Rando pensamientos

I had an epiphany today: I can speak and understand Spanish really well. I'm understanding almost everything, and am speaking without hesitation. I was even really angry today and I reacted in Spanish! Isn't that increible?

Things have been going well--I'm in the middle of my midterms and I feel good about them. I've been spending a lot of time studying and trying to sleep here and there, because normally I get about 3-4 hours a night during the week thanks to the fact that I have to get up so early to make it to school. I'll never complain about having to be at the office at 8 EVER again.

So yeah, things have been same ol' around here, just studying, dealing with public transportation, and platicando con amigos. Since I haven't done anything too exciting, but have random thoughts I'd like to throw out, I thought I'd just make a list of top 10 random thoughts on Mexico:

1. Peseros: I noticed the other day that peseros actually race each other in order to pick up more bus riders. I often fear for my well-being when I'm on a pesero, but last week I actually thought I was going to die when another pesero nearly broadsided us. Uuuffff, que miedo. Also, I definitely don't recommend jumping on the peseros that are all pimped out, like the ones that are low-riders, have black lights, and car racing decals. The last thing that I think is funny about peseros is that ALL of the drivers recline their seat so it's more like a chaise lounge than a chair, which also means they can barely see over the driver's wheel. hmm.

2. Burritos: I FINALLY found a burrito in Mexico. Is that weird? Burritos are NOWHERE to be found, I think it might be a northern Mexico thing? Anyway, what's important is that I found them, they're a block away from my school, and they're the stuff dreams are made of. You can actually order a 3 foot long burrito if you're up to it (the overlap the tortillas). Anyway, the consist of an amazing homemade flour tortilla, any kind of meat you like with queso oaxaca, two types of really good salsas and FRENCH FRIES. They put FRENCH FRIES IN THE BURRITO. Oh man. I had one on Friday and thought about it every day until Tuesday when I had another one. I need to cut that out though, I'm definitely puttin' on some pounds thanks to the food.

3. Amiguitos nuevos: I really love my classmates. There are only 12 of us, which is a really small class size for Pedregal, and I get along really well with every one of them. They all want to take care of me all the time, invite me places, want to practice their English, want to visit me in California, etc. I've also met a ton of other really great people here at the University. Everyone is just so friendly and interested, I make new buds every day. Saturday I'm heading to San Angel to see a comedy show and eat crepes with one of my new girlfriends, Diana, and since we finish our midterms on Monday, a bunch of us are going for Aztecas to celebrate.

4. Television: Sucks. The novelty of novelas has long since worn off; they're really just awful. But that's all that's on tv, soo...I don't watch a whole lot of tv. I think that when I come back I'm going to watch tv for like two weeks straight before bar prep starts. Speaking of which...

5. Graduation: I'll be there! I booked my ticket for May 7, so I'll make it to the McGeorge grad party as well as our graduation. I wasn't planning on making it back so early, but I'd really hate to miss it. Booking the ticket did make me really sad though! I don't want to leave I love it so much here!!!

6. Micheladas: totally amazing. I think I've talked about them before, but whatever, I love them. Micheladas are beer with lime and hot sauce served in an ice cold glass with a salt coated rim. They're even better with tacos. No wonder I'm gaining weight.

7. La Hora Mexicana: In Mexico EVERYTHING runs late. If someone tells you they'll meet you at 3, they'll meet you at 5 if at all. I'm actually waiting on someone now, who is currently running 30 minutes late. The word "flake" doesn't translate and if you have a reputation for running late, it means that you consistently arrive at least 3 hours late, not 10 or 15 minutes like in the US. It used to REALLY upset me until I realized that being stood up or having to wait hours for someone doesn't mean the same thing here as it does in the US. At home, if someone stands you up or makes you wait for them without advising you beforehand, it's really rude and often considered a big FU that's often taken personally. However, here, it's the norm. If someone stands you up, or shows up really late without letting you know they're showing up late, it's not a big deal and it doesn't have any significance. So, if you're in Mexico, and your new Mexican friend tells you they'll be there "ahorita," that translates to anywhere from 20 minutes late to never. Hay que tener paciencia no mas.

8. Shopping: You wouldn't BELIEVE how expensive it is to shop for clothes here! Also, what I think is kinda weird is that Sears is here in Mexico, but it's REALLY nice. Sears is like Nordstrom here! They sell 7 jeans, but they cost $200USD!!! What is that about? Shoes are also incredibly expensive...so looks like I'll be bummin' it out of my suitcase until May. :)

9. Mi casa es su casa: The people in Mexico are so incredibly gracious; the're willing to welcome you into their lives and make you a part of their familia. Just yesterday I was invited to lunch at a friends house, and her mom served us sodas in the living room while we listened to music and chatted about the new Judicial Reform in Mexico before eating. It's just really wonderful.

10. Market food: So sometimes I forget that I'm not Chilanguita and I get really bold with my food choices. Mexico has AMAZING street food, but I need to be smarter about my choices. It's just so hard to say no sometimes, especially after living here for awhile...jijiji.

Hasta pronto, chavitos!