One thing I have quickly learned is that in Mexico, if someone does not like you/does not feel like helping you, he/she will not. There is nowhere to go and file a complaint. You don't ask to speak to a manager to reconcile the problem. Bottom line: you are at the mercy of the person behind the counter. They decide whether or not they like you and will help you. This applies to just about every business, store, or service here.
Prime Example: the immigration office
Grady and I had made numerous trips to the immigration office to pick up his visa. After being told on the phone that the visa was ready to pick up, we would walk nearly an hour one way, stand in line and then be told (by the same person we just spoke to on the phone), "No. Come back tomorrow".
There is one lady at the immigration office who seems to be the most helpful. Wanting to acknowledge my gratitude for her hard work, I wrote a letter to thank her and express my appreciation.
The next day, I was provided with her home phone number, her cell phone number and her personal e-mail address. She told me she would take care of us. The next day, I picked up Grady's visa.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pedestrian Pacman
Stay clear of the buses! Grady and I learned that forty-six pedestrians have died as a result of being hit by a bus. The interesting thing is that it was the same bus driver every time! To our knowledge, the bus driver was not arrested, did not have his license revoked, and is still out there driving a bus. He showed no remorse when he said he couldn't slow down because he has to stick to the bus schedule. WOW! Everytime I see a bus now, I get nervous.
A Real Eye-Opener
Grady and I went to dinner yesterday evening with a seventh semester medical student and his wife - Ernie and Emily. We had a good time and learned a lot about what it's REALLY like to be working at the clinics, hospitals and future semesters in medical school. Ernie is very bright (in the top of his class). He offered encouragement for Grady and shared his experiences from previous semesters.
He told us about the time he was performing a gynecological exam on a patient and the lights went out at the hospital. Ernie had to use the light from the doctor's cell phone so he could complete the exam.
He told us there is NEVER soap and sometimes no paper towels in the bathrooms at the hospitals.
He told us of completing part of his ob/gyn round (two weeks of hanging out on the beach and delivering one baby after another).
He told us of making casts for the patients with whatever material was available (you have to be resourceful and creative).
He told us of patients dying because the hospital simply ran out of a certain medicine.
He told us of mothers delivering their babies out in the hallway (with no assistance or medicine) because the rooms were full (mothers are not taken into the delivery room until they are actually giving birth. The hospitals do not provide epidurals).
He told us about one ER room being so small that he was practically sitting in the lap of a patient he just stitched up while helping the next patient.
It was an intense and exciting conversation. Definitely an eye opener into the life of a medical student at UAG.
He told us about the time he was performing a gynecological exam on a patient and the lights went out at the hospital. Ernie had to use the light from the doctor's cell phone so he could complete the exam.
He told us there is NEVER soap and sometimes no paper towels in the bathrooms at the hospitals.
He told us of completing part of his ob/gyn round (two weeks of hanging out on the beach and delivering one baby after another).
He told us of making casts for the patients with whatever material was available (you have to be resourceful and creative).
He told us of patients dying because the hospital simply ran out of a certain medicine.
He told us of mothers delivering their babies out in the hallway (with no assistance or medicine) because the rooms were full (mothers are not taken into the delivery room until they are actually giving birth. The hospitals do not provide epidurals).
He told us about one ER room being so small that he was practically sitting in the lap of a patient he just stitched up while helping the next patient.
It was an intense and exciting conversation. Definitely an eye opener into the life of a medical student at UAG.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Slug Bug
If you plan on playing "slug bug" in Guadalajara, you better wear your football uniform. There is an overabundance of Volkswagon Bugs here. One day while out walking, Grady and I decided to play this fun game. After twenty slugs in two minutes, I was ready to give up. Another interesting game to play: how many Mexicans can fit into a bug? Grady and I recently had Bible study with a wonderful group of people. After our study, we escorted them out and were surprised to see that all SEVEN of them got into the same VW bug (four adults and three small children). Really quite a site to see.House Call/Other
This past Wednesday, Grady was at the clinic again, working with Dr. Ramos. This time, Grady was sent on a house call - a man complaining of severe stomach pain. By the time Grady arrived at this man's house, he had already been taken to the hospital. It turns out, the man was suffering from gastritis.
On another note, Grady and I are glad it's Friday! Friday evenings are usually reserved for Grady and I to relax and spend time together. Tonight, we are having dinner with Ernie and Emily. Ernie is a 7th semester medical student. Emily is his wife, who I met one day at lunch. Since Grady got to decide where we will eat, we are of course going to a restaurant that serves sandwiches. :-)
I had to walk nearly an hour (one way) to pick up Grady's visa at the immigration office yesterday. Needless to say, I went to bed early last night. Grady, on the other hand, decided to drink a large cappuccino at 8 o'clock last night. He finally fell asleep at 4 a.m.
Aaahh, it's FRIDAY!
On another note, Grady and I are glad it's Friday! Friday evenings are usually reserved for Grady and I to relax and spend time together. Tonight, we are having dinner with Ernie and Emily. Ernie is a 7th semester medical student. Emily is his wife, who I met one day at lunch. Since Grady got to decide where we will eat, we are of course going to a restaurant that serves sandwiches. :-)
I had to walk nearly an hour (one way) to pick up Grady's visa at the immigration office yesterday. Needless to say, I went to bed early last night. Grady, on the other hand, decided to drink a large cappuccino at 8 o'clock last night. He finally fell asleep at 4 a.m.
Aaahh, it's FRIDAY!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Neighborhood Sites
Earlier today, I had to walk to 'Plaza Terranova' to get a few things at the grocery store. I intentionally walked slower than my usual pace to take in the sites. I passed a man who was mowing the lawn with one of those motorless lawn mowers from the 50s. He was polite and waved. I kept walking down the street that is lined with lime, orange and a few coconut trees. They really are beautiful. A few minutes later, a fire truck drives by. The firemen are not wearing the typical fireman's uniform that I am used to seeing. Even the fire truck was interesting to see. It was big, red and had a loud siren but it must have been at least thirty or forty years old.
On my way back from the plaza, I stop to visit with an elderly man that Grady and I have come to be friends with. He is the maintenance man at the apartment building next to our's. He told me it was his wife's birthday yesterday and they had a big party for her with their family. He asks about Grady and offers some encouragement.
I finally arrive home and open the laptop to blog about my walk to the plaza.
On my way back from the plaza, I stop to visit with an elderly man that Grady and I have come to be friends with. He is the maintenance man at the apartment building next to our's. He told me it was his wife's birthday yesterday and they had a big party for her with their family. He asks about Grady and offers some encouragement.
I finally arrive home and open the laptop to blog about my walk to the plaza.
Grady's First Medical School Exam
Well, Grady had his first medical school exam today (cell biology). The exam covered an entire textbook (of which Grady had three weeks to know backwards and forwards). The exam was 80 questions in 80 minutes. I am sure Grady did well. We will get the exam score on Friday. Grady is just happy to have that behind him. He is now studying for his next exam, which is on Monday (biochemistry). ibuena suerte!
Friday, August 22, 2008
the wife of a medical student
So, maybe you're wondering what it's like to be the wife of a medical student.
*The other morning, while on his way out the door to go to class, Grady turns to me and says, "I'm experiencing some (ten syllable word) in my (scientific name for throat). Do you think you could pick up some (ten syllable word)? Translation: I have a sore throat. Can you pick up some throat lozenges today at the pharmacy?
*Grady comes home at 5 p.m. every day, smelling like formaldehyde.
*Grady says the cadavers remind him of beef jerky. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll get back to you on that.
*One evening while studying, Grady says, "Hey Rachael! Come look at this!" (while pointing at his textbook). I was dumb enough to actually look. Haven't slept since.
