Weird feelings these days....

So I guess I really came to realize today that I'm truly going home in 4 days. I mean I always knew when I was leaving, and have had a flight booked since March. However, now that the time has come it seems to surreal. I have been feeling really strange these past couple weeks. Actually, I have been feeling a lot like I did right before I left to come to Mexico at the beginning of January. I'm anxious, scared, nervous, happy, excited, and sick to my stomach.

Some might be wondering why I feel so "nervous" and "anxious" to come home? I think that my good friend Paige put it perfectly today while having lunch. She said, "its weird because the only people that will ever understand this entire journey for the past five months are the 11 of us that are here now." Its so true. I never thought of it like that. I never realized that when I tell a story, or have moments where I miss Mexico the only ones that will fully understand everything are the people who were here with me. I think that is what kind of makes me nervous. I have been here for five months, and have had so many amazing experiences, but those back home have been living their lives normally. However, for me coming back home is a new beginning. Although its a familiar sight for me to see its one that I haven't seen for many months now. The culture I will be going back into for me is considered strange and unordinary.

Despite this all I'm excited to return, and have so much to look forward to. I just never expected to be feeling this way as I prepared to come BACK to the U.S. :)

Hasta Luego

I can't believe the time has come...

I honestly can't believe the time has come for me to return to the U.S. Lately I have been feeling so many different feelings about going home. Obviously, I'm so very excited to see everyone that I love and miss dearly back home, but at the the same time I can't remember what life was life before I came to Mexico. When people told me that eventually I would become immersed in the culture of Mexico I laughed. However, now as I prepare to go back home I know exactly what they meant. I have become completely immersed in the culture and language that define Mexico.

This study abroad experience has truly been amazing. I honestly can't even begin to describe all of the things that happened, and how I have grown as a person from this experience. As difficult as it will be to leave Mexico in 7 days I realize that this is just one part of my life. My time here in Mexico is something I will carry with me forever and ever, but now I realize the time has come for me to move on with my life. In 6 days I will be a senior in college. Scary thought, I know. I have really been thinking about what an exciting time in my life this is right now. I'm about to return home from a semester studying abroad, I'm going to start my last official summer break, and then in a couple months I'm going to either apply to graduate school, find a job, or both! I return to the U.S. with knowledge, memories, and motivation that will serve me will in my future.

I don't know exactly what my future entails.  I have no way of knowing exactly what is going to happen, and that used to bother me. One important thing I have learned about Mexico is to "slow down and smell the coffee." This doesn't mean that I have become unmotivated or will no longer work hard, but rather I will appreciate the times when I don't need to. Right now, I stand at the doorsteps of my future, BUT for the next three months I'm not going to enter the house :)

Bacterial Infections, Travels, and Spring Break

I remember before I came to Mexico our study abroad adviser told us not to eat any of the food from the street. This is because many times street vendors don't store their food correctly, and sometimes don't cook food thoroughly which can lead to serious sickness for those who consume. While all of my other friends have spent the semester eating street food (and not getting sick) I have not consume such food. However, out of the two groups of people I'm the one who gets a bacterial infection?? The first and seconds weeks of April where absolutely awful. Somehow I caught a nasty bacterial infection that made me very ill. The doctor said that you can get bacterial infections from a variety of sources even from our campus cafeteria where supposedly some health codes are being followed. After numerous doses of a variety of pills, a weeks worth of shots in the butt, and lots of rest I was feeling better. I was really worried for a little bit because my temperature at one point had reached 103.5 (F) and the doctor was talking about transferring me to the hospital...glad that didn't have to happen! 

I just returned from travels over Spring Break which marks the end of three weeks of traveling in the month of April! I had SO much fun. We spent three days in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas and another four days on the lovely beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. It was such a pleasant, relaxing, and educational experiences. We couldn't have asked for better weather (which the exception of heat and humidity), and had amazing hotels at a great price. The only thing that would have made it perfect was nicer buses, but we are college students so we travel in "luxury." 

