Well I am stuck in the school library due to a thunderstorm…so I thought it would be a good time to update my blog. They say that you learn a lot about yourself when you study/travel abroad, which I have found to be very true. Something that I found out about myself is that I would much rather go to coffee with all ya’ll individually and describe my trip rather than try and explain it through this blog I just can’t explain how hard it is to try and capture my experiences in a few words via the internet. Anyways, since the last time I updated…
Rainy season has started which has been a welcomed change. The rain has brought cooler temperatures…80s instead of the 100s. You can pretty much bet that there will be a thunder and lightening storm at least once a day now. I absolutely love falling asleep at night to the sound of rain on the roof and thunder in the distance.
The past two weeks have been really interesting because all the groups (from various US universities) that were here when my group got here are now gone. About a week and a half ago a bunch of new students arrived. The way that the university program is set up here is that there are 8 (I think) levels of Spanish that you can take, each level takes a month. So every four weeks some students leave and some new ones arrive. (APU’s program down here is different and specifically tailored to us…so we have something all together different). I now have a new housemate from Kansas. She is super sweet and I have absolutely loved getting to know her. Its just weird, because now I am the one who knows what is fun to do around here and which bus you take for which area and what not. It feels like just yesterday I was here having no idea how to get around or where I would want to get around to. It’s amazing what a matter of a few weeks will do!
I have probably said this in past posts…but I feel like I have been here for years. It’s only been six weeks but the amount that I have learned in such a short amount of time is insane…it totally blows my head. I literally feel like I am learning year’s worth in a matter of weeks! Yet, I still have so so much more to learn. I was very naïve in thinking that ten weeks in Mexico would leave me almost fluent in the language. Now I know to a further extent just how much there is to learn to become bilingual.
Hmm…what else…oh! I went to the zoo on Sunday! It was so much fun. I spent about $6.50 for an all day pass with a safari ride included! Such a good deal! Three other girls from my group and I spent about seven hours wandering around…I posted some pictures from our adventure. On the safari ride we got to feed giraffes from our very own hands!!! And then there was this special area in the zoo where you got to feed monkeys and have them climb up on your shoulders! What a great day.
Although I am learning and experiencing so many new things…there is a lot that remains the same. People are still people. I know that sounds trivial/simple and I guess I can’t even really explain what I mean exactly. I have seen people laugh, cry, mourn and rejoice. It has been confirmed to me even more by being down here that we all were created by the same God. It has been so amazing to see how the truths of God span all differences.
Alright, that’s all that comes to mind immediately. I apologize for my writing capabilities (or lack there of). At times, I feel like the pursuit of becoming bilingual has caused me to speak/use two languages poorly. I am sure that I have thrown in some Spanish grammar rules with my English…sorry!
PS: I updated the past posted link with pictures and created a new album as well…here is the url:
http://apu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034364&l=8e61b&id=56902051
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
more pictures
Here is another album full of pictures! The last album url I posted is full...so this is the new one! check this link often because I update it frequently!
http://apu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033135&l=169a5&id=56902051
http://apu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033135&l=169a5&id=56902051
Monday, June 4, 2007
Its been awhile...
Alright, so I just about finished a blog and it got erased...so I am not quite sure if this will be exact...but its a quick attempt at posting something. Sorry that I haven't updated in a couple weeks. I have been experiencing so many things here and the thought of trying to communicate all those things to you guys is overwhelming. I just got back from Puerto Vallarta...which was amazing! We stayed at a resort where our rooms were as close to the beach as you can get! And...we had an all inclusive package which meant we wore these braceletes around and pretty much got whatever food and drinks that we wanted. Alright, well I think I will just write some random facts/experiences.
-They don't flush toilet paper here...yeah...they have trash cans right beside the toilets. I'll just leave it at that.
-Everyday I walk past about five different guys with huge rifles! There are security guards posted outside of every bank or expensive store. They always are holding rifles literally about 2-3 feet long...it still freaks me out to walk by them.
