Mexico Team Journal

2008-04-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our last day in Dolores. Up and packed and out to UTNG for a final, 8:00 a.m. class with Rosalie, helping her students practice their conversations for next week’s oral exam. This was a final reminder of how much fun it has been working with these young people.

Then a wonderful send-off ceremony, with speeches from the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and a couple of more advanced students, traditional songs, and a karaoke number in English. Our host at the pulqueria and his wife were also there, and it was wonderful to be able to thank them again for their hospitality. We were given certificates of appreciation and, in turn, thanked UTNG for letting us work with them and see what a wonderful future they are building for Mexico.

We then set off for Guanajuato. The mountain ride was as glorious as at our arrival, but now we recognized names and landmarks…our Mexico. We dropped our bags in our rooms and headed out for the city center. What an exciting city – bustling with energy on a Friday afternoon. We saw the Diego Rivera museum and the marvelous architecture and exhibits at the Alhondiga museum.

Also ran into Chuy on the street, on his way to class. Lunch outside in a shady square, a little shopping, and some people watching in the green Jardin Union. Our final dinner was at a window table overlooking all the activity in the square – mimes, costumed musicians, and hundreds of people out enjoying the evening. Back to our hotel for an early night since Evelyn and Mary have a 4:15 a.m. taxi to the airport. Joyce will enjoy a more leisurely departure on Saturday.

While we’re all looking forward to home, that Willy Nelson song comes to mind, “On the road again…just can’t wait to get on the road again…”

2008-04-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

Our last full day in Dolores. Joyce and Mary took a last walk around down town before breakfast, when the city is so cool an green.

After our morning meeting, we walked-up to the campus for the last time, since tomorrow we'll ride up with Carl. We had three classes , two with Chuy and one with Bill. Students are still hard-working and eager, but exam time is starting; and many of them are focussing on next week's finals.

Spent the break in the library and returned to the sac for conversation club only to find the room full of students taking exams. After waiting next door for some time we returned to the teachers' area where Marcia brought us one final student for conversation practice.

Back to the hotel with Carl where we'll have our final meeting and and head off to a party at Vero's. Tomorrow morning we have an 8am class with Rosalie, a good-bye ceremony, and then we're off to spend an afternoon and evening in Guanajuato prior to am Saturday flights back home.

So many final thoughts... but a short one: Truly it is in giving that we receive... and we all have all received so much from our volunteer experience in Dolores.

2008-04-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

The last week is rapidly coming to an end and we are getting more used to the program and the lovely town of Dolores.

We had a late start for classes, 10:20 am, so we could enjoy some time in town. Got a ride to campus with Carl and had a great variety of classes again. Some are small and quick to speak English. Other classes may be large and are having English classes for the first time. But all of the students are receptive and seem to enjoy our presence.

We spend an hour at 4:00 pm in Conversation Club to help those who want extra time to practice. Have met some industrious kids.

We enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Plaza Restaurant and took a brief stroll around the park. Actually saw one of our students dancing in the band shell. His specialty was “break dancing.”

THOUGHT: No matter how thin the pancake, there´s always another side.

George Vecsey, NY Times sports writer

2008-04-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the first of three late-start days. Our first class only began at 10:20. This afforded Joyce a chance to roam around Dolores taking photos to preserve and reinforce her memories, and we all had a nice breakfast at the Plaza Restaurant.

We worked with Marcia for the first time today. Marcia is an expatriate American with a more direct teaching style than we have observed. The kids came to class on time! In her classes we prepared the students for an oral exam on describing other people. ¨Jeans” is a word they all know!

The Conversation Club had more advanced students today and was quite interesting. We could see how they are starting to grapple with the age-old conflict of remaining at home (Dolores, San Felipe, etc.) or moving away from family to pursue economic opportunity. They were smart and funny.

Our host at the hotel drove us out to the country to visit the 2^nd oldest church in the Americas – a rare treat. This was followed by a barbecue in the hotel patio, hosted by Sr. Pompeio, which was an excellent conclusion to yet another fascinating day.

THOUGHT: An adventure is only an inconvenience right considered.

