Happy 2010!

Last day of 2009, a time for reflexion...to think of all those you love, new friends and sometimes family members, those you have loved and lost, events of the past year and those to follow in 2010.

I did not send a Christmas newsletter, so this is a poor attempt of an update. Well 2009 wasn't the greatest for most Americans and lots of the world for that matter. However, I don't like to dwell on things we can't control. I realize my family has been extremely fortunate to thus far not have been too terribly effected as so many others have been with job losses, etc... On to a brighter note, it does appear that the economy is beginning to recover here. My prayers are with those of you who are in need of work, better health, whatever is not allowing you to realize your full happiness. Hopefully 2010 will bring happier times!

There is a fine line between sharing your blessings and bragging. I never want to brag, but I do want to acknowledge how fortunate I feel at this point in my life. Curtis and I are thrilled that Luke has found a lovely young woman with whom to share his life. We are excited about the upcoming wedding in March and welcome any blessings for the union of two pretty great people in our opinion.

Our family has now suffered the loss of both our Uncle Jack and Aunt Virginia. We were so fortunate to have their love and wisdom in our lives. They were both shining examples of what people can become and what we aspire to be.

I, personally am blessed with a wonderful husband who is also a great friend and travelling companion. It is so great to have so many things in common, especially the desire to work with youth and travel.

The year of 2009 also brought this blog and Facebook into my life. Now, some of you may not think that is so great. However, if you are reading this you must enjoy one or the other. :) Seriously, I have enjoyed reconnecting with friends from the past and developing more in depth friendships with new friends. It is a good way to share pictures, thoughts to stay in touch, etc...

2009 brought an entire summer of Spanish study in Guanajuato, MX. for Curtis and me. Although we did not purchase a 2nd home there, we do consider Guanajuato a 2nd home. We were saddened by the closing of Academia Falcon. I had attended Spanish language school there for several summers and had wonderful teachers who are friends and now facebook friends.

Curtis and I did make the decision to purchase a 1920s bungalow in Commerce, Texas. It is our intent to totally rennovate it within the next six years and then make it our retirement home. It is on a corner lot with lovely old trees, rose bushes, and front porch swing, only four blocks to downtown and four to the university. We both grew up in small towns and are both alumni of the university there. I just added a picture of the home. We have not begun any rennovations.

So, what do we know, thus far that lies ahead in 2010?....Other than the wedding which we are eagerly anticipating, I have a potential trip planned for Peru this summer. I met a wonderful friend from Peru in a Spanish class. She has graciously invited Curtis and me to her home this summer. I will probably be the only one taking her up on her offer because Curtis wants to teach summer school. We have enough air miles for me to fly free, so I don't want to pass up on this once in a lifetime chance to have a wonderful guide show me her beautiful country. Also, she speaks only Spanish so it will be best for me to travel without other English speakers.

Work...I have said many times to many people that one of my greatest joys has been my career. It is so wonderful to be at a stage of life where I can choose when/where I wish to work. The problem is, I often start little and grow too big because I do enjoy it all. I am so fortunate to work with so many fantastic people and have fun enhancing communication skills in children.

I will continue to contract with school districts to provide therapy services and also work for the great pediatric home health agency I respect and enjoy. Also, I will be starting contract work for another local school dist., providing Span. speech and language testing.

Curtis continues to enjoy his work with autistic kids at a high school and our soon-to-be daugher-in-law is enjoying her first year in the same capacity, but at the middle school level. It is fun to go to my speech path conventions and bring back books and information for us all to share and discuss.

Guess this is getting lengthy and I need to start preparing for a visit with the intern I am supervising. I wish to close by saying thank-you. Thank-you for your love and support. Thank-you for your friendship. Wishing you and yours only the best in 2010! Hasta Luego Amigos! Love, Joy

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

New Orleans Am. Speech & Hearing Assoc. Convention

outside of Cholula, MX. ( near Puebla)

 

 

 

 

1. Innsbruck, Austria


2. Ponce, Puerto Rico


3. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada


4. Guanajuato, Mexico


5. West Yellowstone, MT, USA


6. Tucson, AZ, USA


7. New York City, NY, USA


8. London, UK


9. Rome, Italy


10. Paris, France


11. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada


12. Everglades City, FL, USA

• View my profile


• Create your own travel map or travel blog


• Compare airline tickets at TripAdvisor

April and Luke

Engagement pictures

My son, Luke and his fiance, April
Posted for friends and family

We are very happy for Luke and April and want to share their happiness with each of you.

Love,
Joy

Hispanic Heritage Week at Eastfield College - News

Hispanic Heritage Week at Eastfield College - News

Great friends/teachers at Academia

Top right: Laura, Carlos, Pilar, y Edith
2nd pic: Gonzolo, Catalina, La Senora
3rd pic: Pilar, Ana, Adriana
Last pic: Beto
Unfortunately, no picture of Eva. :(
Please read Tribute to Academia :

www.joysblog-holaamigos.blogspot.com
Teachers at Acadmia: We have had numerous wonderful teachers; however, there are some whom I really must mention:

Eva: Thank-you for your wonderful private lessons. Not only are you an excellent teacher, but a friend as well. We enjoyed having breakfast in your home. That was such a kind thing for you to do. We wish you only the best. We are happy that you have found happiness with Max and know that you will be an excellent teacher in France, on the internet, or wherever you might be.

Magda: Thank-you for going the extra mile to ask your sister to find Bimbo shirts for us. We enjoyed having lunch with you and your family in Irapuato. You always have a smiling face and students always enjoy your classes.

Carlos: Thank-you for teaching me so much about Latin Literature, pre-hispanic art, etc...You are so knowledgable. I have been so fortunate to have been able to learn so much from you. Maybe one day you can meet us in MX. City. We would certainly recommend you to anyone desiring to tour. You know so much about the city, the prehispanic art, literature, and your university there.

Emmanuel: Thank-you for making dance class fun. We were probably a challenge for you, but you certainly were a great teacher! We could have never had so much fun without you!

Catalina: Thank-you for the excellent course on Mexican music. I referred many students to your class. Great job!

Gonzolo: Thank-you for your insight re: Mexican culture. Your class was very interesting and enjoyable.

Ana: Thank-you for the conversation classes. It was always fun to see your smiling face and enthusiastic attitude.

Edith and Laura: I didn't get to have class with you this summer, but I know from the past what an excellent teachers you are! Curtis has enjoyed enjoyed your classes very much.

I am sorry if I forgot someone. You are all dear to me. Muchas Gracias y Mucho Amor, Joy

Puebla

I have been thinking about Academia's closing and have also been busy enjoying Puebla too. I realize that Academia's closing hit me hard for a couple of reasons:

A. My friends are losing jobs

B. I am losing my school, my collegiate home, etc...This is my community. That's what's it really about for me: a group of friends I will probably never see again, a place where I am known by my first name, etc...I think I am a jinx for schools. My own high school burned down. We have never had a reunion. My department and my sorority at the university I attended no longer exists.-pretty ironic for someone like me because...I have always enjoyed the collegiate family/atmosphere. Personally I think young people miss alot taking online classes and not staying in the dorm or sorority house, etc...the feeling of being part of something, just isn't the same...That's why we now need all these crazy outlets like Facebook, huh? :) I guess I was secretly hoping/thinking that this one school would always be around. I would always have a collegiate home in Guanajuato, a community where I was known and felt at home..Crazy, I know...

Anyway, because my two previous blogs were regarding this, I promise that this will be the last blog I will write regarding the closing of Academia Falcon. Thanks for bearing with me through the process.

The following information is regarding Puebla. :)

We had a good day yesterday. The weather was great, as always.

