Cuernavaca

Day 3 in Cuernavaca and I can see why Todd stayed for a year. It is a fabulous city full of movement, color, and lots of hills. I must say that after the luxury of the Hampton Inn our new accomodations are a little lacking but do provide a place to sleep and an attached bathroom. So I will have to get used to the bugs and dingy furnishings, it's all about adjusting.

Anyway, our first night here we went over to a friend of Mildred´s place. A combination of locals and former US language students. I didn´t know this but apparently Iowa sends a lot of people down here on exchange programs. So it was a nice language mix. I didn´t slide by with only English. They spoke a lot of Spanish, so with my ears perked and a noticable look of concentration on my face, I tried to follow along. And for the most part I grasped the conversation. Responding definitely did not happen. All in good time.

Being here reminds me of my first days in France. A lack of understanding of the language followed by a little embarassement by not being able to properly communicate. And now in hindsight, I realize how far my French came. Sitting at a restaurant seemed like easy communication but now I can barely order a drink. It gives me something to aspire too. Todd has been a great teacher so far. Now I just need to retain all the information.

So it was nice to experience a get together at someone´s house in a foreign country, listening to music, chatting, drinking beers, and yes, eventually ordering some pizza when we all got hungry. I don´t know why I figured it would be different but the similarities still left me smiling from ear to ear.

Yesterday was my favorite day in Mexico so far.

We woke up and took a day trip to Xochicalco, an archeological sight about 30 minutes away. Ancient ruins on top of a mountain.

It is hard for me to grasp the idea of these places as communities because I can´t visualize the technical aspects; where did the normal people live, grow crops, obtain water, enteract in trade, etc.

But the overall size and structure were absolutely remarkable.

We decided to walk down the mountain back to the city. Leave it to Todd and I to walk down a mountain at 3pm in the afternoon under the blazing sun. Our planning is definitly lacking. But by the time we made it down to the village, the cold cervezas were a refreshing experience. We sat in the shade on the side of the rode sipping Victoria. At first we were all chatty, but by beer two the heat and mild dehydration left us spacey and quiet, but still grinning.

That night we went to Los Arcos, one of Todd's old stomping grounds.

We enjoyed a couple more beers, that's what you do here, and some good conversation. Before we knew it, a band was playing salsa music and people were dancing. They didn't waste a minute. The sound of the first beat and people were salsaing (is that a word) everywhere; between tables, outside the patio, in the aisles. It was great! Todd had to remind me to stare with my mouth closed. Oops!

Todd and I had a go on the dance floor. I think we looked good, but I am sure the locals thought otherwise. I must say, I was excited to be asked to dance by some other men. Granted, they were all for warned that I was only learning and quickly took this disclaimer to heart the minute they tried to turn me in any direction. By the huge grin and laughs coming from Todd and our new local friends at the table, I must have been a sight. I am going to go with the fact that I was so spectacular they were taken aback by my moves. The reality can stay hidden in their smiles.

So a great evening. We left when the band did and made the swift journey back to our hostel. The bugs were eagerly waiting for our arrival. It was a fabulous day!