G.K. Chesterton

2008-04-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hi ho! It’s back to work we go. After reviewing our first week on Sunday evening, we’re all committed to week two, but the alarms did seem to go off awfully early this morning. (The switch to daylight savings time didn’t help – it was dark outside.)

After a meeting with Carl, he drove us (what luxury) to campus and then headed back to Querétero.

We had our first class with Nathan and worked in groups on the concepts he provided us. Back in the teachers´area, Joyce dutifully transcribed the log, and we all waited for our first class with Veronica. Unfortunately, she was sick today, but Jaime eventually found us and took us to her class for a 15-minute session, which we hope was of some help to the students.

Next was JJ´s class, where he challenged us to create and deliver a lesson. After five minutes of brainstorming, we decided to use world maps and have the students plan a vacation – pricing tickets, packing, etc. It went quite well.

This was doubly fortunate because, after a quick snack chez UTNG, we had a second group of Veronica’s students to manage on our own. Although they were at a slightly different level from JJ´s, the lesson plan worked.

After a break, we met in the resource room with the Conversation Club. At first, there was only one participant, Gerald, an amazing UTNG graduate who had just returned from working in the US due to his father’s sudden death. His intelligence, focus, and drive were inspiring. Towards the end of the session, a couple of beginning students joined us, and we hope they come back to practice.

Dinner at El Caudillo – our waiter wanted to practice his English so ordering was a bit of a hodge-podge, but still a pleasant evening.

Heavy traffic around El Jardín -- watched an ambulance try to weave its way through, then home to the hotel.

THOUGHT: Ignatius Loyola’s “What profits a man if he gain’s the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul?” seems to speak to the Mexicans we’ve met who worked in the US but returned home.

2008-04-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Joyce and Evelyn: A day off to explore and enjoy. Joyce and Evelyn took the bus to San Miguel and had a wonderful adventure exploring the city with a personally guided walking tour. The guide spent two hours with them and impressed them with his love of San Miguel where he has always lived. They visited an art school where they viewed outstanding murals by Pedro Martinez. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history and architecture of San Miguel and taught them a lot.

But, of course, before they got serious about touring San Miguel they had to get their American coffee fix. Joyce had a cappuccino at Starbucks and Evelyn had her caffeine from Dunkin Donuts. Both shops are easy to spot right off the plaza.

The guide, Jesus, suggested a wonderful place for lunch and they were treated like royalty there. A gratis appetizer was offered and Evelyn enjoyed a healthy grilled vegetable salad while Joyce enjoyed delicious tacos.

They next found their way to the Ramirez Market and discovered the silver and other shops. Both made purchases of necklaces, earrings, and pendants and were very pleased with their decisions.

They just made the 4:00 pm bus back to Dolores – it was backing out of the parking place, but stopped for them. They enjoyed the milk stop run where workers were getting off and on.

Joyce and Evelyn shared their travels with Mary and met Carl at 7:00 to take him to the newly discovered restaurant, El Sabroso Pollo. He was impressed, but the crowd there was noisy and the echoes off the stone wall were loud. The upcoming week´s planning meeting was held back at the hotel and everyone looked forward to a good night’s sleep.

THOUGHT

If you know all the answers, you haven’t asked all the questions.

Mary: Mary stayed in Dolores to explore the city and search out places of interest for sightseeing during the upcoming week. Among places of note were 1) churches – Our Lady of Sorrrows (Dolores) with amazing wood carvings and the Third Order Temple, where mass was being said, accompanied by guitars and singers and where the church was packed. Statues were covered in tiny Milagros. In both churches, posted in the back were marriage banns, complete with pictures and family histories. 2) Museums – Hidalgo’s house contained rooms furnished as they were in Father Hidalgo’s time, copies of letters and revolutionary documents, and the tithe hall filled with wreaths, plaques, and a large statue of Hidalgo. Independence Museum, in the former prison, contained wall sized drawings, statues, and exhibits explaining the struggle for Mexican independence. 3) Government buildings – The first floor of the Mayor’s Office and the Visitors House were open and both had interesting courtyards.

Best of all was sitting in El Jardín, listening to church bells, watching teenagers parade by, and eavesdropping on the shoeshine man.

