here. Ok, off to go figure out to cook mexican food. If you have any simple recipes, please send them to me. I can get fruits and vegetables and grains pretty easily. And I bought a super sharp knife and a stone to keep it that way. Since Cutco, I am particular about my knives.
My new place is even closer to the main Jardin and my school. It was a good deal and its pretty big, seating for 10 people or so since it came furnished and utilities, linen and cleaning included. Downside, it doésn´t have as much light as I would like and it kinda smells like sewage and smoke . I had a cold when I rented it, so I am working through this issue.
When I told the family that I liked them and their food but I couldn´t live with that other student, the mother sat me down and said, YES! I know! Turns out the whole family and the three girls that work in the house avoid him like the plauge. That´s why they never ate with us. Shame. They don´t know what to do as he wants to stay for 5 more months.
And now I no longer live a half block from my mexican boyfriend. No more pebbles tossed at my window to get me to come down to the street. Back to basic text messaging. Thank goodness my cell corrects my spelling. I am getting much better at Spanish, even if I have been skipping some of the afternoon classes. This week I have to miss some of Wednesday because I am in a dramatic play reading. Yes, you read correctly. I have never thought of something like this, but they needed people as its Semana Santa and many people are gone. Its a holiday week, no school and everything is closed on Thursday and Friday. We´ll for me I just get Monday off for Benito Jaurez´s birthday- St. Patrick´s Day. And on Good Friday, people come here from as far as Mexico DF for the celebrations. I´ll be sure to pop my wallet in my front pocket and join the crowds.
Super good news, Erika from South Carolina is coming on Saturday to spend almost a week with me. I can´t wait to have a good friend to explore the area around here. Ok, off to go figure out to cook mexican food. If you have any simple recipes, please send them to me. I can get fruits and vegetables and grains pretty easily. And I bought a super sharp knife and a stone to keep it that way. Since Cutco, I am particular about my knives.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Week 1 San Miguel
Ok, so it's been a busy week. Sure I wanted to come to Mexico to relax and take a break from the rush and stress of my life in the States. However, I seem to have planned a full life down here. No extra time to sit and ponder my yoga sutras. Spanish classes run from 8:30 am until 6:30 pm with a 2 hour break to walk home for la comida in the middle of the day. My Spanish is improving, but I feel like I need to take another break. Now I know it is not my location, but my drive to learn and do as much as I can that pushes me towards crazy schedules. Yoga training, dive certification and now intensive Spanish. The school I am at is well respected. Academia Hispano Americana and my main teacher, Aide, is wonderful. She's only a year older than I am but she is very energetic and always prepared for class.
I live with a family about 15 minutes walk from the school. San Miguel is such a beautiful town. The family has 2 other students living there two. Both bald guys, one 41 and one 61. Having students is more like a business for them than a cultural experience as we don’t eat together or interact much. I have my own bathroom and a tiny room, just enough to lay down a yoga mat, but not enough to stretch beyond the limits of the mat. Many people live in the house, the 3 students, the parents, a renter on the 4th floor, the oldest daughter (18) and her husband and child, the son (16) and another daughter (15). The only people I have talked to are the mother and the son. One of the other students totally freak me out. Yikes, just as I wrote that he stepped up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder at the internet cafe. See what I mean? I think I will not be living with the family for much longer because he makes me so uncomfortable. It might be nice because the food is good, but I am eating more white flour and fewer vegetables than I´d like. I´ve also never seen a house with so many decorations. Every wall is covered, I´ll have to take some pictures.
I started this post last week so I will just pretend its still last week. I wish mom could have stayed with me down here; there is so much to do and its been sunny every day. We stayed at Casa Luna, a very romantic B&B. Staying there made me appreciate decorative details. Last Thursday and Friday they celebrated some conquistador with Aztec dancing. This week its a Cuban Festival with lots of music and dancing too.
The cobblestone streets of San Miguel are really nice, hard to run on, but beautiful. However, huge doors block off so many of the fantastic interiors. Its not like the US where the outside of the house is the showpieces. The beauty is for those inside the courtyards. There are so many things I want to do here, I think I may end up spending two months instead of one.
I live with a family about 15 minutes walk from the school. San Miguel is such a beautiful town. The family has 2 other students living there two. Both bald guys, one 41 and one 61. Having students is more like a business for them than a cultural experience as we don’t eat together or interact much. I have my own bathroom and a tiny room, just enough to lay down a yoga mat, but not enough to stretch beyond the limits of the mat. Many people live in the house, the 3 students, the parents, a renter on the 4th floor, the oldest daughter (18) and her husband and child, the son (16) and another daughter (15). The only people I have talked to are the mother and the son. One of the other students totally freak me out. Yikes, just as I wrote that he stepped up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder at the internet cafe. See what I mean? I think I will not be living with the family for much longer because he makes me so uncomfortable. It might be nice because the food is good, but I am eating more white flour and fewer vegetables than I´d like. I´ve also never seen a house with so many decorations. Every wall is covered, I´ll have to take some pictures.
I started this post last week so I will just pretend its still last week. I wish mom could have stayed with me down here; there is so much to do and its been sunny every day. We stayed at Casa Luna, a very romantic B&B. Staying there made me appreciate decorative details. Last Thursday and Friday they celebrated some conquistador with Aztec dancing. This week its a Cuban Festival with lots of music and dancing too.
