Monday had a whole new sort of feel for me. I have been here three weeks, and I am feeling much more established in my schedule, my responsibilities, my abilities (an inabilities), and the relationships that I have begun are really growing. Exams officially ended on Friday and so, sadly, there are a few students who will be going back home to their families and I probably will not see them again, but there are many more who here for summer and very eager to be involved with English Club.
Yesterday’s English Club was my favorite thus far. We talked about “memory” so it consisted entirely of story-telling about favorite memories from this or that, the most beautiful place ever seen, and even about humor or embarrassing moments. Afterwards we headed to the architecture faculty and had lunch. Lunch lasted for about 2 hours, and there were 10-15 people who stayed the entire time. The two hour mark, did most of us in because the comfort level the cafeteria seating is not condusive such extended conversation. Instead of heading home a few of us headed to Starbucks where comfy couches and delicious cajeta lattés made us feel right at home.
It was really great to have some extended fellowship with new friends and real conversations. Each person I meet is startlingly unique and has so much to teach me. I know that God is bringing each person in to my life purposefully, to work both in my life and in theirs. I am excited to see this continue.
Today was our “day off.” Thought it is only the second day of the week, a little bit of R&R was very welcome. After some debate, we chose to go to our favorite part of the city to tour and relax.
This beautiful part of the city is called San Angel. Just sixty years ago this suburb was an entirely separate village, distinguished from Mexico City by fields. That is no longer the case, and it is now a beautiful, and charming, pretty affluent suburb within walking distance to the university. It is the site of the Bazar Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) which is so much fun, and there is plenty to do there on weekdays as well. We began by grabbing a bite for lunch at this wonderful restaurant which has become our favorite spot in the city. We then walked around the square and window shopped.
We stopped into an “Institute of Culture” which didn’t quite live up to its name. It contains a beautiful fountain made entirely out of Talavera pottery, but otherwise it really only offered some pretty funny policemen on security duty. As we were leaving I though that the police officer was asking Meredith and I if I wanted him to take a picture of the two of us. It was a nice offer so I accepted, however it turns out he was asking us to take a picture with him…? So now I have a photo of Meredith, me, and Mr. Policeman to remember the “Institute of Culture.” That is exactly what I wanted.
After a few more laps around the square, a walk through a beautiful flower market, a tour through a neighborhood, and a small amount of directional-uncertainty, we headed back to our favorite restaurant for the most delicious crepes that I have ever had (blackberry with nutella). I now have added to the list of my life-long goals the ability to make crepes as delicious and that which I tasted today. I am sure if I had that skill I would never be without friends, company, or motivation to head to the gym. However, until I am able to gain those skills and for long as I am here in Mexico City, I will be returning to that blessed establishment…often.
Grace and Peace from the D.F.
Can you switch to crepes without giving up your pancake queen of the universe title? What about those of us who are waiting for the pancakes to fall from on high.
Just what I wanted a 8×10 of your trip with a local security guard