We made it to Mexico

Dec 7 - We love Guanajuato, but getting here had its ups and downs. Driving from Bend to Portland in a one-way rental car has some perks. A $27 price tag is nice, but the luck of the draw when it comes to car selection can be nail biting in early December with possible winter storms. Imagine my surprise when the “Compact” car selection was a Mitsubishi Spider convertible. We crammed ourselves and our luggage into that little tin can and luckily drove across Santiam pass on a bluebird day to enjoy an evening send off with friends and family before our early getaway. Thank you Amy and Don for sharing time and a drink, and thank you Lynette and Cam for a fine dinner and soft pillow (the picture shows family: Sam, Heather, Lynette, Cam, Jim, Conley, Anna).

Waking up at 3:30am to travel does not bode for a good night’s sleep, but our excitement about our destination kept us alert most of the day. Unfortunately due to new construction and confusion at the Mexico City Airport, we missed our connecting flight and in order to make it to Guanajuato had to pay for another ticket. Don’t ask, we’ve let it go. We arrived safely around 11:30pm and our host family was awake to greet us and show us to our room.

What a fine arrangement we have here. Fatima and Eddie (Dr. Ordonez) live just a few minute’s walk from our school. Our room is in a lower level of their home, much like our guest quarters at our house, so we feel like we have some private space. We have a desk, closet space, 2 beds, bathroom, and keys to the house to come and go as we please. They provide all meals and treat us like we are part of the family.

This morning after sleeping in until 8:30 and a hearty breakfast with Fatima, we wandered throughout the city acquainting ourselves with the sights, smells and sounds that we love so much here. The whistling grackles, street venders selling their wares, brilliant flowers, brightly painted buildings, and the familiar “Buenos dias” we exchange with everyone we pass. Sunny skies and temps in the 70’s make for a lovely afternoon. We enjoyed a free concert in the shade at the Jardin de Union, where we listened to a mostly brass ensemble play classical, pops, and traditional Mexican music. We couldn’t think of any place else we’d rather be.

We’re back in the house now, cleaning up, resting up, and gearing up for more of Fatima’s fine comida. Tomorrow morning at 8:30 we begin our classes. More to come! Thanks for tuning in.