The cobblestone streets of San Miguel are really nice, hard to run on, but beautiful. However, huge doors block off so many of the fantastic interiors. Its not like the US where the outside of the house is the showpieces. The beauty is for those inside the courtyards. There are so many things I want to do here, I think I may end up spending two months instead of one.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Scuba Steve
Ok, so sweat lodge was great. Didn't cry, but realized I don't need to. I am perfectly ok with being my happy self. It was emotional for some other people though. Glad to be there holding the safe space for them. I stayed for all four doors, but sometime during the third door I found myself patting mother earth for comfort. Felt a little drugged, but still love the experience. And the moon was halfway done with the eclipse when I emerged almost 3 hours later. Would love to do it again and again; the group and the leader certainly made it special though. Officially became a yoga teacher last Friday. Parents came down to pick me up on Saturday and we took a boat ride around the Laguna Bacalar with Kate and Vonni. Lazy river channel floating was the highlight.
Now in Belize where I have found a huge love of SCUBA. I want to dive and dive all the time. While in the Jungle (ok, when Internet is not so expensive and I don't want to run outside and dive in the ocean, I'll say more about Belize. The jungle was awesome, ruins and caving. Have great pictures of skeletons that we climbed 4 hours in a cave to see. ) Well, I met this girl Emily just back from her second round in Iraq. She recommend I meet up with this guy Steve at the beach to go diving. So I went to Jam-Bell and asked for Fritz, the owner. He gave me his cell to call Steve and now I go diving all day long with Steve and his son Steve. Scuba Steves. Tomorrow I will be certified, no pool dives involved, just in the ocean and what an ocean it is down here. Today is stormy and rough and we went out past the barrier reef. Huge waves, bigger than I have ever been in. They said normal people would have been scared. Loved every second of it. It's so magical down there. Hooked.
Now in Belize where I have found a huge love of SCUBA. I want to dive and dive all the time. While in the Jungle (ok, when Internet is not so expensive and I don't want to run outside and dive in the ocean, I'll say more about Belize. The jungle was awesome, ruins and caving. Have great pictures of skeletons that we climbed 4 hours in a cave to see. ) Well, I met this girl Emily just back from her second round in Iraq. She recommend I meet up with this guy Steve at the beach to go diving. So I went to Jam-Bell and asked for Fritz, the owner. He gave me his cell to call Steve and now I go diving all day long with Steve and his son Steve. Scuba Steves. Tomorrow I will be certified, no pool dives involved, just in the ocean and what an ocean it is down here. Today is stormy and rough and we went out past the barrier reef. Huge waves, bigger than I have ever been in. They said normal people would have been scared. Loved every second of it. It's so magical down there. Hooked.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I passed!
Here´s a picture of us studying on Friday night.So excited! We had a written exam (quite easy) on Saturday morning. Piece of cake, just needed to learn some of the sutras and answer some questions about the yogic diet, meditation techniques and how to incorporate yamas (abstinences) and niyamas (observances) into my life. Then yesterday, I taught my qualifying class at 6:50 in the morning. It went really well and I can´t wait to teach. I hope I can remember and even improve my teaching over the next few months in Mexico. In the meantime, my family will be subjected to many classes next week. I need to see how I work with people who aren´t also yoginis, people who don´t know where I am going with each pose. Now just classes on marketing yoga, yeah still probably my favorite part, and guidance for those making the transition from yoga heaven to their regular lives.
We have been fasting all day for a full moon sweat lodge tonight. I still haven´t let sad emotions out so maybe tonights the night.
And here´s a picture of the sweat lodge, don´t know how we are all going to fit. Group bonding- like we need any more of that. I love the support I get and give down here. Its a really loving group.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Loving it
Another great jump at the Cenote today. My form is improving greatly. Here is as picture of Jamie and me with the sign that says don´t jump. Oops! And yes, I look like I am middle aged in my sun-blocking shirt.
We talked to the Swami´s and the preaching stopped. Now the Sutras are just presented as good guidelines that we can think about, try out and keep if they agree with us. Much better.
I can´t believe I only have 10 more days of the program. Today was the first day I stood up an taught the whole group (16 people). It felt wonderful. I love to give presentations and I like to tell people what to do so I think this is a great job. I am starting to see myself as a teacher when I couldn´t imagine that only a few weeks ago. The program works. And I love anatomy. The body is so cool. Amazing. We studied the digestive system last night. And then related it to yoga poses and the yogic diet. These yogis sure have interesting ideas about eating. Most of it sounds pretty good. Chew food lots, vegetarian, natural whole foods, organic when possible. Don´t eat when you are still digesting the last meal. Have positive thoughts in your mind when you eat. Don´t drink liquids when you eat because it dilutes digestive juices and cools your digestive fire. Working well for me so far.
So I just received an email from this place I am thinking of living at in April: http://www.karacadir.com/
In addition to helping with projects and the garden, they said I would be in charge of two donkeys and two dogs. Hmm, what do you think? Can I hack it? Do I want to? I am getting over many fears (swam in lake every day since I found out I could swim- today was 18 minutes straight) but not sure I am ready for camping and farm animals. Plus, I want to be near some waves.
We talked to the Swami´s and the preaching stopped. Now the Sutras are just presented as good guidelines that we can think about, try out and keep if they agree with us. Much better.
I can´t believe I only have 10 more days of the program. Today was the first day I stood up an taught the whole group (16 people). It felt wonderful. I love to give presentations and I like to tell people what to do so I think this is a great job. I am starting to see myself as a teacher when I couldn´t imagine that only a few weeks ago. The program works. And I love anatomy. The body is so cool. Amazing. We studied the digestive system last night. And then related it to yoga poses and the yogic diet. These yogis sure have interesting ideas about eating. Most of it sounds pretty good. Chew food lots, vegetarian, natural whole foods, organic when possible. Don´t eat when you are still digesting the last meal. Have positive thoughts in your mind when you eat. Don´t drink liquids when you eat because it dilutes digestive juices and cools your digestive fire. Working well for me so far.
