March 10, 2009 - Into a Routine

Wake up at 6:30 am wth a neghbors rooster giving a back up call. For the next two hours, I enjoy a couple cups of tea, a bowl of oatmeal, shower, and complete homework.

Each day, I try a different route on my ten minute walk to school. Unlike most Latin American cities, Tlaquepaque's sidewalks are in pretty good shape. I arrive at 8:55 and wonder where eveyone else might be....classes start at 9:00. Nine oclock comes and goes......and then people trickle in. I must readjust my mindset to Mexican time.

Class discussion only reminds me of what I do not know. This time at school, I am not very serious about learning Spanish. I pass the time with pleasant conversation in espanol. I did learn a few things.....one is very important. The word "que" means "what". I have known that for fifty plus years. What I did not know was that it is RUDE to say "que" to someone when you did not hear what he said or did not understand. I always reply with"que" under those circumstances. Instead I should reply "mande" The other bit of trivia is that the word for "popcorn" is "palomitas" (little doves). I like that....picturing the popping corn as little birds flying.

Ceramics Worksh0p - continue to work with the tiles that I poured yesterday. They needed to sanded down so edges and tops are smooth. The back of tile intentionally has ridges so that adhesive will adhere. Next step is more fun......the painting of the tiles. All of a sudden, I need to come up with a design. Should have planned ahead. Cobie suggested that I use the design of the "Guatemalan Girls" that I have on my necklace. So that was the subject of my first tiles.

I did not feel that I was given enough instruction....or perhaps it was not necessary. I want to know what the paint is made of, cann I cover yellow with blue to make green?? And am I using enough of it. I was pretty much on my own. Their brushes are far from good. Hard to make exact lines or details. Oh well, I wanted to learn the process and tomorrow is another day.

10:15 pm......This is the latest that I have stayed out. Kate, Karin, Connie, Barbara, and Malia, came by for a visit and we went across the street and ate dinner at La Unica. Had their pozole
again....this time with the traditional pork instead of chicken. It was good....but, I think that I prefer pozole witgh chicken. Took a walk around town and then enjoyed Margaritas at El Nahual. They have a cello and piano duo each evening after nine o'clock. It was not Mexican music...but, I enjoyed listening.

Said goodnight to my friends. They will take a taxi back to Guadalajara and I walked three blocks home. It feels very safe and comfortable to walk around the neighborhood at night. Not many people out ....but, those who are seem to be families.

My friends have rented a car and will go to Lake Chapala and Ajijic tomorrow. They have reservations for a couple of days and then will explore further. They will be back in Tlaquepaque for the nights of March 19 and 20., and will stay at the nearby La Luna Hotel.

Buenos noches, mis amigos y amigas.