My return from Spring Break also marks my final trip during my semester abroad. If money allows I'm planning on going to Mexico City a day before I fly home to do some sightseeing, but we will have to see what happens with that plan. I have had the opportunity to see some absolutely amazing, breathtaking, beautiful places in this country. The landscape and climate of Mexico is nothing like the average person can ever imagine, and it takes a trip (not just to Cancún, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, etc.) to see the true beauty of the country. I'm happy to say that I have seen the TRUE MEXICO over the last five months. 

I have such mixed feelings about going back to the U.S. I'm going to miss this country so very much. More importantly I will miss all of my friends from across the world, and here in Mexico. I hope that God will grant me the opportunity to return to Mexico very soon. This experience has changed my view on life, the world, and has made me excited about everything that is going on outside of Mexico. That being said I'm also really excited to return to the U.S. and see all those people whom I love and miss so much. Mexico has also made me realize how blessed I am to have the people I have in my life, and the only way I could ever live here would be if they were here with me. 

 

April Fools and the Water Bottle

First of all I would like to start out this April 1st by saying that I absolutely hate this day...by that I mean April fool's day. Just for a second consider how ridiculous this "holiday" really is. You go around all day playing jokes on people, lying to them, or making up stories about things that have happened that really have not. Why? In an attempt to make people laugh? We can't tell jokes the other 364 days of the year? I don't need a day in the year where I have to question literally everything I hear, or that someone tells me because I don't know if they are telling me the truth or not. I hate April fool's in the U.S., and now I also hate it in Mexico too.

Ever since my arrival in Mexico I have been playing a "game." I have this water bottle that I came to Mexico with that I literally carry around everywhere with me. Unlike in the U.S., when your thirsty in Mexico you can't just go to a water fountain and take a drink. The water here is not purified, cleaned, etc. It is very dangerous for natives of the country to even drink the water. Also, buying water from the stores can get very expensive. So I carry a reusable water bottle with me, and refill it wherever there is a safe water station. This water bottle has been through hell. It has been left in offices, classrooms, houses, etc. Every time that I have lost it however, it always makes its way back to me. So my goal for the next 5 weeks is to make sure this water bottle makes it back to the U.S. with me. From that point forward it will forever be know as: "THE water bottle of Mexico."

I realized today that...

I have only six more weeks left here in Mexico. At this point in my trip I'm not really sure how I should be feeling about this discovery. I'm having an absolute blast here. I have met so many great people, formed amazing friendships, and have been immersed in a rich culture. In fact, I have become so immersed within the Mexican culture, day to day activities, and way of life that I honestly have forgotten what my life in America is like. I forgot what I do on a day to day basis. I still can't even remember what my car looks like, and it will be interesting to drive again. 

At the same time Mexico has taught me some important lessons. One of them being the concept of time. Sometimes it is very frustrating when things never start on time, or when you arrive on time for a class but the professor shows up 20 minutes late then keeps you 20 minutes later than the class is supposed to end. That being said I have learned that in general I need to slow down. I don't mean that when I return to the U.S. I'm going to be late everywhere, or have no sense of time at all. Instead my time here has taught me that life is short so don't be in a rush to finish it. I'm an individual who is always concerned what time it is, about what activities I have this week, and I constantly stress about multiple aspects of my life. When I return to the U.S. things are going to be different. I'm going to take time to "stop and smell the coffee" instead of engulfing it between meetings. 

I still have several items on my "Mexico Bucket List" so I will spend these last several weeks finishing items on that list as well as traveling. I have trips planned for this weekend, and next weekend. Then two weeks from this Friday will be the beginning to Spring Break aka Semana Santa! 

I do miss everyone back home, and I cannot wait to see them but I'm going to enjoy these weeks as if they were my last on Earth :)

Hasta Luego,

Chris

No Wonder They Hate Us.....

I have realized the past couple of days why foreigners have such a horrible perception of Americans. For personal reasons I don't want to reveal how I came about this, but I just saw with my own two eyes how horrible Americans can treat people sometimes. I think that people in our country have a really hard time realizing that we aren't the only nation that has an education system, college graduates, and all those other traits that make a functioning country. I think it is horrible how we think we have the right to talk down to foreign people like they are stupid, pieces of shit.

The saddest part of the whole thing is that it only takes one person treating someone from a different country like crap in order for us to get a bad reputation. That bad moment or experience is forever overshadowed by the fact that there are people in other countries, and in the U.S. making lifelong bonds with those from other regions of the world.

