Laura vs. the World: Mérida, the White City

Why hello! Sorry it's been awhile; I haven't been doing well on keeping up with my posts. Mérida is...there isn't one word to describe it. Loud, friendly, tranquil, dirty, tasty, loving, scary, exciting. It is definitely a place worth staying, not just visiting for a day or two. The feel of the people, the food, the culture; that's what makes this place so special. Of course visiting the beach and Mayan temples close by is a plus as well. :)

Let me tell you about some of the people I have met. First, Luis from Progreso, a beach town not half an hour north of Mérida. Luis is a street vendor, so of course when he saw me and some other gringas walking down the street, he jumped on his chance to earn his pesos. He first asked me if I spoke Spanish, and when I told him yes, a little bit, he clapped his hands with joy and said for you, everything is half price! I told him I didn't have any money with me, and he said, I'm not asking you for your money. I just want to talk. So we did. I told him I was an exchange student studying in Mérida and that I was from the state Illinois. He didn't know what Illinois what, but all I had to do was mention Chicago and Luis's face lit up. We chatted while my friends looked around at the other street vendors, and Luis taught me the names of the conchas or shells he was selling. When it was time to go, he said, you come back to Progreso, I take you out with my family to whatever restaurant you want, whatever movie you want, with your friends too. But only four because I don't have enough money for five. What a sweet, generous man! As my mom says, that's the Mexican way.

Mimi is eighteen years old and is the housekeeper for my host parents. She is the sweetest, cutest thing ever. At first, I think we were all a bit timid around each other, but not anymore. We like to call Mimi our "hermana" or sister. She loves to tease me and I her. She loves Facebook, as do all the young people here. Today and added her and not 5 minutes had passed when I heard a knock on the door. Mimi poked her head and quickly said, "Ahorita somos amigas de Face," (We are now Facebook friends) and shut the door as fast as she had opened it. I thought it was so funny. That girl is four feet and ten inches of spunk.

Lastly for today, is my roommate Rachel. She's not bad, for a white girl. Totally joking! We are seriously perfect for each other and have so much fun. She just asked me what I was doing...wonder if your reading this now, Raquel. Hahaha. Today, we went to a party at a hacienda that belonged to the host parents of some girls in our study abroad group. When it got dark, little fireflies started to appear. Being a Utah native, this was only her second time (her first being this past Saturday) seeing fireflies. I've never seen anyone so excited about bugs. I am so blessed to have such a great roommate, who puts up with living with me every day. In her own words, what a doll.

As for places and events, these past two weeks have been chock full of amazing things! So far, we've visited two Mayan ruins sites, Dzibilchaltún and Uxmal. Both were so cool; it's crazy to think what these civilizations we able to do with what they had; the structures they built, their beliefs, their respect for the earth, food, and water. I think we can all learn a thing or two from the Mayans.

We also have gone to the beach twice, eaten lots of yummy new food, seen the traditional dance of Yucatán, la jarana, and met tons of great people. Here some pictures of my adventures thus far! Until next time!