April 3, 2010

Hola everyone. Yesterday I visited "Templo Mayor," a temple from the Aztec civilization. As the legend goes, the Aztecs built their city, Tenochtitlan (which is now Mexico City), on Lake Texcoco where they found an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake (hence the bird eating the snake on the Mexican flag. If anyone is interested, here is some more info about the Aztecs and their orgin- http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Aztec.htm
I think it is pretty interesting. you should check it out.
"Templo Mayor" is one of the many temples of Tenochtitlan. The temple was rediscovered in 1978! Yup, that's right it was buried for centuries under "la calle Guetemala" or Guetemala Street, and rediscovered when construction workers accidentally dug up some Aztec ruins. In one of the pictures you can see a cathedral in the background. They say there is even a bigger temple buried under the church. Here is a youtube video about the "buried city"-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9wzRtwzRKQ
There are two men arguing that the colonial buildings in Mexico City should be removed in order to salvage their Aztec heritage. A bite controversial. Not sure how I feel. What do you think?

Hope everyone enjoys this blog. Personally, I think it is really interesting.
Adios!

March 20th, 2010

Bienvenido a Xochimilco everyone. The word "Xochimilco" can be traced back to the Atzec language Nuahtl. In Spanish it means "En el Lugar de la Sementera Florida" and in Enlgish it means "Garden of Flowers." Xochimilco is located in the Valle de Anáhuac and is known for its canals and "chinampas" (or garden beds).
People can visit Xochimilico and rent a "trajinera" (or boat) and navigate the canals for the day. Which is what some friends and I did. There is music, food, scenery, and most importantly beer! haha Here is a link if you want to read more about Xochimilico:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0411/xochimilco_gardens_in_mexico_city.shtml

March 2010

Hola everyone. Here are some pics of Michoacan. Monarch butterflies migrate to Michoacan from Canada and the United States during the winter season. There were MILLIONS of butterflies EVERYWHERE. It was certainly an amazing sight to see. Here is a link I found if you want to read more about it: http://www.studyspanish.com/comps/monarchs2.htm

12 de febrero 2010

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Here are some pics of my host family. The eldest woman is my "senora" or host mom. The second eldest woman is my host sister and the man is her husband. The little boy is their son. The two younger girls are my host cousins. My host mom's name is Adelina, her daughter Christine, her son in-law Jorge, and her grandson is Diego. My host cousin's names are Claudia and Pamela. These pictures were taken outside of a restaurant. This day was my host mother's birthday. So welcome to the family!

XOXO

Ti

11 febrero 2010

Hola a todas!

I uploaded some pictures of my first adventure to the Piramides de Teotihuacan!!!

I'm glad to hear I am missing the freezing cold snowy New York weather. I always thought February was the worst month to be in New York, fortunately I get to miss this February.
Other than nice weather, school is going really well. I am in the process of writing my thesis (for those who don't already know), I have two French classes, and I also have an internship. So I am keeping busy. The other good news is that I really really really LOVE my internship. I work (or volunteer) two days a week at Fundacion Leon XIII. The organization offers a variety of social services. I work in the fair trade branch. Currently, I am working to get their "fair trade" products fair trade certified. Everything is fair trade, they just don't have the label. I am looking forward to help them gain fair trade recognition.

Hope everyone is doing well and STAYING WARM!!!


Tina

HOLA

Hi Everyone!

Aunt JoAnne-

Yes! I am here!!

Fats-

Thanks. I am certainly enjoying myself...and the food!

Alicia-

Thanks! what do you mean you added google? lol

Everyone-

I am having a great time in Mexico. I live with a woman, her two children, and her grandson. As you can imagine it's a full house, but i enjoy everyone's company.
This past week was orientation. We visited a handful of art museums. I saw some of Diego Riviera's murals and visited Frida's house-now-art museum. Everything is going very well. Classes begin this Monday. I am taking a French class and a class about the socio-economics of Mexico. Apart from those classes I will have a "practica" or internship. I will also be working on my thesis and taking an online French class at Daemen. Well that is all for now. Hope everyone is doing well :)

Ti

Day Before Trip

1/09/10

I leave tomorrow for Mexico!!! I still can not believe how time flies. Right now I am excited, a little nervous, and really anxious to just get there and get settled. I have had a good winter break, short but good. I was able to spend time with my friends and family, which I am grateful for. I will miss everyone but I have a feeling these five months are going to go by fast (which is actually kind of scary).

Adios!