2008-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

This was a school day in Dolores for public and college students. Walked to the campus and got there before anyone else. Our first class was with Karina -- who is also Nathan’s wife -- with students who come only on Friday evening and Saturday. They are older and not yet too swift in their skills. At one time we merged with another class and kept going for over an hour with 6 or 7 in a group.

Then the weekend began and we all did our own thing. Mary had her hair done, Joyce shopped for us and Evelyn stayed put, reading and resting.

Mary discovered a beautiful, newly opened restaurant that we decided to try, and it was wonderful. We will go back there for sure.

THOUGHT

“Amidst the mud and muck of things, something always, always sings.”

Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch

2008-04-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of much travel and disparate experiences. We had a leisurely start – an 8:30 breakfast to send Carl on his way home for the weekend, followed by an 11:00 rendez-vous with Chuy to visit a pulquería. Pulque, we learned from the patrón, is a lightly fermented and perhaps slightly alcoholic traditional beverage. We followed the patrón – we in Chuy’s car, he on his Italik motorbike – out to the fields where he collects agua miel (the liquid produced in the heart of the maguey cactus). Back at home, he strains the agua miel into a large olla (clay pot) where it ferments. The primary customers for the pulque are the workers in the surrounding fields.

We had time before our next obligation for ensalada de frutas and sopas in El Carruaje.

Capping a week of visits to satellite programs, we headed out to Ocampo at 4:00 with professor and program coordinator Jaime. The students there pack their studies into Friday evening and all day Saturday. Most work, many have families, and many must travel long distances into Ocampo from rural communities. They are VERY impressive! In Ocampo you may encounter “Los Locos,” a merry band of masked clowns who both startle and entertain!

A simple dinner of quesadillas, ranch steak, and rice and beans was just right. Jaime brought us home safely at ll:00 p.m.

THOUGHT

“The struggle of today is not altogether for today – it is for a vast future also.”

Abraham Lincoln

2008-04-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

New adventures – Joyce and Mary went out for breakfast breads and pastries and had an enjoyable walk around town in the cool morning air. Though, alas! They did find that overnight the sidewalk was torn up on the egret-free side of Guerrero.

We took Carl’s car (with Carl driving, of course) to campus to meet Jaime and Chuy for a visit to a talavera factory. Jaime took us to his uncle’s small factory where his uncle explained the steps in making thrown pieces and even made two small vases and a large bowl for us to see. Most of the work – beautiful in design – is sold to others who paint and finish the pieces. But he is working on some new clear glaze designs, improves his techniques through the local trade association, and has been to the US to discuss distribution. In sum, he is a sophisticated entrepreneur.

Jaime also took us to a factory and store where molded pottery is made and decorated. The owners have an amazing house with incredible tile work throughout.

We then dropped Chuy back at UTNG and headed off for San Miguel de Allende. Such traffic – we felt a bit like country mice sitting in miles of bumper to bumper traffic and streets without parking places. We had a quick, but delicious, lunch in a Sri Lankan restaurant and on leaving met the owner, who also teaches in the gastronomy department.

UTNG-San Miguel is only one year old, holds classes in a high school, and has programs in tourism and gastronomy. Like their fellow students at Victoria, these students had planned an afternoon of presentations for us. We heard speeches on Guanajuato and on dreams; we saw a mock interview and were asked to rate the candidates; participated in a blindfolded food tasting; and finished with costumed “Warriors of the Sun” dancers. Then the gastronomy students presented a sample of appetizers they had made. We spent the next hour munching and talking to individual students – many spoke quite good English and were quite confident in attempting to speak it. Although classes continue until 9:00 pm at UTNG/San Miguel, the English faculty left around 6:00 and so we headed home to Dolores.

Found a new restaurant just off the square: El Caudillo – great soups and shared a sizzling molcajete (lava stone mortar) filled with meat, cheese, nopales, onions and hot peppers.

THOUGHT

“ . . . two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I

I took the one less travelled by

And that has made all the difference.”

Robert Frost “The Road Not Taken”

2008-04-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

What a day! We have had so many wonderful experiences that we can hardly remember all of them. We did our usual walk to the campus to meet Francisco from the Victoria campus who drove us there in 1.5 hours. We all fell in love with the small campus of four buildings and were amazed at the stunning cacti.

