I made the difficult decision to stay put in Puebla for the holidays this year. I won't lie, it hasn't been easy knowing I won't be with my family for Christmas. But, so far, Puebla has shown me some beautiful celebrations and has given me many gifts.
Our tutor and her family bought us a mini Christmas tree! We decorated a bit more after the photo, but we are still missing the star. I think I'll find one before the 24th.
My students asked me to take part in their final exam for English class, which was dancing and singing to "Jingle Bell Rock!" Obviously I was honored, and I even got to borrow a student's skirt and reindeer antlers. I think they all got A's!
I didn't ask to be put in the middle, but I didn't exactly mind it, either ;)
Here it is. What do ya think? I think we did pretty well. It was fun! Granted, they taught me new steps about 10 minutes before the exam... hehehe
At the posada (typical Christmas celebration) at UPAM, we were served ponche (a hot drink made of fruits, sugar cane, and spices) (was in the cup that is on the floor*, but I gulped it down--I LOVE that stuff) as well as tacos árabes (pork (I know, ironic) in a flour tortilla. I believe the tacos have that name due to the type of tortilla used) and tacos al pastor (pork tacos with onions, pineapple, and cilantro in a corn tortilla). Plus two kinds of salsa, a spicy green habanero and a smoky chipotle.
The Christmas tradition here in Mexico is to break piñatas at Christmastime. Students at my university competed in a piñata-making contest, and once winners were announced, students and staff took turns trying to break them. I counted as staff and my dear friend and student Sandra encouraged me to give it a try. I did pretty well, though it didn't break, but trust me, that was for the better--when the piñatas break, the students go NUTS and tackle eachother trying to get to the candy. Sandra was bleeding from her lip and her friend had a huge rip his jeans when they emerged from the pile of candy-hungry students. I was appalled, but apparently this is how it is in Mexico, and it can be even more violent among children. Needless to say I did not get much candy from the piñatas, and I think that was best for my safety.
Sandra and I wearing parts of one of the broken piñatas as hats. They were mostly made of newspaper on the inside. These students go hard when it comes to competitions... and I benefit from it!
Christmas looks different this year (a lot warmer than I'm used to, that's for sure), but it doesn't mean it is any less special. I'm almost at the halfway point in my Fulbright scholarship, and I am so grateful for the many, many blessings I've received along the way.
Feliz navidad, and Mom, Dad, Anna, James, Gromit, Papa, Gina, and all my relatives with whom I typically gather at this time of year, I miss you so much!
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