*Grady was watching a human dissection video on his laptop. I accidentally walk by and caught a glimpse. Nearly passed out.
*Grady has asked to practice his patient exams on me.
*Grady asks me what the verb "padecer" means in English. I go look it up in our Spanish-English dictionary. It means "to suffer". Why does Grady want to know? I suddenly wonder if this has anything to do with my being volunteered for patient exam practice.
*While cleaning Grady's office, I noticed one of his textbooks opened. Seeking to satisfy my curiousity, I go over and look. BIG MISTAKE. New house rule: "textbooks remain closed when not in use".
*I announced to Grady what was on the menu for dinner one night. He replies, "I need to get my vitamin T for the day". Vitamin T? What's that? I took a nutrition class in college but I had never heard of it. Maybe this is a special vitamin that only doctors know about. Is it a newly discovered vitamin? Does our dinner provide the necessary vitamin T intake? I later find out that the vitamin T being referred to is "Tortillas". Very funny Dr. Kaiser.
*The other morning, while on his way out the door to go to class, Grady turns to me and says, "I'm experiencing some (ten syllable word) in my (scientific name for throat). Do you think you could pick up some (ten syllable word)? Translation: I have a sore throat. Can you pick up some throat lozenges today at the pharmacy?
*Grady comes home at 5 p.m. every day, smelling like formaldehyde.
*Grady says the cadavers remind him of beef jerky. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll get back to you on that.
*One evening while studying, Grady says, "Hey Rachael! Come look at this!" (while pointing at his textbook). I was dumb enough to actually look. Haven't slept since.
*Grady was watching a human dissection video on his laptop. I accidentally walk by and caught a glimpse. Nearly passed out.
*Grady has asked to practice his patient exams on me.
*Grady asks me what the verb "padecer" means in English. I go look it up in our Spanish-English dictionary. It means "to suffer". Why does Grady want to know? I suddenly wonder if this has anything to do with my being volunteered for patient exam practice.
*While cleaning Grady's office, I noticed one of his textbooks opened. Seeking to satisfy my curiousity, I go over and look. BIG MISTAKE. New house rule: "textbooks remain closed when not in use".
*I announced to Grady what was on the menu for dinner one night. He replies, "I need to get my vitamin T for the day". Vitamin T? What's that? I took a nutrition class in college but I had never heard of it. Maybe this is a special vitamin that only doctors know about. Is it a newly discovered vitamin? Does our dinner provide the necessary vitamin T intake? I later find out that the vitamin T being referred to is "Tortillas". Very funny Dr. Kaiser.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Random Facts
So I was just thinking about all the random ways life in Guadalajara is different from life in College Station and decided to compose a list to share with you.
1. There is no such thing as a 'one-way street' in Guadalajara. The more appropriate name is 'anyway you wish to go street'. Although there truly are one-way streets here, they are often ignored (as well as stop signs and other traffic rules).
2. Smoking in restaurants and other public places is allowed. There is an anti-smoking law in College Station so I am not used to seeing people (and here, it's almost everyone) smoking.
3. Many people in Guadalajara mistake me for one of the locals. This can actually be a good thing as I am less likely to be overcharged for a cab ride, etc.
4. People begin working as young as ten or twelve. I am not sure if there is actually a law in Mexico for the age to begin legally working. The boy that sacked my groceries the other day is twelve years old. I told him I was from Texas and that my first job was sacking groceries. I also told him that in Texas, you have to be at least sixteen to begin working. He thought this was very strange (he also thought sixteen was 'really old').
5. The sackers at the grocery store dress very formally - women in long skirts and knee-high socks and the young men in a cardigan and tie (it looks similar to a private school uniform).
6. You cannot drink the water here (not even the locals drink the water).
7. You can't put toilet paper in the toilet.
8. There are security guards everywhere! They carry these huge guns with them and stand for hours outside of jewelry stores, banks, etc. Although they look unapproachable, they are really nice people, just doing their job.
