Question 2 - after arriving.

I brought many light cloths (tank tops and t-shirts).  I expected Xalapa to be warm because it is in Mexico and there are ocean beaches within a few hours. I am glad I brought so many pairs of jeans and tennis shoes because I wear them everyday.  I was aware it would rain quite a bit and I thought bringing a light sweatshirt, fleece and rain jacket would be sufficient for those rainy days.  Little did I know, it gets cold at night and during the day when it rains.  Because of this, I wish I had brought ore sweatshirts, a pair of sweatpants and a blanket.  Many Mexicans wear winter hats here.  My teacher I my pronunciation class wore mittens to class today!

            In regards to food (“comida”), I only brought a few fruit snacks and granola bars for the flight.  The granola bars proved to be useful when we arrived in Veracruz, Veracruz around six and we could not locate our driver, Justo.  After a few hours, we got in contact with someone from the university two hours away where we wanted to go.  She had us take the next bus to Xalapa.  Moreover, in those three hours of wait, my two travel partners and I ate the granola bars to get something into our stomach and relax.  On the contrary, I haven’t even touched them since arriving here in Xalapa.  I expected to not like all of the food and need something I like so I wasn’t hungry.  I have not had a chance to eat any of these two food items because every time I come back to my host house, there is always at least two full plates of food waiting for me, sometimes more.  My host mother cooks large meals for me and when my stomach cannot eat it all, she begs me to eat more.  I did not need to bring any food, but maybe one day I’ll have a large enough break between meals where I can sneak some American food into my diet.

            My luggage and I were not very friendly during the travel, especially in the airport.  I had two carry on luggage items.  One of which was my backpack with all of my books and computer in it.  Therefore, my back started to get sore right away when walking around the Minneapolis airport.  By the time we made it through Dallas, Mexico City and Veracruz, I was exhausted.  Now that I am here and moved into my new house, I am glad I brought all I did so I can read those books and use my computer (etc.) for the next four months.

            There is only one item that has caused me embarrassment so far, my netipot.  I had nasal/sinus surgery 3 weeks ago so I need to rinse out my nose once a day.  This is a weird item and hard to explain the purpose in Spanish.  Luckily, I have my own bathroom so I can rinse it out on my time without having someone watch this interesting procedure.  Non of my other items have caused me embarrassment.  I have shared many of them with my host mother, Maria Elena, and she has especially enjoyed the presents and pictures I brought.