My first week in Mexico

      I know I am still on the high of being in a new country and soon it will fade, but I just have to say that it feels wonderful to be back in Latin America. I have arrived with a feeling of familiarity of overcoming challenges and experiencing the new, and learning... which I have learned a lot already. Once again I feel that what I learn a week abroad is more than what I learn in a few months at home or is impossible to do so. I learn about myself, this world and people, their thoughts and feelings which for me is so crucial. I find myself feeling so much more comfortable here, than I ever did in Fort Collins, and so much more happier. I know a huge part of that was my adjustment back into the states, but still, even still, this feels like... well.. home.

     I see the amazing contrast of living here versus Paraguay. Mexico is so much closer to the states, and has so much more influence. The food stores are huge, packed with brand names that I recognize, there are Walmarts, but even more than that, it is easier is to live here. It has only been a week.. but wow. Although so hard to admit, I do not want to ever live in poverty again. It feels good to be somewhere outside the states and not feel like I have to live like many do in Paraguay (as well as here).

      I love learning spanish. I love learning new slang, I love feeling privileged to be here and surrounded by Cintia Charly and Lesly. These three women are my closest friends here and my best teachers. I am so lucky to have their friendship.

    So this morning, I tried out what I learned during my weekend in Villa Hermosa with Cintia's cousin Armando, that old tortillas are great for frying up and putting a salsa verde with cheese on (I think they are called tata chiles or something and was told they are also great for when you are crudo, or hungover). I did not have jalepenos nor tomatos, nor cheese so I had them with eggs. I feel so silly that I never thought I could do this with my old tortillas (the older the better i am told)... tortillas cut into squares and fried are tortilla chips like we have back at home. DUH.. and also something I will not be missing from home, like how when i was in South America...Chips and Salsa, this time homemade.

Speaking of the food... OMG its amazing. I have landed in foodlandia, where even pizza is better than the states.

My breakfast this AM: