Cuernavaca Day 26 y Mexico City Day 27

Mi ultimo día en Cuernavaca fue lindo y triste. Tuve un masaje después desayuno. Despedidar a Carmen fue muy duro con muchos lagrimas. Pero sentí orgullosa porque lo hice! He terminado mi tiempo en las clases de español y a veces era muy defícil. 

My last day in Cuernavaca was beautiful and sad. I had a massage after breakfast. Saying goodbye to Carmen was very hard with many tears. But I felt proud because I did it! I have finished my time in Spanish classes and sometimes it was very difficult.

Tengo un estudiante de Holmes y sus abuelos viven en la ciudad de Mexico y tienen una casa en Cuernavaca. Me trajeron a su casa en la ciudad de Mexico pero antes comimos en un restaurante con su familia. Comí pozole, tacos y bebí la agua de jimaca.

 

I have a Holmes student and his grandparents live in Mexico City and have a house in Cuernavaca. They brought me to their house in Mexico City but before that we ate at a restaurant with their family. I ate pozole, tacos and drank the water with jimaca.

Hoy era un día de comida y lugares en la ciudad de Mexico. La comida en la cuidad de Mexico es buenísima! El día empezó con desayuno en la casa con mangos. Yo piensí era desayuno pero no. Comimos en una restaurante pequeño pero lleno de sabor. Había tortillas con queso de Oaxaca y champiñones y pan con queso y huevo al dentro. 

Today was a day of food and places in Mexico City. Food in Mexico City is great! The day started with breakfast at the house with mangoes. I thought it was breakfast but no. We ate in a small but tasty restaurant. There were tortillas with Oaxacan cheese and mushrooms and bread with cheese and egg inside.

Después fuimos a lugar fue una fabrica de papel ahora es como un mall. Hay tiendas y mucha las maquinas de la fábrica original. La mall es muy cerca del Estadio Olímpico 1968 y la Puebla Olímpico y los simbolos de diferentes países. Más comida! Hay una paleteria se llama La Michoacana con los mejores paletas. Comí una fresa con crema paleta bañado en chocolate. Y una pequeña paleta de limón y una horchata. Es impossible que tengo 48 años y nunca tuve el sabor de horchata. Increíble!

Later we went to a place, it was a paper factory, now it is like a mall. There are shops and lots of machines from the original factory. The mall is very close to the 1968 Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Village and the symbols of different countries. More food! There is a paleteria called La Michoacana with the best paletas. I had a strawberry with cream paleta dipped in chocolate. And a small lemon popsicle and horchata. It is impossible that I am 48 years old and I never had the taste of horchata. Incredible!

Más sitios en la ciudad y más comida. La hijo de la familia tiene un restaurante se llama El Cantante Tacos Mar y Tierra. Comí volcán de cochinita pibil y consomé de birria. No tuve ni idea exactamente que comío pero los sabores y texturas fueron excelentes. 

More places in the city and more food. The son of the family has a restaurant called El Cantante Tacos Mar y Tierra. I ate a dish with ham on a hard tortilla shell (there is literally and figuratively no translation) and birria consommé. I had no idea exactly what I'm eating but the flavors and textures were excellent. 

Un descanso y más comida. Por la ceña comimos tacos al pastor. Hemos visto la mujeres hacieron tortillas - la comida en Mexico es como arte. Después la madre, Esperanza, y yo hablimos. Antés me acosté comí un postre. Hoy era un ultimo día especial para muchos razones. Mañana voy a regresar a mi casa y mi vida en Oak Park, pero el tiempo aquí es en mi mente and mi corazón siempre.

A rest and more food. For dinner we ate tacos al pastor. We have seen the women make tortillas - food in Mexico is like art. Later the mother, Esperanza, and I talked. Before I went to bed I ate a dessert. Today was a special last day for many reasons. Tomorrow I will return to my home and my life in Oak Park, but the time here is always in my mind and my heart.

No voy a escribir más en Mexico. Mañana es un día largo y necesito tiempo pensar sobre este mes. Gracias a todo la gente de Mexico y el país. Con especial gratitud a Carmen; la familia de Carmen; Ellyanna; los directores, maestros (especialmente Veronica), y estudiantes de ASLI; Adriana de Oak Park y su padres Esperanza y Mario (quien fueron muy amable y generosa a mi); mi madre y mis hijos (la aventura a Mexico sin posible sin sus ayuda y apoyo; y Fund for Teachers (no era posible sin la beca). Gracias a todos! Voy a escribir en unos pocos días de mi casa...

