"Tengo Hombre"

To explain the title of this post, my roommate Ali keeps saying "tengo hombre" (I have man), rather than "tengo hambre" (I have hunger). It never ceases to make me laugh. Another funny thing that happened today was when Ali and I was studying Spanish. We were looking up some words in the Spanish/English dictionary for some words that may be useful. We found the word "espumoso(a)" which means "frothiest". So, if you are ever in a pickle, you can use that world. I personally have not encountered said situation, nor have I ever imagined a situation where that would would be useful. Perhaps I'll have to bring it up whenever I can just because.

I've just noticed that as my Spanish has become better, my English has become worse- so forgive any grammatical issues or spelling issues. I'm really trying my best to be coherent.

School just started on Monday so this week has been so busy! I've hardly had time to think, much less compose a blog for everyone else! But, I have been wanting to hear news from everyone else, so it's time to give out some news of my own.

School has been CRAZY. Sometimes I feel so inadequate. I really feel as if I'm running this school all by myself. This is definitely good and bad. I now know that have the intelligence and strength to do it by myself, but I really wish that I wouldn't have learned the hard way. The teachers and I have really been struggling with the ever changing schedules, classes, and students, but I now think that everything has been solved and put in it's proper place. A few of the closets in the school are incredibly organized, because when I'm stressed, I like to clean to calm my nerves. I'm sure the pipe cleaners, crayons, glue bottles, etc. have never been so organized. You're welcome future teachers.

I continue to grow close to my host family- though it's hard because I don't see much of my host sisters everyday. We go to teach as soon as they get home from school and don't get home until late at night. It definitely makes the days incredibly long and tiresome.

Today the other teachers and I went to the mall and saw the movie "Crazy Stupid Love". I really liked it but what I loved most was that the movie only costed 30 pesos (about $2.50)- and was also in ENGLISH which means that the other girls and I were basically the only people in the movie theater. The popcorn was also incredibly cheap.

After the movie we went shopping a little bit and got some awesome gifts and other things- which I absolutely LOVE.

I rode the combi (like a small bus) to the mall- which was an experience in and of itself. Ali and I didn't know how to pay or how to tell them where to get off... so we did a lot of guesswork and probably offended a lot of people on the way. Oh well....

That is about all that has happened this week- I look forward to hearing what's happening in the states!

PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS!!!

Here are a few of the photos I promised- the rest can be found on facebook :) Here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150753545725556.722807.891210555&l=3ffa29a07c
Me and Viviana- my host sister. She's incredibly cute and talented. I LOVE THIS GIRL!!!
My other host sister, Elly. She is absolutely adorable and always wants to be with me and hold my hand. I love her as well!!!
These are all of my "Mexican brothers and sisters". But, my Mexican brother doesn't live with us- he lives on a ranch an hour away.

These are my new beautiful dogs!! Choaco and Tommy (the puppy on the right whom I absolutely adore!) I call him "mi novio" or my boyfriend. My host sisters think that it is the most hilarious thing ever!

This is my host mom (for some reason I don't have a picture with my host dad, which is a shame because he is absolutely fantastic). She is such a great person and a GREAT COOK!!! I hear her tamales and chilequiles are amazing, so I'm excited for that. She is such a sweetheart!

A little bit about what I did today because it was SO AMAZING!!!

My Mexican family and Ali and I all went to their grandparent's ranch that had tons of animals and delicious food that they grew there on the farm! First, we went and picked FRESH POMEGRANATES (be jealous Andrea), then took pictures of tons of animals like goats, chickens, turkeys, cows, sheep, horses, cats, dogs, pigs, etc. I'm sure their extended family thought we were crazy because we were taking pictures of everything and everyone that moved (and even some things that didn't move). We ate fresh corn on the cob with lime and salt, and also ate tortillas with pork and salsa and cilantro on them. It really seems like we never stop eating! Someone is always shoving food down our throats.