9. You can't wear sunglasses or a hat inside a bank (found this out the hard way). I guess if you walk into a bank without having taken your shades off first, they assume you are wearing a disguise and are there to rob them.
10. Mexican spaghetti is vermicelli with hot dogs and ketchup mixed in. Yuck.
11. When you order a pizza, they give you extra ketchup packets. You also get an order of french fries with your pizza (that's an interesting combination).
12. A general belief of the Mexican people is that people from the U.S. are not very friendly. I am told over and over that northamericans are very serious and unapproachable people.
13. The people in Guadalajara, in general, seem to be very outgoing and friendlly.
14. Many things in Guadalajara are just as, or even more, expensive than in College Station.
15. No one here in Guadalajara is ever on time. If a Mexican says they will meet you at 8 o'clock, you can almost count on it being 8:30. Some of the Mexicans even think our punctuality is even a bit peculiar.
16. All the buildings (offices, houses, etc.) are gated or walled in. It is like this everywhere. If someone comes to visit you, he/she has to 'buzz' you to be granted access in. It's quite secure. Grady and I have to go through two locked doors before getting to the door to our apartment.
That's all I can think of for now. Although life in Guadalajara is, of course, very different than our life in College Station, Grady and I really like it. It is much simpler and more laid back.
1. There is no such thing as a 'one-way street' in Guadalajara. The more appropriate name is 'anyway you wish to go street'. Although there truly are one-way streets here, they are often ignored (as well as stop signs and other traffic rules).
2. Smoking in restaurants and other public places is allowed. There is an anti-smoking law in College Station so I am not used to seeing people (and here, it's almost everyone) smoking.
3. Many people in Guadalajara mistake me for one of the locals. This can actually be a good thing as I am less likely to be overcharged for a cab ride, etc.
4. People begin working as young as ten or twelve. I am not sure if there is actually a law in Mexico for the age to begin legally working. The boy that sacked my groceries the other day is twelve years old. I told him I was from Texas and that my first job was sacking groceries. I also told him that in Texas, you have to be at least sixteen to begin working. He thought this was very strange (he also thought sixteen was 'really old').
5. The sackers at the grocery store dress very formally - women in long skirts and knee-high socks and the young men in a cardigan and tie (it looks similar to a private school uniform).
6. You cannot drink the water here (not even the locals drink the water).
7. You can't put toilet paper in the toilet.
8. There are security guards everywhere! They carry these huge guns with them and stand for hours outside of jewelry stores, banks, etc. Although they look unapproachable, they are really nice people, just doing their job.
9. You can't wear sunglasses or a hat inside a bank (found this out the hard way). I guess if you walk into a bank without having taken your shades off first, they assume you are wearing a disguise and are there to rob them.
10. Mexican spaghetti is vermicelli with hot dogs and ketchup mixed in. Yuck.
11. When you order a pizza, they give you extra ketchup packets. You also get an order of french fries with your pizza (that's an interesting combination).
12. A general belief of the Mexican people is that people from the U.S. are not very friendly. I am told over and over that northamericans are very serious and unapproachable people.
13. The people in Guadalajara, in general, seem to be very outgoing and friendlly.
14. Many things in Guadalajara are just as, or even more, expensive than in College Station.
15. No one here in Guadalajara is ever on time. If a Mexican says they will meet you at 8 o'clock, you can almost count on it being 8:30. Some of the Mexicans even think our punctuality is even a bit peculiar.
16. All the buildings (offices, houses, etc.) are gated or walled in. It is like this everywhere. If someone comes to visit you, he/she has to 'buzz' you to be granted access in. It's quite secure. Grady and I have to go through two locked doors before getting to the door to our apartment.
That's all I can think of for now. Although life in Guadalajara is, of course, very different than our life in College Station, Grady and I really like it. It is much simpler and more laid back.
