Some of my wonderful students :)
My summer in Mexico was life changing, I will try to write about my experiences here but I cannot fully explain my love for Mexico. Throughout the summer I made a lot of incredible friends. These friends did so much for me to help me out and include me in their lives, I feel so blessed to have met these people. I really can't explain how great of people my friends are, they are incredible and we had so much fun together. Without my friends my Spanish would not have improved so much. Not only did I learn Spanish from them, but I also learned so much more about friendship, acceptance, hospitality, and more. As well as making so many great Mexican friends, I also became really close with some of the people in my program from Western. I spend everyday with these people and have shared many wonderful experiences, I am really excited for these new friendships in Bellingham.
Some of my best friends in my program. I love them <3
I was also blessed to be welcomed into a wonderful Mexican family during my time in Mexico. My host mom Lecha cooked all of my meals, and made sure I never went hungry. I practiced my Spanish everyday with her and learned a lot about Mexican culture. Our extended family ate together every Sunday, so if I was around I would see them each week. They were all so welcoming and included me in their family. They took care of me when I was sick. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with their conversations, but my listening skills really improved from all the time I spent with them.
The party for my host mom's birthday
My sister, Laticia.
My mom's grandson, Gerardo. He is an incredible person and I admire him a lot because he speaks English fluently but has never visited the United States!
My host mom and I!
I know many people view Mexico as unsafe and with other negative connotations, and I hope you can take my experiences in Mexico and see it in a better light. Just because the border is dangerous does not mean the rest of Mexico is like this. I never once felt unsafe. I feel much safer walking around Queretaro at night alone than I would in Seattle. Mexico is a beautiful place, and is filled with beautiful people. The people in Mexico aren't cold like they are here, they are very welcoming. I became friends with a sales clerk I began talking to, my barista, and even a few bartenders. It is hard for me to see people hold such negative thoughts towards Mexico because Mexico has proved otherwise to me. Viva Mexico!
After this summer I realized that I would love to move back to QRO to live. My plans have changed tremendously in the past year, but right now my plan is to graduate in March, work and finish out my lease until June, and then move back to Queretaro and get a job teaching English.
Thank you for reading my blog this summer, I am glad I was able to share my experiences with all my family and friends! Please send me an e-mail if you have further questions about my travels. clingingsmithm@hotmail.com