So we spent the day playing in the "river", taking pictures and playing with all sorts of animals, and talking with members of my new extended family. It really was so perfect. I even saw people riding donkeys- NOW THAT'S MEXICO!!!

Host Families and "Serious Skin Problems"

SO!

I just moved in with my host family a couple days ago and I absolutely LOVE THEM!!! Currently I don't have any pictures but I'll be sure to attack them and their house with photos soon.

Me and another teacher, Ali are living in the same house close to the school that we teach at. Late last night we nervously went to meet with our host family and piled ourselves and all of our many bags into their beautiful home. We were definitely tired last night and honestly just wanted to get some food and go to sleep- but it was so difficult not to get caught up in their enthusiasm and excitement for us to be there.

A little bit about the host family- they're all from Mexico but they lived in Tennessee for a few years. The girls Viviana (age 12) and Elly (age 8), used to speak lots of English, but they're forgetting a lot of it. That's one of the reasons why the parents wanted us to live with them- so we can communicate and help the girls remember the English that they've forgotten.

I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!! I really have got to say that they're one of the most amazing families that I've had the pleasure of meeting. They're all very active Born Again Christians- so there are prayers said all of the time- but they are very accepting of all religions. The parents are incredibly sweet and very willing to do whatever to make us happy. Viviana and Elly are complete sweethearts- always wanting to hang out with us and talk with us. Like today, they were incredibly entertained by watching me unpack my things. Elly went through all of my jewelry and asked how much everything costed! Fortunately, I was pleased to find that most of my jewelry is either gifts or super cheap- so there's nothing to be ashamed of. They also have two dogs- one mini poodle (I can't remember her name at the moment) and Tommy who is a 2 month old beagle! He is absolutely adorable! He sleeps all the time and is just the cutest thing ever! I'll have to post pictures soon!

I've already done so many fun things with the girls and the family like we had a spontaneous pillow fight this morning, I walked to school with Elly holding my hand, dancing in the kitchen, laughing so hard at wrong English/Spanish translations, etc. I've had so much fun already I can hardly believe that I have a whole semester to experience this!

I can't even begin to describe how good the food is. I've only had one meal and I already know that I'm in love. They're talking about doing tamales tomorrow.... be jealous everyone.

They're still getting my room ready for me to move in- so for now I'm bunking with Ali- which I don't really mind. But, I'll be able to move into my new room on Monday I believe. So I'll be sure to take lots of pictures of that as well.

Let me explain something- I got a sunburn on the first day when the girls and I were walking around in Veracruz. I had not expected to be outside so much so I didn't bother to put on sunscreen BAD CALL! So, I ended up with a pretty decent sunburn on the side of my neck across my collarbone. It really hasn't hurt and I wasn't too worried about it. This morning it started peeling (gross, yes I know), but I wasn't too concerned about it and continued on with my day. I should have worn a turtleneck if I had known what a big deal it was going to be. Not even one of my teachers mentioned it during our 6 hour training meeting- so I know that it was a typical sunburn. But, when I got home, my host family was so worried for my health. I was instantly given a cream, and many prayers in my behalf. Elly was so worried about me that she almost started crying and offered to have a doctor friend look at me. I could not say enough that I was completely fine. I suppose I convinced them because I haven’t heard anything about it since besides “Are you using that cream?” Apparently it works miracles.

Another thing about Mexican families is that if you have any acne, they’ll mention it all of the time! They’ll suggest creams, lotions, and other medicines to improve it. I’m honestly hoping that it improves by itself so I don’t have to hear anything anymore J But, it’s nice to have people care so much for my well being.

We’ve had a couple crazy days of training- it feels like I never stop working. There’s always a list of things that I have to do at the back of my mind- and it never seems to be getting shorter. The teachers seem a little more confident in their abilities and hopefully everything on Monday runs smoothly (well, as smoothly as possible). I’m sure that things will be a bit rocky at the start- but my teachers have so much potential in them. I’m so excited to see them grow and learn how to be better teachers. I’m truly blessed by their presence and willingness to work.

