Posted in Veracruz, Xico on September 30, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
This path took F and I to the top of Xico (pronounced HE-ko). One of the things I enjoy most about Veracruz is how lush and green it is everywhere. Last week, it would rain for an hour early evenings, and then through most of the night. In the morning, we would wake up to a bright new day.
The 10 minute bus rides between Xico & Coatepec and Coatepec & Xalapa were a tunnel of tropic, with all shades and sizes of green on both sides.
Posted in Veracruz on September 29, 2010 | 1 Comment »
Posted in Veracruz, Xico on September 28, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Veracruz, Xico on September 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
On our way to see the waterfalls in Xico, F and I walked down a 30 minute path flanked by banana trees. We stopped to talk to a man with a machete hacking at the trunks and collecting the wood. We wanted to know what it was used for. He said it was for the cows. Banana trunk is like cow candy, he said.
Cows in Veracruz must be happy. They live in large green spaces and are the most enormous I’ve ever seen.
Posted in GTO on September 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
The past seven days have been wonderful. Fernando and I spent them in Veracruz’s Pueblo Mágico, Coatepec, and neighboring Xico, Xalapa, and Naolinco. Each day, we woke up and excitedly planned an itinerary of exploration.
There is so much to appreciate about this gorgeous, vibrant Country. And although I love Veracruz and her jungles, shoreline, verdancy and amicable people, it’s good to be back home in Guanajuato.
Posted in GTO on September 18, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
El Grito was great. After counting down to 200 years since the revolution, crowds took to the streets chanting, Viva Mexico! and Guanajuato! In front of Teatro Juarez, a festive group broke out into dance. There was dancing in the streets everywhere. La Dama was packed and everyone had their salsa on. My favorite point in the evening was when two gorgeous dancers, both male, swept into the main floor from the back room and everyone cleared the floor for them, awarding them a Dancing With the Stars Moment. We cheered them on while they danced beautifully with enormous grins on their faces.
Tomorrow, F and I head off to Coatepec and Xico for a week vacation and to celebrate his birthday. I love visiting the State of Veracruz and am keeping my fingers crossed that the hurricanes that also love visiting Veracruz don’t visit next week.
Posted in GTO on September 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Posted in GTO on September 12, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Guanajuato is in extreme celebratory mode. The streets are packed and everyone is flooding in to celebrate 200 years of Independence. Since many folks don’t work this week, they’re spending it here in Guanajuato, including these dancers from Oaxaca who were performing next to Teatro Juarez.
One thing I can’t understand, however, is why one of the most historical landmarks of the fight for Independence, la Alhóndiga, is closed this week?!
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
The video has generated some wonderful responses. Thanks for all the positive feedback and support! I even heard from a woman living in the States who used to live at Buen Pastor. Pretty amazing how the Internet makes the world a smaller, connected place.
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 10, 2010 | 1 Comment »
I created this video for Vanessa as she and her school fundraise for Tere’s position.
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 9, 2010 | 1 Comment »
One thing that I’ve always appreciated about Buen Pastor is that everyone pulls their own weight. The women in the shelter take turns cooking, as do the madres. The girls share in all of the chores, even the little ones. Last week, Dianita and Magali had kitchen duty. After everyone finishes, they clean up.
Last year, I asked the older girls what were some of the positives and negatives about having two homes: Buen Pastor during the week and family on the weekends. I was surprised to hear that they appreciated their chores. Monica shared that most of her friends had no idea how to clean a home. But thanks to Buen Pastor, they know how to pick up after themselves.
Posted in GTO, tagged Vignette on September 7, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
The wind creeps down a dark and empty Guanajuato Blvd wrapping his arms around lamposts and running his fingers through the leaves of every tree. He’s drunk on the night and obscurity.
Posted in GTO on September 6, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
All the new girls have been added to the foster care page, at least the English version. I’m constantly thinking of prizes and rewards for girls who get good grades, do well on exams, and are good sports. I think I’m going to start giving them their own photos. For example, wouldn’t Kasandra want this photo of herself? She’s gorgeous. They all are.
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Little Allie can’t pronounce her Rs yet. Madre Berta is trying to teach her how to say Terrrre.
Tele?
No, says Madre Berta: Terrrrre.
Tele!
CODA: Madre Berta hates having her picture taken. She seldom allows it. But when I told her it was for Tere, she said “shoot at your own risk and hope your camera doesn’t break.” Au contraire, Madre Berta, thou art more lovely and more temperate than a summer’s day.
Posted in Buen Pastor on September 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
I interviewed the last of the girls today, turned the rope, helped with homework and snapped 148 photos. I hope to select some of these to create a video that will help us fundraise for Tere’s social work. She bridges the girls’ very disparate worlds of Buen Pastor and family. She also does about a million other things like take girls to the doctor, attend parent meetings at school, and make sure everyone has what they need. The government did not fund her position this year. Yet, she continues to show up in the morning and put in a 12 hour day. We are all in faith mode right now. Tere is indispensable.
Posted in GTO on September 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Cerrada de San Sebastían has been awarded the best conserved and cleanest street in Guanajuato. There’s a framed certificate hanging from one of the homes. If you walk down this street, the temple below will be on your left side as you pass the tree.
