favorite picture of my trip!!!

I went hiking again yesterday afternoon, and a classmate took this picture...we had stopped at the top to have some oranges and chips right at the sun was starting to set....just gorgeous!!!

I didn't realize I hadn't really written anything this wk until today. ANYWAYS, Sunday I visited the childhood home of Diego Rivera, a very famous artist, that grew up in Guanajuato. His childhood home has been turned into a beautiful little museum, and it has some of his original paintings and sketches he did before he became well-known.

It has been an emotionally-difficult week at the clinic, yet very rewarding. Monday, I spent a good part of my morning working with a young guy about my age that is now paralyzed and severely mentally impaired following a car accident. His family was wonderful, and his sister is a MD in town, which is why, considering his situation and the resources there are for people in Mexico, he was in pretty good condition. Tuesday, I helped with a therapy group for infants with Down's Syndrome and other types of severe mental and physical disabilities. It was really sad thinking about the incredibly HUGE obstacles those babies and their family's face in the future.

Today, after my volunteer work, I went to have lunch with the Rios Family. Their son, Zeek, was a classmate and friend of mine from school here. He is studying in Guanajuato for the semester for university credit back in the US. His parents and younger sister are also living here for the semester, as his parents are able to do their work from here, and his sister, Natalia, is going to a mexican high school for the semester to improve her spanish. They are the nicest people, and the funny thing is, they are from WI and both parents went to Carroll College....really what are the chances????? Anyways, they invited myself and two other students from school over for lunch at their house which they are renting. The house was beautiful...very interesting architecture and tons of natural lighting!!! We had pasta, bread, salad, and a glass of red wine. After lunch, Zeek and Natalia played a bunch of music on their guitar and violin, and we spent a good part of the afternoon just sitting around talking. It was such a wonderful and relaxing time!!!

On a final note, I will be returning to the US 3 wks earlier than expected...which actually means I only have about 2 wks left here in Guanajuato. I really enjoyed attending Don Quijote and have loved my volunteer work, but after 2 months here, I need to return to reality, finish studying for my nursing boards exam, and get moved and organized to start my RN position in Milwaukee in May.

In the mean time, I plan on enjoying the rest of my time here!!!

This is El Jardin Union, the main city center (near my house). There frequently is live music and entertainment during the day and evening....very cool place!!!

wind+laundry=BIG PROBLEM

I woke up to the sound of the wind howling outside my bedroom window this morning. It was nice to hear a breeze, because it is never windy here and has been so hot lately....UNTIL I realized that I had washed all of my laundry last night and it was hanging on the closeline on the roof to dry. I went racing up there to find that a good 1/4 of my clothes had blown off the roof overnight, and of course were taken by people:( Just my luck it would be the one windy day when I do laundry...BUMMER!!!

ahhh...McDonalds

This wk went by VERY quickly, moreso than the others!!! I continued my work at the clinic, and am enjoying it more and more. Although the clinic is fairly well-equiped and staffed, it is tough thinking about how much more difficult it must be to manage medical conditions here (and in other less-advanced countries) than in the US. Although you don't need a prescription here for most medications and they are VERY CHEAP, medical supplies are sometimes difficult to get and of course nothing is handicap accessible. There are a couple of patients at the clinic who are there very regularly for various reasons with Parkinson's and also those with severe spinal cord injuries (along with many other sad cases) and I truly admire the determination of both them and their families to keep at it every day!!!

Although I don't have formal classes anymore, I continue to go to the evening cultural classes. This wk we studied Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Both are very famous and interesting artists from Mexico. Diego Rivera is actually from little old Guanajuato, and tomorrow I plan on visiting a museum in town here that displays some of his artwork in the house he grew up in...that should be very cool!!!