It is moments like this that make me very disappointed in our citizens....not in everyone, but only those who are condescending towards non-Americans.

That is all of my ranting for tonight.

10 Things I have Learned in Mexico

Wow. This is probably the longest time I have ever had between blog postings. Well with good reasoning. I have been really busy with midterms, and traveling, and enjoying Mexico. Its really crazy to think that I'm more than halfway done with my study abroad experience. It has FLOWN by. In less than two months I will be back in the U.S. I literally can't even imagine myself being there. I can't imagine hearing people speak English, being able to drink the water, eating the American food again, driving, and in general being in a developed country. Well until then I will just continue to enjoy the rest of my time in Mexico. I have trips planned every weekend from now through Semana Santa (Holy Week/Easter). I have been thinking a lot the past couple days (I know bad idea), and decided I would come up with a list of all the things I have learned thus far in Mexico. Some things I have learned about the country, some about myself, and others about life in general.

1) I have never been more proud to be an American. I do love being in Mexico, and really love all of the people here, but being abroad really makes you appreciate all of the privileges, and rights you have in the U.S.

2) I have learned soo much Spanish. I mean I always knew that I would improve my Spanish speaking capabilities here, but never knew how much. After learning so much about the language I know that when I return home I want to find someway to use it in my future career.

3) I have found out who really is special in my life. I always knew that family, friends, and girlfriends were important to me, but being abroad has made me really appreciate them even more.

4) Social networking/communication is so necessary in this day. I have NEVER been more thankful for Gmail calling, Skype, and Facebook. Without them I honestly don't know how I would ever be surviving.

5) Although Mexico might be geographically close to the U.S they have nothing in common. Everything from the language, history, culture, and people is different.

6) I have learned that there is so much world out there for me to see. I better get traveling if I want to see it all.

7) I have realized that anything I put my mind to, and focus on I can achieve. I never would have ever thought I would be succeeding in a business class being taught in a foreign language, or that I could ever have an argument with a professor about social problems in Mexico...in Spanish.

8) My life in pretty good compared to other peoples. Right when you think you have the suckiest possible life you meet someone from another country who you talk to and think, "Damn their life much really suck."

9) To some people when they visit Mexico they might wonder how they are living here. I have learned that it isn't as bad as it seems. Their life works for them, and that is all that matters, right?

10) In general I realize that I'm really lucky. Not many people get to have a study abroad experience. I'm so thankful that I have had this opportunity, and know it will benefit me so much in the future.

That is enough thinking for right now. I have homework to get done. Yes, for those who are wondering I do actually have classes here. Actually I have five classes...and they aren't as easy as I thought they were going to be.

I leave you with a picture from my recent trip...enjoy :) Hasta Luego-Chris

Fiestas y Partidos de fútbol

This past weekend some co-workers from my internship took my friends and I to a soccer game in the city. This was my first ever professional soccer game, and it was a ton of fun. It was a huge stadium with lots of street vendors selling jerseys, food, souvenirs, beer, etc. The best part is that Puebla won 1-0!!! Just another example of some amazing Mexicans I have met here, and how they are so willing to go the extra mile especially for people not from their own country.

I logged onto Facebook tonight to of course creep on people and gain some access to the world outside of Mexico and noticed something. As I sorted through my event invitations I realized that at least three of them are for birthday parties in Mexico. About an hour before Face-booking I saw two Mexicans on campus who invited me to two different birthday parties. Of course these social events aren't your typical "piñata y pastel" events, but rather "big kid" fiestas...at the clubs and bars. Its funny because I seriously just feel like its ALWAYS someone's birthday in Mexico. When it is somebody's birthday they don't celebrate quietly...they go all out! O well, I officially enjoy celebrating birthday's!!

