jlsumich_mexico: Around Merida, Family, and Dzibilchaltun

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February 28, 2007

Around Merida, Family, and Dzibilchaltun

So, this entry is going to be relatively short as well, but I feel like I should be posting something. So much has happened recently.

My parents and brothers came last week for Carnaval and I think that a good time was shared by all, despite the fact that they all got sick on different days. And because I had no school for two days (due to the Carnaval holiday) I was able to enjoy myself as well... I took them around Yucatan to Chichen Itza and Celestun and hopefully they got a good feeling of what Yucatecan life is like.

And their arrival also brought the cold weather. Last week was relatively cold and I found myself in long sleeves for the better part of the nights and jeans every day and night.

On Wed. and Thurs. I gave two presentations in front of the class---one in Literatura Caribena in front of Dra. Shrimpton about the prequel to Jane Eyre--El Ancho mar de los Sagazos, by Jean Rhys. I was so excited to present on the book since it has a really important place in literary history and I think that I did a good job. On Thursday I spoke before my Literatura Latinoamericana class on Maria, a novel by Jorge Isaacs about a Jew from Argentina. And while that wasnt my primary focus class, I still think I did a good job, and I even got an applause afterwards.

Last week Tara also arrived, a former student from OSU that participated in a study-abroad program abou 7 years ago here in Merida. She came to visit her family but due to health issues, she was diverted to our house instead. It was interesting to hear her tips and hints about what to do.

Before she left, we all (meaning my host family and roommate) went to Dzibilchaltun, a site of ruins very close to Merida for the day. It was really interesting and during the spring solstice, there is another illusion that takes place at one of the buildings (just like in Chichen Itza). I{m thinking I might go back.

Otherwise things have been going very well. I{ve spent the last two days on the roof of the Hyatt poolside, studying for my exam tomorrow and writing my papers for my classes by hand. Once again, the weather has returned to its normal heat and its nice to pass the time outside.

Below, Ill be posting some recent photos I took of my school, of my trip to Dzibilchaltun (the ruins), and just some general sites around Merida.

Enjoy.

THE UADY, MY SCHOOL