After a good breakfast downtown, we watched and enjoyed an exhibition of traditional dancers in the square in front of the cathedral. Five different indigenous dance groups, all dressed up in masks and costumes, performed various traditional dances. Unfortunately, they were all performing at the same time so it was often a competiton of noise and chaos as we went from one group to another watching. We took a lot of videos.

Then we spent a big part of the day just browsing through various "flea markets" where different artists were displaying jewelry, pottery, clothing, arts/crafts etc. We went to one area that was dedicated to antiques and antique furniture, another that was dedicated to graphic artists and painters, etc. It was great just to walk and browse, or to sit down on a park bench and just watch the people. There were bands playing in the evening in the main square. Some of them were very interesting and different. One group used the ancient horns, drums from prehispanic times.

Later in the afternoon we visited a museum, the ex-convent of Santa Rosa, which had very interesting displays of the different regions of the state of Puebla and the types of indigenious crafts, pottery and clothing of each. This particular convent has a very large Talavera kitchen that is supposed to be unchanged in the last three hundred years. It is thought to be the kitchen where the nuns first invented "mole," taking the elements of an indigenious recipe and improving upon it. It was very interesting and beautiful. The entire kitchen was of talavera tile: roof, floor, walls, etc...beautiful! Puebla is known for their talavera. There are beautiful buildings everywhere covered in talavera. The Capilla de Rosaria, is particularly beautiful as well as the facades of many buildings here, covered in talavera tile.

At day's end, we bought our bus tickets to the airport in Mexico City for Tuesday afternoon. One advantage that Puebla has is that a particular bus company has service directly to the airport, which will be a convenience to us. That saves us from having to go to the TAPA bus terminal in Mexico City and then taking a cab from there to the airport. We now have everything in place to leave here on Tuesday the 11th. We will arrive at DFW that evening.

Today, (Mon.), we go to Cholula and a couple of the smaller villages near there. We have hired a guide to take us. He will pick us up at the hotel this morning.

Our summer in MX. is quickly coming to an end. I feel as if it is not only an end of the summer, but the end of a period in my life, my collegiate life at Academia Falcon. I am especially glad we came this summer. LittlIe did we know that when we planned this trip, it would be our last time at the school in Guanajuato. Although I am very sad it is closing, I am very glad I was there to say good-bye. As Jorge and I discussed, times change. My time in Guanajuato has changed. It is still the same place it has always been, but the collegiate aspect of it is no longer there for me. Time to review, contemplate, feel grateful, and then move on, which for both of us in the immediate future involves going home and back to work. We will be happy to see loved ones and co-workers and get back into our work routine. This year too will bring new changes in our family life, mainly a daughter-in-law, in March. We have really enjoyed having Luke and April in our lives and look forward to many happy times. Hasta Luego, Joy

A Tribute to Academia Falcon

The End of an Era

I started writing this blog,one afternoon while sitting in the lovely grounds of the school, hoping that I wouldn't need to publish it. Unfortunately, what was first whispered as a rumor is now apparently a done deal. Teachers are telling us that as of Sept. 4th, Academia Falcon will be no more. Below is the blog I started earlier in the summer:

I am in my idea of paradise. The birds are singing, the monarch butterfly is flying around, the fruit trees are filled with mangos, grapefruit, pomegranite, oranges, etc.... Everything is blooming. The sun is shining, climate perfect, breeze blowing.....There are mountains surrounding the view, a vermillion flycatcher on a branch... I am surrounded by nature's beauty within the courtyards of the school. Yet, I am sad, grieving in a way...I guess you could say...I am experiencing a loss, but not nearly as deeply as my friends here. It seems silly to some of you, I know.

I am certainly not an owner or even an employee of this school yet I feel a part of it. I did not dream it, design it, or hire the great staff and teachers. I am not invested in it in those terms at all. Nor do I have any kind of financial investment in it, other than paying my very reasonable fees for tuition, rent, and meals here. Yet, I do feel "vested" in this school. I owe not only my Spanish language skills but also my appreciation of Mexican muralists, history, culture, music ,dance, and Latin literature and films to the wonderful teachers I have had here over the past three summers.

I not only love the surroundings at the school and the lessons taught by such knowledgable and wonderful teachers, etc...but I also love the smiles I receive daily, the conversations with students and teachers, La Senora, the excellent cook in the cafeteria, Beto, who cleans our room and the school so well, Laura, Yolanda, and Moni, (smiling faces in the office), Pilar who does our schedules...Many of the teachers and staff have truly become my friends. I care about them and their families. Many have worked here in various capacities for over ten years....

I am afraid this year, has done them in. All the media hype with the swine flu, drug wars, etc...has been the kiss of death. Very few students have been here all summer. That has not changed the excellent instruction and care we have received and are still receiving here. I feel a loss. Oh, of course, there are other schools, but this is my school. They know me here. They are my friends. This is an exceptional school. It is my home away from home.

However, the sadness I feel is more for the people who work here. I know people are losing jobs everywhere. I know that I have previously been fortunate in not knowing of a friend or relative in this position. However, I do know these people at the school and I wonder if they will be able to find jobs. Yes, there are other schools here (many more expensive and not as good, in my opinion), but they already have their staff...Some of them have closed too. There are many people here wanting to teach, cook, work in offices, and clean.

All I know is I am going to read everything posted on the walls re: so much info. : history of MX., traditions, etc....I am going to take pictures of all the beautiful surroundings. I am going to enjoy each moment in the solitude and serenity of the surroundings. For this truly is the last time I will be here.

I wish I were wealthy and could rescue them: find a building, pay salaries, etc.... Sadly, that is not the case. What a great cause to be able to help great teachers keep this school for those of us wishing to continue our learning of another language and culture!

Words cannot express my gratitude to the wonderful teachers and staff here. You have made my life richer. I have received knowledge which will always be a part of me. You provided a valuable service for many years to people such as myself. Many people are saddened by the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you search for work. Please know that your efforts and teaching are treasures to me. I will be glad to write letters of recommendation for any of you. Your student and friend, Joy Cary

Sunday in the Jardin Union

While having our Sun. am. breakfast with the "Gringo Group," in the Hotel Luna, (a restaurant adjacent to the Jardin Union), we heard a band begin to play. We were treated to this free performance by the State of Guanajuato Symphonic Band. Curtis walked around, filming while the band played. One of the things we enjoy most about Guanajuato are all the free offerings, concerts, plays, ballets, choirs, etc... Parades are fun and quite frequent here too. Most of the time we are just walking around, enjoying the city when we stumble upon these type of offerings.

Compilation :)

Top Pics: Children at Resplendor

Pics Below: Renee and Peter at their home

So Much to Write About-So Little Time

I am including a couple of topics. So much has happened since I last sat down to write. It is a busy time now. I have five classes this week, get out around 2, eat at 2:30, take a brief siesta, then prepare to teach the children before we leave around 5. Today, a young woman from Quebec will be joining us. Her younger sister has been attending classes with me. The older just flew in today. They have expressed interest in helping teach at Resplendor. We will all meet Jacquie today at OXCO, to be picked up around 5. We will be there until classes are over at 8 pm. Then, they will take us back to Academia. My first class is at 8:30 am. Usually I have been awakening early to study. As usual I may have bitten off a bit more than I can chew. My reason for being here is to increase my Spanish skills and hopefully have a little free time in the process. The volunteering opportunity arose, one in which we had not known of prior to coming. Had I known, I would have brought some speech therapy materials, books, etc...Since I do not have those things, I am spending time developing activities. Once I arrive at the school and am adequately prepared, I do enjoy it. We go every Mon., Tues., and Thurs. Tues., I brought a Mexican memory game I purchased and then printed the English words on index cards. The children enjoyed finding the matches and learning the English words. We then did some additional vocabulary activities. I taught them body parts/directions prior to doing the hokey pokey. Later, I had a private speech therapy session with a young boy. It was all very rewarding. Children and parents were very appreciative. I guess that's what keeps me going. One parent came up to me to practice her newly acquired sentence: "It is very cloudy today." I complimented her and replied, "Yes, it is going to rain." Of course, she then immediately wrote down that sentence to learn. What a wonderful lust for learning! Man if we had a tenth of that in the states, right teachers? :) However, I must admit that if the two young women enjoy working with the children, I may back out a bit and serve more on a consultation basis. Curtis is taking fewer classes and having more time to enjoy class preparation, etc...He is great with the older boys. We are trying to make everything functional. The boys are learning names for farming equipment, car parts, etc... Of course, Curtis certainly has the background re: farming vocabulary. :)

