Yes it has been a while. I'm sorry. I have however, been a part of a couple cool things over the past few weeks.
The most famous landmark in Monterrey is the Cerro de la Silla. This is a mountain that juts up above Monterrey and looks like a saddle. It looks really cool. On one of the peaks there is a huge antenna. Also, there is a path that leads up to the antenna. Four guys from the church and I decided that we wanted to climb up the mountain and reach the top, aka the antenna. One Saturday morning very early I got up and went to the church. After waiting around for a long time (Latin American time), we finally all gathered together and set off for the mountain. We parked at someone's house and the trailhead was maybe a quarter mile away.
The trail was actaully a jeep trail. Though there were some parts that I think would have been difficult even or a Jeep. Not to mention the large vehicle we saw that had rolled off the trail down into the woods a few kilometes up the trail. Anyway, eventually we made it to the top. The view was awesome. Monterrey is so much bigger than I originally thought. It took us about three hours to get to the top, we stayed there and hour, and it took two hours to get back down. My legs were sore for the next two days. It was a great hike.
A couple weeks after that we went to the second-most recognizable landmark in Monterrey-Chipinque. Chipinque is a massive park with lots and lots of trails. All on the side of a mountain. This time instead of five guys, we had six guys and three girls. Chipinque, at least the part we did, wasn't nearly as difficult as Cerro de la Silla. It took us 2 maybe 2.5 hours to reach the "Meseta," which is a large recreational area. It has a playground, souvenir place, food place, and lots of squirrels, which some people enjoy giving food to. After that long getting up (though we did take lots of breaks at various stopping points and playgrounds and for pictures) it only took us 45 minutes to get back down. We were going pretty quickly. The total distance traveled was about 4.5 Kilometers, a little under 3 miles. It was funny the next day seeing people sore at church. I wa glad that my legs were fine.
After Chipinque, the young people had a devo at someone's house. Then four of the guys including me, plus two other people who go to a different church (one from out of town) went to the World Cup Qualifying game between Mexico and Belize. It was their second game and Mexico won the first 2-0. One of the guys bought a jersey for me, my face was painted, and I wore my red bandana, so I was pretty decked out. The game was an absolute rout. Mexico won seven to zero. It was a lot of fun.
I guess those a the big things that have happened recently. In the school we lost one teacher but four others came. Classes. Etc. I have three weeks and two days left in Mexico. I am now on the final downhill slope. Anyway, I guess that is all.
_W_
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Niños Héroes
Last Thursday I wanted to get out and actually see a little bit of Monterrey (MTY), so I took the Metro up to a park called Niños Héroes (pictures on facebook). This park is near UANL, which is a University in Monterrey and also near where the Tigres (one of the two soccer teams here in Monterrey) play.
When I got off the metro, there was a velodrome in front of me. I was intrigued, especially since it was full of people and cyclists. I had apparently accidentally come across the National Junior Olympics. They were being held in MTY at various sites all over the city. I thought that it was pretty cool, so I stopped and watched for a bit. I saw my old state of Sonora, my current state of Nuevo León (NL), and many others as well. When I left, NL was winning.
Then, not knowing what was in this park, I went into a small aquarium. It was just a simple one room building with aquariums along the walls, but it was pretty cool.
Then I found the old car museum, but I did not go in. There are two buildings, but only one was open. On the weekends, both are open and still for the same price, so I am going to wait until some open Saturday afternoon and see both parts. From the windows, though, it looked pretty cool.
I next went to the museum of Fuana and natural science. I guess it was a taxidermy museum. There were a lot of animals from all over the world ranging from the polar bear, the ostrich, the squirrel, and the cheetah. It was pretty neat. And definitely worth the 5 pesos (about fifty cents) that it cost to enter.
Along with the aquarium, the aviary is also free. It looked really neat from the outside. I guess like a giant crystal ball, but made of mesh wiring instead of crystal. Inside were several interesting looking birds as well, including several peacocks.
Lastly, I went to where they were doing the National Junior Olympics for Equestrian riding. After watching a little bit, I headed back to the school for a full afternoon of teaching.
Anyway, for a random Thursday just going to the park, I had a really good time. It seems like a cool park (they also had beach volleyball, and I think the MTY Ultimate fields are here if ever I am not working when they are playing). I am also excited about going back and seeing those antique cars.
When I got off the metro, there was a velodrome in front of me. I was intrigued, especially since it was full of people and cyclists. I had apparently accidentally come across the National Junior Olympics. They were being held in MTY at various sites all over the city. I thought that it was pretty cool, so I stopped and watched for a bit. I saw my old state of Sonora, my current state of Nuevo León (NL), and many others as well. When I left, NL was winning.