Our time was spent listening to teams of 4-5 students give an oral PowerPoint presentation in English on a subject of their choice. Our job was to grade them on their team effort. We heard all 112 students that are enrolled at the Victoria campus. We also enjoyed a song by a group of six women students. The students were lovely, but shy and needed help with pronunciation.

Our host, Francisco, took us deeper into the rugged countryside to see some of the arts and crafts of the area. We met some ladies who did basket weaving and also showed us some unusual 800 year old cacti. We really got to see some gorgeous, dry landscapes. Had a swift ride home with an experienced driver and after a brief rest, enjoyed a light supper at one of our favourites – Plaza Restaurant.

THOUGHT:

Some minds are like concrete -- all mixed up and permanently set.

2008-04-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

So many experiences and people are packed into one day that it feels like at least two days ago we had breakfast at the Plaza Restaurant. Sadly, our much-anticipated coffee from freshly ground beans managed to taste just like Nescafé.

We set off on our now-familiar uphill trek to UTNG for a 9:00 am class with JJ’s students. Using a panel format, we faced 15 or 20 young students and asked them questions that flew around the room and remained largely unanswered. They appear to be quite naïve about the workforce. Things improved after that.

A session with Nathan on useful Spanish expressions was outstanding. Once again, Gaby’s lesson plan was easy and fun to implement. We all feel that our competence in this game is improving.

Evelyn stayed on campus and caught up with email while Carl, Mary, and Joyce went to the mercado for supplies. A ride into town with Gaby was welcome, and then we walked back to campus. (This day we walked up twice and down once.)

Our final experience was an external class including a father and his 10 year old son! The motivation of the external students makes working with them a joy.

Then back to town for a really nice dinner. Now that we have our act together, we´re taking it on the road . . . to Victoria tomorrow!

THOUGHT:

We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.

T.S. Eliot “Four Quartets”

2008-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

First day on the job! At our morning meeting Evelyn arrived with matching shoes, unlike, she claimed, on earlier occasions. After an orientation with Carl, and a fond farewell to his family, we walked with Chuy to a restaurant on the plaza to breakfast with several other members of the English faculty. Breakfast was followed by a short, but impressive orientation/overview of UTNG and the department’s expectations of us. We were driven to the campus, had a very brief tour and then, to our surprise, were honoured guests at a welcome ceremony held in the auditorium, including a speech by the rector. After visiting the English faculty offices and meeting additional faculty (a large department with several native English speakers), we set off to our first class.

What an experience! Thrown in cold with Lucio’s group of beginners; discussing workplace values and career plans with JJ´s last year (TOEFL-tested) young adults, then more beginners with Nathan’s class. After a 3:00 lunch break (nutrition not a curriculum at UTNG, unfortunately), and some time in the cyber-library, we had a final class with Gaby´s external students -– ranging from doctors to elementary school students –- where we worked on a “Jeopardy”-like game.

We´re beginning to see how what we´re doing fits in with the faculty vision for the English curriculum. We´re tired but excited.

THOUGHTS:

A) St. Augustine: ¨”Love and do what you will.” B) Mother to child: “How do you know you’re dead? When you stop learning.”

2008-03-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our family of seven enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel and soon after we three volunteers left via the college van with Professor Jose de Jesus (Chuy) over the high mountains to our new home in Dolores Hidalgo. It was a very scenic ride over rugged hills. Our home for the next two weeks will be Posada Las Campanas with lovely rooms on the first floor and an adjoining patio where we had a very informative orientation meeting over a delicious luncheon.

When work was done we took a walk to the plaza (locally referred to as the garden –El Jardín) and enjoyed the famous Dolores ice cream. Toured the side streets where we bought the notebook in which we are recording our journal – now our blog. We kept on touring and drove 40 km to San Miguel de Allende to see that historic town and crowded plaza. Actually saw a bored young American couple sitting on a park bench using the computer! Had a soup and salad supper and soon headed for home. Has been a full day and we need our rest. Tomorrow we meet the kids in the classroom – can hardly wait!

