Yeah, the summer sun's calling my name!
It was a cold morning as I woke up at 7 AM. I was sorely tempted to stay in bed for "just a little bit longer."
What happened to me yesterday? I have no idea. I was tired due to being unable to sleep on Thursday night. I was frustrated for various reasons. And the paycheck I thought I was getting yesterday didn't come.
So what did I do?
The weather was beautiful and inviting yesterday, so I just ditched the normal ride home and walked around the city. It was interesting, to say the least.
The zone I work in is upper class, but that also means that prostitutes flock the area to help relieve stressed-out businessmen. In fact, all sorts of colorful characters spend their afternoons here, but it is a nice place for a walk.
I finally went home around 7 PM, and all I did once there was play video games and eat guayaba-filled chocolates that Alex brought from Costa Rica. It was the afternoon off I needed, and now that I'm finally settled in a bit, I feel like many more afternoons will be spent similarly. (That is, when I have them. I work three afternoons each week.)
And today is sunny and comfortable. At 2 PM a friend is coming to work to meet me, and then we'll do whatever we feel like doing in the city. And something I feel like doing in the city, since it's FINALLY payday again (paying deposits for apartments tends to make your bank account balance a depressing thing to look at), I plan on going out for Parrilla Argentina...ARGENTINIAN STEAKS. These delicacies go quite expensively, even in Mexico, where you can eat a meal with an appetizer and a dessert for $50 pesos (a little less than 5 dollars).
Tomorrow, we'll go to Teotihuacan, since it was rainy last weekend. Hopefully it will stay dry enough for us to at least arrive and get some good pictures. (The long hike to the pyramids will be a few kilometers at high altitude.)
Other than that, I don't have a lot to say. Hopefully soon our internet will be up and running, and I can finally post some photographic evidence of my life here.
Keep it real.
-Buster
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
In Kentucky, one prays for rain...
In Mexico City, one prays for it to stop.
It rained all weekend. That means that Teotihuacan wasn't graced with our presence, nor were many other places.
My weekend was mostly spent cursing the rain and occasionally dawning my raincoat to head out. We managed to brave the rain for Shrek 4, but the version I watched was incredibly Mexicanized. I enjoyed it, but I really want to watch it in English soon.
Yesterday was a thoroughly non-eventful day at work. Since our classes are made by appointment, I only taught one class, early in the day. I managed to get through my training manual, polish up my teaching journal, and prepare the readings for the book club for August.
Ah, the book club. Every month we'll be highlighting different authors. For August, I felt it would be entertaining to start with Mark Twain. We'll read some of Satan's Letters to God, a few excerpts from "The Innocents Abroad" (more specifically, "The Perishable Nature of Fame"), "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," and "In the Animals' Court."
Because these are students learning English, I have to make sure that the works are short enough to enjoy, without struggling to understand words for hours on end.
In September we'll be reading some of Walt Whitman's poetry, and I plan on doing a comparative literature talk on Whitman as well as some Spanish poets of the day.
Other than that, I've planned a movie night ("The Nines," with Ryan Reynolds...watch it!), a cooking night (jambalaya), and a talk on Kentucky in the month of August.
And back to September, away from the book club, we'll have another movie, a murdery mystery dinner, a talk on Abraham Lincoln, a Labor Day Cook-Out, and a class on flirting in English.
*Disclaimer* I do not claim to be an expert in that field, nor will the students be expected to pursue their classmates.
The idea is to get them talking, and what else gets people going like relationships?
The rest of the week, I'm just surviving until payday. Tomorrow is work, Thursday is work, Friday is work and dinner with the Pascual family. Also, another friend is having a going away party, and I feel like I should be there.
On Saturday I have work from 9-2, then a few friends and I are going to Polanco with the intention of getting lost. I think I said I would do this a few weeks ago, but plans change, just like the weather.
And in a few minutes, I have to give a class. I'm extremely tired today, since Monday nights I arrive home at around 10:30 and am forced to be awake at 4:45 the next morning. I think I'll call Tuesdays and Fridays "Zombie Days" from now on, because that's precisely how I feel on those days.
Soon, and so very soon, I'll have internet, so those who are interested in keeping up with me will be able to do so more regularly. Just a bit longer, my friends. Then I promise pictures, videos, and more acceptable communication.
Happy 1st Zombie Day of the week...
Yours, most sincerely,
-Buster
It rained all weekend. That means that Teotihuacan wasn't graced with our presence, nor were many other places.
My weekend was mostly spent cursing the rain and occasionally dawning my raincoat to head out. We managed to brave the rain for Shrek 4, but the version I watched was incredibly Mexicanized. I enjoyed it, but I really want to watch it in English soon.