Then, not knowing what was in this park, I went into a small aquarium. It was just a simple one room building with aquariums along the walls, but it was pretty cool.
Then I found the old car museum, but I did not go in. There are two buildings, but only one was open. On the weekends, both are open and still for the same price, so I am going to wait until some open Saturday afternoon and see both parts. From the windows, though, it looked pretty cool.
I next went to the museum of Fuana and natural science. I guess it was a taxidermy museum. There were a lot of animals from all over the world ranging from the polar bear, the ostrich, the squirrel, and the cheetah. It was pretty neat. And definitely worth the 5 pesos (about fifty cents) that it cost to enter.
Along with the aquarium, the aviary is also free. It looked really neat from the outside. I guess like a giant crystal ball, but made of mesh wiring instead of crystal. Inside were several interesting looking birds as well, including several peacocks.
Lastly, I went to where they were doing the National Junior Olympics for Equestrian riding. After watching a little bit, I headed back to the school for a full afternoon of teaching.
Anyway, for a random Thursday just going to the park, I had a really good time. It seems like a cool park (they also had beach volleyball, and I think the MTY Ultimate fields are here if ever I am not working when they are playing). I am also excited about going back and seeing those antique cars.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cantares
Back in high school, I was a wrestler. Every season the people who were also football players came and joined the rest of us part way through the season. They had been in good shape for football, but when they got to wrestling practice, they were always hurting. We said that they were in football shape but not wrestling shape.
Yesterday I went to church, as always, and afterwards went to a restaurant called Pollo Loco, which is a pretty good place for roasted chicken. Anyway, there were twelve of us, so we just got a whole lot of chicken to split. Therefore, I am not sure how much I ate, but there is a very good chance that although I was one of the lightest people there, I ate the most. I enjoyed the chicken a lot. And was apparently hungry (which I guess is not too surprising).
After eating all that chicken, we returned to the church and a group of us decided to play some soccer. At first there were only four of us, and my team got up something like 4-1. Then the other team got another person, so they had three and we only had two. We did not fare so well after that. They won 10-8. I of course ran a lot. I had to. And after all that chicken, I am not sure how good of an idea that was. Especially with the temperature in the 90s (the day before it was over 100, so I guess 90s isn't that bad?).
After we finished, we went into the church and I stood or sat in front of a fan trying to recover until time for the service (during which I led a prayer at this church for the first time). I enjoyed the soccer a lot. But I definitely realized that I am no longer in soccer shape. Cardio at the gym just isn't the same. All the quick bursts and directional changes apparently dominated me. That or too much food coupled with too much heat.
Anyway, after the service, we celebrated one of the church member's birthday. We all went to someone's house and had pizza and sang karaoke. I even got in on it (probably a good thing Linnea was not there to be completely embarrassed by my lack of singing ability). For a long time I could not find a song that I knew. I know some Spanish songs, but most are fairly new and there were not cds with the songs I knew. Then I found "Cantares." Yes, you read that correctly, Luke, "Cantares," as in Todo pasa and todo queda. I karaoked that song. And even have video evidence.
Yesterday I went to church, as always, and afterwards went to a restaurant called Pollo Loco, which is a pretty good place for roasted chicken. Anyway, there were twelve of us, so we just got a whole lot of chicken to split. Therefore, I am not sure how much I ate, but there is a very good chance that although I was one of the lightest people there, I ate the most. I enjoyed the chicken a lot. And was apparently hungry (which I guess is not too surprising).
After eating all that chicken, we returned to the church and a group of us decided to play some soccer. At first there were only four of us, and my team got up something like 4-1. Then the other team got another person, so they had three and we only had two. We did not fare so well after that. They won 10-8. I of course ran a lot. I had to. And after all that chicken, I am not sure how good of an idea that was. Especially with the temperature in the 90s (the day before it was over 100, so I guess 90s isn't that bad?).
After we finished, we went into the church and I stood or sat in front of a fan trying to recover until time for the service (during which I led a prayer at this church for the first time). I enjoyed the soccer a lot. But I definitely realized that I am no longer in soccer shape. Cardio at the gym just isn't the same. All the quick bursts and directional changes apparently dominated me. That or too much food coupled with too much heat.