Another topic:....Last night we had a very enjoyable evening. We had been invited to the home of a couple we met at "The Gringo Group." They were staying in one of their vacation homes, which happens to be here in Valenciana, very close to Guanajuato-phenomenal views of the city. The home was built by their now deceased parents, about 40 years ago, and is now shared amongst the siblings. The home was designed by a very famous Mexican architect from Mexico City. It was very Mexicana:boveda ceilings, lots of Mexican tiles, paintings, furniture, rugs, etc.... -beautiful! On the outside of the home was an original sculpture by Gene Byron, of the Gene Byron museum here. Peter and Renee are from Toronto, where he is a physician and she a high school principal. We spent about two and a half hours chatting and enjoying the wonderful views from the mountain of Guanajuato in lights. How kind of them to invite us to their lovely home!

Above are pics of Peter and Renee at their home and some of the children from Resplendor.

Third topic: Teachers/Classes
Teachers: If you have read my blogs at all, you know how much I love the school and teachers here. I want to share two examples of why, both which happened today. Magda has taught Curtis and me in the past. I currently have a conversation class with her. I had mentioned to her that we were looking for a specific t-shirt. She told me her sister who lives in Irapauto would look. Today, she told me that her sister had found the shirts we couldn't find here. She was asking our sizes, colors we wanted, etc...We have made plans to meet her sister. How thoughtful!

Another great teacher here is Eva. She teaches me my private Spanish lessons. Today she invited us to her home next Sat. for breakfast. She is a young, single woman engaged to a man in France. Eva studied there last year. How sweet of her to want to invite us to her home!

Gotta take a pic of our good looking dance teacher before we go too. :) He,(Emmanuel) also is a great, positive teacher who has made our private dance class lots of fun!

Classes: This week I have continued Latin Literature, dance, a special grammar class, conversation class, and my private instruction. I truly have enjoyed all of them. I must not forget to mention Carlos. He is a graduate of Univ. of Mexico and has actually attended lectures by the famous writers we have studied. Latin literature is obviously his love. He knows so much. I am getting a great education: Catalina en musica, Carlos en literatura, Emmanuel en baile....not to mention increasing my skills in the language. Tengo mucho amor por mis amigos en los estados unidos y en Mexico tambien.

Update: Just returned from Resplendor. When I try to talk myself into a less active role, I begin to question it after an evening there. The children were so good and so eager to learn. They listened as I read an Eng. book to them, first telling them the Spanish sentence equivalent prior to reading the printed Eng. sentence. Then, we reviewed the English word, providing the Spanish palabra. The children then made up sentences in Spanish using the Spanish palabra and later after I modeled the English equivalent version, they would repeat the English sentence. They also enjoyed the review of the Spanish/English memory card game I made. We then went outside and played luz rojo, luz verde/red light, green light and discussed los semaforos-traffic lights. You know, I don't think I have even seen any here in Guanajuato. :) Of course, the stop signs only mean slow down and look, here. :)

After my session with the group of children, I changed hats from Eng. teacher to speech pathologist and worked with a deaf boy and his sister who is also very hard of hearing, on Mexican sign language. As previously stated, all the children are so eager to learn. Dominique, the young woman from Quebec, is delightful. Glad she arrived to help with the kids. Curtis's group of boys enjoyed learning/seeing the different parts of the pick-up truck Jacquie drives. Curtis asked her if we could pop the hood tonight. Of course, it is now 10:30 pm. and I haven't done my own homework for tomorrow. I will arise early to do so. Buenas Noches, Joy

Fri. night-check out Curtis's blog/Resplendor

1st pic: school at Resplendor where Eng. classes and art classes are taught. Equine therapy is also provided.

2nd pic: mural painted by Mexico City artist, on the wall at Resplendor

I want to begin my blog by suggesting you first check the blog Curtis wrote yesterday re: Fri. night: http://www.cwcary.blogspot.com/ It was truly a special evening. He has lots of good pics.

My blog will pick up where he left off, re: the remainder of the weekend. After having had a really fun evening Fri. with Alma and Arturo, we began the 2nd part of our weekend around 4:00 pm. Sat. We were picked up at the school by Jacquie, the woman Curtis mentioned in his blog. She took us to Cajones, a "currently" rural farming area, near the city. We were invited to see Resplendor, the school currently being built there in conjuntion with the Univ. of Arizona, and also Jacquie and Don's home and land close to the school. We spent the night at the "hotel." Now, by anyone's standards this wasn't a hotel. Perhaps it could be better described as a hostel. However, it was everything we needed: a clean room, a bathroom, a comfortable bed....

I first met Jacquie and Don, my first summer in Guanajuato when we were all staying in the homes of the Delgado family (Alma and Arturo) in my case, and Alma's mom and dad's home next door, where Jacquie and Don stayed. I remember after having stayed there 10 weeks, that I was truly sad about leaving. Yes, I wanted to see loved ones at home, but secretly wished we could return for more time here. That is always how I feel when I leave here. Anyway, Jacquie had the same sentiments, but was able to act on them. They returned to Arizona only long enough to prepare their home and land for sale. Since that summer of 2006, they have been a major part in the building of the school and the instruction there. Both Don and Jaquie are previous chefs. We were treated to a wonderful meal and enjoyed our evening visit. As night approached, we ventured to our room, not far from their home. We had a good night's rest and awakend early enough to venture out for a morning walk. We saw goats, sheep, farmland, mountains, a lake. It was a very scenic view.

Around 9:30 this am. we all left for the "Gringo group" breakfast. We enjoyed visiting with everyone. We met a very nice couple from Toronto who were staying in his parent's home. His parents are now deceased and the children divide time at the home. The home was designed by a famous Mexican architect. This couple invited us to see it. We will certainly enjoying doing that.

We have also agreed to help Jacquie at the school. For the remainder of the time we are here we will be teaching Eng. classes at the school on Mon., Tues., and Thurs., evenings. We will ride the bus there. We are looking forward to teaching the children. Love from Mexico, Joy

pics from Aquascalientes

1st pic: Museo de Muerte
Catrina's hat is prettier! :)

2nd pic: Palacio de Gobierno
Aquascalientes, MX.

3rd pic: : Curtis discussing
plans for the city :)

4th pic: Don Quijote at
Museo de Muerte

Aquascalientes

If you know some Spanish, you know that Aquascalientes means "Hot Waters." This weekend we ended up going there. It was rather funny how this came to be. We decided we wanted to take a little weekend jaunt somewhere by bus. Considerations were Pozo, Quereterro, and Aquascalientes. We spent much deliberate calculation as to which we would choose. We spun a bottle. :)

Now, some of you who grew up with me in Clarksville, know that our favorite little jr. high game was Spin the Bottle. :) Of course, when we played it then, it was in hopes that the bottle would land on the cute boy we had our eye on, so that we might take a walk around a home together (usually mine), because the parties were often at my home.