Yesterday was a thoroughly non-eventful day at work. Since our classes are made by appointment, I only taught one class, early in the day. I managed to get through my training manual, polish up my teaching journal, and prepare the readings for the book club for August.
Ah, the book club. Every month we'll be highlighting different authors. For August, I felt it would be entertaining to start with Mark Twain. We'll read some of Satan's Letters to God, a few excerpts from "The Innocents Abroad" (more specifically, "The Perishable Nature of Fame"), "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," and "In the Animals' Court."
Because these are students learning English, I have to make sure that the works are short enough to enjoy, without struggling to understand words for hours on end.
In September we'll be reading some of Walt Whitman's poetry, and I plan on doing a comparative literature talk on Whitman as well as some Spanish poets of the day.
Other than that, I've planned a movie night ("The Nines," with Ryan Reynolds...watch it!), a cooking night (jambalaya), and a talk on Kentucky in the month of August.
And back to September, away from the book club, we'll have another movie, a murdery mystery dinner, a talk on Abraham Lincoln, a Labor Day Cook-Out, and a class on flirting in English.
*Disclaimer* I do not claim to be an expert in that field, nor will the students be expected to pursue their classmates.
The idea is to get them talking, and what else gets people going like relationships?
The rest of the week, I'm just surviving until payday. Tomorrow is work, Thursday is work, Friday is work and dinner with the Pascual family. Also, another friend is having a going away party, and I feel like I should be there.
On Saturday I have work from 9-2, then a few friends and I are going to Polanco with the intention of getting lost. I think I said I would do this a few weeks ago, but plans change, just like the weather.
And in a few minutes, I have to give a class. I'm extremely tired today, since Monday nights I arrive home at around 10:30 and am forced to be awake at 4:45 the next morning. I think I'll call Tuesdays and Fridays "Zombie Days" from now on, because that's precisely how I feel on those days.
Soon, and so very soon, I'll have internet, so those who are interested in keeping up with me will be able to do so more regularly. Just a bit longer, my friends. Then I promise pictures, videos, and more acceptable communication.
Happy 1st Zombie Day of the week...
Yours, most sincerely,
-Buster
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Very Quick Update
Just to let everyone know, I'm in my new apartment now, and I love it. I don't have internet yet, but very soon I'll be able to update more.
Today, I found out I have to leave very early for work in order to arrive on time. I ran most of the time I wasn't in a bus or train, but that had a bad ending. At one point, I fell and twisted my ankle.
It's not terrible, but it hurts and is a bit swollen. Oh well, that'll teach me to not give myself more time than necessary to arrive. A guy from Kentucky has to remember the T word...TRAFFIC. In a world capital, I suppose it should be a huge part of one's considerations for public transportation.
Also, I got a very good deal on a mattress. I'm going to buy my bed in sections, since today I had to pay a security deposit plus a month's rent. I got a $5000 + (peso) mattress for $2911. It's a double bed and has extra cushioning on top. Plus they're delivering it for free.
Plus, next month I don't have to make a rent payment, so I can use my next few paychecks to get my apartment looking like a home. Carlos is doing a good job at filling it up, but we need appliances.
Soon I'll have pictures. Just be patient.
Also, tomorrow Alex is coming from Costa Rica. Then on Saturday...Teotihuacan!
Yep, this is what I'm going to see on Saturday.
Take care.
-Buster
Friday, July 16, 2010
You will be what you will to be...
This will be a relatively quick post, since I have a class in half an hour. Luckily, it's a class that I've already given a few different times, so I feel prepared for it.
What's new in my life? Not a lot, to be honest. I don't have internet access with Eliud's family right now, due to a few technical issues. If any of you were expecting a Skype call or a quick update, have my sincerest apologies.
There for a few days I was a bit down. The hustle and bustle of working 40+ hours per week, plus taking public transportation for over two hours every day was starting to wear on me, but I picked up and read through a nice little book called "As A Man Thinketh," which talks about the benefits of positive thinking.
The book talks about how an enlightened person can be content in all situations. As I found myself groaning as I was crammed into the bus next to someone, or flinching as yet another poor salesperson passed by selling chewing gum or coloring books for 10 pesos, I immediately asked myself what I could do to make the day better.
And I discovered something. As I looked around at people who had been something I loathed (due to being crammed next to them, or having been shoved by them as they tried to grab a seat), I tried to see them as individuals, rather than as a mass of people hurrying around the city. Can they help it that such behavior is normal to them? No. Do I have to behave that way? Absolutely not.
My policy on public transportation now is to put others first at all costs. If an elderly woman hobbles onto the subway, I'll let her have my seat. If someone falls into me on a rough stop, I laugh and tell them not to worry.
All in all, this has made the experience much more bearable (if not enjoyable at times). Why? Because I can feel good about how I am treating others.