We are already three weeks into an eighteen week semester. Grady is studying constantly. He is a sponge - soaking up knowledge from doctors, textbooks, notes and computer tutorials. I have no doubt Grady will do well this semester.
This morning, after worship, we went to a coffee shop and studied for four hours. We took a break to eat and grocery shop. Now we are at home and Grady is back to studying.
No matter how much studying Grady does, I am impressed that he always makes time for us. During the week, Grady and I go running together in the morning before class starts. We are also usually able to eat lunch together. Dinner time is also set aside just for us. On Fridays, we usually just relax and watch a movie. Saturdays, we treat ourselves with lunch or dinner out.
So, three down...fifteen to go!
This morning, after worship, we went to a coffee shop and studied for four hours. We took a break to eat and grocery shop. Now we are at home and Grady is back to studying.
No matter how much studying Grady does, I am impressed that he always makes time for us. During the week, Grady and I go running together in the morning before class starts. We are also usually able to eat lunch together. Dinner time is also set aside just for us. On Fridays, we usually just relax and watch a movie. Saturdays, we treat ourselves with lunch or dinner out.
So, three down...fifteen to go!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Never in a million years!
Never in a million years would I have imagined Grady and I crammed into a car full of Puerto Ricans, listening to Spanish rap music (with the Puerto Ricans singing along). BUT, that is exactly where Grady and I found ourselves yesterday evening.
Grady had his first assignment at a clinic (located far from our apartment). I went with Grady this first time to assist with translating or whatever else he may need. He wasn't told anything about the clinic, other than to be there at 4 p.m. We knew there might be other medical students there and were looking forward to meeting them and possibly arranging a carpool situation.
We arrived early. The doctor (Doctor Ramos) at first, did not appear friendly and does not speak English. A few minutes later, the other medical students arrived. They are all from Puerto Rico and do not speak English very well (in fact, the whole four hours we were there, they spoke almost entirely in Spanish). Grady looked nervous. I situated myself in the waiting room and began conversing with the patients. They were all very friendly and thought Grady was THE doctor. One man in the waiting room asked me to tell Grady to pull his tooth for him and asked how much it would cost.
A few minutes later, a Mexican man in a white coat began talking to me. I was reading a book. He asked me why I was reading? He said, "Don't read a book. Come talk to me!" I later found out that this man was Dr. Ramos (I didn't realize it at first because he was telling me dirty jokes and asking me which 'bad words' I knew in Spanish. As a joke, Dr. Ramos approached Grady and said a bad word in front of him (to which Grady looked blankly at him and replied, "Si" - oh no! Poor Grady).
Dr. Ramos told me not to wait in the waiting room and escorted me to be with Grady for the remainder of the evening at the clinic. Dr. Ramos also informed me that Grady should get a "novia mexicana" (mexican girlfriend) on the side so he could learn Spanish.
Dr. Ramos, as it turns out, is a graduate of UAG and a very distinguished doctor in Guadalajara. He has a very laid back personality (in case you haven't realized that already).
Grady saw two patients - a young man with a cold and a young woman who was wanting an abortion (Dr. Ramos does not perform abortions). Grady took the patients' temperatures, blood pressures, etc. I am so proud of him! In between seeing patients, Grady would study with the Puerto Rican medical students. They were very nice and said they would take care of Grady and help him learn Spanish.
It was dark when we left the clinic last night and there didn't appear to be any taxis in sight. One of the Puerto Rican students offered us a ride home and we were glad for that.
Grady will be at this clinic every Wednesday for the next fifteen weeks. I look forward to updating you on his experience there.
Grady had his first assignment at a clinic (located far from our apartment). I went with Grady this first time to assist with translating or whatever else he may need. He wasn't told anything about the clinic, other than to be there at 4 p.m. We knew there might be other medical students there and were looking forward to meeting them and possibly arranging a carpool situation.