This time, Curtis and I were checking out the various bus itineraries when our friend Solomon appeared with his empty coke bottle. While we were standing in front of the bus office, discussing our dilemna, Curtis, saw the bottle and said, "Let's spin the bottle. " That was exactly what we did. :) Each of us represented one city. Ah MX. :) That's about as close as we seem to get to the backpackers we admire, who just hop on a bus and go. :)

It turned out, Aquascalientes was a good choice. You probably haven't heard much about it. We certainly hadn't. Most people seem to bypass it on the way to Zacatecas. Although we want to go there too sometime, it is a little farther than we wished to travel this weekend, so it didn't meet the spin the bottle criteria. :)

Before leaving early Sat. am., we did decide to treat ourselves to a nice motel. We have been staying at the school for 3 weeks with no tv. That part really hasn't bothered us. We get the news by internet. However, although we have a nice size shower here, it was nice to treat ourselves to a room with a larger bed, bathtub, tv, etc...We felt after 3 wks. we deserved a little treat. To tell the truth, Quinta Real was a fantastic place. Our price was around $120 with taxes for the overnight trip, but we are sure in the states it would have been closer to the $300-$400 per night rates we have seen advertised for rooms of the same caliber in Las Vegas, etc... (you know, those we never stay in. :) Not only was the motel and room beautiful (hacienda style), but the food and entertainment were phenomenal. We had the brunch there today and were not only treated to a very reasonably priced, delicious meal in a beautiful setting, but excellent entertainment as well. There was a quartet of one woman with a beautiful voice and 3 men. We enjoyed dining in the beautiful area with the wonderful music so much that we spent quite a bit of time there and ended up buying 2 cds.

One man was playing a musical instrument he had made. It was a small box high enough for him to sit on while he reached between his legs to beat on the front and sides of the "drum. " We are assuming there were different types of chambers inside it to produce several different sounds, (depending on where he would beat it with his hand).

Of course, I am really giving info. in reverse re: our trip. This was how we spent today, prior to returning to Guanjuato. Sat. was when we saw the sites of Aquascalientes, which in it's own rite, had some very interesting things to see and do.

We arrived in Aquascalientes around noon and were provided a name of a restaurant. It was around 1 pm. when we arrived there. They were serving breakfast. Their "lunch" did not start until 2 pm. Thought some of you would find this interesting. :)

Aquascalientes is the home of 2 very famous Mexican artists. One is Saturnina Herran, a woman I truly had not heard of until my Mexican art class. In the Museo de Aquascalientes are several of her paintings and drawings, mainly of Indegenous women of Mexico. They are all quite good.

The other museo we visited was the Museo de Muerte (museum of death) :). Now, at first, we thought we might just bypass this, but after reading the literature, I discovered it actually had lots of Mexican folkart. We decided to go. It was around $1 per person. They honored our teacher status. Wasn't that nice! Again, we were pleasantly surprised with the museo.

This museum consisted of 3 floors of not only Mexican folkart (wooden toys, Catrina skeletons, etc...) but great relics from the Prehispanic ages, some of the codigos the Aztecs had used-(booklike with beautiful drawings) and lots of drawings by Posada, another very famous Mexican artist. He is the one who is famous for all the skeleton figures, such as Catrina, who are enjoying dancing, feasting, life, etc...in the after life. Mexicans like to illustrate life after death in terms of viewing the person (skeletons)continuiing to have fun in the after life. Perhaps it is easier to accept death when thinking in those terms. In each room was a film explaining different artifacts according to the time period. The film was in Spanish; however, I enjoyed it because the man speaking spoke very clearly and I did understand the information.

The Palacio de Gobierno was a beautiful building in itself. It had beautiful arches/architectural design.. It is a 3 story building located around the large plaza, so typical of many larger Mexican cities. There were beautiful murals painted in this building depicting various scenes of Mexican history. In the plaza was the huge Mexican flag with a large statue of the eagle with the snake, nearby. There were the typical iron benches and beautiful fountains, with families enjoying the day.

The first thing we did was take a tour of the city via trolley. This is usually how we like to begin touring cities, to get a broad over-view of the area.

Then, we spent a little time walking around, viewing some of the shops for Quincenera and boda (wedding) dressses. We decided to take some pics to email April, our son's fiance, just so she could have an idea of the type of dresses made here. I would always go in and ask the shop keeper if she minded. They were more than gracious. The funniest thing was seeing Curtis taking off his shoes, per shopkeeper request, and slipping behind the manequins, to take pics of the dressses. :) That is another story in itself. :) Don't think he would do that for just anyone, April. :) Amor desde MX., Joy

French does help-at least that's my excuse :)

It is a little after 2. I am sitting at a table on the covered patio discussing "las clases" with a young French speaker from Quebec. Of course, we were conversing in Spanish. Spanish, being a romance language, has many words very similar in French. I have noticed that most French speakers speak Spanish quite well or certainly can learn it quickly. He has now left as this particular bout of rain has subsided.

As you know, we are in the rainy season here in the mountains. It is actually a bit chilly, ( I know my Texas friends are tired of me mentioning this. :) The rains are very refreshing and usually do not interfere with our plans. Usually, it either rains pm. or evening, but not both. Sometimes it comes quite fiercely and for a substantial amount of time; however, usually when that happens there is a day or two with no rain.

We are enjoying our dance class. The young man is such a good teacher. After dance, I have writing this week, followed by cine. We saw a very good movie, entirely in Spanish. Sometimes I get a bit frustrated watching Spanish movies. I usually do "get it" overall, but just when I think I'm doing so well, I realize that I do miss parts of some conversations. It is like everything else, the more practice, the better. :) There is always more vocabulary to learn. Anyway, the young man from Quebec was in my cine class. I wondered how his Spanish could be so good. Then, I discovered he is a French speaker. This always makes me feel better.

Next week we will continue our private dance lesson. I will have another week of Latin literature, a conversation class, and my private class. Each week, the school allows you to pick and choose your own schedule. As I knew, the school did not even question giving me credit for the classes I had to miss due to the emergency I mentioned in a previous blog. I do love this school!

I know my US friends will be celebrating the 4th this weekend. Have a great one! Hasta Luego, Joy

GTO Gringos, Bats, Classes-(An all in one blog) :)

After classes yesterday, we headed toward El Centro. We had intentions of coming back in time to see the Span. movie with Eng. subtitles which was being shown at the school. However, we ran into Solomon (remember the Jewish CA. hippie-with the long, silver braid). Anyway, it was another example of how sometimes the most pleasurable evenings can be unexpected around here.

Prior to running into Solomon, we first encountered another "Gringo" who appeared to be close to 80. He was walking alone by himself and stopped to talk. Unlike San Miguel, it is not uncommon here to be stopped, because there are so few Gringos that the local ones are curious/wanting to check it out, when they see some new Gringos in town. The man who stopped to talk is managing a bed and breakfast here and living there. Anyway, we had a nice conversation with him. He had lived in Tyler, TX. at one time.

Then, we ran into Solomon sitting on one of the iron benches around El Centro. He was also visiting with this same man (Carl) and another "Gringo." We enjoyed visiting with all three of them. All of them have made their home here for many years. While we were visiting Michelle Phillips walked by, you know the Michelle Phillips, singer with the Mamas and Poppas and mother of McKenzie. Apparently Michelle's sister lives here and Michelle owns a house here as well. The men knew them both but respected Michelle's desire for privacy. Therefore, we only saw them walk by. They say they are friends with them, but only when they want to stop and talk.

That's seems to be close to all of the Gringos we know who are living here. The mindset of these folks is very different from those in San Miguel. Here, they enjoy being absorbed in the Mexican culture. They are living in the midst of the people, not in gated communites, as if they are on extended vacation. Most of them seem to have learned Spanish. They don't want Guanajuato to have American chain stores, restaurants, etc...Infact, they like to keep this place as it is. As mentioned previously there are about 300 Gringos here as compared to the over 20,000 in San Miguel.

