¡Me encanta guacamole!

Hello all. Sorry it has been such a long time. Here is the short story. We are filled with class everyday, usually going to museums and whatnot after classes, then I come home and eat, take a siesta, then hang out in Guanajuato. For a grade (yes, I am still in school here) I have to write everyday in a journal talking about observations and experiences (in Spanish), write six compositions, a final essay, particiátion and an oral presentation with my roommate. In other words, they keep us busy here.

Other than the school work, it is fun just walking around a foreign city, listening and speaking Spanish and getting lost. I love exploring and wwalking around. I feel that is the best way to learn about a new city.

We just got back from a four day excursion in Michoacán, which is about three hours away by bus. The first day there we stayed in cabins. They weren{t the best cabins, but it was a very good cultural experience. The little town we stayed in was so small and they had their own indiginous language. It was very interesating. The next day, we rode on horses for seven hours to a volcano. I know, how random. It was pretty fun, accept I was complaining the whole way becuase the stirrup was rubbing oin my ankle the whole time there. That was pretty uncomfortable. Some of the group climbed to the top of the volcano by foot, but I stayed behind with this girl and we took an hour nap. That was refreshing. After the whole group came down, we rode back and this time it was more fun. Thank God that the stirrup felt better because that made the ride so much easier. Also on the way there, the horses trotted more than galloped, so it was very bumpy. I think my stirrups were either too long or too short becuase my butt was hitting that saddle like a car going over 84 consecutive speedbumps. And these owners of these horses gave us no instructions. So all these college students who have never riden horses before are going on a seven hour ride without instructions. It was very interesting. But the way back was more fun because the galloped and it was smoother of a run that trotting than walking.

The other days were pretty fun too. We went to another city in Michoacán and styaed two nights in a hotel. We had time to walk around the city and free time to ourselves. I got back last night around 9 o{clock and today we went to a waterpark. Fun.

Only six more days and I will be back. The time flies when you{re speaking Spanish. See you all in less than a week.

Last night in the U.S.

Well, one more night in my own bed, then I am off to Mexico. I am pretty excited, just working on some last minute packing. It's too bad because my flight leaves at 6:50 tomorrow morning, so we have to meet two hours early, at 4:50. So now that we live in Oak Grove, who knows how long it takes to get to the airport...I think an hour or so. Oh well, I guess I feel more bad for my parents that they have to get up that early because they still have to go to a full day's of work, and I know I will sleep on the plane ;)

I am looking over our tentative schedule, and it turns out we really only meet 12 days for class, which is pretty cool because we have time to ourselves on the weekends and one excursion we are making to Puebla, which is a couple hours away (I'm not really sure in what direction). So, I will earn four credits and be back by June 6. We won't be taking classes in the University. Instead, two Spanish instructors are coming with us from UMD and are going to teach on the rooftop of the hotel they are staying in. We meet there for about two hours then leave to tour the city, usually going to mueseums and to the theatre.

The students (about 18 of us from UMD) are staying with host families. I have a roommate who I actually worked with at Target when I was 16. It was by coincidence that we were both going on the same study abroad trip, so we thought it would be fun to room together. Also, all the students are on the same flight, which is way different from last time because I was responsible for finding my own transportation to Spain. So I think this way will be a little less stressful. Well, I should finish packing, and then my parents and I are eating dinner. For some reason, I am starving. So I better fuel up on my last bit of American food before I start eating tacos, refried beans and quesadillas along with margaritas and coronas!!!!...with lemons :)

Another Study Abroad Experience

Well, as the school year is ending, I am preparing myself for another study abroad. This time it is in Guanajuato, Mexico (just north of Mexico City) and it is only for three weeks. I leave May 19 and return June 6.

Just tonight I found out where I was living. I am living with a host family with a friend of mine from UMD. He actually worked with me at Target when I was 16. He first went to a community college in Iowa and later transfered to UMD. It was by coincidence that we were both accpeted to this study abroad, so we decided to room together. The only confusing thing is that his name is Andrew too, so our host mom will have a fun time with that.

I am trying to figure out what I need to pack. The weather is pretty nice down there, between 80 and 90 degrees. A drastic change from Minnesotan weather. Too bad my city isn't on the coast by a beach, but hopefully I can make it there.

That's about all I have for now. Hopefully I can write on here often. I am debating whether I will keep a physical journal, or use this as a journal so I can keep you all informed. I probably won't write much before I leave, but hopefully often when I am there. Thanks for reading.