-Bus rides are here are like cheap disney roller coaster rides.
-Mexican men will call you all sorts of different names as you walk by but will almost always let you onto the bus first.
-Everyone greets each other with a kiss on the cheek.
-Papayas here are bigger than my head.
-Baking is pretty much unheard of. If you want cookies, you buy them premade. I wanted to make cookies for my family here... so I went to this huge grocery store only to find three bags of chocolate chips which were six dollars each!
-Pedestrian right away means nothing.
-Starbucks might be more popular here than in the US (just maybe).
-They have a completely different concept of food sanitation...at the grocery store all the eggs and milk are unrefrigerated. Weird.
-In Mexican Spanish phrases using the word "padre" (dad) always mean something cool and good and phrases using the word "padre" (mom) are almost aways bad and/or crass. A lot of my friends here say "que padre" which means "how cool" if the something similar were said using madre...it would be highly offensive. Interesting.
That is all that comes to mind immediately. I will try to do a better job of updating! Hope everyone is doing well!
-They don't flush toilet paper here...yeah...they have trash cans right beside the toilets. I'll just leave it at that.
-Everyday I walk past about five different guys with huge rifles! There are security guards posted outside of every bank or expensive store. They always are holding rifles literally about 2-3 feet long...it still freaks me out to walk by them.
-Bus rides are here are like cheap disney roller coaster rides.
-Mexican men will call you all sorts of different names as you walk by but will almost always let you onto the bus first.
-Everyone greets each other with a kiss on the cheek.
-Papayas here are bigger than my head.
-Baking is pretty much unheard of. If you want cookies, you buy them premade. I wanted to make cookies for my family here... so I went to this huge grocery store only to find three bags of chocolate chips which were six dollars each!
-Pedestrian right away means nothing.
-Starbucks might be more popular here than in the US (just maybe).
-They have a completely different concept of food sanitation...at the grocery store all the eggs and milk are unrefrigerated. Weird.
-In Mexican Spanish phrases using the word "padre" (dad) always mean something cool and good and phrases using the word "padre" (mom) are almost aways bad and/or crass. A lot of my friends here say "que padre" which means "how cool" if the something similar were said using madre...it would be highly offensive. Interesting.
That is all that comes to mind immediately. I will try to do a better job of updating! Hope everyone is doing well!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
pics
http://apu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031978&l=ad4b1&id=56902051
here is a link to some pictures. i didn't have a lot of time to upload them and they take forever! so i have a lot more...but here is a preview at least!
here is a link to some pictures. i didn't have a lot of time to upload them and they take forever! so i have a lot more...but here is a preview at least!
Week 1
Week one complete! Wow, it has felt like I have been here for A LOT longer than a week. Yesterday I went into downtown Guadalajara and looked around "el centro historico" (the historic center). I am working on uploading some pictures. It was absolutely gorgeous! I walked around a cathedral that was built in 1716, incredible! And I was actually able to attend the last part of mass. Downtown Guadalajara is so full of history is very colonial in appearance.
After admiring some of the buildings, my friends and I decided to go the mercado libertad, which is the biggest outside market in town...words cannot express. To say that I was overwhelmed while I was there...would be an understatement. There were thousands and thousands of vendors constantly asking what you were looking for, showing you their merchandise and trying to give you a bargain. What I thought was really funny were the dvds that were being sold. I could have bought Shrek 3 (which isn't even out in the theaters!). Lets just say that there was a lot being sold in the markets that you just shouldn't ask where it came from :) I think more than anything it was fun just to people watch!
