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!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
http://www.cwcary.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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
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. :)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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
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.
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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
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
Monday, June 15, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Recognize any of these characters anyone? :)
Ah Diego, Frieda, and Katrina-what a perfect combo-and what a beautiful Diego Rivera original we saw, one of many in Mexico City.
Queen Wilamena in the fall
Can you believe it? Sometimes beauty is just a short distance away. We had a great camping experience this past Oct., hiking through these gorgeous trees.
Puerta Rica-Que Bonita!
For some reason this beautiful island seems to get overlooked by mainland visitors. It is absolutely beautiful there! The beaches and the rain forests are amazing!
My son, Luke, and his girl, April!
We'll miss them this summer. Look like a happy couple, don't they!
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