Day 3: Pepto Pink and Matters of Practicality

9:30 pm

This morning I woke up to the sound of something like a very loud thudding heartbeat. I wasn't able to figure out what it was exactly, but in my half-awake stupor, I thought to myself, "¡Es el corazón de México!"-- "It's the heart of Mexico!" because that's what San Miguel de Allende calls itself in all of its tourist propoganda. I learned today that yesterday was the feast of the Sacred Heart, and that was the reason for all the bells that woke me up yesterday. Well, this morning I woke up to the sound of the Sacred Heart itself, and I'm not quite sure that I want to know exactly what it was, because my more romantic side wants to be able to dream about the Heart of Mexico.

Today I confronted a few more of the practical aspects of life in San Miguel; first, I had to wash some of my own clothes in the sink and then, get this, hang them on a line on my rooftop patio. I swear, it's straight out of Hemingway and I'm loving all of it. I am also trying to find ways to avoid the thin layer of dust that settles on everything. As soon as you stand up, your seat gets filled with dust. The computers, etc., are all covered in sheets when they're not in use.

Not much happened today. We discussed our individual projects this morning, and I think I may concentrate on the effect of migration on the family unit, particularly children. Mini-investigations begin next week, but we mostly get the weekend off. Tomorrow I'm going to the botanical gardens with some of the other interns.

I also forgot to mention yesterday what a small world it is after all. I went into town to the market with some of the other interns, and two of the girls stopped off at a birrieria for lunch. "We're getting birria!" they said, "You should try some." Since I had know idea what birria was, I took a leap of faith and ordered a bowl, keeping in mind that I wouldn't eat it if it looked at all sketchy. So, I ask for birria and the lady hands me... a bowl of pho. I swear! It's exactly the same as that Vietnamese soup that we love, except here you're supposed to put hot sauce in it! Que locura, ¿no?

I promised more pictures, so here they are. First, here is my very own upper room; the Pepto-Bismol pink room with the two rooftop balconies. I am the only intern here without a roommate; mine simply never showed up. Not that I'm complaining. The room is mostly the right size for one person. But I wouldn't mind having to co-habitate in such a small space. I see these mini-sacrifices as a way to learn a little bit more about those who have less. My week in the campo is going to be amazing. Anyway, here's the room...

This is the top of the stairs leading up to my room.

And here is one of my rooftop balconies, and the proof that I washed and hung my own pants!

Here is our cozy sala, the main room.

The sala has a door that leads directly up to the back patio.

The back patio is amazing. It's so beautiful, and this is where we do most of our work.

See the hummingbird, right up and to the left of the arch?

The bouganvilleas are in full bloom.

Okay, personally, I feel that all these pictures are getting a little boring, so one more fun one and then we're done, I promise. At least for today, anyway.

I've got nothing for this one.

Anyway, now is my whining section. I want you all to EMAIL ME!!! I'm getting lonely without all of you! You all know my email, right? It's hppyjessa@yahoo.com and now you have no excuse! Thanks to those of you who HAVE kept in touch, especially to Claudia for here helpful comments to fill out the cultural holes in this blog...

I miss you all! God bless and have a happy day!