Most of the people here other than Michelle Phillips and her sister, of course, seem to be of much more modest means than those in San Miguel, and were very friendly. We enjoyed hearing about their favorite reasonably priced restaurants and meeting the local Mexican people they knew. We seem to fit into this mindset. We love Guanajuato and want to enjoy it here ourselves, but selfishly we do hope that it doesn't become another San Miguel. We are afraid it is just a matter of time....But, even so, it is a lovely place with lots of charm/lots to do. Que sera sera....After leaving the three amigos, we went to a new restaurant they had reccomended. Later, we ended up going to Zilch with Solomon and had a great visit. That is a place we will have to return to on a night when they have a jazz group. Many members of the fantastic Univ. of GTO symphony here are regular entertainers. The univ. is on break for a month.

Early this am., while sitting on the patio, we saw some MX. bats flying/circling the sky, (you know like the ones under the bridge in Austin). It was really neat seeing them. I thought it would concern me, but they weren't bothering us. It was actually a pretty cool thing to see. After all, guess we are their visitors, right? :)

This week I am taking dancing with Curtis (our first actual class was today), writing, cinema, Mexican muralists, and a private class. Our dance class was actually fun for both of us! We surprised ourselves. Today's lesson was the Merengue. We have decided that we will continue to take private dance classes while here. (see "Deal with the Devil," :) on Curtis's blog. :) I will also take a conversation class, Latin literature, and a private lesson each week. Hasta Luego, Joy

An Emergency in MX.

Buenos Dias! Quite a bit has happened since my latest blog. Yesterday, we had a little too much excitement around here for my liking. Curtis and I had just begun our first steps of our first dance class when Moni, a member of the faculty here, ran in and told our dance instructor that there was an accident. We all ran out toward the office to find a young girl, around 16, on the patio, breathing irregularly. It scared us all. The office immediately called the clinic across the street and the ambulance. The ambulance came in no time. Several men had to use a gurney and carry the young girl down several flights of stairs and across the street to the clinic.


The girl was a member of a girl scout group here from Seattle. She is Hispanic but knows no Spanish-Que Lastima! The leaders had just started their first week and knew no Span. prior to coming. Since the instructors had to be at the school and the group needed someone to speak to the doctors, I offered my services. I know I am not completly bilingual, but I am fluent. And, I was the best they had at the time. I was able to speak with the doctor on numerous occassions, telling the girl's symptoms, asking questions and later informing her leaders in Eng. as to what would be done, when the results would be available, etc... It did make me feel good to know that when put to the test, I could help someone in this situation.

Because the girl was Hispanic, the nurse and doctors kept wanting to speak to her in Span. There was one time when I told the doctor in Span. (because he didn't speak Eng.), that she couldn't speak Span. He seemed amazed. He said, "Pero ella es Latina, no?" I explained that yes, she was indeed Latina but knew no Span.

Anyway, after x-rays of her heart, lab work, etc...no significant problem appeared such as heart problems or diabetes. It did scare us all because she was convulsing at times. I missed all my am. classes yesterday. I am not worried about it. The school is very understanding and will reimburse me. I am just so glad that the girl is ok. The small clinic across the street seemed to have everything she needed: xray, lab techs, attentive doctors and nurses, clean facility. It was good to know in spite of the scare.

Oh, something else, it is odd that when you start speaking one language you forget with whom you are speaking and when to switch. Often I found myself speaking in Span. to the girl scout leaders who had to remind me to speak Eng. Hasta Luego-gotta get ready for a dance class (hopefully) :)

Interesting People

One of the many benefits of travelling is the people you meet. I have met good friends while travelling. At the school, in particular, it is very fun. Not only have I become very good friends with the teachers, but the students as well. There are people from Canada, Japan, South Africa, U.S., all over really. There are people of all ages and races. There are families with young children, teenagers with grandparents, girl scout groups, single, older women, a couple of sisters who teach Span., a woman I would guess to be in her 50s who is staying at a hostel and decided to take some Span. before she takes off on her next adventure, a young pilot from the Houston area who rents an apt. here, flies back and forth, and takes Span. lessons at the school 3 days a wk., a young professor with his family, a young backpacker who has studied here a week, is quite fluent in Span. and just left Fri. to go further into South America, backpacking and staying in hostels along the way. He decides where he wants to go, heads out, stays as long as he wishes, then moves on. He is on a year sabattical from his employment in London.

Last year we met an older man from South Africa who had been teaching Eng. at San Louis Potossi, then ventured this way for Span. lessons. There is a single man from the states, in his 50s, who is a teacher in Venezuela. I could go on and on. The thing that impresses me most is the desire/ability of people to just take off backpacking with really no definite destinations, reservations, transportation planned in advance. Although we see many young Europeans/Canadians doing this, we also see people such as the woman in her 50s. The young man from London told me he hoped to do some volunteer work in Guatamala along the way. We wonder how these young folks in particular can just do this. I do find it fascinating! Yet, I must admit, as a mom, I would be concerned.

Not only is it fascinating to hear of these experiences and secretly wish you had the nerve to do it yourself, but it is fun being in a group, with the same goal, in this case learning Span. Therefore, people are eager to meet and talk to one another in Span. It doesn't matter if you are 20 or 50, you become friends in class. That's not to say we necessarily enjoy the same activities after school, but we do enjoy one another while at school. An extra benefit of learning a language is not only being able to communicate with the people in town but also being able to communicate with people who don't know your lang. and you don't know their's but you both know enough Span. to converse. For instance, there are many Japanese students here and French Canadians, etc..We communicate through Spanish.

Not only are there people with interesting lives here at the school, but also we have enjoyed the people at "The Gringo Group." Now, I must admit the idea of a Gringo Group turned me off a bit at first. One of the things I love about MX. is really getting into the culture. If I wanted to isolate myself in a "Gringo" community I would stay in the states. However, I must admit I have begun to see the benefits of connecting with "Gringos" too. :) They, too, are interesting, friendly people, who haven't been afraid to step out of the box. Some are renting and have for years. Others have built huge homes. Some have bought smaller homes. Regardless of the circumstances, they are interesting, friendly, talented people. It is fun to talk to and email people about where they were from, where they are living now, etc...

What equally blows me away is to sit at a table with someone, such as I did today. She was a single woman in her 40- 50s, I would guess, who had purchased land here. However, she hadn't just purchased a lot to build. She had purchased land, an hr. away from here, in the midst of the farmers, in the middle of nowhere. She had lived in Guanajuato for 11 years; but decided, I suppose, that she wanted to build in a remote area. Now that takes some independence too, doesn't it? Another couple has also moved about an hr. away and is renting a home and land for 18 years. They have started a school for disabled children. I had met the woman at a previous stay while in Guanajuato. Anyway, I am so proud/pleased about the work they are doing. Curtis and I hope that one day we can help them out some. Maybe one day we can do just that!
Hasta Luego Mis Amigos Interesantes!

Callejones de Guanajuato/Tunnels of Guanajuato

Okay folks. I'm taking the easy way out tonight. Curtis has a good description of the callejones of Guanajuato on his blog. Check it out at cwcary.blogspot.com

The only thing I might add is that Guanajuato has a wonderful tunnel system, that Curtis mentioned. It is great being a pedestrian here because there are very few streets where vehicles are allowed. The tunnels were developed for vehicles. They were developed after the flood in Guanajuato, when the river was diverted from it's original channel. In place of the river, which flooded the town, some genius, in my opinion, came up with the tunnel idea. It is fascinating seeing all the tunnels here. It seems they are building new ones each time we come. Guanajuato is a place like no other we have seen. It is really hard to describe. Come and enjoy!