I will not write more in Mexico. Tomorrow is a long day and I need time to think about this month. Thanks to all the people of Mexico and the country. With special gratitude to Carmen; Carmen's family; Ellyanna; ASLI principals, teachers (especially Veronica), and students; Adriana from Oak Park and her parents Esperanza and Mario (who were very kind and generous to me); my mother and my children (the adventure to Mexico was not possible without your help and support; and Fund for Teachers (it was not possible without the scholarship). Thank you all! I will write in a few days from home...

 

Cuernavaca: Days 24 and 25

Esta semana no tengo excursiones porque quiero hacer mi tiempo solamente estudiando español y visitando con mi familia mexicana. Después escuela comiemos y nadé. 

Carmen y yo cocinaron lasagna y las papas fritas en el air fryer. Carmen dí blusas mexicanas a Ellyanna y yo. Los pensamientos sobre el fin de mi tiempo en Mexico son triste...

This week I don't have excursions because I want to spend my time only studying Spanish and visiting with my Mexican family. After school we ate and I swam.

Carmen and I cooked lasagna and fries in the air fryer. Carmen gave me and Ellyanna Mexican blouses. Thoughts about the end of my time in Mexico are sad...

Hoy fue mi ultimo día de la escuela. Comimos mi ultima comida con mi familia mexicana. Estoy empacando mi ropa, mis cosas, y este mes en Mexico. Estaba llorando durante el día. Mañana voy a hacer a la ciudad de Mexico por la fin de semana después un masaje por la mañana. No tengo palabras. En cualquier idioma...

Today was my last day of school. We ate my last meal with my Mexican family. I am packing my clothes, my things, and this month in Mexico. I was crying during the day. Tomorrow I'm going to Mexico City for the weekend after a massage in the morning. I have no words. In any language...

Cuernavaca: Days 22 and 23

Lunes fue un día normal durante escuela y la tarde. Carmen nos condujo al supermercado pero cuando traté de pagar, no tuve mi tarjeta de banco. No en mi bolsa, ni en la casa, ni en el coche. Pienso la olvidÍ en la caja de dinero cuando estoy recibiendo dinero domingo. Después una hora con el banco tuvimos un solución. Gracias a la mujer en el banco, Carmen y Ellyanna, y Maru, la directora de la escuela de ASLI. Todos me ayudaron. Muchísimas gracias. 

Monday was a normal day during school and the afternoon. Carmen drove us to the supermarket but when I tried to pay, I didn't have my bank card. Not in my bag, not in the house, not in the car. I think I forgot it in the cash box when I'm getting money on Sunday. After an hour with the bank we had a solution. Thanks to the women at the bank, Carmen and Ellyanna, and Maru, the ASLI school principal. They all helped me. Thanks a lot.

Martes fue un día mejor. Escuela estuvo bien. Después escuela Carmen y yo tuvimos manicures y pedicures en la casa. Increíble! Hay 4th de julio en EEUU y echo de menos los fuegos artificiales. Solamente un pocos días más en Cuernavaca y siento todos los emociones. 

Tuesday was a better day. School was fine. After school Carmen and I had manicures and pedicures at home. Incredible! It's the 4th of July in the US and I miss the fireworks. Just a few more days in Cuernavaca and I feel all the emotions.

Cuernavaca: Day 21

Domingo fue un día interesante. En el frente del Palacio de Cortes hubo un presentación con la policía, el ejercito, y el gobierno. The presentación era sobre las armas y solamente la policía y el ejercito las debería tener. Hubo una maquina, a circular saw, cortar las armas. Es una idea muy importante, especialmente en EEUU ahora...

Con otros estudiantes, fuimos en los mercados de Cuernavaca y compramos recuerdos. Compré una hamaca para mi familia.

Nadé por la tarde. Después cenamos, horneé pan de plátanos con nueces y chispas de chocolate. Carmen lo gusto porque es un poco raro en Mexico. Hay pasteles buenas, pero diferente que el pan dulce de EEUU.

Sunday was an interesting day. In front of the Palacio de Cortes there was a presentation with the police, the army, and the government. The presentation was about weapons and only the police and the army should have them. There was a machine, a circular saw, cutting weapons. It's a very important idea, especially in the US right now...

With other students, we went to the Cuernavaca markets and bought souvenirs. I bought a hammock for my family.

I swam in the afternoon. After we ate dinner, I baked banana bread with walnuts and chocolate chips. Carmen liked it because it's not common in Mexico. There are good pastries, but different than sweet bread in the US.

Cuernavaca: Day 20

 Okay so it is my last week here. And I am really focusing on my Spanish this week. So I am going to write my blog in Spanish/ Spanglish. I am not using google translate to write in Spanish so there will be mistakes. I apologize in advance. I am going to put the completed entry in google translate to translate from Spanish to English so more people can read it. But I am not making corrections in either language. Here goes...