We arrived early. The doctor (Doctor Ramos) at first, did not appear friendly and does not speak English. A few minutes later, the other medical students arrived. They are all from Puerto Rico and do not speak English very well (in fact, the whole four hours we were there, they spoke almost entirely in Spanish). Grady looked nervous. I situated myself in the waiting room and began conversing with the patients. They were all very friendly and thought Grady was THE doctor. One man in the waiting room asked me to tell Grady to pull his tooth for him and asked how much it would cost.
A few minutes later, a Mexican man in a white coat began talking to me. I was reading a book. He asked me why I was reading? He said, "Don't read a book. Come talk to me!" I later found out that this man was Dr. Ramos (I didn't realize it at first because he was telling me dirty jokes and asking me which 'bad words' I knew in Spanish. As a joke, Dr. Ramos approached Grady and said a bad word in front of him (to which Grady looked blankly at him and replied, "Si" - oh no! Poor Grady).
Dr. Ramos told me not to wait in the waiting room and escorted me to be with Grady for the remainder of the evening at the clinic. Dr. Ramos also informed me that Grady should get a "novia mexicana" (mexican girlfriend) on the side so he could learn Spanish.
Dr. Ramos, as it turns out, is a graduate of UAG and a very distinguished doctor in Guadalajara. He has a very laid back personality (in case you haven't realized that already).
Grady saw two patients - a young man with a cold and a young woman who was wanting an abortion (Dr. Ramos does not perform abortions). Grady took the patients' temperatures, blood pressures, etc. I am so proud of him! In between seeing patients, Grady would study with the Puerto Rican medical students. They were very nice and said they would take care of Grady and help him learn Spanish.
It was dark when we left the clinic last night and there didn't appear to be any taxis in sight. One of the Puerto Rican students offered us a ride home and we were glad for that.
Grady will be at this clinic every Wednesday for the next fifteen weeks. I look forward to updating you on his experience there.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
tour of aparment on video
Here is a tour of the apartment on video, complete with audio. I really do like our apartment a lot and am so thankful for it.
The Living Room
This is the living room. Our apartment came furnished with everything you see. It is handmade furniture. Nice? yes. Comfortable? no.
The "washer"
When the owner of the building (a very sweet, elderly Mexican lady) was giving Grady and I a tour of the apartment, I asked her if it came with a washer/dryer. She said, "Oh yes!". This...is the washer.
The Kitchen
This is our kitchen. There is no microwave, blender, dishwasher, etc. However, I much prefer this simpler way of living. A lady from California decorated our kitchen as a gift to us. She even made curtains from a tablecloth! The oven that you see there is a MAJOR safety hazard. You have to turn the knob while lighting it, all while trying not to singe your eyebrows off.
iBienvenidos a mi hogar!
Welcome to my home!
Apartment Building
As you can see, the building is gated and secure. The lady who owns the building only rents to medical students. Grady and I live on the third floor.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Wives Club
Today I was invited to attend lunch with the Guadalajara Wives Club. The name alone was enough to make me not want to go. But I did go. And I had a great time. Lunch was at Yaritza's home. She has a beautiful boy and a very nice home. It turns out, Yaritza and her son sat in front of Grady and I on the plane from Houston to Guadalajara on July 15th - small world!
There were about ten or so wives in attendance today and about fifty kids... ha. ha. Just kidding. There were a lot of kids though. Myself and one other wife were the only ones without children. We ate lunch and got to know each other.
I am very glad to have this network and look forward to the next meeting.
There were about ten or so wives in attendance today and about fifty kids... ha. ha. Just kidding. There were a lot of kids though. Myself and one other wife were the only ones without children. We ate lunch and got to know each other.
I am very glad to have this network and look forward to the next meeting.
Grady's grocery shopping story
Grady and I went to the grocery store together this past weekend. Since Grady does not know Spanish very well, he usually just looks at the pictures on the packages and decides if he wants to buy it.
While shopping, Grady sees something he wants and adds it to the cart. I was not paying attention at the time and we continued shopping.