So I just received an email from this place I am thinking of living at in April: http://www.karacadir.com/
In addition to helping with projects and the garden, they said I would be in charge of two donkeys and two dogs. Hmm, what do you think? Can I hack it? Do I want to? I am getting over many fears (swam in lake every day since I found out I could swim- today was 18 minutes straight) but not sure I am ready for camping and farm animals. Plus, I want to be near some waves.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
video of jump at cenote
Clearly I have no control over my body parts while in the air. I have much more respect for divers.
Half a teacher
The teacher training program is half way over. Midterm is tomorrow and I haven´t started studying. I am struggling with how authoritative the program is. I am ok with the diet modifications, the early mornings and the lack of free time, but one of the Swami´s presents yoga philosophy in a very dogmatic way. I perceive her teachings as closed-minded and judgmental, the lessons really come across the wrong way. I am not the only one who is having this reaction. I appreciate and want to further study Patangali´s Yoga Sutras, but it’s a struggle to keep an open mind in those classes. I think I´d be more comfortable in naked yoga than Raja Yoga class right now. The Swami is also a devote Catholic and her teachings are filtered through that lens. I think Yoga can support any religion, but I like the one truth, many paths approach. Makes me laugh, because I really don´t like unnecessary rules. Remember the coach at Umass basketball camp? Hobbers and Cate and Corey should remember the run in I had with him on movie night.
A few of us spoke to the main Swami, Ramananda, about it after breakfast (day off, only chance to grab a few free minutes) so maybe some things will change. He could really provide a balance to her lectures and I respond well to him. Ramanada is able to meet the students where they are, rather than floating above and giving commandments like the female Swami.
I neglected to look enough into Integral Yoga before I applied. On top of that, I was mistakenly skipped for a phone interview and just let in. If I had read or heard about how much spirituality was involved, I probably would not have signed up. I went for this one because it was tropical, less expensive than the Shiva Rae´s TT and provided a convenient, hard date for me to leave my job. It’s funny that I skipped over the spiritual element, but I am here now and very happy.
Our setting has turned into ¨Real World- Yogaville¨. With all the physical release and meditations, expressions of emotions and frustrations are flowing. Each person brings their own baggage. Especially the woman who is detoxing from a serious pot addiction. Her casita started out as the only other one with 4 people in it, and now it’s just her. She is very difficult, but a beautiful person as well. Thankfully, our 4 person casita is working well together. It’s a supportive place to deal with the emotions. I like talking to two of the girls here who are in relationships and dealing with the ¨crazy¨. It’s something I´ve exhibited in the past. Probably driven by insecurity, the need to feel coddled and loved and getting upset over issues that aren´t a big deal. I never do that with colleagues or friends, but I do with boyfriends. It´s scary to see older, very together and accomplished women living the ¨crazy¨ right now, but also good to talk about it and try to address it. That whole don´t call or pick a fight when you are mad thing and try to figure it out first is such sound advice. Yet, it’s a slippery slope when you get mad about one little thing and then it’s so easy to just keep adding too it. It´s embarrassing, but I totally exhibit the crazy with Herby before I moved to South Carolina. He´s such a good guy to deal with that.
It seems like most of the participants live in a world of anger, sadness or food. I am certainly in the food theme park within my mind. But I didn´t need to come here to know that.
Today I did get a chance to really go swimming. Kate, Jamie and I didn´t swim too far because it started raining and thundering (sunny now, weather changes ever 5 minutes and a strong wind comes off the lake almost in a moment). It was the longest open swim for me since that horrible experience in the dog park in Charleston during a sprint triathlon. So excited to find I like swimming again and I´m not too scared of what might be lurking. I have spent a few of the sunrise meditations watching the 4-5 foot fish that chase after the little ones around the dock. Everyone else has their eyes closed and is focusing the mind, but nature is my focus when I can´t concentrate on one-pointedness. I love predators so of course I have to watch the fish.
I plan to swim as much as I can over the next two weeks. Here´s a picture of the sky before we got in, a half hour later when we transferred to the hot tub, the storm was crazy. Yes, I know that lightning and any body of water doesn´t mix well, but I love hot tubing in the rain.
A few of us spoke to the main Swami, Ramananda, about it after breakfast (day off, only chance to grab a few free minutes) so maybe some things will change. He could really provide a balance to her lectures and I respond well to him. Ramanada is able to meet the students where they are, rather than floating above and giving commandments like the female Swami.
I neglected to look enough into Integral Yoga before I applied. On top of that, I was mistakenly skipped for a phone interview and just let in. If I had read or heard about how much spirituality was involved, I probably would not have signed up. I went for this one because it was tropical, less expensive than the Shiva Rae´s TT and provided a convenient, hard date for me to leave my job. It’s funny that I skipped over the spiritual element, but I am here now and very happy.
Our setting has turned into ¨Real World- Yogaville¨. With all the physical release and meditations, expressions of emotions and frustrations are flowing. Each person brings their own baggage. Especially the woman who is detoxing from a serious pot addiction. Her casita started out as the only other one with 4 people in it, and now it’s just her. She is very difficult, but a beautiful person as well. Thankfully, our 4 person casita is working well together. It’s a supportive place to deal with the emotions. I like talking to two of the girls here who are in relationships and dealing with the ¨crazy¨. It’s something I´ve exhibited in the past. Probably driven by insecurity, the need to feel coddled and loved and getting upset over issues that aren´t a big deal. I never do that with colleagues or friends, but I do with boyfriends. It´s scary to see older, very together and accomplished women living the ¨crazy¨ right now, but also good to talk about it and try to address it. That whole don´t call or pick a fight when you are mad thing and try to figure it out first is such sound advice. Yet, it’s a slippery slope when you get mad about one little thing and then it’s so easy to just keep adding too it. It´s embarrassing, but I totally exhibit the crazy with Herby before I moved to South Carolina. He´s such a good guy to deal with that.