Today, Saturday, I visited Leon with a couple of other students from school. Leon is a large town about an hour's busride from Guanajuato. About 1.5 million people live there, and it is very well-known for its leather and shoe industry. As a large city, it also has lots of amenities, and many signs of America (Sam's Club, Applebee's, Walmart). There literally are 1000's of shoe stores along the streets (and not much else to see) and also La Plaza de los Zapatos...the world's largest shoe mall. There were a lot of nice shoes, bags, wallets, jackets, etc there which I was very impressed by, but not enough to buy. What I liked the most were the cowboy boots. The quality of leather and craftsmanship was incredible!!! I actually almost bought a pair of pink cowboy boots...but I didn't quite bring enough money along for the day. I guess in retrospect, they probably aren't something I would wear on a regular basis...but would they be fun to have!!!

We also happened upon a McDonalds, and for the first time in I don't know HOW LONG, I had 2 cheeseburgers, large fries, and a coke. It was so good to have American food!!!

Above are pictures of the therapy portion of the clinic...as you can see, it is pretty well-equiped.

Feels like summer!!!

The time keeps flying by...I can't believe I'm already starting my 6th wk here. We continue to have lots of problems with power-outages scattered throughout the city. They can be brief or last a few hours. Oddly enough I packed a flashlight with me when I came here and it has been very handy lately!!!

The weather is also getting noticably warmer, especially in the afternoons. It's hard to gauge an exact temperature, as there really aren't crazy weather reports here like there are in the US, but I would say it's at least 80 for a high. I might have to start running in the morning if it gets much warmer; the combination of heat and altitude is a tough mix. I keep getting lots of emails too about how tan I must be. I think I will return with a tan that resembles my normal summer one from landscaping: tan arms, tan calves, tan face, and that's it!!! It also hasn't rained at all since my first wkend here and things are starting to look DRY.

We have another new student living with my host family and I. Her name is Linda, and she is an American woman from Boston who is in her early 60s. She used to be an english teacher in the US and now enjoys studying spanish for a hobby. Her spanish is incredible and she is a very interesting woman....very active and friendly...and I enjoy having her around too. Because of her moving in, I switched to the other student bedroom at the house. It's just as nice and I still have my own bathroom and lots of storage space. I also have wireless in my room, which is really handy for studying!!!

Today I had a very interesting day at the clinic. I first have to say that my luck getting to and from isn't improving: I took the wrong bus this AM. When i realized this it was too late, and I got off at a random stop and walked about 15 mintues to the clinic. Luckily the clinic is up on a steep hill and it's easy to spot from just about anywhere in the next valley over from where I live. On my way home, I realized that I only had a 200 peso bill ($15 USD) and they don't give change on the bus. There also are only banks near the city center, which is near my house, so I had no other choice but to walk home. I'm not complaining and enjoyed the walk, but it was a good 45 minute hike!!!

At the clinic there was hearing screening today. I actually helped the doctor make hearing devices for patients. We took this clay-like substance and packed it into people's ears to make a mold. After it solidified, a small hole was drilled through and a tube was placed. These individual molds can then be "hooked up" to a hearing aid receiver for use. Although these were nothing like the technology we have in the US, such a simple device is enough to make a big difference to the people here.

One of the cool shrubs in full-bloom. It just amazes me that in such touch conditions something can grow so beautifully!!!

Let me begin by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. It was quite a day to take in while in Mexico. If you think its an annoying and abnoxious day in the US, you should see it here!!! There were venders EVERYWHERE on the streets selling flowers, cards, gifts, treats, and balloons, like they are infront of Centro Mercado here. I will admit, I did by myself a chocolate cupcake...and it was amazing!!!

I am happy to report that things with my volunteer work are improving. I was re-assigned to La Clinica de Rehabilitacion, the clinic I have been at all along, and will probably remain there the duration of my time in Guanajuato. After a rough start to the day Friday (I threw up when I got off the bus I was so motion-sick from the rough ride), I spent the day doing range of motion and strengthening exercises with some of the elderly patients at the clinic. On Monday, I will observe and assist the doctor as she does vision and hearing screening...that should be interesting!!!

After my volunteer work on Friday, myself, and some of the other students from school climbed La Bufa (and the mountain next to it) again. The weather was beautiful and we had a nice snack at the top: bread, cheese, and a beer (do as they do in Mexico I guess..haha). It again was about a 4 hr round-trip trek, but the scenery was slightly different, as bushes and trees that weren't previously, are now in bloom. We climbed down around 6 PM when the sun was just beginning to set on the city...it was perfect!!!

