Bienvenido a México!

            We’re finally here! Flights were delayed across the board and students were coming in from Monday through Friday, but we’re all here safe and sound. Most of us gathered at Casa Arnel on Monday night, then left for our retreat the next day. The orientation took place at El Encuentro, a beautiful retreat center outside of Oaxaca city. Our days here were spent getting introduced to each other, to the program, and to super delicious food. We also began our class with Oliver – Networks and Communities of Oaxaca. We heard from Kiado Cruz, a guest speaker who spoke to us about the values of indigenous communities in Oaxaca and Simon Sedillo who gave us a heavy yet inspirational recount about the issues Mexico faces with drugs, war, slavery, and human rights and activism.

            On Friday we left El Encuentro. We took a city tour from the bus to familiarize ourselves with the area that will be our home for the next three months. Afterward we stopped at the SURCO offices for a snack and a debrief of the retreat and city tour. From there we headed to Casa Arnel to pick up our luggage and meet our host families! They are all very nice. Everyone went downtown to the Zócalo to explore the city and eat dinner after settling into their homes. We all have wonderful feelings about the semester to come!

            Settling in with our home stay families was wicked exciting and helped us grasp that Oaxaca will be our home for the next three months. We have spent our first couple days in the city exploring and trying everything the city has to offer. The markets are amazing, the colors vibrant, the food incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the people extremely friendly. Also, the weather could not be better. Every day has been clear blue skies, sun, 80 degrees, with no humidity and a slight breeze. 

            

         We took our first field trip to Monte Albán on Saturday, where we explored Zapotec ruins and learned so much about the culture. It was hard to imagine that the ruins, which are really well preserved, were constructed around 500 BC. We returned to Oaxaca in time for Comida (a large lunch we have with our families around 3), a siesta (nap!), and more time explore Oaxaca by night. We can't wait to continue adventuring and learning!