Children of Guanajuato

One more comment regarding the bus. Yesterday, Curtis and I took a bus from the “mega” market, around the city, back to La Presa, where we are staying. As mentioned on Curtis’s blog, it was a busy day, with much activity due to una fiesta aquii. The city was crowded with Mexican tourists, many probably from Guadalajara and Mexico City. There were school groups, etc…On this particular bus was a nicely dressed and well-behaved school group. As you know, Guanajuato is a mountainous city. As we were going down on the bus, it was a bit fast (which the school kids loved I might add). Spontaneously everyone in the bus through up their hands as if on a roller coaster and yelled, “Wheeeee!” It is so much fun here! :)

As stated previously, some of the best times are ones you never expect. Last week, ( our first here), we met another “Gringo” at the mega. Solomon is a Jewish hippie from California, perhaps a little older than us. He has a long gray braid. You meet all kinds of interesting folks here. Solomon has lived here 5 yrs. and also loves it. Anyway, we had struck up a conversation with him last wk. when it was raining and he was trying to transport some paint for his apartment. We thought we were to meet him at the mega yesterday, but apparently we missed connections. Anyway, while we were waiting, we saw the most adorable little Mexican boy, around 3, who was having so much fun entertaining himself without a toy in site. He was a choo-choo train, and was circling the fountain saying, “Choo-choo, choo-choo.” Not a toy train in site, but “no importa.” :) He kept looking at us. We do sort of stick out in the crowd, you know. :) Finally, he started playing peek-a-boo. His mom and abuelita were sitting by. Children and animals are great ways to bring people together, aren’t they! Anyway, it wasn’t long before Curtis was running around the fountain with Jonathon and I was speaking with mom and grandmom. What lovely people, what fun we had, and although I missed the Weds., night intercambio (conversation exchange) with Span. Students at Academia, it didn’t matter. This was even better. I got to practice my Span. And didn’t even have to spend part of the time speaking Eng. I told Jonathon’s mother that her little one reminded me so much of Luke, out-going, fun-loving, etc….Jonathon’s mom is a kindergarten teacher at a nearby school. As I said, some of the best times are the ones you least expect. Included is a pic of Curtis and our friend, Jonathon. :) Also, included are pics from the fiesta Curtis referred to on his blog. You can check out more info. re: the fiestas etc... at:
http://www.cwcary.blogspot.com

So Who Wants To Ride The Bus?/The Choir

Hola Amigos! Today I am writing about riding the bus here in MX. So, how long has it been since you've ridden a bus? Not long enough you say....Well, maybe you'd feel differently if you had the bus ride we did yesterday. The best way to get around in this small mountain city is to take one of the numerous public buses to wherever you wish to go. They are very cheap, just a few pesos, and cover every imaginable place in the city. Anyway, yesterday we boarded a bus. A handsome Mexican man around our age "muy joven, of course," :), boarded with his guitar. He then started singing at the back of the bus. Curtis and I both looked at one another and said, "He has a beautiful voice!" So for a few pesos we not only got to our destination just fine but were treated to some beautiful songs enroute. I wonder even if I had the talent to sing and play the guitar so well if I would have the self-confidence, lack of inhibition to do that. I doubt it. Things are so different here. People seem to be so unconcerned that someone might think them silly. It seems enjoying life is more important than worrying about what others think. That's something I really love about Mexico, the passion for life, and lack of embarrassment to pursue it.

I wish I had thought of that when I interviewed with Eva's brother Tues. Eva, is an excellent teacher here at the Academia. She asked me if I would mind doing an interview for her brother who is working on his thesis here at Univ. of Guanajuato. I spent about 30 min. with him, being interviewed in Span., about a tourist"s perspective of Guanajuato/Mexico. I was rather nervous because he was recording it and I know my Span. certainly wasn't perfect. I did mention that some of my favorite things were really the little things that happen unexpectedly, (such as the beautiful singer on the bus). Previously I wrote about walking around and unexpectedly seeing all the great dancers (pics included on this blog), and/or discovering a parade while walking.

Yesterday, we walked up on a group of women, all around my age except a one younger and one much older whom I will describe later. They were in a choir and were singing. This was one of the few groups that we have heard that wasn't super, but the thing we loved about it was apparently they worked with whomever showed without regard as to how well they could or could not sing. Don't misunderstand, there were some good singers, but we had to laugh when we saw the much older woman, with no teeth, standing and singing in the choir. Again, just enjoy life! Amor, Joy

Skype

Just wanted to mention this to some of you who may not have used it. Last summer, when I was in MX., some students were using skype. I had no idea what that was, but I did know that they were supposedly calling people free over the internet. So, prior to leaving this time, I set up Skype on my home computer and also on this laptop. Last night we called and got to speak to Luke and April. It was phenomenal! I not only had a great reception but we also got a great video feed of them, all for free!

Also, for a very low fee you can set up skpe to call mobile phones. This doesn't involve anyone having to download skpe on their computer prior to your leaving. All they do is answer their mobil phone. All you do is pay a very small charge. So, we tried that last night too with Curtis's folks. We are set! That reception was great too. So, even in MX. it is possible to chat with loved ones without leaving your residence, for a very low price and if you have downloaded the program on your computer prior to leaving you can even see them! We told Luke and April we would buy a small video cam here so they could see us. Yes, even here there is a Radio Shack. Anyway, I'm sure most of you know of this, but for those of you with college students or family on extensive leaves/vacations it's perfect. You can download at http://www.skype.com/ Hasta Luego, Joy

La Senora y El Gato :)

As I have mentioned before, we eat our big meal during the week at the school at 3. La Senora is an excellent cocinera. She usually has such a pleasant disposition, but yesterday she was " Muy Enojada." The school cat, which I call Blackbeard due to this physical feature apparently really upset La Senora yesterday. Remember all my comments re: all the beautiful birds and all their beautiful songs....Well apparently yesterday "El Gato, or Blackbeard" had just had enough of all that optimistic chirping, perhaps he was ready for his siesta, "no se la razon" for his sudden desire, but regardless of his reasons or motivation, El Gato decided he would get him a bird. I was in the next room and suddenly heard all the beautiful chirping turn into "una sonida loca" Later, I was visiting with the two sisters who are studying here. Apparently while they were eating in the covered patio area, El Gato decided to get a bird. He accomplished his feat and brought it to La Senora. I am sorta glad I wasn't around when it first happened because La Senora was still "muy enojada" when we ate lunch at 3 o'clock. I saw her constantly grumbling at the cat, pointing her finger at him and saying, "Feo, feo!" When I asked La Senora about the incident she informed me that she had just fed the cat, that he wasn't hungry, and didn't even eat the bird. Well, all I've got to say I guess is I suppose a cat will be a cat, but I don't believe I would ever want to get on the bad side of La Senora. She is too good of a cocinera. :)

Peek a Boo-I See You "Old Man"

Street Dancers in Guanjuato

Birds, Gringo Group, Dancers, etc...

Hola Amigos! It's a beautiful day here in Guanajuato. I'm sitting in the large outside patio, at Academia Falcon, writing this and watching the gorgeous birds while the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing. It is great staying at the school. It is like have our own little hacienda. Very few students are staying here.

Those of you who know me best know that I am a bird watcher. The first day here I saw the most beautiful bird. I still don't know what it was. I have never seen one like it. I will have to look it up in my bird book when I return. Perhaps some of you could help me. It had a large yellow strip of feathers on each side of it's tail, very obvious when flying. It also had a yellow breast and was red under the chin, a small-mid-size bird. Oh well, I have also seen the vermillion flycatcher and many little humingbirds. There is also a bird here which I cannot locate visually, but it has the most gorgeous and varied calls, very different. I'm thinking it is possibly a mockingbird mocking "los pajaros Mexicanos" aquii. :)

Moving along to those of you not so infatuated with birds...Que Lastima!