It seems like most of the participants live in a world of anger, sadness or food. I am certainly in the food theme park within my mind. But I didn´t need to come here to know that.
Today I did get a chance to really go swimming. Kate, Jamie and I didn´t swim too far because it started raining and thundering (sunny now, weather changes ever 5 minutes and a strong wind comes off the lake almost in a moment). It was the longest open swim for me since that horrible experience in the dog park in Charleston during a sprint triathlon. So excited to find I like swimming again and I´m not too scared of what might be lurking. I have spent a few of the sunrise meditations watching the 4-5 foot fish that chase after the little ones around the dock. Everyone else has their eyes closed and is focusing the mind, but nature is my focus when I can´t concentrate on one-pointedness. I love predators so of course I have to watch the fish.
I plan to swim as much as I can over the next two weeks. Here´s a picture of the sky before we got in, a half hour later when we transferred to the hot tub, the storm was crazy. Yes, I know that lightning and any body of water doesn´t mix well, but I love hot tubing in the rain.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Taking the plunge
Ok, well I didn´t make it to Cenote Azul on Sunday, but I was kidnapped by a taxi driver. We went and voted for the state president, then picked up another woman, then pick up his two year old boy and finally headed back to my hotel. Yes, I got a dicount on the regular $3 cab fare. It was nice to talk to him, 90% of the conversation was about soccer.
I am still loving it here, but living in the jungle is getting a little tiresome. My hands and feet look like they have been struck with terrible poisin ivy, but its actually just dozens of ant bites. I have angered the ant world and wherever I go, I get bite. Night meditations draw a little Eat Pray Love inspiration as the mosquitos hover about. And all the stuff is damp- my clean clothes, the papers I study from, our sheets. Plus I have ´tourista´and its been going on for 6 days. No regrets here though- its still awesome.
Today we had the afternoon off and I did make it to the Cenote. Jamie encoraged me to climb up on the roof of the restaurant with her and jump into the swimming hole. It was a concrete diving board (well, it acted like a diving board) at least 20 feet high. It seemed a lot higher when I was up there. I have a great video of the jump and I´ll try to figure out how to post it soon.
The schedule is still tough at yoga camp. Mid-term is on Monday. I am learning so much more anatomy than I expected and its pretty cool. The teachers really plan out their lectures well.
I was the last one in the class to lead the ¨Hari Om¨chant- I don´t know how I made it that far under the radar. I was nervous to chant out loud by myself, but it was great to finally hear my voice alone.
The detox and mediations and daily yoga have allowed many other students to have strong emotional releases. For me, there are three possible situations. 1. I am stone cold and unemotional. 2. I am so happy inside that there is nothing to release (dad did mention at the AFC champ game that I was a very happy drunk) or 3. my breakdown is on its way.
We are now the only casita with 4 people in in. The rest have 2 or less. Thankfully we are all getting along well and I really like the girls I live with.
We did resort to princess beds, mosquito nets, when we discovered the laughing geckos also cover the beds with poop. I am heading back to get some studying in on our night off.
I am still loving it here, but living in the jungle is getting a little tiresome. My hands and feet look like they have been struck with terrible poisin ivy, but its actually just dozens of ant bites. I have angered the ant world and wherever I go, I get bite. Night meditations draw a little Eat Pray Love inspiration as the mosquitos hover about. And all the stuff is damp- my clean clothes, the papers I study from, our sheets. Plus I have ´tourista´and its been going on for 6 days. No regrets here though- its still awesome.
Today we had the afternoon off and I did make it to the Cenote. Jamie encoraged me to climb up on the roof of the restaurant with her and jump into the swimming hole. It was a concrete diving board (well, it acted like a diving board) at least 20 feet high. It seemed a lot higher when I was up there. I have a great video of the jump and I´ll try to figure out how to post it soon.
The schedule is still tough at yoga camp. Mid-term is on Monday. I am learning so much more anatomy than I expected and its pretty cool. The teachers really plan out their lectures well.
I was the last one in the class to lead the ¨Hari Om¨chant- I don´t know how I made it that far under the radar. I was nervous to chant out loud by myself, but it was great to finally hear my voice alone.
The detox and mediations and daily yoga have allowed many other students to have strong emotional releases. For me, there are three possible situations. 1. I am stone cold and unemotional. 2. I am so happy inside that there is nothing to release (dad did mention at the AFC champ game that I was a very happy drunk) or 3. my breakdown is on its way.
We are now the only casita with 4 people in in. The rest have 2 or less. Thankfully we are all getting along well and I really like the girls I live with.
We did resort to princess beds, mosquito nets, when we discovered the laughing geckos also cover the beds with poop. I am heading back to get some studying in on our night off.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
First real break
After morning hatha practice and meditation, Sundays are free days. I really needed a break, even if I won´t get to watch the Superbowl tonight. Later on we are going to Cenotes Azul for some cave swimming and then, bless her spirit, a massage therapist is going to work my sore body. She´s another student in the class and has the calmest voice- she should record relaxation cds or bedtime books for children. Here are some photos from my day in Cancun and two days in Playa del Carmen. I love taking long walks along beaches that seem to go on forever. And here´s a picture of the last meat I ate before I went vegetarian, it was chicken on a tostada that I bought at a bus stop on the way to Bacalar.
