De donde eres?

The phrase "De donde eres?" translates to "Where are you from/what nationality are you?"  Being in the lowest level of Spanish classes at CIS has exposed me to this question, as it is one of the basic questions in the Spanish language.  I find it to be ironic, however, that it is one of the first questions that I've learned to ask others, especially because I am studying abroad in such a different country compared to the U.S.  In reflecting upon this question, I have realized some of the most basic amentities that I take for granted in America, in addition to seeing how others are able to lead their lives based on a completely different culture and, somehow, are able to exist!

I know I stated before about how I've longed for my blowdryer, but, besides that, I feel that I haven't gone into much depth about the differences between Mexico (as seen in Merida, at least) and the United States.  If you have talked to me online or on the phone, you know about the many catcalls that come from Mexicans as anyone (females AND males) walk down the street.  Although it still makes me feel a sense of anger when I hear it, I have heard from my teachers at CIS that it is simply a form of flattery in Mexican culture and is not used to belittle females.  My preconception of such catcalls was seen, in my mind, as it would be by most American females; I felt as though I was getting attention as a piece of "meat" and was considering it to be using my self-worth as a target.  Because it has been brought to my attention that this is not their intention, in addition to the fact that none of the men that have yelled/whistled at me have acted upon it, I feel as though I'm beginning to accept it more.

In following through with the idea of acceptation, I feel as though my past travels to various countries throughout the world has opened my eyes to a number of cultures and has allowed me to take many of the obstacles I have faced thus far as simply learning experiences rather than hindrances.  I have heard many times that students studying abroad are often faced with a sense of "culture shock," especially within the first three weeks of being abroad.  As this is my second week in Mexico, and I have yet to feel any sense of such "shock," I feel that I can contribute my ability to adjust to my past experiences throughout the world with my family.  Also, because this is my third time in Mexico, I feel that I had more or a sense of the Mexican lifestyle, although it is my first time here without my family, which does make things a bit more complicated. 

Without my family here to tell me that things are "okay," I have felt myself step back and reflect many times about what I was seeing.  For example, I was reminded about the sense of uncertainty about the public transportation bus drivers here this morning as I was on one of the same busses that I was on before; the only reason I know this is because the driver was reading the newspaper while driving again, which quickly reminded me of one of my days last week when I was on his bus!  Normally, on vacation with my family, my mom and dad would assure my brother and I that we'd be okay if we saw something like this but, now that it is just me, I have to reassure myself because I do not have them here to depend on. 

As I find more things to reflect upon and share with you, I will definitely do so!  Now, I'm just going to go through my past two days because I haven't had time to blog!

The past two days have been solely devoted to studying.  Tuesday morning, we had a quix on the taxonomy of birds, which was quite challenging to study for, but I think that I did fine.  Today, we had our first Spanish exam, which counts for 25% of my grade because our Spanish course only lasts until next Friday (which is when my final is!!).  Besides studying, not much has happened.  I was able to talk to my crazy friend Meaghan on the phone two days ago, which was great because I haven't been able to talk to her and I really missed just being able to vent/talk/laugh with her!  I also talked with my parents both days, which I always enjoy :-D ! 

Yesterday, to review for our exam, we played a Yucateca game called "Loteria," which is similar to BINGO but involves Spanish and Mayan words rather than simply numbers.  Valentina, my Spanish teacher, told us that this is a traditional game in Mexico, and that during hot days, parents will have their children play this game at mid-day so that the kids are not outside playing in the heat!  It has been a game played traditionally at family functions, as well, for many decades here in Mexico.  I really enjoyed playing this game not only because it helped me to review for my exam I had today, but because it exposed me to a bit more of the traditions of Mexico!

Today, after our exam, we learned more of the past tense of verbs (yes, its only week two and we're already on past tense...it's just so fast!).  I think that I'm beginning to enjoy Spanish a bit more now that we're learning verbs because I'm beginning to be able to express myself more to others in Spanish!  In culture class, we learned the history of panuchos, which is a traditional and economical Mexican dish.  It started out as a dish for a guest at a restaurant who was very picky and wanted something made only from "Restos de comida," or left-overs.  The restaurant owner made a dish which the guest loved.  Because he loved it so much, he asked for the name of it but, because the owner had made it simply through his creativity, he did not have a name.  The guest asked for the owner's name, which was Jesus, but his nickname was Chucho.  From his nickname, the guest called the dish "Pan de Chucho," which later developed into "Panuchos."  Essentially, two tortillas are fried with refried beans inbetween them, so that the beans are contained inbetween the two fried together tortillas.  Refried beans are placed ontop of the tortilla, along with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and onion.  We were all able to help make the dish, in addition to taste-testing it!  It was alot of fun, and the food was really good.  I hope that I can continue to experience such cultural aspects of Mexico to further enhance my study abroad experience! :-D

Now, I'm going to go study before I go out with some of my classmates to "Mambo Cafe" tonight, which is a salsa dance club!  It should be alot of fun, and I'll be sure to write about it tomorrow!

Hastas mena! 

Love,

-Ashley