Goodbyes

Had to say goodbye to the Seattle boys the last few days. One returned to the States and the other is off to another part of Mexico for a few weeks. But before the goodbyes, the Principal and i spent the evening in a restaurant overlooking the zocalo (central square-park) during a torrential downpour. Nothing like good food, great view, lively music and great company...we laughed so much and so hard i think i pulled a muscle in my back!

Funny how in life you can spend years building relationships with certain people, where it takes time and energy and many experiences in order to know them well. of course you spend all that time and energy because somehow you know they and the relationship are worth it. And then there are other moments when you happen upon a person who without effort or much explanation becomes a dear friend. clearly both are wonderful and amazing additions to your life and thus are valued as such.

undoubtedly i will treasure my time here in Oaxaca and in this moment will mention some highlights of the past few weeks: (oh these are in no particular order)

1. the food. seriously, everything i have eaten here i have loved. empanadas, chile rellenos, mole, barbacoa, bread, tortillas, fruit, juices, carne, churros...i could go on and on. still i have a feeling this is going to be a commentary that is repeated throughout my travels. haha
2. Monte Alban. those who know me know that history fascinates me and ruins...wow wow wow.
3. experiencing the World Cup in a spanish speaking country. granted Mexico lost and the populace was in a state of depression the following days but still...
4. Who knew i would grow to appreciate and even like the marimba?
5. teaching the grandkids (set of twin girls almost 2 years) how to spin around until they were dizzy...i am such a good role model huh?!
6. spanish classes. oh how much i needed them and how much they helped me! undoubtedly i have much more to learn, but i am butchering the language much less than when i first arrived! i also feel more confident and competent which is a testament to my teachers´ patience and instruction. oh by the way i developed a major crush on one of my teachers :-)
7. visiting the many art galleries here and getting to know more about the local artists
8. being here for the local elections. can you say FASCINATING? well for me anyway...
9. learning all about how extension cords bring people together. for example, a street vendor has a food cart and a tv, but their cord can´t reach anywhere and hey it´s the World Cup darn-it so the neighbors all get together and pull extension cords out of their homes and figure out a way to get the tv to function as the cord wraps around trees, doors and walls...together everyone watches the game and eats.
10. all the people i met along the way :-)