Sabado empezó con una excursion a Xochimilco y los barcos pequeños. Hay un lago grande con casas en la tierra al lado. Los barcos fue similar a bumper cars pero en el agua. Hubo bebidas y comida en el barco y patos, pez, y un animal nuevo a mi. El axolotl es en 50 peso billetes y vive en el agua. Ahora la mayoría del gente en Mexico guarda los billetes de 50 pesos y ahora no hay mucho en circulación en Mexico.  

Mariachis están viajando entre los barcos.

Saturday started with an excursion to Xochimilco and the small boats. There is a large lake with houses on the land next to it. The boats were similar to bumper cars but in the water. There were drinks and food on the boat and ducks, fish, and an animal new to me. The axolotl is on 50 peso bills and lives in the water. Now most of the people in Mexico keep the 50 peso bills and now there is not much in circulation in Mexico. Mariachis are traveling between the ships.

Hubo una tienda en la tierra al lado con hierbas y velas naturales. La tienda es gratis pero ver los animales especiales es 100 pesos. He visto los axolotles. No me gusta porque los pensé un poco gross y no fue lindos. Después el barco hubo muchas tiendas de comida, ropa, y recuerdos. Y hubo Voladores de Papantla. No los supe nada pero que interesante. 

There was a shop on the land next door with natural herbs and candles. The store is free but to see the special animals is 100 pesos. I have seen the axolotles. I don't like it because I thought they were a bit gross and it wasn't pretty. After the ship there were many shops for food, clothing, and souvenirs. And there were Voladores de Papantla. I didn't know anything but how interesting.

Después fuimos a la Casa Azul - la casa de Frida Kahlo y Diego Rivera. La Casa Azul era la casa de su infancia también. Yo pienso Diego Rivera compró la casa para ella después su boda. Estoy amando Frida Kahlo desde 1990 cuando era en la escuela de "high school." Mi clase fuimos a Nueva York ver las obras de arte de Frida Kahlo. Ella es una mujer fuerte, diferente, bonita, independiente, con una vida llena de tristeza y talento.

La casa tuvo un ambiente brillante con colores diferentes y arte en todos tipos. Hay fotos, pinturas, dibujos, ropa, joyeria, plantas, jardines y todos son artes. En maneras Frida Kahlo parece que me hija. Espero que la vida de mi hija tendrá arte sin la dolor.

Que día bonita!

Then we went to the Casa Azul - the house of Frida 

Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Blue House was her childhood home as well. I think Diego Rivera bought the house for her after her wedding. I have loved Frida Kahlo since 1990 when I was in high school. My class went to New York to see the art of Frida Kahlo. She is a strong, different, beautiful, independent woman, with a life full of sadness and talent. The house had a bright atmosphere with different colors and art in all kinds. There are photos, paintings, drawings, clothes, jewelry, plants, gardens and they are all arts. In ways Frida Kahlo seems like my daughter. I hope my daughter's life will have art without the pain. What a beautiful day!

 

Cuernavaca: Days 17, 18, 19

 

Wednesday we went to a "typical" public school for primary grades (ages 5 to 11) Escuela Cuauhtemoc. Before we could make our way completely inside, I was with the students. They were eating lunch in the courtyard and as always I enjoyed speaking with them. This trip has reminded me that I love working with kids, a fact I can forget sometimes during the school year because of all the parts of teaching which can feel so difficult and cumbersome. 

I was told the school building was old, but the class sizes (18-20) were similar to those in my school. The daily schedule also loosely mirrored the schedule of my school. So many similarities...

The students were very interested in where I am from, what the weather is like, how much things cost in the USA, and if I can teach them English. As always, they were so kind and respectful, along with teachers and administration. The little ones were working on math and using fingers to count is universal. 

After school I was able to catch up on homework and swim. This is the first time I have had daily access to a pool where I lived. What a privilege to be able to swim whenever I want - it is such a joy especially with the warm weather in Mexico.

Thursday was a big day for me. We went to the Museum of Indigenous Art. I have seen Indigenous Art from parts of the USA and Canada but am not familiar with that from Mexico. It is amazing. The painstaking detail in all the art was mind blowing. There were large beaded objects that were handmade by using honey to keep each bead in place. I literally cannot imagine the time and skill needed to create such art.

I have a newfound affinity for las calaveras (skulls) and art representing Dia de los Muertos. This museum had many pieces dedicated to both. They were beautiful!

One of the highlights of my trip thus far was the Robert Brady Museo. It is the house of a man from New York who collected art from all over. He died in 1986 and the house was preserved exactly as he kept it. The entirety of the house was covered in artwork, tiles, religious icons, and beautiful fabric. Someone said they thought it was gluttonous but I loved every inch of his home.