Like I said earlier, it feels like I have been here for so much longer than a week. I have learned SO much...it seems surreal. The people here in Guadalajara are so nice. I have had to ask directions so many different times and people have gladly stopped to help. I don't know if this is true of all Mexico, but at least here Guadalajara appearance is VERY important (I am in a pretty rich part of town). Almost everywhere you go, people are dressed to impress. My senora was telling me that people pretty much assume that you bathe at least once a day. It is very common for people to take 2 showers a day. And never before in my life have I seen so many nice cars! I asked Courtney (our APU coordinator who has lived here for 3 years) about it and she said that because appearance is so important, people poor the majority of their money into their cars...because thats what you see more so than houses. It is so strange to walk down the street and see an average looking house...and then a mercedes or a hummer in the drive way. Like I said, I live in a nice area of town...it even applies to my school! To get on to the university campus you have to have a UAG photo id...otherwise you won't be let in!
I am exhausted from all that I have learned and experienced in such a short amount of time. This is mental exhaustion like I have never experienced before. Please keep me in your prayers!
PS: I just have to share one of the funniest terms that I have learned so far; "un taco de ojo" which literally translates into "a taco of the eye". One could equate the saying with our English phrase "eye candy" haha! Everyday Senora asks me if I have seen any :)
After admiring some of the buildings, my friends and I decided to go the mercado libertad, which is the biggest outside market in town...words cannot express. To say that I was overwhelmed while I was there...would be an understatement. There were thousands and thousands of vendors constantly asking what you were looking for, showing you their merchandise and trying to give you a bargain. What I thought was really funny were the dvds that were being sold. I could have bought Shrek 3 (which isn't even out in the theaters!). Lets just say that there was a lot being sold in the markets that you just shouldn't ask where it came from :) I think more than anything it was fun just to people watch!
Like I said earlier, it feels like I have been here for so much longer than a week. I have learned SO much...it seems surreal. The people here in Guadalajara are so nice. I have had to ask directions so many different times and people have gladly stopped to help. I don't know if this is true of all Mexico, but at least here Guadalajara appearance is VERY important (I am in a pretty rich part of town). Almost everywhere you go, people are dressed to impress. My senora was telling me that people pretty much assume that you bathe at least once a day. It is very common for people to take 2 showers a day. And never before in my life have I seen so many nice cars! I asked Courtney (our APU coordinator who has lived here for 3 years) about it and she said that because appearance is so important, people poor the majority of their money into their cars...because thats what you see more so than houses. It is so strange to walk down the street and see an average looking house...and then a mercedes or a hummer in the drive way. Like I said, I live in a nice area of town...it even applies to my school! To get on to the university campus you have to have a UAG photo id...otherwise you won't be let in!
I am exhausted from all that I have learned and experienced in such a short amount of time. This is mental exhaustion like I have never experienced before. Please keep me in your prayers!
PS: I just have to share one of the funniest terms that I have learned so far; "un taco de ojo" which literally translates into "a taco of the eye". One could equate the saying with our English phrase "eye candy" haha! Everyday Senora asks me if I have seen any :)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Day 4
Day 4
Well, I have officially completed my first day of classes at UAG...and I am basically expecting my GPA to take a hit :) The classes are going to be very very challenging, but will really push me in my abilities to use the language. I am enrolled in:
*Latin American Civilization
*Advanced Spanish Composition
*Advanced Spanish-Conversational
All my classes are conducted in Spanish with professors who don't speak English. It will be interesting!
I live about 10-15 minutes away from school with a widow "Senora" and a Mexican student "Betti". They are both super super nice and have already helped me a lot with my Spanish. Senora won't let me do any work around the house. If I try to wash the dishes she tells me (in Spanish) "No, you did not come here to work you came here to study." And oh my goodness, the food is amazing! I am totally spoiled. I think every single meal that I have had so far...breakfast, lunch and dinner have all had beans in some form :) I have a room to myself with a walk in closet and I share a balcony with Betti.
Some facts about Guadalajara:
-They use the metric system
-They use military time
-If you are a girl and not whistled at while walking down the street...you should be worried.
-The driving is crazy!!! I thought LA was bad.
-Pedestrians have no right-away.
-People smoke everywhere and anywhere.
