COMFORT ZONE.. to borrow a phrase

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 TO borrow a blog title from Katherine, I've been out of my COMFORT ZONE.  This year we traveled more than we have ever done in our entire lives.  This trip, last week, was  to visit Zach who is studying abroad in Mexico this semester through DePaul. 
Pictured: his adorable girlfriend Alejandra or Ale.  She never stops smiling.  She is joyous, she is generous and she stole our hearts...

 Zach is completely bilingual now and I am so proud.  Fireman speaks no Spanish and I have some command of the language ...but it is rough at best.  My verb  conjugations leave a lot to be desired. 
Still the people of Mexico were so gracious to us.  They helped me with words I needed, and they greeted us with honest open arms.  
I had fun trying to speak Spanish with everyone.  My little brain was oh so tired because I had to then translate back to Fireman so he would not be left out. 


There is so much to tell.. This is my Catrina doll...she is THE symbol of all that is good and happy about remembering the dead.  
She is EVERYWHERE during the last week of October and Start of November ...Did I mention Zach was born on the Day of the Dead?  Happy Birthday Zach , we are so proud of you.  
 My mind needed to realize that the poverty I witnessed did not translate to crime as it does here in Chicago.   Zach kept reassuring me, but I was a nervous Nelly for some of the time.  The markets, the history, the colorful plazas, and the beautiful people were almost overwhelming. 
You will have to hear more about it, as I process the trip.  There was some knitting too.  I am going to put in the afterthought heel on this, the first sock of the pair, tonight.  

 The Mexican coffee was outstanding.  I saw a shooting star out a bus window late on Zach's birthday.  We took a long trip to Michuacan for the biggest Day of the Dead festival in Mexico. 
It was in a word: astouding....

 More later... 
Have to nap.  Good luck in the Shawl contest. I'll pick a winner tonight.  

 THanks for joining me on my travels the last two months.  Im home now....and I have no plans until spring to leave.   After all, there's no place like HOME.

Comments

Nancy said…
Your trip sounds exciting - can't wait to hear more.

Happy Belated Birthday to Zach, and "Hola" to beautiful Ale.



2:16 PM
Celia said…
Oh, I wish I could have been there. Day of the Dead is such a fiesta.
2:57 PM
Katherine said…
Sounds like a fantastic trip!! Happy belated birthday to Zach from Texas also. It's interesting that you mentioned the coffee in Mexico. One of the things I remember most from our trips into Mexico, when I was growing up in Arizona, was the wonderful coffee and the Mexican hot chocolate. I'm looking forward to more posts about your adventures!!
9:05 PM
Anonymous said…
Ah I know what you mean about translating, it can be very tiring. My other half is Greek and I have to do a lot of translating for him! I would love to visit Mexico one day, it sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for your comment on my blog. Yvonne xx
10:59 PM
Tanna said…
There is indeed no place like home... but, it sure is fun to visit other places! I love the colors in that sock! blessings ~ tanna
6:53 AM
Unknown said…
Looking forward to hearing more. How exciting to have this experience. I admire your willingness to try out your Spanish and translate back to English too!
8:50 AM
SissySees said…
What a wonderful trip, eh? Happy belated birthday to Zach!
12:35 PM
Donna Boucher said…
I love seeing Zach's lovely girlfriend. So happy for him!!!

Emma got in to DePaul.

woo.

(took me over three tires to get those goofy letter right.)
11:17 AM
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