THOUGHT: Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

2008-03-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

MEXICO – Here we come (all 3 of us) from the East Coast (New Jersey), the West Coast (San Francisco), and the Southwest (Austin, Texas). Mary from Texas arrived early. Joyce came later on the same day, the 29th, and Evelyn came at 8:00 pm after flying all day. We gathered at our hotel and met our leader, Carl’s, family and enjoyed a good meal together. It was a long day for most of us so a retreat to our rooms was very welcome.

Team 96 returns from Mexico

2008-02-18T20:06:00.000-08:00

Global Volunteers' team 96 to Mexico finished their 2 week stint on February 16th. The 10 member team supported the host organization's English program through small group conversation classes and individual tutoring sessions.

A total of 420 hours of volunteer time gave nearly 3,000 students an opportunity to listen and speak with true native speakers, and gain a better understanding of American and British cultures. Volunteers also came away with a better understanding of Mexican culture.

The team's journal is posted below. Please read about this great team's experiences as lived through their eyes.

Carl Granger
Mexico Country Manager

Journal Entry #12 – Thursday, February 15, 2008

2008-02-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

Morning comes early in the tropics – or maybe it just seems that way when you get up at 05:30. In spite of it all, we made it in time for our 07:00 class.

We got a break in the morning, though. The students were celebrating Valentine’s Day. They are not alone, the adult population here makes a lot more of Valentine’s than we do in the States. The students were wearing costumes – some quite ornate and the set up little ‘Tiendas’ selling impressive items like bolsas, stuffed hearts, and food. Which I passed up because of my Moc’s revenge. The celebration meant that we taught one fewer class that day – but we still remember the 05:30 start.

After dinner and a siesta, we went to Miguelito’s. A very nice restaurant in an old classical building.

We also invited Esperanza and Dahlia. A quartet of accordion, guitar, guitaron, and tom toms played traditional and current songs. Our end of the table helped them by singing. I was a very mellow feeling and I found it easy to say ‘yes’ to my playing the violin Friday 2/16.

We walked back to the Senorial close to midnight and went to sleep with the sounds of music in our heads.

Thought of the Day: Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Journal Entry #11 – Thursday, February 14, 2008

2008-02-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thought for the day:

The mind itself can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven. –Milton

Thoughts – There is nothing neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so. –Shakespeare

The only thing needed for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing.

Journal Entry #10 – Wednesday, February 13, 2008

2008-02-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

If you view courage as a destination, you then pursue life’s challenge with enthusiasm.
Quote by Bea

In the evening, sitting in the Plaza de la Corregidora sipping vino blanco was a pre-Valentines delight. Heart shaped balloons, huge decorated boxes filled with surprises, plus various other inflated shapes paraded by.

Tomorrow’s schedule at the university remains a mystery due to the festivities for Valentine’s Day by the students. Flexibility will remain our motto.

Journal Entry #9 – Tuesday, February 12, 2008

2008-02-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

The dawn patrol assembled at 06:30 hours – 2 absentees were recovered in time for morning briefing. The “Intrepids” of earlier have morphed into “hardened campaigners” with stoic acceptance of caffeine deprivation and non-traditional catering. The team have now fully developed their individual strategies to augment and complement their sometime sketchy assigned projects and doing it extremely well. Medals may be awarded!!

Many of us have been struck by the rapid growth of the QRO economy and how the benefits are being put back into the city. (i.e. buying overhead wiring, repairing infrastructure etc.) There is a district sense of optimism which leads students to see their future here other than the US. Indeed only 2 of the very many students I have met, expressed any interest in going to the US: one wanted to be a film star in Hollywood and the a poker player in Las Vegas. Allowing that their aspirations may be ‘slightly’ ambitious, it is encouraging that so many, many, other nice young people are confident in the continued development of their home city.

After another day of tiring but rewarding support the team returned to Base Camp for lunch.

The fully rested and refreshed team, led by our Commanding Officer Carl, marched to be more accurate strolled in a distinctly unmilitary fashion) to two blocks for dinner at the Fin de Siglo restaurant. Minnesota Bill’s personal language trainer, Mauritzio, was not on duty but Lorenzo looked after us well.

Nice evening – Parade dismissed 20:15 hours.

Journal Entry #8 – Monday, February 11, 2008

2008-02-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

First of all, I must admit it is going to be difficult to maintain the high level of creative and detailed journal entries written by previous Global Volunteers.