Anyway, after the service, we celebrated one of the church member's birthday. We all went to someone's house and had pizza and sang karaoke. I even got in on it (probably a good thing Linnea was not there to be completely embarrassed by my lack of singing ability). For a long time I could not find a song that I knew. I know some Spanish songs, but most are fairly new and there were not cds with the songs I knew. Then I found "Cantares." Yes, you read that correctly, Luke, "Cantares," as in Todo pasa and todo queda. I karaoked that song. And even have video evidence.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
This past extra-long weekend was great. I did not work on Friday or Monday (though I did on Saturday). And even better, Nicole came to visit me. It was wonderful.
I actually felt like a tourist for the first time since coming to Mexico. We went to Cola de Caballo (a waterfall), Presa de la Boca (a lake), Los Cavazos (a market; I bought a sombrero), the Macroplaza (either the largest or second largest plaza in the world), Paseo Santa Lucía (a man-made river through Monterrey that has many fountains), Mirador Obispado (a hill with views of all of the city), and several other things. We also watched several Office episodes and some sports. I know that I enjoyed it a whole lot.
Now switching topics completely, when I woke up this morning, I really did not want to. I tried to think of good reasons to get up and thought of, in no particular order, talking with Nicole, lifting weights, reading Jeremiah (that is where we are in the Bible reading). Even doing that I still did not want to ge up, but I forced myself to. While eating breakfast, I guess I had begun to have a slightly better attitude. I remembered that this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I stopped and took a second to pray. God has blessed me immensely. And he has forgiven me. For this I am thankful and hopefully I will act like it more.
I actually felt like a tourist for the first time since coming to Mexico. We went to Cola de Caballo (a waterfall), Presa de la Boca (a lake), Los Cavazos (a market; I bought a sombrero), the Macroplaza (either the largest or second largest plaza in the world), Paseo Santa Lucía (a man-made river through Monterrey that has many fountains), Mirador Obispado (a hill with views of all of the city), and several other things. We also watched several Office episodes and some sports. I know that I enjoyed it a whole lot.
Now switching topics completely, when I woke up this morning, I really did not want to. I tried to think of good reasons to get up and thought of, in no particular order, talking with Nicole, lifting weights, reading Jeremiah (that is where we are in the Bible reading). Even doing that I still did not want to ge up, but I forced myself to. While eating breakfast, I guess I had begun to have a slightly better attitude. I remembered that this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I stopped and took a second to pray. God has blessed me immensely. And he has forgiven me. For this I am thankful and hopefully I will act like it more.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Yesterday we began a new period. Which means I have a different schedule and different classes. Though actually my schedule is pretty similar and a couple of my classes stayed constant. I do have class at 7 am every morning now (yuk). Anyway, the main part of starting a new period is that it means I have begun my third to last. I will be in Mexico until mid to late July (somewhere around the nineteenth or twentieth).
Also, this period will be better than most. We have a total of three days off. Two of them are within the next week. And even more exciting is that the most amazing person in the world is coming to Monterrey to visit me (specifically, Nicole). I am very excited about that.
I have begun looking at what to do once I get back from Mexico. Hopefully God will open doors for me. I would, of course, welcome any prayers. And speaking of that, I need to go write an email...
_W_
Also, this period will be better than most. We have a total of three days off. Two of them are within the next week. And even more exciting is that the most amazing person in the world is coming to Monterrey to visit me (specifically, Nicole). I am very excited about that.
I have begun looking at what to do once I get back from Mexico. Hopefully God will open doors for me. I would, of course, welcome any prayers. And speaking of that, I need to go write an email...
_W_
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
...singing praises
This past weekend was really enjoyable. The weekend began after teaching for five hours on Saturday. After going home to grab some lunch, I took a bus to the church. They were having the monthly area-wide youth group thing. At the beginning we had some awesome singing. I even took some video of it. I had been missing that a lot, and it was good to sing some. After the devo, we did some games. Basically, one person threw a dart at a spinning wheel and it hit either reward or punishment. Eventually, even if you hit prize you had to do a punishment. It was really funny. Afterwards we had the very Mexican meal of hot dogs, and eventually, I went with a large group of people to a movie. It was a very good Saturday afternoon/evening.
