Sierra Chincua 2.15.09

We visited the state of Michoacon and one of the Monarch Butterfly Reserves there. I could never have imagined so many butterflies in one space, it felt like a dream. They migrate yearly to these areas from November to February. Hiking and horseback riding through tranquil forests are something so foreign to us in the city, it was beyond a welcoming experience. I could never imagine being surrounded by thousands of butterflies, and how the silence of one turns into a rustling murmur when thousands of them descend from one tree to another. It was an experience like no other and unable to describe because my words would never do it justice. The wonder of nature never ceases to amaze me.

Xochimilco

Try to say that! We spent the day in 'The Venice of Mexico City'. It was a beautiful day and the weather s finally warming up. There were vibrant flowers blooming all along the canals, and boats filled with people... We were on our own private boat-ooh-la-la. There were boats full of Mariachis playing along the canals, and if the price was right, they would attach their boats to yours and play for you. Its funny how different things are in a society where they aren't 'sue crazy'. Boats bumped, kids dangled their arms and legs overboard, and random chairs were scattered on the boat as the gondolier paddled us around. Its amazing how big this city is and how much there is to see. I think you could live your life in its entirety here and never see all the amazing things Mexico has to see.

"Peligrosa" de la Cuesta-We feared for our lives! :)

Between the humpback whales breaching (very cool, the first time I have ever seen whales in the wild), stingrays jumping, colts galloping on the beach, clear water and warm weather, it was an average weekend. We returned to Pie de la Cuesta for a second trip. The worst part about going is coming back home. The beach was more or less empty and we spent the days snorkeling, sunbathing, and swaying in hammocks. We went to see the famous cliffdivers in Acapulco. It was impressive to see, but difficult to photograph. And although there is so much to see here in Mexico, I have a feeling there will be another visit one of these days back to Pie de la Cuesta for some much needed rest and relaxation.

Peligrosa=Dangerous=An inside joke... We promise to share it sometime...

Mexico City Zoo

We took a tour through the zoo, even though I am still not sure if I support zoos or hate zoos. The animals here seemed to have a lot of space (for a zoo) to roam around. The place was packed! Mexico often has most of its attractions for free, or next to free and the citizens definitely take advantage of it. The zoo was free, museums are often free, or close to being free. (there is one that costs about the equivalence of 14 cents :)- ) It was a beautiful day...

We continue to adjust every day to Mexico, some days are better than others, as I guess that holds true anywhere. We go back and forth trying to figure out if we will stay or not. I guess time will only tell. But until we know what the future holds, we keep enjoying all the things we possibly can while here. We have some plans, like Oaxaca for Spring Break and the beach next weekend. Also, we are going to Carnaval in February in a town close by. So if we're not doing anything else, we are keeping ourselves busy.

Tlaltizapan Morelos

I chaperoned my students to camp, or at least their version of camp. I'm not going to lie, it is my favorite kind of camping, in a beautiful hotel away from the students! They stayed in cabins with their counselors, so I got to go along for the ride. Poor Jake had to stay home. :( It was the first time in a long time I got to just read or take walks around the springs, or write in my journal with no need to be anywhere or no one expecting me to be. Well, except during the meal-times... It was a great getaway, I only hope there are more 'field trips' to come.

Stay tuned, Carnaval in 2 weeks!!!

San Miguel Allende

So we were lucky enough to have a puente this weekend so off we went to San Miguel Allende, which is apparently a very popular destination for US retirees... There was more English spoken there than Spanish...
Nonetheless. It was beautiful with the most amazing church I think I have ever seen. The weather was perfect, warm during the day and cool at night (alright, maybe it was cold at night). And there were fireworks at the church, I'm guessing to celebrate Dia de Guadalupe (the reason for our puente). We enjoyed relaxing away from the city, good friends and good food, both together quickly becoming our favorite pasttimes...

A Surprise Visit, A Birthday Present and a Mexican Christmas Tree

SO it has been awhile, and nothing new has really been going on. Jake and I did sneak home for Florida (dont be mad, ya'll) to surprise my parents, no one knew we were coming except us. A quick 3 hour flight and we came from Mexico City to Florida... An easy flight for any prospective visitors...
We are going away this weekend, so look for a more exciting post and then we are on our way home for Christmas. Can you believe we are working on our 5th month already? Time flies when you are having fun...