Curtis and I had a fun and interesting breakfast today. A woman who lives here invited us to the "Gringo Group." What interesting people! There were about 30 of us there. Although it was mainly "los Gringos" there was a Hispanic woman there from Guadalajara. She gave me her card to call her when we come to Guadalajara. She said she would be our guide. We probably will take her up on that. We love riding the bus to various locals on weekends. I enjoyed visiting with her in Span. She seemed pleased to have someone there speaking to her in Span. However, I certainly wasn't the only one there who spoke Spanish. This pleased me, that many there were making genuine efforts to learn the language and some were quite fluent.

Also, I kept noticing a woman at the end of the table. She looked so familiar. One woman stood up and mentioned this woman's name and the fact that they were working with a university to open a school for children in the community here. Then, the pieces all fit together. My first summer in Guanajuato I had stayed with Alma Delgado and her family down the street from Acadmia. I was fortunate in that a group from the Univ. of Arizona was staying in "la misma casa." That group was so nice to include me in their activities. The home next door was owned by Alma's mother, who also hosted students. Each Sun. we had a large meal at the mother's home. This is how I had known Jolene, Jackie, and her husband. Apparently they never left after that summer. They made a trip to Ariz., packed their bags, signed a long-term lease on a ranch outside of Guanajuato, and are currently provide equine-therapy to kids.

The Univ. of Ariz. has just opened a facility adjoining their's which offers programs for teachers from the states wanting to train in MX. as well as programs for children and parents here. I had seen a notice that U. of A. was opening a school, but didn't know where it was. My friend, Rosa Maria had been with the group from U. of A. and lived "en mi casa" durante the summer of 2004. After leaving Guanajuato, Rosa Maria invited me to visit her in Tucson, which I did. That's a great place too! Anyway, we learned that there are only about 300 "Gringos" in Guanajuato as compared to over 20,0000 in San Miguel de Allende. I am glad that the people coming here and living here are helping the community. I am also selfishly glad that the number is low.

Oh by the way, I saw my friend Alma this wk. We will be visiting her sometime this week. Can't wait to catch up. Unfortunately, both her parents are now deceased. We learned that last year when we paid her a visit. Alma is definitely of Span. descent, red hair, fair skin, blue eyes. She is also a phenmoninal chef!

After the great breakfast at the beautiful old hacienda (great Mexican folk art all around), gorgeous grounds, old buildings, etc...we left for our Sun. stroll toward El Centro. What a super time today! There was a group of children dressed for the dance of the old men. It is so cute. I will try to put those pics and/ or the video on this blog. There were also the Aztec dancers with their beautiful headdresses, with the immensely long feathers.

Well, better run. This week I am taking reading comprehension, a grammar class, a writing class, and a Latin Literature class. All the classes are taught in Span. It is fun when you can take the classes in literature, history, music, murals, etc...It's a great way to hear the language spoken and learn more of the culture too. Pues,,,Adios Amigos. Hasta Luego, Joy

Curtis's info

Buenas Tardes! I am starting today by providing a post Curtis did last night. I think he did a great job providing background info. of the city for those of you who have interest. I will copy/paste his latest blog with some initial comments from me, of course:


The only thing I might add is before you start feeling too sorry for the Spaniards and their end/fate, realize that many Spanish priests tortured the “indigenous” people with machines of torture, “converting them to Catholocism.” You know, sorta like, “you believe this or you get your head crushed, chest impaled, arms and legs stretch and die a slow and painful death.” I know this because I have seen those machines here in Guanajuato. On to Curtis’s summary of the history here:

Why in the heck are we in Guanajuato? Well, for a lot of reasons, I guess. First of all to study Spanish - and there are a lot of reasons why we want to do that. And because it is a great place to spend the summer and to get away from the heat of Texas. (Guanajuato, like many names in Mexico, is of native origin. Apparently it means “place of the frogs.”)
But why we are here specifically - and not some place else - is because we find this city to be very unique, and charming, and full of history - and for a lot of reasons that are just hard to explain. I guess you have to experience it like we have, and are continuing to do, to really understand.
When Joy started her goal of learning Spanish, a place we had heard a lot about was San Miguel de Allende - about 55 miles to the east of here. Also in Guanajuato state (Guanajuato is a state as well as a city) and also a colonial city. Mexico was a Spanish colony from 1519, when Cortez conquered it, to 1810, when the Mexicans kicked the Spanish out and started Mexico as a country. So any Mexican city that was started in the beginning of those three centuries and saw its major growth during that time, is considered colonial. And most of them were founded because of the discovery of gold or silver, like Guanajuato.
So in the summer of 2004, down we came to San Miguel. Joy to study for several weeks and myself to stay for a week or so before I had to go back to Texas and teach summer school. During that time we took a day trip to Guanjuato. It didn’t take us very long to look at each other and ask, “Why aren’t we here instead of San Miguel?” Because at that time, as now, San Miguel had more than 20,000 retired Americans and Canadians living there and it was more like the U.S. than Mexico. And in Guanajuato we discovered the real Mexico. And because as a city and “a happening,” Guanjuato was head and shoulders over San Miguel. So In 2006 Joy returned for 10 weeks of study. And to make it even better she found a great school, the Academia Falcon. We both came here in 2008 for 4 weeks of study and now this summer for 8 weeks.
The first Spaniards came here in 1526. Catholic missionaries to convert the heathen and conquistadores to find gold or silver. And did they ever find silver! Several small mining camps were successful and growing when in 1554 they merged to form the city of Guanajuato. Those camps still remain as several of the many barrios (or neighborhoods) of Guanajuato. It continued to grow and never stopped. It was a very rich city. Because the Spaniards wanted to re-create the cities of Spain, by the next century Guanajuato was a city of beautiful buildings and opulent rooms, flower-filled courtyards, private chapels, huge churches and magnificent works of art.
Then in 1760 they found the big one. The Valenciana mine. The Valenciana community is just a couple of miles north of Guanajuato. For the next century about one fourth of the entire silver in the world was taken out of the Valenciana mine. Rich men became even richer. They built even bigger haciendas and palacios.
And many, many men also suffered. Until the 1970’s, (when the mine was “modernized,) that silver came out carried on the backs of men.
The Valenciana mine is still in production today, as are 16 others. 80 tons of silver are brought to the surface each month by the Valenciana mine alone. It is still the richest mine in Mexico.
Then there is the history. Inspired by the U.S. War of Independence in 1776 and the writings of Thomas Jefferson and others in the U.S. and France, leaders started to emerge in Mexico who wanted to overthrow the Spanish. Then in the city of Delores, another city in Guanajuato state not far from here, their leader, Father Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, in danger of pending arrest, gathered his congregation on the church steps and made his famous “Grita,” or shout of independence. The president of Mexico still travels to now Delores Hidalgo each year, to those same steps, and repeats the “Grita.” Today the president says, I understand, “Death to bad government.” What Hidalgo actually said was, “kill all the Spaniards.”
Hidalgo and his growing army won initial battles against the Spanish in Dolores, and then on to San Miguel before coming to Guanajuato where a decisive battle was fought. All of the Spaniards and their families took refuge in a large stone building originally built as a granary. The Alhondiga. The building seemed impenetrable until a young student stormed it with a burning torch, followed by the mob, and was somehow able to gain entrance and all the Spaniards were killed. He became known as “the Pipila,” (pupil) and a huge statute to him looms high on a mountain over the city.
Hidalgo was not to see the success of his revolution. Shortly thereafter he, and three of his major lieutenants, were captured. As a symbol to the other rebels, the Spaniards hung their heads, one at each corner, of the Alhondiga.
Guanajuato is a major tourist attraction for the Mexican people, sort of like our Bunker Hill or Independence Hall. On the weekends the city is full of people and tour buses.
It is also a stronghold for the current major political party. The immediate past president of Mexico, Vincente Fox, was the governor here before he became president. He is also from Guanajuato. Sort of like Bush and Texas. And in case you noticed the name Fox is not Hispanic, the current mayor of Guanajuato is a man by the name of Hicks. I think that is because a lot of the original engineers who were involved in the operation of the silver mines came from the United States. The Guanajuato state elections are July 5 and there are lots of political posters all over town. I notice two candidates for office have the last names of Chadwell and Henjke.
Anyway, that’s a brief look at this city which we find very enjoyable and engaging.