We have a few plans for today- we are going to complete the last of our training, clean the school, go to the store, do laundry, go to Sylvia’s birthday party at her host family, and hang out with my host family. I’m incredibly excited!

I hope that everyone is doing well back in the states.

Alicia

Don't you know the Zocalo?

Lots and lots to talk about!

Yesterday me and my girls did lots of sightseeing, singing, and dancing!

First, we began our day at one of the world's famous Veracruz Aquarium. Admission wasn't too costly and we saw lots of great things like dolphins, tucans, parrots, dolphins, sharks, cool fish, and sting rays! It was incredible! I loved everything but my absolute favorite thing was the dolphins. We got to see them up close and they seemed incredibly intelligent.
After the Aquarium, we went to the beach and caught some sun (some more than others). I didn't get sunburned this beach day, but on Sunday I definitely did get burned because we walked around all day. So, I am yet again a Neopolitan girl which means that I have, red, brown, and white skin. But, it isn't so bad. I wish that I would have brought some sunscreen like I had previously planned on!!!

After the beach we went to downtown Veracruz to the zocalo (city center) next to the cathedral. There were lots of shops set up (I resisted buying anything... for now), and lots of mariachi bands and dancers. The picture below is of an exceptionally good band that we enjoyed- sorry it's so badly lit! I hope that you get the idea.
Lastly, I wanted to give a shout out to Bonnie Mikelle Bair. I went to an oxxo store today and bought a pack of gum. I couldn't help but giggle when I saw the packaging that it came in. I hope that this gives you a good laugh.
Today we are planning a relaxing day filled with beaches, good cheap food, and watching Nacho Libre tonight (because two of our girls haven't seen it!) I hope everyone is safe and happy.

Alicia

I'M HERE!

Hello everybody!

I have officially started yet another blog. But, I am choosing to believe that this really will be better than sending out emails all of the time. I believe this because of the following reasons:

• I don't have everyone's emails
• Blogs are more visual and you can post pictures with your comments
• People can easily catch up about goings-on
• I can post as much as I want
• They look cooler (at least mine will as soon as I have the time to change it)
• People can easily comment back

Do I have everybody convinced? Well, it's going to happen anyway.

ANYWAY!

I am in MEXICO!!! Veracruz to be exact.

It's been an incredibly long couple days. An entire day traveling on airplanes, taxis, and buses does not do the body or mind good. I woke up at 2:00am, left at 3:30am, took off on a plane at 6:00am, another plane at 8:30am, walked around with 3 large pieces of luggage FOREVER (Mexico City has an ENORMOUS airport). We then took a taxi to get to a bus station and were on a bus from 5:30 to 10:30. Lastly, we took three separate taxis to get to our hostel where we gladly fell instantly asleep after letting everyone know that we were alive (barely) and well.

I have gotten to know all of my girls fairly well. They are all incredibly sweet and hard workers. Their names are(from left to right in the photo below) Tracy, Christina, Ali, and Sylvia. All of them are from Utah except Tracy who is from Safford, Arizona. I have had such a fun time with all of them already and am confident that they will be great teachers and we will have a successful semester.

(Point of Reunion) This is where the immigrants were reunited with their families.

Right next to the port at Veracruz (my hair is CRAZY because of the humidity).

So, we are in Veracruz for the next few days for our vacation. Today, we walked around for a long time seeing the various sights like the infamous cathedral in the city center- we even had time to go to mass! It was definitely interesting but seeing as we didn't have a church anywhere near our hostel and we woke up too late anyways, I guess it had to do. But, the cathedral was so beautiful!

I have spoken SO MUCH Spanish while I've been here- which is GREAT! I have already learned so much and am confident that I'll be fluent (if not close to fluent) by the time I get home. I've been able to understand so much! I really hope that this is only the beginning.

Alright everybody! That's all of the news that I have- so until next time!

Alicia