So true to form, I'm feeling a bit lazy and slackerish and figured that updating my un-updated blog sounded like the perfect way to get me into the study mood. A lot has happened, as would be expected, but I have this weird quirk where if I've already typed up a story to tell someone on some form of electronic correspondence, I don't want to write it again. So I'm sorry if every event does not become documented here. I know, I know. You, my devoted audience and blog groupies, are probably upset by this fact. And, knowing you all to be a rather rambunctious bunch, I will be even so kind as to supply the name of my scapegoat; Stephen [otherwise known as Freeman by my family]. You can blame him for savagely stealing my story-writing will and essence. :)
In recent months I've become rather fond of lists. They have the uncanny ability to provide necessary, fun, and otherwise useful information in a quick and timely manner. And since I'm so fond of them, I thought I'd just share a few:
Things I've learned being in Mexico:
* Did you know that cough drops were a nice after-meal mint/candy?
-Don't worry, I just found out too.
*If the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and there's a 60 degree (Fahrenheit) windchill, get out your finest winter wear, because it's January in Monterrey, Mexico, and that's what everyone will be wearing.
*Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.- Remember that joke in elementary school that goes: Do you like sea food? --proceed to open your mouth to reveal an unpleasant sight of slightly masticated food-- See food! you get it? hahaha, classic stuff, right? Well anyway, another American friend and I were teaching this to our Spanish friend and he started laughing after the first question. Thinking he wasn't understanding, we proceeded to ask why. He protested telling us, saying that Americans were "too soft" and couldn't handle it. Well I'm not one to typically back down from a challenge, so I told him to go ahead and explain. He did. Ewww is all I have to say. hahaha.
*If you pay to take part in a group tour offered by your university, don't be surprised when your tour guide and bus driver take the group out for some quality tequila time. Yes, I'm pretty sure the idea of a "designated driver" does not hold much sway down here. Also, fresh tequila will be served for free as part of your early morning museum visit.*Also, while taking part in said tour, don't expect to actually leave when you are scheduled to. Show up about 15 to 20 minutes late, and you'll still be ready 15 minutes before your tour guide and bus drivers are.
*Don't expect any handrails on the steepest and most difficult parts of the pyramid of the sun. Apparently "accidental" tourist sacrifice is the goal.
*Watch where you're walking on campus, you just might walk into a completely passive deer, peacock, or squirrel; literally.
*Don't take pictures inside OR outside of pet shops. They don't want proof of animal mistreatment.
*Expect some professors to show up late everyday, and others to start on 'nazi' time. There is no happy medium. You just have to learn.
*If a class description says "No prerequisites" ... it has prerequisites. Don't be fooled into thinking they will teach you everything you need to know. They will assume you know it all already.
*Take a nice handful of kleenex and at least 10 pesos with you when you travel. You will need them, I promise.
*Don't be shocked when you walk into a bus lavatory and have a nice scenic view of the city through the rather large window situated just beside the toilet. It just motivation to "get 'er done" before anyone else can see what you got ;)*Be wary of mid-life, former carnival workers at church dances. They like gringas, and probably had a gringa girlfriend about 15 years ago. Also, if they offer you jewelry, it's best to decline.
*Germans like to put mormons in "death holes". (Don't worry. This one isn't literal.)
Hahaha, well these are just a few of the things that I've learned since moving here. I know they may seemingly have a generally negative tone, but don't worry, I'm having tons of fun and these just come from some of the most entertaining things that have happened.
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