With all the classes and lectures and learning how to teach the asanas, it´s overwhelming. Then they start in with the philosophy of yoga, that´s intense. I´ll try to explain more of those lessons when I have a clearer grasp myself, so maybe in 20 years or so...
It´s great to get some runs in during lunch break- I´ll have to snap photos of the highway though, cars go way to fast for the two small lanes. The sides are littered with trash and lovely lizards.
I am really happy and I feel more like myself than I have in years. The stress of work and identifying myself by what I do has disappeared. I feel much more connected and compassionate towards others and nature. It´s awesome and a lot of my aggression had left, but hopefully not all my drive because I´ll need to pay for some kind of health insurance when I return. I couldn´t be happier about my decision to come here. Integral Yoga is certainly more than I had signed up so, its lifestyle that goes well beyond just yoga postures.
With all the classes and lectures and learning how to teach the asanas, it´s overwhelming. Then they start in with the philosophy of yoga, that´s intense. I´ll try to explain more of those lessons when I have a clearer grasp myself, so maybe in 20 years or so...
It´s great to get some runs in during lunch break- I´ll have to snap photos of the highway though, cars go way to fast for the two small lanes. The sides are littered with trash and lovely lizards.
I am really happy and I feel more like myself than I have in years. The stress of work and identifying myself by what I do has disappeared. I feel much more connected and compassionate towards others and nature. It´s awesome and a lot of my aggression had left, but hopefully not all my drive because I´ll need to pay for some kind of health insurance when I return. I couldn´t be happier about my decision to come here. Integral Yoga is certainly more than I had signed up so, its lifestyle that goes well beyond just yoga postures.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Bliss
I am elated that I chose to come to Integral Yoga Teacher Training and gave myself the chance to live a yoga lifestyle. It is so much more than just asanas (the poses that come to mind when you think yoga) This is my forth day of the 28 day program and its the first time I´ve had more than an hour of free time. And even the 15 minutes we have here and there is filled with bathroom breaks and squeezing in the reading assignements.
I live in a casita with 3 other girls. We are the young group of roommate, with each of us around 30. I am the youngest in the group of 16 studets. There are only 3 men- one is 65, the Finn is with his finance, and the other prefers men. No romance there. But that´s good, because learning and relaxing are my focus points. The casita is small, but clean with a palm thatch roof. Geckos are in the roofing and they laugh (well make some sounds) at all the right time. Thankfully, both the young yogis and the geckos get my sense of humor. As Abby F pointed out, we´ll just have to see if I can learn to be sarcastic in Spanish for the time after my Yoga TT (Teacher Training).
When I say its more than the poses, or hatha, yoga, I mean we are living like yogis. We take turns waking the others up by going around the property chanting at 5:15 am. Then we go to morning meditation, hatha yoga practice, breakfast, lecture, lecture, meditation, lunch, swim, lecture, practice teaching, dinner, and then two more lectures, and a meditation. It´s all a bit much at first and this is only day 4. Thankfully, we have Wednesday afternoons and most of the Sundays (after morning meditation and practice) off. By the time we end at 9:30 (we practice silence from after the last meditation until breakfast) we are ready for bed, but there is still more reading to be done. It is a lot of work, but I am glad I am here.
The Rancho is a great setting. We meet for lessons in a large round palapa with a shrine it it. (Don´t worry, shrine, chants, silence, I haven´t become a monk yet, just feels like it) The floor is concrete so we put blankets under our yoga mats. My hips and back are sore from sitting cross legged for 7+ hours a day, but my body feels great with all the pure food and breath exercises. During the first night frogs kept falling from the top of the palapa onto the concrete floor in the center of our sitting circle. The 50 foot fall shocks them and they lay flat out for a few minutes before coming back to life and hopping out of the circle. I now know where not to sit for evening lectures or mediations.
The laguna is large and the color of the Carribean sea. When the wind picks up it looks more like an ocean than a lake. Its a clean lake and it refreshed every 72 hours or so, a limestone bottom keeps vegetation growth low so there aren´t too many fish. I have only seen 3 species and the catfish are the largest, the big ones are about a foot long. I stuck my hand off the dock and touched one. Apparently they have barbs infront of their dorsal fins. I´m learning.
I live in a casita with 3 other girls. We are the young group of roommate, with each of us around 30. I am the youngest in the group of 16 studets. There are only 3 men- one is 65, the Finn is with his finance, and the other prefers men. No romance there. But that´s good, because learning and relaxing are my focus points. The casita is small, but clean with a palm thatch roof. Geckos are in the roofing and they laugh (well make some sounds) at all the right time. Thankfully, both the young yogis and the geckos get my sense of humor. As Abby F pointed out, we´ll just have to see if I can learn to be sarcastic in Spanish for the time after my Yoga TT (Teacher Training).
When I say its more than the poses, or hatha, yoga, I mean we are living like yogis. We take turns waking the others up by going around the property chanting at 5:15 am. Then we go to morning meditation, hatha yoga practice, breakfast, lecture, lecture, meditation, lunch, swim, lecture, practice teaching, dinner, and then two more lectures, and a meditation. It´s all a bit much at first and this is only day 4. Thankfully, we have Wednesday afternoons and most of the Sundays (after morning meditation and practice) off. By the time we end at 9:30 (we practice silence from after the last meditation until breakfast) we are ready for bed, but there is still more reading to be done. It is a lot of work, but I am glad I am here.