Vantines Day and Buses

So I made it through Valentines Day. I consider this a success for two reason: 1) My girlfriend is back in the U.S so it was a rough holiday to have to endure in Mexico, and 2) I witness and survived watching Mexican PDA at its maximum. On Monday you would have thought that it was Christmas time in Mexico or something. I woke up that morning and walked out of my Colegio and the entire lobby was filled with flowers, candy, balloons, and cards. I mean literally there were probably between 50 and 100 packages sitting there. All of my teachers were talking about Valentines Day and asking how it was going for us to far. Then on my way to my internship there were street vendors EVERYWHERE. They were set up along the sidewalks, roads, and some even were blocking major interstate exits in an attempt to get the business of poor Mexican men who forgot it was Valentines Day. PDA was at its maximum. Everybody seemed like there were holding hands, kissing, hugging, making out, or doing more. It was pretty interesting to experience that holiday. I never thought that I would ever say that Valentines Day is bigger in Mexico than in the U.S. BUT it is.

On Wednesday my friend Emily and I decided to test out the bus system as an alternative means of transportation to our internship. We had been taking the taxi, but it gets very expensive especially when the drivers prey on taking advantage of Americans. The UDLAP is located in Cholula, Puebla, but our internship is just outside of downtown Puebla, Puebla. We have pretty much figured out the bus system in Cholula. I'm able to get to church, Walmart, and the markets with no problems at all. I was a little more concerned trying to figure out the Puebla bus system because its so much larger.

In South Bend (city of just over 100,000 people) I never really used the bus system. If I needed to though it was very easy to understand. They had specific routes, pickup times, drop-off locations, and each bus was clearly marked as to which stops the it was heading to. In Puebla (a city of over 4.5 million people) the bus system is so much more confusing. There are so many corporate and independent bus systems that its very intimidating. None of the buses have a posted schedule although they seem to follow some sort of schedule in order to allow for busy transfers. The buses are marked with locations that they are heading in, but its such a large city that we weren't really sure if any of those stops were around where we needed to be.

Moral of the story: four buses, and about two hours worth of traveling/waiting for buses later we made it there and back via the public transportation system. Was it worth the savings of not taking a taxi? Hell yes! Buses might be confusing but they are so cheap (equivalent to less than $.50). Plus there is something exhilarating about not knowing if you are on the right bus, or if you will have to take another bus....its like riding on a roller coaster :)

Personal Responsibility

One of the toughest things for me while I have been in Mexico has been living and sharing a room with someone. Freshmen year, it seemed to be much easier to live and share a room with my roommate. Living independently sophomore year and first semester of junior year allowed me to have the independence and responsibility that comes with having your own space. Now in Mexico, I'm having to get used to living like I did freshmen year, and I will admit its difficult.

I like to clean my own space, with my own cleaning supplies. I like to exercise being a 21 year old college student, and take responsibility for my own belongings. You might be wondering what story is behind this post? This Saturday I was rudely awoken at 8am to maintenance people prying into my room. They asked me to empty my fridge out so that they could do the "monthly cleaning." Why a monthly cleaning? More importantly why do we as college students need to have people come into our room EVERY morning and pick up all our trash, wash our dishes, clean our toilets and showers, sweep and mop our floors, clean our appliances, and dust our electronics? I just feel like I'm in college now, and so are the rest of the people I'm living with...I don't need someone to come in and clean my stuff. I can handle it all on my own.

Most people might really enjoy having people clean their room and living spaces but not me. I'm proud of myself for that. I feel like its a sign of maturity and responsibility.

PDA/Forgetfulness

Two topics to discuss today:

1) PDA

2) Forgetfulness

So I noticed today as I received an email telling me that I need to pay my car insurance that I do in fact own a  car. In what I refer to as my "past life" I purchased a car, and continue to pay for it while I'm in Mexico. This is just one of many things that I have forgotten about. I find many things in Mexico reminding me of things back home that I have forgotten about. I always think of my family, friends, girlfriend and other important people in my life, but since I have been here small aspects of my life have begun to be forgotten. Its a strange thing. I'm not sure if it comes with aging, or the change of environment, or a combination of both. Its just strange and a little scary to think that I can't remember certain English words at some points, and therefore when I speak I sound like a stupid person. Its funny because I was joking with Paige and Emily the other day that my Spanish isn't perfect yet, but as my Spanish becomes more perfected, my English gets worse. O well, I guess my brain can only truly handle one language!