Especially Frida Kahlo's Self Portrait with Monkey. I have loved her work since the early 1990's so this was a dream come true. I am not overly enthralled with museums but this was one of the best I have ever been to. I only wished my mom was there to share it with me as she loves museums and this little known place is a mecca for art lovers!

Friday was another great day! We had a cooking class and learned how to make mole with chicken and red rice. It was delicious and not as difficult as I thought because we skipped a few steps using a small part of the recipe from a jar. Usually mole has more than 30 ingredients and is a very long and time consuming process.

Friday evening was so special. Ellyanna and I took Carmen to a special dinner at one of her favorite places Las Mananitas. There are peacocks in the beautifully manicured gardens along with a mariachi band in the evening. The food was amazing, but the time together was precious. With only 1 week left together, I feel the time here slipping through my hands. It is confirmed on a daily basis that I am meant to be here with these specific people at this specific time to be a student of them both. Living here, in Carmen's home, with Ellyanna has made this time in Mexico truly magical.

Cuernavaca: Days 14, 15, 16

 I have not written for awhile. Been very busy! *I am providing links for further description for some of the places as it is truly too much for words.

Sunday we went to Cuicuilco and Teotihuacan and drove through Mexico City on the way back. It was a very long, very amazing day. I don't have adequate words - in any language - to describe the  experience. It was majestic and ancient and beautiful and peaceful and breathtaking. My soul was calmed as I thought of those who created this place and their connection to nature and science and their gods and their greater influence on the world. I was in awe!! 

On a personal note, I have a fear of heights and the stairs to the top of all the pyramids were very high, very steep with no handrails. But I made myself climb to the top. And then I was stuck. At the top. And my only options were to live up there or climb down. And as I am writing this on a computer with wifi it is obvious I made it down. 

 

On the way back to Cuernavaca we drove through Mexico City. Loved it. The Pride parade happened the day before and there were remnants of the festivities all over the city. We are heading back to Mexico City this weekend so I will write more about it then. 

Monday we had an art class after school. It was taught by a local artisan who makes flowers and small animals out of palm leaves. I tried numerous times. He showed me more than multiple times. But I could not make the loop with the correct twist to be able to do the weaving. He completed the work for me. I am not saying this to be self deprecating, rather to revisit the idea of "unskilled labor." I am an "educated" women but I could not grasp how to properly manipulate my hands to create the pieces of art which I saw him making effortlessly as he walked down the street. There are so many skill sets different people have, but some are more valued than others - in every sense. In terms of pay, class, and respect. That is unfortunately a universal truth that continues to disturb me. 

Then we had a late dinner with Carmen's family. It was at an Italian restaurant called Marco Polo and the food and conversation were perfect. I cannot say enough about the kindness all people have shown me on this trip, but especially Carmen and her family. They are just good people in every sense of the word. Even though Carmen is close in age to my mother, I am able to hear her in a different way because she is not my mom. In tandem with Spanish, I am learning about life and the kind of person I aspire to be from her. My mom's messages might be the same, but even though I have to translate what Carmen is saying I can accept it. I think simply because she is not my mom...

Tuesday we went to two schools - which are located in the same town but could not be more different. The first is a bilingual school with Spanish and Nahuatl. The students were lovely. We heard them sing a song in Nahuatl which the school is trying to preserve. The physical accommodations of the school were limited, but the evident care and guidance from the teachers were abundant. The kids were proud to share their language and academic skills. The school was created in close proximity to where the students live so they can attend school. The parents are artisans who sell their crafts in downtown Cuernavaca. A few families graciously opened their homes to us. And to share the educational and artisan accomplishments of their children.

The second school was Marymount which is a private school - the first private school I visited here in Mexico. I have been on private school campuses in the USA and other countries - both high school and university - and this campus was pristine. All the facilities were top notch from the library to the technology in all classrooms to the dining room and food itself. It was overwhelmingly magnificent. I have been told, by many, that Mexico itself is a country of contrast. And while as an outsider I can respect that, I question that same issue in the USA. 

I can and do question the funding and equity of the school system - the PUBLIC school system - in the USA. Because I live on the west side of Austin (Austin the is the dividing street between the west side of Chicago and Oak Park) my children were able to attend Oak Park schools. Which has a higher tax base so the schools are well funded. 

Do I want the best education possible for my own kids? Of course! 

Do I want the best education possible for someone else's kids? Of course! And if that means another family gets free preschool or free breakfast or free childcare because they need it and my kids did not am I willing to pay for it? Of course!

The quality and access to education should not be determined by parents' income, educational level, culture, immigration status, linguistic background. I will only speak for the USA in this sense, but the current public school educational system is not equal and it is not working to best serve all children. And I do not just believe Mexico is a country of contrasts, I believe the world is that way. Not in terms of diversity, but in terms of opportunity in general...