Fulbright Conference and Carnaval

Last week, all of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico met here in Mexico City for a 3-day Fulbright midterm conference.

There were a total of 31 ETAs who attended the conference, and each of us was required to give a 10-minute presentation about our activities at our respective school sites.The presentations were very interesting, especially given the current political situation in Venezuela with Hugo Chávez. The Venezuelan grantees informed us that they experience frequent power outages, have a hard time finding sugar, and come across violence in large cities like Caracas. These presentations really made me realize how lucky I am to be here in México lindo.

As part of the conference, we went on a tour of the always beautiful Castillo de Chapultepec. The views of the city from the castle are fantastic. We also got to explore the very large Museo de Antropología. Alexis and I enjoyed checking out the giant Olmec heads (like the one from Legends of the Hidden Temple…remember that show?) and the Aztec calendar made of stone. I just want to send a shout out to Alexis and Will for being awesome Hotel Geneve roommates. Thanks guys, I had a blast. And man, do I really miss those fluffy white pillows.

On Thursday, after the conference Renee and I scoped out the “Chocolate Experience” Exposition at the World Trade Center. Oh baby, was that fantastic! We got to sample some Mexican hot chocolate, eat some real cacao beans, watch a cooking demonstration, and nibble on some chocolate-covered coffee beans. It certainly gave us our chocolate fix.

On Friday night, Roberto and I headed to the port of Veracruz for Carnaval. The trip took us 7 hours due to the flooding on the highway between Puebla and Veracruz, but needless to say, we arrived safely. And I’m really sorry for all of you who are enduring the snow back home, but can I just say it was so awesome being at the beach in February. I mean coming from Pittsburgh, the words beach and February just don’t go together in the same sentence. It’s more like February and snow. But, wow! Yes, I certainly relished in that salty ocean breeze.

Once in Veracruz, we met up with Roberto’s entire family (sisters, cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles). For lunch we went to this fun little place past Boca del Río. The restaurant was under a giant palapa (straw hut), and it had a beautiful view of the water. Of course, we ate delicious seafood. How about a fish fillet stuffed with seafood? Can you say yum?

After lunch, we enjoyed playing with the animals located on the “farm” near restaurant.

We also entertained ourselves by climbing this awesome tree…

…again and again.

On Saturday night, we all went to the Carnaval parade that runs down the main road of Miguel Alemán. There was lots of music, dancing, lights, and extravagant costumes.

On Sunday morning, Roberto and I went to the famous El Gran Café de la Parroquia for breakfast. Even though neither of us really likes coffee, we both ordered the classic lechero (coffee with milk). The waiter brought each of us a glass filled with a small amount of coffee. And then, right at the table, he poured a stream of hot milk from a large pitcher into the glass to create a foamy and delicious drink.

Following breakfast, we explored the downtown area. I was so excited when I saw the display of yummy Manila mangoes for sale. In my opinion, you can never have too many mangoes, especially Manila mangoes :-)

We also visited the Museo Histórico Naval (Museum of Naval History). It was really cool to see the abundance of artifacts from this area. I kind of felt like I was in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

We also checked out the Portales where they sell lots of souvenirs and artesanías. I loved strolling around the plaza listening to the sound of the tropical marimba (click to listen) playing in the background. A definite highlight of the trip was getting my very own Tiburones Rojos soccer jersey. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and we were returning to DF. As always, thanks for reading!

Abrazos, Nicole

Click for more pictures! (Conference)

Click for more pictures! (Carnaval)