The Rancho is a great setting. We meet for lessons in a large round palapa with a shrine it it. (Don´t worry, shrine, chants, silence, I haven´t become a monk yet, just feels like it) The floor is concrete so we put blankets under our yoga mats. My hips and back are sore from sitting cross legged for 7+ hours a day, but my body feels great with all the pure food and breath exercises. During the first night frogs kept falling from the top of the palapa onto the concrete floor in the center of our sitting circle. The 50 foot fall shocks them and they lay flat out for a few minutes before coming back to life and hopping out of the circle. I now know where not to sit for evening lectures or mediations.
The laguna is large and the color of the Carribean sea. When the wind picks up it looks more like an ocean than a lake. Its a clean lake and it refreshed every 72 hours or so, a limestone bottom keeps vegetation growth low so there aren´t too many fish. I have only seen 3 species and the catfish are the largest, the big ones are about a foot long. I stuck my hand off the dock and touched one. Apparently they have barbs infront of their dorsal fins. I´m learning.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
First Day in Bacalar
To get an idea of where I will be for the next three weeks, here´s the resort´s website: http://www.encantado.com/espanol/
I arrived last night after dark and it was a wonderful surprise to check out the beautiful surroundings this morning. So far the food is wonderful and strickly vegetarian. It will be a very pure month. Supposedly I will be much less agressive with no decaying former flesh in my system. I think I am already much calmer now that I am not in the go go go real estate development scene.
The bus ride from Playa del Carmen was an expereince. It was a second class bus so we picked up dozens of people along what was supposed to be a four hour ride. To start, the bus was 1.5 hours late and it runs every two hours so I was asking every bus that pulled into the station if they were going to Chetmal (my direction) as I didn´t want to miss the bus. I loved the ffood that senoras sold at the bus stops. So fresh and yes, eventually I may pay with sickness from street vendor food, but I am enjoying it for the time being.
The other yogis seem to have lots of prior training and meditation practice, but something has brought me here and I am ready to learn. The program doesn´t start until 6 pm (18:00) tonight, but I did get back on the mat this morning.
Cancun was way too crowded and big for me, but the hostel was fun and I went to the aquarium. I love sharks. Playa del Carmen was more my size. Main road only a block from the beach and you can walk for hours and hours on the beach. Struggled with swimming as a single traveler, but by the end of the first day I set up an elaborate system of locks and cables and left my passport and $ in the hotel room so I could dip in the Atlantic.
I have to figure out how to post pictures because I have a good one- me holding a tiny boa constrictor. Formally petrified of snakes, a few minutes of education changed my perception and now I like them. I was upset when the snake was taken away from my.
Ok, back to checking my email. I will post again next time I come into town. We´ll see just how ¨calm¨that post will be.
I arrived last night after dark and it was a wonderful surprise to check out the beautiful surroundings this morning. So far the food is wonderful and strickly vegetarian. It will be a very pure month. Supposedly I will be much less agressive with no decaying former flesh in my system. I think I am already much calmer now that I am not in the go go go real estate development scene.
The bus ride from Playa del Carmen was an expereince. It was a second class bus so we picked up dozens of people along what was supposed to be a four hour ride. To start, the bus was 1.5 hours late and it runs every two hours so I was asking every bus that pulled into the station if they were going to Chetmal (my direction) as I didn´t want to miss the bus. I loved the ffood that senoras sold at the bus stops. So fresh and yes, eventually I may pay with sickness from street vendor food, but I am enjoying it for the time being.
The other yogis seem to have lots of prior training and meditation practice, but something has brought me here and I am ready to learn. The program doesn´t start until 6 pm (18:00) tonight, but I did get back on the mat this morning.
Cancun was way too crowded and big for me, but the hostel was fun and I went to the aquarium. I love sharks. Playa del Carmen was more my size. Main road only a block from the beach and you can walk for hours and hours on the beach. Struggled with swimming as a single traveler, but by the end of the first day I set up an elaborate system of locks and cables and left my passport and $ in the hotel room so I could dip in the Atlantic.
I have to figure out how to post pictures because I have a good one- me holding a tiny boa constrictor. Formally petrified of snakes, a few minutes of education changed my perception and now I like them. I was upset when the snake was taken away from my.
Ok, back to checking my email. I will post again next time I come into town. We´ll see just how ¨calm¨that post will be.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Home on the Cape
I have a few days on Cape Cod before I leave for Mexico. My last day of work was Tuesday and I drove from Washington to Mass on Wednesday. I got up at 6 am and besides a quick run and a shower, I packed up the car until noon. And by packed up I mean cram everything I could into a Honda Civic. A surprisingly large amount of my stuff fit, but I was forced to rely on the side mirrors and not my review for the subsequent ten hour drive. I had to leave many items with my cousin/roommate. He seemed pretty happy to take them off my hands so I feel better about letting them go. I am sad about the plants that I have had for years and moved with several times - there just was NO more room. I can buy more furniture and more jars for my bulk food goods and of course plants can be replaced. My attachment to these physical items, while weaker than it was a year ago, interests me. I understand wanting items to "make life easier" but it still bugs me that I like things so much.
Most of my time on the Cape is spent sorting and repacking what I did keep for storage. I still have a lot- mainly clothes and kitchen items. Who knows where I will be living next year. Most likely in the Boston-area, but I am very flexible and I have a whole year to make that decision.
I went to see Bucket List last night with my mom. She is so take charge. There was a huge line at the theater, no credit card ticket machines and only one ticket seller. Oh yeah, I don't live in a city any more. We were already late for the movie so she wanted to walk in and then pay on the way out. I protested, so she marched up front, asked to cut the line and bought us tickets. The previews were over and the show was on when we arrived at our seats, so it was a good move on her part. Why did I wimp out? What is so scary about paying later? Am I afraid of the kids who work at the movies? I was proud and a bit envious of mom's take charge attitude.