We began our day at 8:30 am with the traditional Hotel Senorial breakfast served by Jesus. We finished our breakfast, daily meeting, and waited for the UTEQ van to pick us up.

Right before boarding the UTEQ van, we experienced a small crisis. Bea’s hair stylist, Daniel, called Bea on her cell phone. From what I gathered, he was worried Bea did not schedule her traditional haircut appointment. Bea solved the small crisis and we boarded the van.

We arrived at UTEQ on time and our day began at 10 am. The next five classes went exceptionally well. The students seemed eager to learn English, were very interactive, and intelligent.

The teaching day ended at 3:00 pm and we ate our usual UTEQ cafeteria lunch. We discussed the day’s events and shared stories over lunch. I sat in the front seat with Marcos. I tried to speak my usual “pigeon” Spanish (this is the term Ernie calls it) with the driver.

We arrived at the hotel at 4:20 pm. Some of us ate dinner at the hotel and some did not. To quote Marilyn: “Where is the salsa dancing?”

Journal Entry #7 – Sunday, February 10, 2008

2008-02-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

Once again the intrepid were up with a smile on their face and a song in their Valentines’ hearts to enjoy another day in Queretaro. Bill and Bea opted out of our tour and so did Tom. He related a tale of true camaraderie and adventure regarding his Saturday adventure. Again the intrepid are off to explore and savor the culture, cuisine, and craft fashions by quaint artisans.

We fortunate to have not only the well known driver, Ramon, from UTQ, but also his lovely wife, Gaudaloupe. First stop Bernal. Bill, Ernie and Marilyn searched for a road leading to the monolith. Very impressive – but insufficient time to complete the climb and charming town. Brief stop at the winery. Time to move on. Arrived at Tequisquiapan. Excellent lunch at Los Brazos – specialists in Argentinean beef. Pictures of bulls staring down at us. Ice cream, crepes and then to shopping. The groans were from Minnesota Bill and Ernie. However, everyone enjoyed walking around the town – being among the ‘real people!’

Shop keepers were pleasant and friendly no matter how badly we “habla-ed Espanol.” Uneventful return to the Senorial with our treasures. The city square were filled with people – however a cloud burst shortly after entering our “home away from home” put a damper on outdoor activities. Two fabulous days in colonial Mexico!

Journal Entry #6 – Saturday, February 9, 2008

2008-02-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Ah the weekend (fin de semana). At breakfast the ongoing confusion of who is paying for what appears resolved!

At 9:30, our intrepid band of travelers minus Tom who was off to spend the day with 3 caballeros. The intrepids finally boarded the trolley after crossing the street “mucho” times while Minnesota Bill had his shoes shined. We enjoyed the tour – made sweeter by the fact we were informed upon arrival @ appointed time and place that there was no English tour and actually there was no tour at all! Que Sorpresa! Tour was excellent. Historical sites, students with white mice, hitting rocks, photos all around.

Guide was new to the tour but knowledgeable and friendly to all. Post tour – some walked to aquaduct lookout point, some back to the hotel, and some to get bull fight tickets. After Ernie masterfully obtained “boletos”, all bull fight attendees met @ 3. Again the intrepid – minus Jane & Diane – but with the addition of Delia and Sylvain. All drove to Plaza de Toros. Another adventure! We all gamely climbed to the nosebleed section where we had an excellent view.

Ole was the word of the afternoon especially when the matador’s pantalones were torn and we saw more of him than expected! Afterward we headed to Hacinda Don Ramon – an excellent Mexican restaurant with salsa almost hot enough for Minnesota Bill. There we were happily joined by our two missing intrepid, Diane and Jane. Following a delicious meal and being serenaded with La Bamba, Celito Lindo, and other songs – the intrepids headed their way home in the first rain of their stay.

A nagging question remains: Where is the salsa dancing???

Journal Entry #5 – Wednesday, February 7, 2008

2008-02-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

After a short night, we all gallantly gathered at 6:30 am to board our fearless UTEQ van to journey to the school. We enjoyed seeing the city lights as we climbed out of the city.

