Journal Entry #2 – Monday, February 4, 2008

Today is celebrated as a public holiday, Dia de la Constitucion, a day in advance of the actual signing date of Feb.5. The constitution was signed in Queretaro in 1917.

The group had breakfast at the hotel, after which the free-time committee met, followed by a continuance of the volunteer orientation session, led by Carl.

Three goals per volunteer were presented, and sorted out to four main headings: To teach students, to promote understanding, to find fulfillment, and to learn about the Mexican culture.

During the discussion, Bill F. asked what the students expected or wanted from Global Volunteers, and
Carl said he would try to find out the answer.

The volunteers were divided into three groups and asked to list the 15 most important characteristics of a good team. Following this discussion, Carl told us about food and health concerns, and money exchange info – practical matters most important.

We walked to the restaurant Las Monjas for lunch, a great success. The food was excellent and the restaurant itself, housed in a former convent, was equally as stellar worth a trip in itself.

A walk back to Guerrero, a stop for some at Casa de la Marquesa, an 18th century Baroque mansion now a five-star hotel, and on to money exchange, the Alameda with its exhibit of archival photos of Queretaro, and the stalls of the vendadores.

We met at and were introduced to Alex, son of our team leader Carl. After a walk to the Plaza de Armas, we decided to have dinner at El Meson de Churcho el Roto.

Our first day of teaching awaits.