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.
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