La Reforma

Yesterday we went to La Reforma, the headquarters of a privately-owned Mexican newspaper. The building itself was beautiful, but we weren't allowed to take pictures inside. We got to see the machines that actually print the newspapers - 13 pages per second! That's a lot of newspapers, but I guess it shouldn't come as any surprise considering the size of this country. The downside was that we had to dress business casual, which in turn left a handful of the chicas with some pretty bad blisters on our feet... not fun.

In class afterward we discussed la mercadotecnia, or advertising. This was one of my favorite topics last year because advertising and publicity have always fascinated me. Doctora showed us some Mexican commercials as well as some others produced by other countries about Mexico. It's really amazing how ignorant people can be in judging another country that they know absolutely nothing about. Mexican stereotypes have become a standard mode of thinking in the United States, and honestly it's really starting to get on my nerves. The term "Mexican" alone carries a negative connotation. Come to this country, experience this culture and these people, and THEN try to tell me that Mexicans are lazy and uneducated. The U.S. could learn so much from Mexico.

After a few hours of class, I headed back to my apartment with Doctora where she made us dinner. I went on an adventure in search of aluminum foil... that was interesting since I didn't know the word and had to resort to asking for "food aluminum." I got the point across though and learned something new, then rewarded myself with a Manzana Lift (carbonated apple juice, a Coke product that SHOULD be sold in the U.S.). Doctora and I lost track of time after dinner and ended up talking for literally 4 hours. That followed by an episode of The Bachelorette made for a good night. :)

Today Señor Gary (our taxi driver) picked me up an hour before the test started and dropped me off at a café across from the school where I ate breakfast by myself. It was kind of nice to be alone for an hour or so without having to think about too much. Plus good, well-priced food always makes me happy, jaja.

Huevos a la mexicana - Named for having the colors of the Mexican flag

Proctored the test for 4 hours (and read every word from a Mexican art magazine), then went to lunch with a large chunk of the group before heading back to the school where we reviewed for the test tomorrow. This program never slows down... I love being here and will miss Mexico dearly, but I'm still missing everyone at home. I can't believe I'll be home in 2 weeks! Even if it's only for 3 days...

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7