Two days later, I finally understand why we have grape flavored soy milk in our refrigerator. Grady comes out of the kitchen and asks me why his grape juice looks funny. He tries it and says it tastes horrible.
I love to blog. :-)
While shopping, Grady sees something he wants and adds it to the cart. I was not paying attention at the time and we continued shopping.
Two days later, I finally understand why we have grape flavored soy milk in our refrigerator. Grady comes out of the kitchen and asks me why his grape juice looks funny. He tries it and says it tastes horrible.
I love to blog. :-)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
just another day in guadalajara
This morning I awoke to the sound of rain. Usually when it rains here, the lights go out but this morning was different. That's a good thing too because I was cooking breakfast for Grady and I. We get up around 5:30 a.m. even though Grady doesn't have to be to class until 8 a.m. This gives us time to spend with one another and study the Bible.
Once Grady is out the door, I take the laundry to be washed. We don't have a washer/dryer but there is a lavanderia about two blocks from our apartment. They will wash, dry, and very neatly fold your clothes all for 14 pesos/kilo. They also deliver the clean clothes to your home the same day.
I then take a taxi to Plaza Galerias. The taxi driver's name is Carlos and he is very nice. He tells me about the one time he went to Chicago. We talk about the differences between American and Mexican culture. There are many Mexicans that think Americans are not very friendly. Carlos tells me I am very nice.
I arrive at Plaza Galerias. There are many store here including Sam's Club, Sears and Mega (the Mexican equivalent of a Wal-Mart). I buy a few supplies for Grady and then cross the street to but groceries at Mega.
I tote all the bags to the curb and manage to acquire a taxi. This time the driver is not so friendly. The taxi rounds the corner on two wheels as I cling to the passenger door. Riding in a taxi in Mexico is truly an adventure.
Thankful to arrive home in one piece, I carry all the groceries and supplies to our third floor apartment.
Five minutes later, Grady comes home for lunch. Perfect timing! I enjoy a relaxing lunch with my husband before he goes to Anatomy class.
Later, Grady and I take a bus to the international student affairs office to pick up his visa. Then it's at least a thirty minute walk back to our apartment. The weather is nice (about 80 degrees!) so it is a nice walk. It also gives Grady and I time to visit about our day.
I cook dinner while Grady begins reading.
In the evening I iron clothes and help Grady prepare for class.
Aahh, just another day in Guadalajara.
Once Grady is out the door, I take the laundry to be washed. We don't have a washer/dryer but there is a lavanderia about two blocks from our apartment. They will wash, dry, and very neatly fold your clothes all for 14 pesos/kilo. They also deliver the clean clothes to your home the same day.
I then take a taxi to Plaza Galerias. The taxi driver's name is Carlos and he is very nice. He tells me about the one time he went to Chicago. We talk about the differences between American and Mexican culture. There are many Mexicans that think Americans are not very friendly. Carlos tells me I am very nice.
I arrive at Plaza Galerias. There are many store here including Sam's Club, Sears and Mega (the Mexican equivalent of a Wal-Mart). I buy a few supplies for Grady and then cross the street to but groceries at Mega.
I tote all the bags to the curb and manage to acquire a taxi. This time the driver is not so friendly. The taxi rounds the corner on two wheels as I cling to the passenger door. Riding in a taxi in Mexico is truly an adventure.
Thankful to arrive home in one piece, I carry all the groceries and supplies to our third floor apartment.
Five minutes later, Grady comes home for lunch. Perfect timing! I enjoy a relaxing lunch with my husband before he goes to Anatomy class.
Later, Grady and I take a bus to the international student affairs office to pick up his visa. Then it's at least a thirty minute walk back to our apartment. The weather is nice (about 80 degrees!) so it is a nice walk. It also gives Grady and I time to visit about our day.
I cook dinner while Grady begins reading.
In the evening I iron clothes and help Grady prepare for class.
Aahh, just another day in Guadalajara.