I had a very low-key day today, Valentine's Day, and it was just what I needed. I went for a long run, did some grocery shopping at Centro Mercado, and ate brownies and hung out at my host-family's house tonight. We actually lost electricity for about 90 minutes which was exciting, and is fairly common here (although normally it goes out only for a few minutes). It was pitch-black, but luckily and for some odd reason, I had brought a flashlight with meWe went up and hung out on the roof and enjoyed the lights from other parts of the city that weren't without.

Current Events in Guanajuato

Below is an interesting article about a big current debate going on here in Guanajuato...if only we had such simple problems in the US deal with...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6262824.html

A beautiful spot in the city I discovered yesterday when I was on my way to the market...parts of it really look like Europe!!!

This is the beagle puppy that I mentioned before that my spinning instructor brings to the gym. He sleeps in her gym bag during class...it is absolutely adorable!!!!!!

It has been a bit of a frusterating wk here...but I'm hoping my luck turns around tomorrow. I will be taking a different volunteer position at La Clinica de la Rehabilitacion. Hopefully they will find something constructive and meaningful for me to do!!!

As for the rest of my wk, without school and volunteer work the past few days, I haven't had much of a schedule and have been kind of bored. I have taken advantage of this free by studying LOTS for my upcoming nursing boards, took a nice long run every afternoon, and visited Centro Mercado, the main market place in town. Actually, since I am no longer a student here, I only have breakfast with my host family and have to fend for myself for the rest of the day. Although I loved Gloria's cooking (it was AWESOME), i just wasn't used to eating so much. The portions are huge here, and I actually politely asked her if she would mind making up smaller ones for me...good thing I like to workout or I think I'd have to buy a new wardrobe when I got back!!! I now go to Centro Mercado every morning and buy what I would like for the day. It's not that I actually need to go every day, but I love the activity at the market, and being able to have fresh produce, breads, and meat daily is such a treat. I've been buying lots of hard rolls and making sandwiches with turkey, avacados, cheese, jalapenos, and salsa. I've also bought strawberries, bananas, and yogurt. I must say, that of all the food I have had here, I am most impressed and surprised by the quality and variety of cheese. I guess I never realized that mexico produced much cheese....and it is AMAZING. Most comes from Oaxaca, one of the poorest states in mexico, located in the far south. I'm hoping they carry some mexican cheeses at whole foods in milwaukee when i go back because I'm totally addicted to this stuff!!!

I also had a good time watching the USA vs. Mexico soccer game last night at a bar/restaurant by my house. All the students and teachers from school went and it was a really fun atmosphere. Soccer is probably the most popular sport here, and people get REALLY into the games...they were chanting and singing from here...and of course, USA won:)!!!

A view of the the other valley where La Clinica de Rehabilitacion is...it is so beautiful!!!

La Clinica de Rehabilitacion...the site of my first few days of volunteer work.

Things don't go quite as planned...

Well, it seems I have hit a bump in the road...which I guess is expected while living outside of the country. I was to begin my volunteer placement on Monday, which did in fact happen. However, the clinic I was originally assigned is La Clinica de Rehabilitacion, a physical therapy clinic. The agency, Amerispan, that I am here with, thought there would be a role for me there, but after going there both yesterday and today, I could very easily see that unless I am a PT there is NOTHING to do. I went back to school....and back to the drawing board, and hopefully with have a new placement in a day or two.

In regard to the clinic, I was very impressed in how modern and well-equiped it was. They had electro-stim therapy, ice and heat tubs, lots of therapy equipment and tools, etc. It's nice to see that people here have access to that type of care if needed. It also was incredible to hear that patients pay 70 pesos per visit...which is about 5 USD...what a deal!!!