The other night a US penny fell out of my bag, and I noticed that someone had picked it up and was looking at it across the aisle from me on the shuttle. That started a conversation, and in the end, the guy gave me 10 pesos for the shuttle fare, instead of me having to pay with the 200 peso bill that I had in my pocket. (10 pesos is a little less than a dollar, so 200 is about 20 dollars for all those who think I'm carrying around too much money) In the end, I ended up making a friend in a place I normally despise.
Next week on Tuesday I should be moving into my apartment, if all goes according to plan. This will be a nice change, since I will have my own space and some room to stretch out. It will also help me to start feeling more adapted here in Mexico City.
On Thursday, my friend Alex, from Costa Rica, will be coming to Mexico for about a week. We plan on checking out all the usual sights here (El Palacio de Bellas Artes, El Castillo de Chapultepec), as well as the Aztec pyramids at Teotihaucan, which I cannot wait to see. Whenever my camera decides to finally cooperate in uploading pictures, or I buy a new USB cable, I'll try to share the experience with you as best I can.
What else can I say? Things are going well here. I stay busy, so I don't have time to get into too much trouble, but one day soon I plan to go out and "get lost" in the city with a friend. I need to do some exploring, and my plan is to explore Polanco and a few other nicer areas. Don't worry (Uncle Guy), I won't put myself in any situation that people do not recommend here.
Ah, a few more things. The more I teach, the more I learn about my students. I have students who are interior designers, flight attendants, businessmen, lobbyists, and auditors. I have 12 year olds and 60 year olds. But yesterday I had a chance to learn about a student who makes quilts. Since I currently find myself in need of bedding materials, I asked her to bring pictures of her quilts for me to see. I saw a few, and I have to say, the quilters in Kentucky would be hard-pressed to compete. Her work is awesome.
And that's it. I'm trying to think of a few things to do with my students as extra activities. I need recommendations based on English-speaking culture, so anyone who has any ideas is welcomed to share them. So far I've thought about starting to share books with my students, starting a bi-monthly movie, and teaching them to cook American dishes (like real fried chicken, jambalaya, etc.).
I hope all of you are well. Come visit me in Mexico.
-Buster
What's new in my life? Not a lot, to be honest. I don't have internet access with Eliud's family right now, due to a few technical issues. If any of you were expecting a Skype call or a quick update, have my sincerest apologies.
There for a few days I was a bit down. The hustle and bustle of working 40+ hours per week, plus taking public transportation for over two hours every day was starting to wear on me, but I picked up and read through a nice little book called "As A Man Thinketh," which talks about the benefits of positive thinking.
The book talks about how an enlightened person can be content in all situations. As I found myself groaning as I was crammed into the bus next to someone, or flinching as yet another poor salesperson passed by selling chewing gum or coloring books for 10 pesos, I immediately asked myself what I could do to make the day better.
And I discovered something. As I looked around at people who had been something I loathed (due to being crammed next to them, or having been shoved by them as they tried to grab a seat), I tried to see them as individuals, rather than as a mass of people hurrying around the city. Can they help it that such behavior is normal to them? No. Do I have to behave that way? Absolutely not.
My policy on public transportation now is to put others first at all costs. If an elderly woman hobbles onto the subway, I'll let her have my seat. If someone falls into me on a rough stop, I laugh and tell them not to worry.
All in all, this has made the experience much more bearable (if not enjoyable at times). Why? Because I can feel good about how I am treating others.
The other night a US penny fell out of my bag, and I noticed that someone had picked it up and was looking at it across the aisle from me on the shuttle. That started a conversation, and in the end, the guy gave me 10 pesos for the shuttle fare, instead of me having to pay with the 200 peso bill that I had in my pocket. (10 pesos is a little less than a dollar, so 200 is about 20 dollars for all those who think I'm carrying around too much money) In the end, I ended up making a friend in a place I normally despise.
Next week on Tuesday I should be moving into my apartment, if all goes according to plan. This will be a nice change, since I will have my own space and some room to stretch out. It will also help me to start feeling more adapted here in Mexico City.
On Thursday, my friend Alex, from Costa Rica, will be coming to Mexico for about a week. We plan on checking out all the usual sights here (El Palacio de Bellas Artes, El Castillo de Chapultepec), as well as the Aztec pyramids at Teotihaucan, which I cannot wait to see. Whenever my camera decides to finally cooperate in uploading pictures, or I buy a new USB cable, I'll try to share the experience with you as best I can.
What else can I say? Things are going well here. I stay busy, so I don't have time to get into too much trouble, but one day soon I plan to go out and "get lost" in the city with a friend. I need to do some exploring, and my plan is to explore Polanco and a few other nicer areas. Don't worry (Uncle Guy), I won't put myself in any situation that people do not recommend here.