Monday, August 4, 2008
a ride in a taxi
I know this may sound weird but one of my favorite things to do in Guadalajara is to ride in a taxi. The drivers are very polite and entertaining and the ride itself is comparable to any ride at Six Flags.
Grady and I experienced our first taxi ride from the airport to our hotel. The driver's name was Hector. He was very polite and sociable. I like to talk to the taxi drivers (to improve my Spanish speaking ability and also to be polite). As I began talking to Hector, I realized it was a mistake. We are driving down a busy road and he turns all the way around in his seat to have a conversation with Grady and and I (who are in the back seat).
We also took a taxi ride with Arnold who had a wonderful Arnold Schwarzenneger impression. Although Arnold and I tried to get Grady to do his famous impersonation of Schwarzenneger, we were unsuccessful. Arnold (the taxi driver) did not speak English but he did know these two phrases: "I'll be back" and "Hasta la vista baby" (which he said over and over again to us until we reached our destination).
Our most recent ride in a taxi was with Jose. Jose is around 80 years old. He wouldn't stop bragging to us about his three wives, twenty children and fifteen grandchildren. Oh, and his three girlfriends. Hmmm...
Grady and I experienced our first taxi ride from the airport to our hotel. The driver's name was Hector. He was very polite and sociable. I like to talk to the taxi drivers (to improve my Spanish speaking ability and also to be polite). As I began talking to Hector, I realized it was a mistake. We are driving down a busy road and he turns all the way around in his seat to have a conversation with Grady and and I (who are in the back seat).
We also took a taxi ride with Arnold who had a wonderful Arnold Schwarzenneger impression. Although Arnold and I tried to get Grady to do his famous impersonation of Schwarzenneger, we were unsuccessful. Arnold (the taxi driver) did not speak English but he did know these two phrases: "I'll be back" and "Hasta la vista baby" (which he said over and over again to us until we reached our destination).
Our most recent ride in a taxi was with Jose. Jose is around 80 years old. He wouldn't stop bragging to us about his three wives, twenty children and fifteen grandchildren. Oh, and his three girlfriends. Hmmm...
You always hear people say that everything's cheaper in Mexico...not true. While some items are less expensive and others are more expensive than in the U.S., overall, there's not a huge difference.
Things that are more expensive in Mexico than the U.S.:
peanut butter (nearly $4 USD for a small jar)
hair dryer (range from $40 USD to $400 USD)
microwave (the microwave we paid $50 for in the U.S. costs $90 here)
Things that are less expensive in Mexico than the U.S.:
electricity (but then again, it doesn't work when it rains)
books (we got all of Grady's medical school books (used) for $130 USD!)
tortillas (of course)
Things that are more expensive in Mexico than the U.S.:
peanut butter (nearly $4 USD for a small jar)
hair dryer (range from $40 USD to $400 USD)
microwave (the microwave we paid $50 for in the U.S. costs $90 here)
Things that are less expensive in Mexico than the U.S.:
electricity (but then again, it doesn't work when it rains)
books (we got all of Grady's medical school books (used) for $130 USD!)
tortillas (of course)
Hello everyone! Well, Grady had his first day at medical school! So far, it's going great. Since the campus is across the street from our apartment, Grady is able to come home for lunch everyday. It's so nice to have that time with him in the middle of the day.I've been very busy setting up our apartment, taking care of Grady and orienting myself in the city. Once things settle down, I hope to acquire a work visa and pursue a job at a school or language institute.
Life is very different here but Grady and I are enjoying the new cultural experience. Pictures of our apartment are coming soon!
Friday, August 1, 2008
iGuadalajara!
Grady and I have arrived in Guadalajara. We have been blessed with safe travels, good health and daily provisions. It has been a busy time but we are enjoying every minute of it. We are thankful for this opportunity. This week, Grady attended orientation to medical school. As part of orientation, he took the hippocratic oath and received his white coat. I am so proud of him!
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