Arriving at the school we stumbled to the teachers’ lounge, the Departivo de Idiomas where we awaited our teacher to take us to our first class. What terrific students to be in a 7:00 am class. We had several advanced classes today which were real nice. In one class we discussed the preferred way to drink tequila and I learned the word for shot glass “caballito.”

Fortunately, teachers come to the lounge to guide us to our classes. We break into small groups of 3-4 and each volunteer has from 2-6 or 7 students to converse with. All the teachers with whom I have worked had some specific plans on what we should do with the students; some asked us questions. I was amused that one student asked me my goal as a Global Volunteer. My response was to have fun by talking with them.

I have found my way from the building with the teacher’s lounge to the cafeteria by turning left at the three big dark rose colored bougainvillea. Then to get the pick up point we turn right at the single dark rose colored bougainvillea.

Our breakfast was at 9 am., 2 hours after our first class. The non-traditional breakfast has become traditional for some of us…yogurt with granola, cheesecake like pie, and coffee. This is very filling.

We returned to Hotel Senorial after our last class at 1:00 pm. We had five classes today. Great fun for me.

I got to sit in the front seat today and inflict my bad Spanish on our very gracious and patient driver.

After a lunch at the hotel of fruit, soup, calabaso turnover like dish, and beef in lemon sauce with a variety of desserts, we strolled down to the main market which offers a host of articles one can live without as a tourist. The fruit, meats, and fish were attractively displayed and refrigeration was provided when needed. Some friends bought Queretaro soccer shirts for grandchildren. Carlos kindly took those who did not want to walk to the market in his car. I bought some plums and cabbage. The stars of the market were beautiful birds.

After walking back to the hotel, we rejoined to go to dinner again at the Meson de la Corregidora on the plaza where we had enjoyed dinner on Sunday night. A young man serenaded us, but we were really wanting guitar music so we could talk more easily.

A very pleasant day!

Journal Entry #4 – Tuesday, February 6, 2008

2008-02-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Our wake-up call happened about 6 a.m. about two hours earlier than we are used to in the States. I shower first because I am fast but today, that did not matter since Bill announced he did not feel good enough to go to our teaching tasks.

I came down to our daily meeting with Carlos in charge and our group exchanged pleasantries. We were picked up by van and traveled to our school where we met the assigned teacher and met with the students in the first of five classes for today. I had four consecutive classes with very talented and prepared teachers and truly enjoyed both the challenge and camaraderie of the contact. We met for a non-traditional breakfast (cheesecake and yogurt) and returned to run chores. Lunch remained even more non-traditional with ice cream sandwiches and potato chips. I truly have pleasure in meeting the students but I find the beginners very hard work.

We all returned by van to the hotel and took a needed nap almost immediately.

Tonight, no walking the city to find a good restaurant: Carlos was teaching and we all ate at the hotel restaurant where the food was adequate and the conversation amiable.

No long and fast walks this evening, just relaxing mostly without hurried conversation.

Journal Entry #3 – Monday, February 5, 2008

2008-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Chirping, trilling birds – what a happy way to start the day!

After a short meeting for Janis’ thought of the day, Tom’s journal reading and last minute logistics, we’re off in the U-Tec van for our first day of teaching. A short ride through town, up the hill, and through new housing developments, we arrive at the beautifully landscaped university campus. Thirty friendly U-Tec foreign language teachers warmly greet us at a lovely breakfast of fresh fruit and chilaquiles – even too hot for some of our Mexican friends!

With excitement and some apprehension we went off with our respective teachers for 3 different 45 minute classes. Some teachers had specific assignments for us to work on, others wanted us to get acquainted and interact with the students using our own materials. We all found the students to be polite, attentive, and interested in what we have to share. They seemed to be having fun while making a good effort to practice English. What great young people for Mexico’s future.

During a light lunch and on the way home everyone was basically talking about their experiences with the students and sharing some reactions to the day’s events. All comments were positive and we felt the students responded well to all of our efforts.

The day ended with an evening walk down some new streets of Queretaro and a delicious dinner at a natural/organic restaurant – Las Neblinas (clouds), featuring stuffed nopal cactus leaves (penca de Nopal Rellena) and Jamaica or pepino iced tea.

Another very good day!