Ah, a few more things. The more I teach, the more I learn about my students. I have students who are interior designers, flight attendants, businessmen, lobbyists, and auditors. I have 12 year olds and 60 year olds. But yesterday I had a chance to learn about a student who makes quilts. Since I currently find myself in need of bedding materials, I asked her to bring pictures of her quilts for me to see. I saw a few, and I have to say, the quilters in Kentucky would be hard-pressed to compete. Her work is awesome.
And that's it. I'm trying to think of a few things to do with my students as extra activities. I need recommendations based on English-speaking culture, so anyone who has any ideas is welcomed to share them. So far I've thought about starting to share books with my students, starting a bi-monthly movie, and teaching them to cook American dishes (like real fried chicken, jambalaya, etc.).
I hope all of you are well. Come visit me in Mexico.
-Buster
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Mexicans Like EVERYTHING Spicy
...and today I had the distinct pleasure of having salsa in my eye.
It all started when I tried to put some salsa on my Japanese peanuts...
I held the bag in front of my face to partake in the glory that is Japanese peanuts, and Uziel, very, very deliberately, smacked the back so that a decent amount of salsa went straight into my left eye.
For a second I stood there, unable to put into words the glory of that moment. Then I realized I couldn't open my eye anymore...
So I started yelling and running around the store, begging Uziel and Eliud to help me because I couldn't see. They barely realized what had happened before they started laughing. I have no idea how to describe what that moment was like. I was sure that my vision in my left eye was gone.
Other than that, I led worship tonight at church. Then we went out for tacos at El Señor de los Taquillos (a play on words...the Lord of the Rings is el Señor de los Anillos in Spanish...so El Señor de los Taquillos would be the Lord of the Tacos). I had five tacos al pastor...I can never get tired of those.
Other than that, I'm mostly updating to make sure that this becomes a habit. Tomorrow I have to work, and as soon as I get my camera figured out, I'll try to upload some pictures. The stupid thing hasn't been cooperating much.
A lovely day and/or night to you all.
~Buster
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hello/Goodbye
I've now been in Mexico for about two and a half weeks with no return ticket to Kentucky. I've started work at the Wall Street Institute School of English, and very soon I should have an apartment.
And I'm doing well. I work 40-45 hours (depending on the week) and add anywhere from 10-12 hours to that in public transportation. So when I'm not at work, you'd better believe I'm taking it easy.
At the moment, I'm staying with my friend Eliud and his family. As family ties tend to be very strong in Mexico, they've already begun to count me as one of their own. The other day at breakfast I was given the "we see you as a son" talk, and they asked me earnestly about the apartment I'll be living in, as well as my finances.
On the 4th of July I wanted to grill steaks for everyone. This was cancelled, however, due to rain. In the end, I ordered pizza, but only after Eliud's parents insisted on giving me some money to help pay the bill. I am so thankful to them for watching out for me, but I am also a very independent person. After spending so much time on my own, it's very strange to have such watchful eyes on me.
I am leading the worship music at the church I'm attending. It is nice to be able to play music again and use it for a good reason. I love our little church here where everyone participates in the service and spends a good deal of time praying for each other. It also starts at 5 PM on Sundays, so I get my 12 hours of sleep in on the weekends.
Also, to all of you who are wondering if I'm being safe, the answer is YES. Every step of my commute to and from work is in a well-lit, busy area that either has a huge mass of people or police on all sides. Indeed, it can sometimes be annoying to be surrounded by so many people. It also puts you in rather compromising positions on the subway and bus, almost so much that you're embarrassed to look at the person you were standing next to when you leave at your stop.
Am I adapting to "big city life?" Yes and no. There are things I love about this city (the view from the Cúspide overlooking the valley, all of the events that take place in the city), but at times I miss the uncontained greenery of Kentucky. I see parks here and wonder if people can really feel close to nature in them, knowing that they're nothing more than islands in the middle of a sea of cement. When you have the constant smell of vehicles and industry all around you, you almost miss the smell of hog s*** and skunks.
But I am enjoying myself. Very soon I should be stabilized and on my feet, and maybe then I'll get around to exploring the city a bit better. At the moment I am very confined to my work schedule, and since I don't know many people here, I am also stuck in the house during a good deal of my free time. As I tend to say, though, we'll how things progress.
I apologize for this being something of a short post compared to the time I've already spent here, but it is 2 AM, and I am annoying Uziel (Eliud's brother) with my loud typing. I promise to update everyone soon, as well as post some pictures.
To those of you I call my family and friends, wherever you are, know that you are loved and missed. I look forward to seeing you again. (Maybe even here, if you feel up to the trip)
Love, always,
~Buster
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)