Saturday, September 20, 2014

Hurricane

Last night we received what may have been remnants of the Cabo San Lucas hurricane.  We were shopping at our usual 20 de Noviembre market when it hit.  This market takes up an entire block and is covered by a metal roof just as large.  The water was pouring down amidst  thunder and lightning.  I love thunder storms but one bolt of lightening was so loud that  I involuntarily screamed and grabbed Arin. Arin swears he heard sparks and I agree with him that one of those bolts hit the metal roof.  We stayed in there for quite a while until Arin decided we should brave the elements.  We had to try two different exits before we could find one that wasn't completely impassible.  We headed for the Zocolo (town center) wading through 2"-3" rushing water.  Oaxaca is surrounded on two sides by the Sierra Mountains and the Rockies.(Yes, they extend from Colorado and California), so all the water flows downhill through the center of town.  By the time we reached our house, we had braved 4" flood waters, were soaking wet, and although we live uphill and were always going against the flow of water, my feet were still my flipflops.  There were sticks and cups and all manor of debris floating by.  It was very invigorating and Arin akin-ed it to a similar episode in Arizona when he had encountered the same while wearing his rollarskates and still 7 miles from his destination instead of just 7 blocks.

Dia de Independencia September 16th

As one strolls the streets of Oaxaca, one views history.  Most streets are named for either important events (we live near Independencia) or important historical characters. One such street is 15 de Septiembre. It celebrates The Cry of Dolores. Who was crying and why?? If you want to know, you need only view a few more street names: Hidalgo, Allende,  Aldama and Abasolo. Miguel Hildago was a Roman Catholic priest disillusioned with Spanish rule. in the early morning of 16 September 1810. Around 2:30 a.m., Hidalgo ordered the church bells to be rung and gathered his congregation. Flanked by Ignacio Allende and Juan Aldama, he addressed the people in front of his church, urging them to revolt against Spanish rule. His speech became known as the "Cry of Dolores", and set Mexico on its path to independence.
As one continues through the town, more names appear: Rayon', Mina, Jose´ Morelos, and Iturbide-famous names involved in Mexico's independence. 

The yearly celebration of Independence Day begins at about 11 p.m. on September 15th. To kick off the events, the President of Mexico stands on the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and rings the same exact bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang in 1810,

September 16, 
The night of September 15th was celebrated with a firework show, the likes of which I have never seen.  The people of Mexico are not as sue-happy as us Americans and thus, safety is not a major concern.  The firework cannons are situated in the park surrounded by a rope which sits about 6" from the cannons.  People are allowed to stand as close as desired.  I stood about 20 feet away.  It was so exciting to see giant fireballs erupt from the cardboard cannons and observe the fireworks directly above my head, while I dance among the sparks of fire as they land about my feet. The church bells rang throughout the display and one of the fireworks landed in the bell tower.  The patriot ringing the bell was engulfed in smoke and had to kick the firework to the ground below.  The display took place in front of the church that was also draped with fireworks which were dripping fire.  All the fireworks were in the colors of red, green and white only.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Aartwork




Weather change

I am often found wearing non sleeve shirts while locals are bundled in their ski jackets, but I finally was able to wear a sweater today.  Thanks goodness for the cool weather, I just can't handle temperatures over 78 degrees when it is paired with 60% humidity.

More English classes

I am working at a new school now.  It is only a few hours per week but between this and our intercambios, it keeps me busy.  Arin assists me on Saturdays.  The owner asked me if I know anyone who wants to teach English in Oaxaca for a year or so.  Are you interested...