Rainy Season

Wednesday night. Rain has come to Guanajuato. This is the start of the rainy season in Guanajuato - now through late September. In fact, the hottest time of the year, March thru May has just ended. So from now on these afternoon storms and/or showers will be the norm.

Curtis's last class ends at 3 pm this week. As I previously mentioned, we eat our large meal at 3 at the school. This is Mexican custom to eat late, and then it is siesta time. Most Mexican business people start work at 9, break for the mid-day meal and siesta around 3, and then return to work until 8 or so when they finish the work day and gather together with their families to eat a light meal and to go out to the parks or out to visit friends and families. School children follow a similar schedule and school is still in session here. At 6 pm the streets are full of kids heading home. Each different school has it’s own school uniform so it is not unusual to see 6 or 8 different types of uniforms in a group of kids. Typically the girls wear tartan patterned skirts and the boys slacks and both genders are either wearing jackets and ties or matching sweaters. It is an unusual sight for us from the states.

Curtis is taking 5 classes this week - and will probably be taking 5 every week. He is repeating some courses from last year and some are new,mostly vocabulary and grammar. Curtis is pleasantly surprised to find he is remembering a lot from last summer. The classes I am taking are requiring some studying and reading on my own prior to the class for discussion/instruction entirely in Spanish. We are both taking “group” lessons which in Curtis's case is one class with 3 other students, two classes with 2 other students and 2 classes just by himself. I previously described my small classes. My weekly cost is about $100 for 20 hours of class. Curtis's costs are about the same because when you take 5 classes you get a discount. We each have some homework each night, mainly a review of the lesson. Fortunately, it is something we both enjoy. In Curtis's case, since his first class doesn't start until 9:30 this week, he has been doing his in the morning.

Last night I went to intercambio. It is every Weds., at the school. I visited with the same young attorney I had talked with last summer who is trying to pass an English exam, another young college woman, and a man around my age who is attending school here. He teaches art in Venezuela. The "intercambio" is where students of Spanish like myself and the man currently teaching in Venezuela, meet with local students of English in informal discussion. The first half-hour is in Spanish and the second half-hour is in English. It is a good way to connect with individuals from the community while practicing conversation in your new language. In addition to Spanish instruction, this school also has English instruction and there are several Mexican young men who come here each day for instruction in English.

After the intercambio we went to do some exploring and treated ourselves to a small meal close to the “jardin central” (downtown park). Picture an area of beautifully trimmed trees with white-painted trunks with iron park benches all around, surrounded by big beautiful colonial buildings and sidewalk cafes. There are always several mariachi bands playing and it was full of families, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, children, etc. enjoying the evening and each other. Unfortunately, the rain came so it ended our evening a bit prematurely. Time will pass too quickly here, I am sure. Adios for now.

2nd Day of Classes in GTO

I mentioned to you yesterday how much I enjoy my classes. The first is with Ana. We read Span. literature, discuss the vocabulary, and answer questions regarding the articles for "tarea."
Yesterday I was the only person in the class. Today a young man from Japan joined me. I think I have mentioned to some of you previously that another great benefit of learning another lang., such as Span., is that it enables you to speak not only with native Span. speakers but also with people who speak only Japanese or other languages...Span. allows us to communicate. He doesn't speak English. I certainly don't speak Japanese, but we both can communicate well with one another in Spanish.

Guanajuato state is "the heart of the Mexican independence movement against the Spaniards." It is where the uprising began. To this day, the city of Guanajuato appears very Spanish, with cities by the same name as some in Spain. Today's article was about the uprising. Mexican history is very fascinating. I enjoyed the article about the priest, Miguel Hidalgo who led his people toward their independence. Hidalgo was the child of Spaniards but was born and raised in Mexico and saw the injustices of the class system, etc...I had studied this all previously in my Mexican history classes here, but always enjoy reading it.

After my reading comprehension class, I am taking a review of an advanced grammar class. I attend that class with a young man from London. We both agree that the subjunctive tense is probably something noone other than a native speaker truly understands becuase there are so many exceptions and uses depending on the context. I get the general idea and enjoy it in small doses. :) Poor Adriana. It must be frustrating to teach "los tantos." :)

Next is a conversation class. There is one young woman in that class with me. She is originally from Chicago but is married to a Hispanic man and lives in Phoenix. She is a teacher attending here on her own for a few weeks. Elena is my teacher for this class.

My fourth and last class is Mexican music. Catalina teaches that. I have taken this class previously; however, it is a class always fun to repeat. It is really a history of Mexico through it's music. She begins with the Pre Hispanic music, that of the Indigenous people of MX., then music during the Spanish conquest, and finally ending with the music of various regions and races in MX. She discusses the names of the types of music and groups, their manner of dress, the instruments used, and then plays samples of the songs. I am the only person in that class.

As you have noticed, this week I am either the only person or have classes with only one other person. Curtis and I are very concerned about the school. We hope it can survive all the swine flu and bad publicity that has been dumped here. There has not been one case of swine flu in GTO. We love the school, teachers, and facility, but we do wonder how deeply the propaganda has effected the school.

I guess that's all for now. I keep getting a blinking light to "save now." Wouldn't want to lose all this. Hasta Luego, Joy

1st day of classes in Guanajuato

Hola Amigos! We arrived to the school last night. Everything went great. We arrived sooner than we had anticipated. We are very pleased with our set up here. We knew what we were renting because last summer we had met a young woman who was kind enough to show us this apartment.

I have stayed in Guanajuato in various ways: 1st time with a host family down the street. That was a great experience. The woman was a wonderful cook. I met other good friends and was invited by one to visit her in Tucson. I would recommend a home stay if travelling alone. However, it's not the best arrangement for a couple. Many woman often have to share one bath, etc...

When Curtis came with me last summer we rented a small casita near the school. That was a great experience too. It was very reasonably priced and although tiny, was plenty of room for the two of us.

This summer, we decided to rent the apartment at the school. That has been ideal for us. Since we are returning students, we got a fantastic rate. Plus, it is so nice to be able to sit on the patio, with the breeze and have access to wireless internet. Curtis bought us some groceries today while I went to classes. Our plan is for us to eat our main meal at the school. We did that last summer. That, too, is a great deal. The woman in charge of the kitchen cooks and entire meal for about $2.50 per person. Because of being able to do that Mon-Fri., we plan to just eat cereal for breakfast and fruits/vegies in the evening.

My first day of classes:
8:30 Reading Comprehension
9:30 Grammar: Subjunctive Tense
10:30 Conversation
12:00 Music of Mexico

The school lets you choose your classes. This week all my instructors are young women, some I have had previously. Each one was an excellent teacher. I know this may sound odd to some of you, but I am truly loving spending my summer in these classes.

Looks as if my battery is low. I'll write more later. Hasta Luego, Joy