Anyway, the Bucket List was cute, but certainly not a great movie. Probably 2.3 of 5 stars. It made me think- what do I want to do in my life. I have a list titled "100 Things" that I started a few years ago. My trip to Mexico will fulfill a some of my goals. When asked, mom said she had done many of the things she wanted to do on her list and some of the things she wanted when she was younger no longer applied. For instance, she does not care that she never went skydiving, but there are some places she'd still like to travel, like Vietnam and China. Also, an article in today's Cape Cod times pointed me to this blog where the woman chooses a new thing to do each day: http://www.todayslifelist.blogspot.com/
I know there is more than what I have written down so far, but here's a start:
100 Things
Live in Africa for at least 1 year.
Learn to play the cello.
Learn to play the steel drum.
Climb Kilimanjaro.
Invest in women-owned small business loans.
Attend the Olympics.
Brew my own root beer.
Ride a train across Asia.
Teach someone to read.
Spend New Years in Edinburgh.
Go wild in Rio during Carnival.
Run a marathon.
Raft or kayak through the Grand Canyon.
Trek to Machu Pichu.
See a polar bear in the wild.
Learn how to cook Thai and South Indian food.
Ride horses in Australia.
Swim a mile in the ocean.
Own my own house.
Become a level 4 tennis player.
Compete in a mountain bike race.
Apply appropriate technology in a 3rd world region.
Get married to someone I am madly in love with.
Go to a school bus demolition derby.
Milk a cow.
Start a fire with only wood, string and grass.
Get my MBA or another graduate degree.
Catch a fish with my bare hands and cook it.
Get a photo(s) into an exhibition/gallery.
Grow enough fruits and vegetable to eat only those for a week.
Teach yoga in a shelter or prison or hospital rehab center.
Teach yoga in a school.
Get certified to teach yoga in an exotic local.
Become fluent in Spanish and live in a Spanish speaking place for at least one year.
Get back on a pottery wheel. Make my own granola bowls.
Be a mother.
Most of my time on the Cape is spent sorting and repacking what I did keep for storage. I still have a lot- mainly clothes and kitchen items. Who knows where I will be living next year. Most likely in the Boston-area, but I am very flexible and I have a whole year to make that decision.
I went to see Bucket List last night with my mom. She is so take charge. There was a huge line at the theater, no credit card ticket machines and only one ticket seller. Oh yeah, I don't live in a city any more. We were already late for the movie so she wanted to walk in and then pay on the way out. I protested, so she marched up front, asked to cut the line and bought us tickets. The previews were over and the show was on when we arrived at our seats, so it was a good move on her part. Why did I wimp out? What is so scary about paying later? Am I afraid of the kids who work at the movies? I was proud and a bit envious of mom's take charge attitude.
Anyway, the Bucket List was cute, but certainly not a great movie. Probably 2.3 of 5 stars. It made me think- what do I want to do in my life. I have a list titled "100 Things" that I started a few years ago. My trip to Mexico will fulfill a some of my goals. When asked, mom said she had done many of the things she wanted to do on her list and some of the things she wanted when she was younger no longer applied. For instance, she does not care that she never went skydiving, but there are some places she'd still like to travel, like Vietnam and China. Also, an article in today's Cape Cod times pointed me to this blog where the woman chooses a new thing to do each day: http://www.todayslifelist.blogspot.com/
I know there is more than what I have written down so far, but here's a start:
100 Things
Live in Africa for at least 1 year.
Learn to play the cello.
Learn to play the steel drum.
Climb Kilimanjaro.
Invest in women-owned small business loans.
Attend the Olympics.
Brew my own root beer.
Ride a train across Asia.
Teach someone to read.
Spend New Years in Edinburgh.
Go wild in Rio during Carnival.
Run a marathon.
Raft or kayak through the Grand Canyon.
Trek to Machu Pichu.
See a polar bear in the wild.
Learn how to cook Thai and South Indian food.
Ride horses in Australia.
Swim a mile in the ocean.
Own my own house.
Become a level 4 tennis player.
Compete in a mountain bike race.
Apply appropriate technology in a 3rd world region.
Get married to someone I am madly in love with.
Go to a school bus demolition derby.
Milk a cow.
Start a fire with only wood, string and grass.
Get my MBA or another graduate degree.
Catch a fish with my bare hands and cook it.
Get a photo(s) into an exhibition/gallery.
Grow enough fruits and vegetable to eat only those for a week.
Teach yoga in a shelter or prison or hospital rehab center.
Teach yoga in a school.
Get certified to teach yoga in an exotic local.
Become fluent in Spanish and live in a Spanish speaking place for at least one year.
Get back on a pottery wheel. Make my own granola bowls.
Be a mother.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I am Really Going!
Wow, ok while taking a bath this afternoon I realized I was really hitting the road. I am going on the biggest trip so far in my life and I am going about it very casually. Now I know why, I haven't really planned it out. Sure, I first felt nervous when I gave my notice at work, but now as I am packing my bag, I am starting to really think about my trip. I am really looking forward to it but I wish I was more prepared. Do I do that a lot? Want to be more prepared and put off what I plan because I am not totally ready? Well, for this trip I have no choice. I will be on the Boston to Cancun flight early am on Tuesday- less than 10 days from now.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tying up Loose Ends
There's lots to do before I hit the road. I wish I had taken more time to plan my trip or left more time in the US before my flight to Cancun. I am still hard at work at my job so there is little time to prepare. I am also getting oddly depressed and experiencing low energy- so not me. The goal over the next few days is to sell the remainder of my furniture and pack up my clothes. When I drove home for Christmas, it took almost three hours to pack my Civic. This time I want to load up in one hour so I can get to Providence by dinner time. I want to enjoy a meal with Lauren and Liz.
