Amazed, fascinated, enchanted, awed, I would even go as far as saying in love… Yes, that would be how I feel about this beautiful country. I have been told quite a few times that I had to be a Latina in my previous life, well I agree! I feel at home, Latin America is.
Way too often, we tend to only pay attention to what we hear and see in the news. Of course, I am not denying the violence that is caused by the war of the drugs that is going on in other states, but, this has got to be one of the most charming countries, because of its scenery, its fulfilled history, its culture, its architecture, its tradition but more importantly its people. The kindness of the people, the simplicity and joy of the children… no needs to say more, it says it all. Every day I am amazed by the truthfulness and authenticity of these children.
As much as sometimes the children just do not want to listen, I cannot be angry with them, after all, they are children and they are full of life (and they are just too fun and funny!)! They do go to school in the morning and early afternoon and not all children come to the center afterwards to do their homework and do different activities in math or sciences for example. So, really, I cannot blame them for being talkative and wanting to play, they do quite a bit of work (more than other children here)! But unfortunately, not all of them have the chance to come, because it is so worth it: it really helps the children. One particular student, I remember from when I started, she also just had started. She was very shy, very closed and to herself. A month later, she now reads in front of the group, plays with the others, have friends and talks to others sometimes during my class (this, to me, is just awesome)! She always comes to tell me words she knows in English and asks for more. She’s a great kid just like the others. I could share other observations, but we’d be here for a while!
Thus, I want to share with you three experiences I had this weekend. On Friday night, I went with a friend to a show done by children to celebrate the arrival of spring. Her child is five and she was in the show. It was a first for me as this kind of show, I had only seen in movies (or so it seems, of course at my elementary school we did shows, sang, dressed up, but it wasn’t the same). You know, the type of movie that children will make a show at school, all dressed up in animals, trees, flowers, etc? You know what I mean? Well, that’s what we watched and it was quite fun. There were different groups, dancing and lip singing to songs. A song with many cute little sheeps singing and dancing to a song… another one was flowers and little ducks… another one, white rabbits jumping around… and on and on. I enjoyed quite a bit!
On Saturday was the wedding of a girl at work and I had the chance to be invited. I mean, who would not want to assist to a Mexican wedding? Really? The ceremony at the church was quite similar to what we have, due to the same religion (ie. Catholic). They did put a rosary around the newly weds at the church and had the parents sitting next to them (which I haven’t seen before). Another interesting fact is that when it is time for the communion, only a handful of people actually do go to the communion. I was explained later that it is because the people believe that they can only accept the communion if they confessed before hand. I don’t think I need to tell you that religion takes a very important place in the Mexicans’ lives.
At the end of the ceremony, they gave us little bells and rice to throw at the couple. We were told that after all we were not allowed to throw it as it would make a mess… I think some did not get the memo because they threw it anyway. (By the way, if you ever get to throw rice, don’t throw it like a baseball, it really hurts. I speak by experience.) We then headed to the reception. I have to mention that this wedding would be in the middle class range (more towards higher class than lower). It was in a beautiful reception room which welcomed about 300 people (my rough estimation). The tables were beautifully done, with chandeliers with flowers, napkins with their initials, tequila shooters (presents for the invitees) and candies. The colour theme was burgundy and white. I won’t describe everything, because again, we’d be here for awhile.
But, I had my first live Mariachis experience. There were 9 of them, singing and playing music away. How amazing. I added to my list of things to buy: a cd of mariachis. The newly husband also sang to his newly wife. The food (chipotle cream, bread, spaghetti, rolled up meat with spinach and cheese, salad) was amazing, but by far the best thing had to be the cake. Imagine a light yet fresh and sumptuous piece of pineapple cake with just enough icing, not too sweet, just perfect. A piece of melting heaven in your mouth (I have to say that I had been craving cake since I have been here). We then danced the night away… A friend from work showed me a few dance steps (he takes dancing classes), so it was really fun. It is the kind of dance that you just do not want the song to end. So, the night ended really well with a mission to take classes when I get back to Ottawa.
On Sunday morning (March 22nd – World Water Day), we woke up with another kind of mission: to explore the waterfalls of Quetzalapan (about 15-20 minutes of drive outside of Zacatlan by bus, plus another 20 minutes of walking this time). It was a beautiful, sunny, warm but with a nice breeze kind of day (ie. Perfect). When arriving on site, a huge trampoline is on your right (only for children up to 8 years old, I was not happy) and facing you is a beautiful stream. Walking through, reminded me of Central Park in New York City (minus the little palm trees)…
A bridge made of rocks crosses over the stream. People are sitting on rocks, letting their feet enjoy the water. And then, comes the fun part. To see the waterfalls, you must go down stairs (I wanted to ask how many steps there were, but I forgot). Let’s just say that there were lots. On the way down, a man going back up said to us out of breath: “If you think going down is something, wait until you have to come back up!” After laughing jaune, we continued down to arrive to the old mill that used to produce electricity for the town. And then, there were no more stairs. All there were were rocks and a yellow rope to hold on to (a lady was in high hills, I am not sure how she managed). You go down a bit more, you start hearing the water, and you continue a bit more and then, out of nowhere appear to your left the beautiful waterfalls. My reaction was to literally drop my jaw open. I am not sure what I was expecting, of course waterfalls… but I was expecting something smaller I think. They are not the Iguazu or Niagara Falls, but they are definitely worth the detour. Sitting there on a rock, with the sun warming you up while the water drops of the waterfalls are cooling you down, was one of the most relaxing things I have ever done. The sound of the water, the trees, the nature, aw, that is what nature is all about. There was no other perfect way to spend this beautiful day of water. Then, came the time to turn back up… not the most fun part, but we managed! Plus, it was lunch time (about 2pm) and quesadillas and a big bottle of water were waiting for us on top!
I hope, that with what I have just shared with you, I have convinced you even just a little bit about how amazing the Mexican culture, the people, the nature is beautiful and worth seeing and living. Unfortunately, a lot of people are still not very conscious of the environment, as can witness the side of the roads. But, fortunately, it is becoming more and more popular, and ecotourism does exist.
