"olive oil and eggs together?"

Ayer was the big 2-1. For being in a country where turning 21 has no major significance, I had a lot of fun!

Robin and I made carrot cake and cream cheese frosting to celebrate. The entire family was fascinated by our "pastel de zanahorias" and thus stood in the kitchen while we prepared it. It was really cute because they would make comments such as, "Olive oil and eggs together?" I'm pretty sure it was their first exposure to cake batter. But I don't think it will be their last exposure based on how much they ate. Sara, one of our sisters, is not particularly found of anything cake-y. Even she liked it!

At night we met up with friends at a popular bar. It's called La Mentirosa, which means "the liar" en espanol. It was here where we drank and danced the night away. I think my next post will be about the music down here. There are some definite winners we hear almost every night we go out!

lucha libre.

So just as Monday nights in the states are for WWF, Monday nights in Mexico are for lucha libre. Lucha libre is a big tradition down here. Think macho boxers mixed with acrobatic moves mixed with Halloween costumes. That's a lucha libre fight. I was feeling venturesome enough to attend such an event with some friends last night.

We bought our tickets for less than 5 bucks each. With these we entered and became part of the cheering audience. We got into it real quick. Each boxer has his own unique outfit, complete with a mask. My personal favorite was a stout muscular man who decided to channel his inner cupid and wear a one-shouldered minidress to pair with his pink mohawk. haha. While he didn't win, he definitely added to the experience!

una merienda.

Yesterday, Robin and I were feeling a little hungry. That is, until we saw what was being offered to us. But being the open-minded individuals that we are... you can probably guess what happened next!

highlights.

What made today great?
- Sun and WARMTH. They predict that it will hit the 70 degree mark later this week. Keep your fingers crossed!
- My host mom made a delicious fruit-filled tea today. The name is escaping me, but it's made with these mini apples that smell absolutely fantastic. Again, something that does not exist in the states that I will fully savor while here.
- A local friend of ours took us to a market that basically sells all things pirated. Robin and I bought the movie "New York, I Love You" that we've both been dying to see. It cost less than a buck.
- The bus driver, for two reasons. First, he took some change from his bus fare collection and gave it to a beggar at a stoplight. Second, he waited outside a teeny torteria (torta shop) until someone came out to hand him his lunch in the form of a torta (meaty sandwich).
- In the afternoon, Robin and I visited a museum absolutely for free!

Not band for a Monday, eh?

to huevos rancheros and maya angelou...

Mmmm... Mexican food. Is it really a surprise that it's better here? Unlike when I was in Spain, my host mom here actually makes every meal an authentic meal. And each one has been absolutely delicious. Not only are my taste buds pleased with each dish, but so are my eyes. Please notice Exhibit A. Blanca served this to Robin and I a couple days ago for lunch. It is enchiladas with cabbage on top. As most of you know, my stomach is rather small. Not to fret, it is growing with each meal. This morning for breakfast I ate delicious huevos rancheros (hence the Rent reference in the title). It consisted of a fried tortilla, ham, eggs, and salsa verde. Typically it also includes beans but Blanca caters to my dislike for them. haha.

In addition to the dishes themselves being "muy rico", the ingredients are also "muy rico". Namely, the cheese. I probably consume cheese in at least 1-2 meals a day. Not that I mind. There is this fantastic cheese Blanca gets from Oaxaca that I'm head over heels in love with. The closest comparison to a cheese in the states is probably string cheese. But not really, because that makes it sound really squeaky and shiny. Trust me, if there was someway I could get it past customs, I would.

un poco sobre puebla.

Since I have been here a while and have learned much about the city myself, I thought I would share some information with you guys. Care for a history lesson?

Puebla:
- is the 4th largest city in Mexico. Wowza!
- is the place to buy Talavera pottery. Google it... simply beautiful.
- contains church after church after church.
- is the origin of mole. Unlike the animal, it is not pronounced mole but rather mo-lay. It is a ground-up sauce used in typical dishes of Puebla.
- lastly and most interestingly, is home of the infamous battle between the French and the Mexicans. It happened on May 5, 1862 (or rather Cinco de Mayo). The reason this day is so highly celebrated is because it is one of the very few battles Mexico has won. Ever. Contrary to what most people think, Cinco de Mayo is not the day Mexico receive it's independence. That happened on September 16, 1810.

Ok, I just took off my teacher hat. Now I am back to wearing my poblano hat (poblanos are residents of Puebla). This weekend was very eventful! As a class, we took a tour of the city on Friday. Seeing all the nooks and crannies was really fascinating. It was then that I also saw the site of the battle of Cinco de Mayo. Later that night, we went out as a group to a typical Mexican bar called La Cantinera. Then we went to an andra (it's in between a bar and a club). And later to another andra. We danced that night and morning away. Had we gone one more hour, we probably would have seen the sun rise!

confession.

So like the title says, I have a confession. It is not just Robin and I who share the guest room. There are quite a few more who inhabit the room. Namely, six fish and a turtle! There are two aquariums in here (one for the turtle and one for all the fish). After figuring that we would be living with them, we decided to name them. Tito La Tortuga (Tito The Turtle) is a bit shy, but cute nonetheless. Then we have Raul... and his six women. We have come to the conclusion that he is quite the player (mujeriego en espanol). They keep us company at all times of the day.

Later today will be the first time that the whole SU group will get together for a reunion. It will coincidentally be at our host family's house. Because of this, our Mom has been cleaning away. It definitely will be fun to see everyone, eat dinner together, and head out afterwards.

I will keep you updated how the rest of the week goes! The plan is to have an orientation at the school and then take a final exam on Spanish grammar. Then come Monday, we will have our first class!

estoy aqui!

I have been in Puebla for a little more than 12 hours, and boy has it been great! The taxi dropped me off at the house (after a little bit of difficulty finding it). It was there that I was warmly greeted by my roommate Robin, my host family, and more of their family.
Everyone introduced themselves with un beso (a kiss) and their name. After all the introductions, I was given the tour of the house. It's so darlng! I love it. Robin and I are staying in a room that is separated from the rest of the house, similar to a guest house. After the grand tour, they asked if I would like to go out to the bars for a "bienvenidos a Puebla". I was a little tired from the traveling but said, "Why not?"
Robin, Pedro (the nephew of my host mom), his friends, and I went out to a bar called La Playa. It was definitely a new experience to be able to just walk into a bar and order a Corona haha. But it was great because we spent the night talking in Spanish and listening to the popular music here.
This morning Robin and I woke up to a delicious breakfast plate. It was tortilla chips with shredded chicken in a delicious sauce. Afterwards, we went on a walk to the university. It's only a 15 minute walk from our house... talk about lucky! Really the whole situation has me thinking that we are lucky. A friendly family, a beautiful house, a great cook as a mom, close to the university. Wow.
There's so much more I could tell, but I'll save it for later :) I'm off to unpack and get settled. Un beso de Puebla a todos!

adios los estados unidos!

For the past couple of hours, Leese and I have been in my room as I attempt to pack. It is now 2am. Am I finished? Just about! It's definitely harder than you think to pack ahead for 3 months. I'm positive I forgot something. But as my friend Bryan put it, forgetting items just makes it that much more of an adventure.

My adventure officially begins tomorrow morning. My flight to Mexico City leaves at 11am. Once there, I will catch a bus into Puebla. And from there, I will take a taxi to my host family's home. I'm so excited to meet them!

The next update will be from Puebla. Crazy, right?