Also, I will say I was quite impressed with myself that I even figured out how to get to the clinic. This process involved taking the city bus, which is MUCH different than in the US. There aren't schedules, and the routes vary by day. The best thing a person can do is ask if that particular bus will pass by the spot you're hoping to get to. It also is like a rollercoaster ride, and I actually have to take dramamine in the AM before I head out. The streets are so hilly here and the buses drive like they're in a NASCAR race, its really incredible they don't crash!!!

I'm hoping my luck improves in the next day or two!!!

School's out forever...

I finished up my spanish classes yesterday. I actually ended up enjoying them WAY more than I thought I would, and am sad to be done. Last wk I was moved up to the top class at school. This is quite an accomplishment for "An American" as my teachers liked to tease me about...but it was pretty obvious I was at the bottom of the class as far as ability goes. My new teachers, Javier and Rojelio, were both awesome, and I learned more in the past 2 wks than I did in 2 semesters of classes at UWM. It was also a VERY intense time because the teaching style in general here in Mexico is much more "in your face" and abrasive than in the US. Everyone warned me that if I was moved up into the top class I would have a breakdown in class and cry (I guess it is kind of a "right of passage" or something). I was desperate to prove this theory wrong...but on Tuesday, my level of frusteration and humiliation was too much....and I cried. Although I am done with formal classes, I can still go to culture classes, which I will continue to do...they are so interesting and a fun way to practice more spanish!!!

I begin my volunteer placement on Monday. I am very excited to see what this entails and what type of patients I will be working with. I went and visited the clinic earlier in the wk. It is small, and a LONG way from my host family's house, but well-equiped to treat patients. I will be working with one doctor and a couple other assistants. The rest of the info I will find out as the new wk begins.

The weather has also been very cool here this wk. A couple of nights it got down to 3 degrees celcius (which is about 40 degrees). As my luck goes, this is unseasonably cool. Overall, the weather here reminds me of the western US...which makes sense since Guanajuato is located in the mountains. It gets cool at night (perfect for sleeping), warms up quickly in the AM and is hot from about 12-5, and then again cools off quickly. I am definately wearing my fleece jacket and few pairs of jeans a lot more than I thought I would.

Also, one last bit of good news: I will get to stay with my host family rather than having to move to an apartment or dorm; I love my set-up with them and also all the company of the family.

Time continues to FLY by and I know before I know it I will be heading home!!! We had a long wkend this wkend as today, Monday, was a national holiday (although I have no idea for what). Most of the other students seem pretty preoccupied with planning extravagant wkend excusions, but I continue to stay very busy here in Guanajuato and am quite content just enjoying this beautiful city!!!

On Saturday, Carolina, myself, and our host-family's oldest daughter, Fernanda, joined some of the other students, and attended "El Noche de Las Estrellas," a national star-gazing festival. This involved a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to the middle of nowhere and a hike up to a field that had telescopes, star-gazing maps, and a few speakers. The stars were beautiful, especially since there wasn't any "light contamination" like you'd have near a city. Sadly, the highlight of the evening for me were the taco stands which were set up along the hike. I had two of the BEST tacos I have ever had: homemade tortillas, steak, chirizo, onions, cilantro, and salsa...DELICIOUS!!!

Sunday, a bar/restaurant near our house has a satellite dish and aired the SuperBowl on NBC. It was SO nice to watch American tv for the first time in a month, and see all of the commericals too!!! I think it was one of the best games and half-time shows in a long time!!!

Today, I went and hiked "La Bufa," a series of rock formations near the city. We starting the climb at 0900 and didn't make it down until 1330. The weather was perfect...sunny and cool with a light breeze. Their were tons of interesting plants along the way and a few small herds of cows. I wonder how anything was able to survive in such harsh conditions!!! The view when we finally reached the summit was incredible, and I really enjoyed the challenge of the hike. When we finally got back, we all headed to Santo Cafe, a delicious cafe in town, for a well-deserved lunch!!!

One of my favorite parts of the hike!!! Although the hillsides are completely dried up due to the constant drought-like conditions, the cactus still manage to flower...so beautiful!!!

Finally, we made it to the top of the peak on our hike...what a view!!!