On Sunday I had less sleep than I would have liked because we had daylight savings time, but oh well. Apparently the preacher thought I looked very tired because he commented on it a couple times throughout the day. Oops. Anyway, after class and service, we had a potluck. This meal was a lot of Mexican type dishes. And it was very good. And I found out that another guy doesn't drink carbonated beverages. He had water without any ice, which I definitely approve of. After the potluck, we got the church ready for the Confraternidad. This happens every three months, and basically about five different churches all meet together and play games. Think of games like passing a ball over under over under, though we did not actually do that one. Basically, again very humorous to watch and a lot of fun. Then we had a meal of sandwiches. After all the other churches had left, a group of guys played Football. Not Futbol (aka soccer), but football (as in the Tennessee Titans). It was good. My team won, though not necessarily because of me (though I did have a interception returned for a touchdown for the last score). It was interesting to see some of the rule differences that they had. And it was also funny when they asked me if I knew how to play. So, to sum up, a very enjoyable Sunday.
It is now Wednesday and the owners of the school are here. Checking up on things and making sure everything is running well. They came in yesterday and observed a couple people's classes, including mine, and we had individual and combined meetings today.
I am excited about the beginning of May.
_W_
On Sunday I had less sleep than I would have liked because we had daylight savings time, but oh well. Apparently the preacher thought I looked very tired because he commented on it a couple times throughout the day. Oops. Anyway, after class and service, we had a potluck. This meal was a lot of Mexican type dishes. And it was very good. And I found out that another guy doesn't drink carbonated beverages. He had water without any ice, which I definitely approve of. After the potluck, we got the church ready for the Confraternidad. This happens every three months, and basically about five different churches all meet together and play games. Think of games like passing a ball over under over under, though we did not actually do that one. Basically, again very humorous to watch and a lot of fun. Then we had a meal of sandwiches. After all the other churches had left, a group of guys played Football. Not Futbol (aka soccer), but football (as in the Tennessee Titans). It was good. My team won, though not necessarily because of me (though I did have a interception returned for a touchdown for the last score). It was interesting to see some of the rule differences that they had. And it was also funny when they asked me if I knew how to play. So, to sum up, a very enjoyable Sunday.
It is now Wednesday and the owners of the school are here. Checking up on things and making sure everything is running well. They came in yesterday and observed a couple people's classes, including mine, and we had individual and combined meetings today.
I am excited about the beginning of May.
_W_
Friday, March 28, 2008
Semana Santa, etc.
So I have been in Monterrey for a while now. I am getting accustomed to this new place and maybe figuring out some stuff, though certainly not everything. Classes have been going well and today is actually exam day. I am excited about going back to the church here after having missed the last couple weeks.
The reason I missed the last couple weeks was because it was Semana Santa, or Holy Week. In Mexico this is big and we had spring break. So I went back home to visit friends, family, and my girlfriend. So instead of going to church in Monterrey, I went to Harpeth Hills in Nashville.
I really enjoyed the break from the routine. I got to play ultimate again (and see how much my skills have deteriorated), I got to see Spring Sing (and I of course thought that TNT and ZP was the best; they got second, so well done), I got to eat something besides tacos (though I did get sick to my stomach), and I got to spend a lot of time with Nicole (and there was no pixelation).
The only bad part was the craziness that happened while trying to get to and from Nashville. The buses were terribly slow going, so I had to get a plane ticket in Laredo in order to make it to Houston on time. And I still missed my flight though they were able to put me on a later flight. Coming back, the bus schedule was completely different from what the company told me originally, so unfortunately I arrived an hour and a half after my first class. Oops. I did, however, go instantly into teaching after riding on the bus all night.
Anyway, looking toward the future, it seems as if I have about 4 more periods, which last four weeks each. And we have Monday off. I has been really weird starting to plan for being back in America, but also very exciting.
_W_
The reason I missed the last couple weeks was because it was Semana Santa, or Holy Week. In Mexico this is big and we had spring break. So I went back home to visit friends, family, and my girlfriend. So instead of going to church in Monterrey, I went to Harpeth Hills in Nashville.
I really enjoyed the break from the routine. I got to play ultimate again (and see how much my skills have deteriorated), I got to see Spring Sing (and I of course thought that TNT and ZP was the best; they got second, so well done), I got to eat something besides tacos (though I did get sick to my stomach), and I got to spend a lot of time with Nicole (and there was no pixelation).
The only bad part was the craziness that happened while trying to get to and from Nashville. The buses were terribly slow going, so I had to get a plane ticket in Laredo in order to make it to Houston on time. And I still missed my flight though they were able to put me on a later flight. Coming back, the bus schedule was completely different from what the company told me originally, so unfortunately I arrived an hour and a half after my first class. Oops. I did, however, go instantly into teaching after riding on the bus all night.
Anyway, looking toward the future, it seems as if I have about 4 more periods, which last four weeks each. And we have Monday off. I has been really weird starting to plan for being back in America, but also very exciting.
_W_
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