-Soccer is everywhere and anywhere-Josh you would love it.
...more to come!
Kaitlyn
PS: One of the most akward moments of my life: on our tour of the university we walked through the cafeteria and literally about 50 guys stood up, clapped, whistled, cat-called for our group of 9 girls.
Well, I have officially completed my first day of classes at UAG...and I am basically expecting my GPA to take a hit :) The classes are going to be very very challenging, but will really push me in my abilities to use the language. I am enrolled in:
*Latin American Civilization
*Advanced Spanish Composition
*Advanced Spanish-Conversational
All my classes are conducted in Spanish with professors who don't speak English. It will be interesting!
I live about 10-15 minutes away from school with a widow "Senora" and a Mexican student "Betti". They are both super super nice and have already helped me a lot with my Spanish. Senora won't let me do any work around the house. If I try to wash the dishes she tells me (in Spanish) "No, you did not come here to work you came here to study." And oh my goodness, the food is amazing! I am totally spoiled. I think every single meal that I have had so far...breakfast, lunch and dinner have all had beans in some form :) I have a room to myself with a walk in closet and I share a balcony with Betti.
Some facts about Guadalajara:
-They use the metric system
-They use military time
-If you are a girl and not whistled at while walking down the street...you should be worried.
-The driving is crazy!!! I thought LA was bad.
-Pedestrians have no right-away.
-People smoke everywhere and anywhere.
-Soccer is everywhere and anywhere-Josh you would love it.
...more to come!
Kaitlyn
PS: One of the most akward moments of my life: on our tour of the university we walked through the cafeteria and literally about 50 guys stood up, clapped, whistled, cat-called for our group of 9 girls.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The First Blog of my Life!
To my family and friends-
Many of you have asked for emails with updates and pictures while I am down in Mexico- I created this blog in response. I don't know exactly how much internet access I will have at UAG, but I will attempt to keep everyone posted on life down there via this site.
To those of you who aren't quite sure what I am doing...I will be attending classes at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara (http://www.uag.mx/) for 9 weeks. I leave in two days (May 12th) and will be down there till the very end of July. I will be in three classes all concentrating on Spanish. By the end of the summer, I will have completed 3/4 of my Spanish minor! I am doing this study abroad program through APU and there are 10 of us going. We are the guinea pigs though! They have never done this trip before. The details are pretty vague but I do know that I will be living with a single lady whose name is Isabel. It will be an adventure!
I will do my best to keep you all updated!
Oh, and the title of this blog "Ciudad de las Rosas" (City of Roses) is one of Guadalajara's nicknames.
Con amor (with love),
Kaitlyn
PS: Tequila and Mariachi were invented in Jalisco...some cool random facts :)
PSS: And I was looking at the wrong school when I told some of you that UAG was founded in 1792...so just disregard that info...oops!
Many of you have asked for emails with updates and pictures while I am down in Mexico- I created this blog in response. I don't know exactly how much internet access I will have at UAG, but I will attempt to keep everyone posted on life down there via this site.
To those of you who aren't quite sure what I am doing...I will be attending classes at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara (http://www.uag.mx/) for 9 weeks. I leave in two days (May 12th) and will be down there till the very end of July. I will be in three classes all concentrating on Spanish. By the end of the summer, I will have completed 3/4 of my Spanish minor! I am doing this study abroad program through APU and there are 10 of us going. We are the guinea pigs though! They have never done this trip before. The details are pretty vague but I do know that I will be living with a single lady whose name is Isabel. It will be an adventure!
I will do my best to keep you all updated!
Oh, and the title of this blog "Ciudad de las Rosas" (City of Roses) is one of Guadalajara's nicknames.
Con amor (with love),
Kaitlyn
PS: Tequila and Mariachi were invented in Jalisco...some cool random facts :)
PSS: And I was looking at the wrong school when I told some of you that UAG was founded in 1792...so just disregard that info...oops!
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