We did chores for the majority of the morning and ate a delicious lunch. In case you aren't already aware, the lunches served in Mexico are absolutely ENORMOUS and consist of at least 2 courses- a soup course and a main course. To top it all off, my host family insists on giving me seconds of everything. It's been a while since I've been genuinely hungry here- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've been able to try out a lot of new foods! For example, the soup that we had today was a potato/jalepeno/bacon soup which was absolutely AMAZING! I definitely will have to get the recipe.
My host family has this problem with not telling Ali and I where we are going. When we ask, they answer the most general places like "the park, the mountains, the zocalo, etc." they never let us know what we're doing when we get there.
Well, today Ali and I were asked if we had any waterproof shoes that we could hike in because we were going up the mountains. I personally did not bring any such shoes and had to borrow some crocks from my host sister. For years, I've been strongly opposed to wearing crocks because they are (in my opinion) the ugliest shoes on the planet. When I put them on, however, I understood why they are so popular. They are so darn COMFORTABLE! I am now resisting the urge to buy myself a pair for any future mountain visits.
Anyway, we headed up to the mountain after an incredibly exciting drive. We drove through rivers, up steep hills and rocky "roads". I honestly could not talk we were bouncing around so much.
One of the rivers we crossed
We ended up at the most beautiful place EVER.
We walked upstream and hung out for a long time. It was a gorgeous afternoon.
Yes. It's a cactus- and no dad, I didn't touch it.
I just remembered that I haven't posted a picture of my host dad! Here he is with my host sisters and one of our dogs, Cocheta.
Ali and I enjoying the scenery.
Remember how I mentioned that my host family doesn't give Ali and I details about where we are going or why? Well, as soon as we returned from the mountains, they told us that we were going to the park. Porque? Porque? PORQUE? They never told us. We are so glad that we went though because there was a serious fiesta complete with music and dancing and lots and lots of vendors on the street. I couldn't resist buying a few things :) We even saw one of the other teachers, Sylvia. She also reported that her family doesn't tell her where they're going. Maybe it's a Mexican thing.
So, of course we had to get a picture with the mariachi singer. My host dad talked to him for a long time. At one point, the singer asked Ali and I if we were going to have a fiesta and we replied "Si, todas las dias" (yes, everyday). Of course we were being sarcastic, but my host dad asked for his card. I would not be surprised if we came home one day and he was singing at a party for us.
I just love his expression- and OUTFIT!!!
We ended the night with my host dad buying us tacos. Of course, we couldn't resist- unfortunately. I've been up for the majority of the night sick. However, it's not nearly as bad as the infamous Cancun lettuce story. I actually feel quite blessed. So, while I've been up I've been thinking about how awesome my day was and I wanted to share it with everyone! There are so many beautiful things and people in this world and sometimes we get so caught up in our lives that we forget to appreciate the beauty in the world around us.
I don't know what it is, but I simply love cacti (not to eat, WAY too squeaky) but to look at. I'm sure that there are some people who get caught up in the awful spikes, but forget that they are absolutely beautiful (well at least I think so). That is one think that I'm definitely going to miss from Mexico. I think that life is the same- there are some serious thorns, but that doesn't mean it's less fun to look at and enjoy. I definitely needed today to remember God's beautiful creations. Life is GREAT- even when you're sick to your stomach. I'm so thankful for so many things in my life! I hope that I'm well enough to go to church tomorrow morning because that would MAKE MY WEEKEND! Hopefully I can feel better in 2 1/2 hours :) Wish me luck! Hope all is well back and the United States!
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