Secondly, as Valentines Day approaches I can't help but to laugh. This day reminds me of a topic I have been wanting to blog about for a while: PDA in Mexico. There are three words to describe this topic: out of control (in Spanish fuera de control). Honestly, I can't walk around campus, or down the street 50 feet without having to endure watching PDA. The PDA here is different than in the U.S. In the U.S. couples will kiss, hug, or maybe make-out in public. In Mexico, they do the preceding with motions. At some points I just want to go up to some people and tell them that they might as well just not be wearing clothes at all! Out. of. control. 

Viajes, internados, y más!

So this is the first time that I have posted in a couple weeks, but in my defense I have been pretty busy! Since I last posted I have traveled to Pachuca, Real del Monte, Monte Albán, and Oaxaca City, Mexico. The past two weekends have been spent sleeping in hotels/hostels and carrying around a heavy backpack while sightseeing. I REALLY enjoying traveling, but I'm looking forward to spending a full weekend in the Cholula/Puebla area.

A week and a half ago I spent the entire week locked up in my suite sick. I had a nasty cold that developed into a sinus infection. That was not fun at all to say the least. I was really proud of myself throughout my period of sickness. I was able to go to the health clinic, tell the doctors and nurses exactly what was wrong with me, explain my health history, and go to pick up my prescriptions. I think for me that was a really important turning point to my time in Mexico. At that moment I was extremely independent, and realized that I know more Spanish than I think I know! It definitely gave me lots of confidence to tackle anything that comes my way the rest of the semester. Today I feel much much better.

I have certainly learned a lot from my travels so far. I always thought that motion sickness was something that people made up...NOT TRUE! I have driven long distances, and traveled by plane numerous times and never had motion sickness. Last weekend as I was traveling to Oaxaca City I got a nasty nasty case. Oaxaca is located about 4.5 hours southwest of Puebla in the Sierre Madre mountains. Needless to say the bus ride up to Oaxaca was filled with turns and hills for at least 2.5 hours straight. The ride back to Puebla was much more pleasant...after taking three Dramamine and sleeping nearly the entire way back :)

Recently, I was hired as an intern for VisionIT (www.visionit.com). They are a global consulting and staffing firm with many offices in the United States, Mexico, and India. The company works with numerous businesses most of which are Fortune 500 companies providing consulting and matching potential candidates for IT positions. They have an office locally here in Puebla. I wasn't expecting to have an internship while I was here in Mexico, but when the opportunity presented itself I knew I couldn't turn it down. I always felt like there was a purpose for me coming to Mexico, and that it would somehow advance my career, but never knew how. I'm really happy to be interning now because I know that this amazing experience will help open up doors to future jobs.

Its weird because I don't feel like I have been in Mexico for that long. I feel like I adjust more and more everyday. Today I definitely feel much more like a citizen or normal person than I ever did when I first got here. That is good. At the same time it all is so surreal to me sometimes. I find myself sometimes just dazing off when walking or when someone is talking to me, and then I'm brought back to reality. Sometimes I wake up and forget where I'm at which is really funny. I never understood how many people I know end up staying here longer than they planned, but now I realize why. Coming from uptight, time crazy America one can't help but to fall in the love with the very laid back, nonchalant, Mexican life. Plus, the culture and people are just amazing here and make you feel  loved and welcome.

-Chrís

Ruins at Monte Albán

Me in Oaxaca

Santo Domingo church in Oaxaca

Oaxaca

More ruins

Even more ruins 

Fountain in Real del Monte...drunk man helping himself to the fountain water in background

Some of the Valpo crew!

Me in Pachuca

911=066

I was trying to make a call to the United States using a phone card that my parents got me for Christmas. I had never used a landline in Mexico before so I just started dialing the numbers on the phone card. The first three numbers happen to be "066"which also happens to be the number for an emergency in Mexico. So this woman picks up and asks the nature of my emergency...what do I do? I hang up the phone. I didn't even realize that I had called an emergency number!

So about 5 minutes later someone calls the phone back and asks if I'm alright, and if me or anyone else in my presence needs medical attention. Then she says if I don't answer in the next minute then she is sending police, fire, and medical personnel to my aid.

No further explanation needed. I learn more and more in Mexico everyday :)

Hasta Luego,
Chris

Almost forgot the pictures!