I am making copies of credit cards, my passport and travel documents. I have taken all the recommended shots; the one I missed was rabies, I just hope I don't have a run in wild a rapid dog. Giving my notice at work was the biggest obstacle, next is selling the remainder of my furniture and fitting the rest into my car. Finishing the DC / E&A chapter of my life is hard, but it is creating new opportunities. I would like to have a travel partner, but the time alone will be good too.
"All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself." ~ Ralph Ellison, "Battle Royal"
I am making copies of credit cards, my passport and travel documents. I have taken all the recommended shots; the one I missed was rabies, I just hope I don't have a run in wild a rapid dog. Giving my notice at work was the biggest obstacle, next is selling the remainder of my furniture and fitting the rest into my car. Finishing the DC / E&A chapter of my life is hard, but it is creating new opportunities. I would like to have a travel partner, but the time alone will be good too.
"All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself." ~ Ralph Ellison, "Battle Royal"
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
First Post- Packing the bags
Here I go- only four more business days and I am free! I have never quit a job before and moved to a foreign country. It's all new and so far its all good. I am going through a mix of emotions- sad about leaving my co-workers and my company; excited because I am on the edge of a new adventure; anxious because I don't know where I will be in just a few months. I can't wait for more new experiences and friendships. The road is wide open and I am sure I made the right decision to leave my corporate real estate development job and move to Mexico for the next 6 months or so. What would you do if you had a few thousand dollars and several months?
Right now I am tying up loose ends and packing. I bought a sweet North Face Base Camp Duffel size Medium. It's bright red so I am going to cover it with stickers and roll around in the mud so I won't stand out as new tourist. The bag doesn't fit too much stuff which is good as it limits the amount of weight I can pack.
This is what I have in my bag:
Yoga Mat
ziplock baggies
Thyroid Med, Allergy Med, Birth Control, Multi-Vitamin and Green Energy pills
tweezers
hostel sheet bag
scissors
travel toothbrush
sunglasses (2 pairs)
Red Sox hat
bathing suit
sunscreen
moisturizer lotion
running sneakers
money waist bag
black shoes
flip flops
Electric adapter
alarm clock
books to read
journal
headlamp
first aid kit- small
anti-biotic cream
passport, license
copy of birth certificate
extra passport photos
postcards from dc and boston and cape cod
addresses of people at home
credit cards
black running shorts
lululemon eggplant long sleeve shirt
metal lock for backpack cable
Digital Camera
Extra camera cards and batteries
tooth paste
triple braid nylon cord for clothes line
soft nylon cord (thin)
floss
titanium spork
ear plugs
eye mask
health insurance information
lip balm
water purifier- iodine tablets
tampons
cord to connect camera to computer
one pair black socks
athletic socks- thin, 2 pairs
underwear- 8 pairs
two sports bras
two bras or 1
three tank tops
long sleeve shirts
TNF conversion pants
black pants
nail clippers
comb
running watch
batteries
english/spanish translator from Liz
Q tips
condoms
jump drive-really big one
performance t-shirt
performance long sleeves
ATM card
cup(mug with lid)
sewing kit
pocket knife
travel towel
black dress
earrings-hoops
extra hair elastics
silver "wedding" ring
DEET
white yoga outfit
highlighters, index tabs, pencils, pens notebook
Imodium
books for courses
flat sink stopper
Kleenex
sweatshirt
There is basically no more room in the bag- what did I forget????
Right now I am tying up loose ends and packing. I bought a sweet North Face Base Camp Duffel size Medium. It's bright red so I am going to cover it with stickers and roll around in the mud so I won't stand out as new tourist. The bag doesn't fit too much stuff which is good as it limits the amount of weight I can pack.
This is what I have in my bag:
Yoga Mat
ziplock baggies
Thyroid Med, Allergy Med, Birth Control, Multi-Vitamin and Green Energy pills
tweezers
hostel sheet bag
scissors
travel toothbrush
sunglasses (2 pairs)
Red Sox hat
bathing suit
sunscreen
moisturizer lotion
running sneakers
money waist bag
black shoes
flip flops
Electric adapter
alarm clock
books to read
journal
headlamp
first aid kit- small
anti-biotic cream
passport, license
copy of birth certificate
extra passport photos
postcards from dc and boston and cape cod
addresses of people at home
credit cards
black running shorts
lululemon eggplant long sleeve shirt
metal lock for backpack cable
Digital Camera
Extra camera cards and batteries
tooth paste
triple braid nylon cord for clothes line
soft nylon cord (thin)
floss
titanium spork
ear plugs
eye mask
health insurance information
lip balm
water purifier- iodine tablets
tampons
cord to connect camera to computer
one pair black socks
athletic socks- thin, 2 pairs
underwear- 8 pairs
two sports bras
two bras or 1
three tank tops
long sleeve shirts
TNF conversion pants
black pants
nail clippers
comb
running watch
batteries
english/spanish translator from Liz
Q tips
condoms
jump drive-really big one
performance t-shirt
performance long sleeves
ATM card
cup(mug with lid)
sewing kit
pocket knife
travel towel
black dress
earrings-hoops
extra hair elastics
silver "wedding" ring
DEET
white yoga outfit
highlighters, index tabs, pencils, pens notebook
Imodium
books for courses
flat sink stopper
Kleenex
sweatshirt
There is basically no more room in the bag- what did I forget????
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