Interversity.Org

Rather than complain about how miserable I am because no one as yet has discovered how smart, clever and witty I am, I´ll just give you some of my impressions of this fair, 400 yr-old-city. I HATE being the least able in my class, and not being able to express myself is sheer torture. But, enough of that!

Flowers: It matters not how much concrete surrounds it, invariably a tree laden with oranges or a bush with brightly colored flowers will force its way skyward and delight the eye with color. It seems that all neighborhoods have these stubborn plants that bloom and produce despite their undernourished environment. On my long round trip bus ride each day, it gives me much pleasure to see them.

Creative art: Graffiti is everywhere. There seems to be a creative energy here that is not recognized nor nurtured. I suppose I could interpret it as a violent act against property, but there is SO much of it around.

Bus drivers: Most of them should be institutionalized. Drivers aren´t much better with their unconcern for the safety of anyone on two legs.

Animals: I've seen few, if any, stray dogs or cats. Why then is there so much poop on the sidewalks?

Mothers and babes: Invariably an overwrapped baby, usually of very young age will be carried aboard a bus. Everyone here is heavily wrapped (even with mufflers), especially in the morning. Even though it is quite chilly in the morning and evening, I am quite comfortable with a loose shirt or, at most, a sweater. This ain't the beach, folks.

Schools: In the morning it seems as though every elementary school child is escorted to the building by an adult female. I wonder why because it appears to be a safe city. There are schools tucked into unusual places here and there, also. Outside each there is a small food station set up, too, also conducted by a female in the a.m.

People: Although these inconsiderate folks don´t speak English they are invariably helpful and respond with grace and courtesy to my fractured, toddler vocabulary, which is usually absent of any recognizable verb. Despite all this friendliness and courtesy, I am always a bit startled to see the guards, heavily armed and stationed in so many shops, malls, and on street corners.

Excursions: Last Sunday I ventured out solo to the central city and enjoyed viewing all the buildings, museums, and countless churches, all Catholic, of course. In several buildings I was blown away by the frescoes of Mexican artist, Oronzo, Jose Clemente Orozco. It was easy getting to town, but it took me two hours to find the right bus and corner to board one to get me home. Next Sunday, I intend to venture out again to Tlaquepaque which is supposed to have lovely crafts. That should be an interesting day. Perhaps I'll never return and be riding buses endlessly!

I'm almost out of time but the next entry will describe an ugly American scene at a Tequila factory I toured last Saturday when two female students got hammered to the extent that I was concerned about alcohol poisoning.

That's all folks.