 

VALPO!!!

About to eat grasshoppers....

My bed

My desk area

My closet

Food central

Balcony door

Dining room/kitchen

Puebla city center

Frijoles!!

One of the many churches I have visited

First Mexico Post

So I decided that I should create a blog so that my family and friends can follow my journey in Mexico for the next few months. So lets begin....

My journey began on January 2nd when my parents drove me to Indianapolis, IN to stay with my friend Paige overnight. My flight was very early the next morning, and we figured going the night before would just be easiest for everyone involved. I spent the entire night awake with Paige and Emily slimming down our bags so that they all weighed under 50 pounds. As to this day a good chunk of my belongings remain at Paige's house. Our flight left January 3rd at 6am for Atlanta, GA. We had a short layover in Atlanta (where we all slept) until our flight from Atlanta to Mexico City, Mexico. Funny thing is that upon arrival in Mexico City we found out that another person from Valpo (Clayton) was on the same flight as us to Mexico! What a small world. Once we had arrived in Mexico City we were very tired and unsure of what to do. Some representatives from la Universidad de Las Americas-Puebla (UDLAP) where supposed to help us get to where we needed to be, but we couldn't find them anywhere. After about two hours of roaming around the airport, carrying our heavy bags, Clayton finally found a representative (aka Amigo Internacional). We then took a bus from Mexico City to the historic city of Puebla. Upon arrival in Mexico we took a taxi from the bus station to the campus. In case you got lost I will recap: car-->plane-->plane-->bus-->taxi-->campus (finally).

The next morning we had orientation all day long. I think it was probably really pointless for everyone attending because everybody was jet-lagged and exhausted from traveling the day before. I will never forget looking around me at the orientation session and seeing more than 75% of the room sleeping, or staring at the speaker with wide eyes.


The next couple days of orientation we traveled to city center of Puebla, and Cholula. UDLAP is located within the Mexican state of Puebla. Within the state of Puebla is Cholula. Cholula is divided into two municipalities: San Andrés Cholula and San Pedro Cholula. The university is located in San Andrés Cholula. They are all very historic cities, and important sites in Mexican history. Cholula is home to the largest man made pyramid, and Puebla is the site of the great "Battle of Puebla" where the Mexican army defeated the French army...aka Cinco de Mayo. 


In between the days of orientation we took advantage of the 100+ bars, restaurants, and clubs that line the edge of the university. This road is locally known as the Camino Real. Anything you want to eat or drink you can DEFINITELY find somewhere along that never ending road. I have come to see that so much of social life centers around dancing, drinking, and eating. All of this happens along the Camino Real. 


Eventually it was time to start school. By now, I have made it through two weeks successfully :). Initially I had some problems with a couple of my classes so I had to make a few changes. Now all is good, and I'm especially enjoying my Mexican Civilization course. This might be a good time to mention the concept of "Mexican time." Unlike the U.S where time is money and everybody is running around all the time, Mexico runs literally on their own time. To this day I have yet to have any of my classes start or end on time. Walking in late to class is no big deal. Its so funny because everyone here is so laid back, and nobody cares when things get done. Its has been very hard for the Americans here to get used to this concept. We start to get antsy when the teacher is ten minutes late or our Mexican friends don't arrive on time. 


Finally, I should mention where I'm staying. I live in an apartment style suite on the UDLAP campus with 7 other Mexican students. The suite includes a full kitchen, dining room, living room with TV, bathroom, and washer and dryer. Off the main part of the suite are four large bedrooms, each housing 2 students. It is by far the nicest living environment I have lived in..with the exception of my own house! Everyday I interact more and more with my roommates. The natives tell me that it sometimes takes people here a while to warm up to new people. Once they do warm up to you though you are friends for life. Give it another week or so, and things will be right where I expected them to be!


That is all I'm going to write for the moment. So many more things have happened, but it is so hard to sum up three weeks into one posting. I will try to post as often as possible. To this day it is so strange to wake up, walk out onto my balcony and see snow capped mountains/volcanoes. Its also strange to walk around campus and have the sun beating down on you in the middle of January. As strange as it may be I'm really starting to settle into my home for the next few months :)


Hasta Luego,
Chris