Day 6: Getting Back to School

So today was the second day of school.  Honestly, it works a lot like American University but the teachers don't ever speak to you in English.  The classroom is set up the same with the same types of technologies that we have. 

 

Its pretty weird how no matter where you go, some things stay a lot alike.  They still have stop signs in Mexico except they say "ALTO" and they have the same foods with Spanish names.  Everyone eats all over the world and everyone needs traffic directions!

Day 4: Tour of Puebla

I am so tired and worn out from being so busy so much!  I woke up early and went to the gym when it opens at 7am.  Although I forgot about Mexico being known for being a culture with a tendency to be late and the gym attendant didn't actually open the gym until almost 7:30.  I could've slept a bit longer but at least I got to talk to practice my Spanish with the Mexicans outside the gym!

Today we went on a tour of Puebla.  The city of Puebla itself was absolutely stunning!  It is a lot more of the colored buildings and culture that I expected to see in Mexico.

 

Proportionate Small Version of Puebla

 



A lot of the tour was to different churches and cathedrals in Puebla.  They are all gorgeous and the designs are intricate and amazing.  They look a lot alike but each time I am in awe over the beauty.

Catedral de Puebla

 

Templo Santo Domingo

 

 

Later we went to lunch at a nicer restaurant and I had chicken chalupas.  My diet isn't exactly how I want it to be but this is the trip of a lifetime and I am starting to feel like I am integrating with this amazing culture!

 

Tonight a bunch of the International kids are going out dancing but I think I am going to stay in and get some rest!  We are always on the run trying to see everything and do everything and I am wearing my body down! 

Day 3: A Tour of Campus and Our First Trip to Walmart

I'm a bit tired from going to a party with the International students today so my entry is going to be a little bit short.  Most of the day was spent registering for classes and getting a tour of the campus but we also got our first cafeteria breakfast and a HUGE welcome lunch as well.

The highlight of my day was the gym opening and finally getting to pump some iron.  The weights here are good but the gym seems to get busier as the afternoon goes on.  The busier it gets, the more times you have to share weights with other people which is a bit frustrating but it is the same situation in any gym!

 

 

 

Me and a couple other students from CMU went to the Walmart in Puebla today as well.  It was laid out differently and had a lot more workers than in the states but in general it worked pretty much the same.  The fresh food seemed more fresh than home!  The trip was a bit stressful since it was our first time taking a taxi in Mexico but it ended up being a lot easier than we thought.

 

 

Day 2: Day in Cholula!

Today we went to see the Cathedrals of Cholula.  They were absolutely gorgeous.  The first was easy to get to and had intricate Catholic designs over the entire thing. 

 

 

The second Cathedral was called Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedias Cholula Puebla.  I wasn't able to enter the church because mass was in progress but it was gorgeous on the outside none the less and it had great views in the courtyard.  

 

 

 

 It was located on the top of a very tall hill and the trip up to the top had tons of people selling various items like food and Jewelry.  There was  small boy who wanted to show us his pet Iguana.  I even tried Chapulines!  Which are basically cooked Grasshoppers. 

 

 

I also ended up buying a couple things for myself as well so I could practice my bartering, seeing as I am yknow...a bit frugal one could say.  I bought a sweater, which ended up being great when it started pouring down rain.  I also bought a dress that I might be able to wear to class one day or something.  Everything is so cheap compared to the United States.  There is no way you could get the quality of things in America for the prices that you find here.

 

 

 

Later I got to go to get some lunch with a couple friends.  We got some classic Mexican dishes in a gorgeous restaurant.  I'm not going to lie, I don't remember the names of them but they were all delicious and very filling.

 

Overall it was a great but rainy day!

 

 





 

 

First Day in Puebla!

 

So I arrived in Puebla yesterday and so far so good!  The plane had a bit of turbulence from the weather and the bus ride here was a bit bumpy from the well traveled roads but overall the travel went well.  I have my bags and had no problems figuring out where I was supposed to be and when.  I was super excited that my boyfriend was so supportive when I was getting ready to leave.  I'm confident that he would be waiting here for me even if I didn't talk to him the entire time I was in Mexico

 

 

I am living in an exchange student dormitory.  I have my own rom and share a suite living with 5 other girls from Central Michigan University.

My room has a bed with sheets and a blanket, a desk, a drawer set, two shelves, and an armoire.  They also provided me with a towel, shampoo, conditioner and soap.  There is plugs all over the room and luckily for me, the plugs are the same as those in the United States.

The main shared space has bathroom with two shower stalls, two bathroom stalls, two sinks and a FREE washer and dryer. 

There is a kitchen with a stove, a fridge, a microwave, lots of cupboards, and a dining area.  There is also a living area with a couple of couches and a TV. 

Right now there isn't any WiFi available, but they gave us cable cords until we are set up with WiFi in the next couple of days.  That's fine though because the view from the windows is absolutely gorgeous!  Everyone is super nice and helpful here and I am having a great time so far!!!