By the second week in Mexico I felt that I had really acclimated well to the new culture and so was free to begin moving around and transverse with the people of Puebla even more. During my fourth week in Mexico I got to do a lot of things that I had not expected to be able to do.
During that week I went out several nights in a row to the Central area of town. Because of our incredible host family I was introduced to several people my own age, most of whom I saw at least twice more on social occasions. I think that is one thing that makes this such a good experience because I am actually able to interact with people my own age here as well as students and adults, all of whom have different perspectives on Mexico and with whom I interact differently.
On one particular night, I accompanied Mario and his friend Monica to an event known as Lucha Libre. You might recognize the event, if not that name, as Mexican Professional Wrestling. I'm not sure which one was invented first (American or Mexican wrestling) but I do know which one I prefer: Lucha Libredores. The action was much faster than in the United States with hardly any pauses in the fights at all. Another plus was that because of the size of the arena in which they were fighting, the wrestlers were almost forced to interact with the crowd.
They needed little persuasion though and there were multiple examples of the wrestlers evading one another by running through the crowd. This was a really great cultural experience in its own right, but was made even more interesting as I was leaving the arena because I heard English, German and I am pretty sure Italian all being spoken just in the short walk to the stairs. I this was really interesting that people who may not speak very much Spanish could still enjoy this event that was entirely in that language. I was once again the foreigner, something that I had never been to this extent in my life.
Another exciting part of this week was staying after school to participate in an after school art class. Miss Laura was just incredible. I do not know if I will be able to finish my art work or not before I leave, but I am excited to try it. Several of the parents of our sixth grade students are also taking this art class and I know that they have enjoyed getting to know us a little bit more. One parent in particular has been very inviting to us and I happily practice English with her on the occasions she is there.
This week is flying by faster than I can imagine and at this time I only have another 2 weeks before I head back to the states!
The Christmas decorations are set up in the Central with large lit piñatas hanging from many of the large streets such as Cinco de Mayo.
I will be home soon.
