It’s Friday!

So sorry I was not able to write this post yesterday. It was a very long day, starting with early morning teacher observations, three hours of class and lesson planning for next week’s new activity — teaching!

Trying new things

Lyn and I decided to try eating at the little place where we usually go for coffee during the class break. Bubble Waffle. How do you describe a bubble waffle? Think about the reverse of a waffle, where there are indents in a waffle, bubble waffle has filled bubbles. Inside the bubbles you can have Nutella, chocolate, etc. On top they add fresh fruit (we had strawberries), whipped cream, ice cream and chocolate syrup. I have to say, this was the most decadently delicious lunch. Much more like dessert.

Today, Lyn and I went to another small restaurant in the shopping center where our classes are held. La Canasta specializes in breakfast. We had freshly squeezed orange juice, the most delicious coffee I’ve ever had, and pancakes. OMG. My mouth and stomach were in heaven! I have largely given up coffee since I started drinking Spark, although now I think I will start up again, just for the taste of that delicious brew at La Canasta! The woman there showed me the secret: she adds a curl of fresh cinnamon on top of the grounds when she brews it. So simple. So wonderful!

Friday night outing

Originally, our class planned to go downtown for drinks last night. Plans changed when Andrea told us about the Sea Turtle Camp. This camp — quite literally — is in a town called Boca de Tomates, about 30 minutes north of where we are. We went together to get an Uber (35 pesos for three people!), which left us down this long, dirt road in the middle of some type of nature preserve. The road was fenced on both sides because of the crocodiles and ocelots. Ok! So when is the last time you saw a crocodile up close? These are salt water crocodiles that also hang out in the marina area and will come out of the water to snatch some tasty food. The mosquitoes already like me way to much. I’ll stick with those flesh eaters, thank you very much!

We didn’t see the ocelots, but I am sure they are there.

Despite having gotten a ride to this point, it was another 5-10 minutes of walking to get to the beach. Those of you who have traveled to Mexico before know that there are surprises around every corner. This was no exception.

Once around the bend, there were a number of open-air restaurants along the beach. We had to walk another 5-10 minutes down the beach to get to the Campamiento de Tortugas. There were a couple of “guides” there who spoke about the sea turtles and why it is so important to ensure their preservation.

Then the fun began! First, we were introduced to the baby turtles in a big bin. There were probably close to 100 of them. So cute!!!!

Second, each of us was given a small bucket with three baby turtles in it and instructed to name them and make a wish for each. Mine were Ralph, Rosita and Ignacio. Rosita was a tiny thing, but determined! We all set our babies free at the same time and encouraged them to get to the sea quickly so they didn’t get eaten by birds. A couple of the babies needed a little help. You see, they never stop trying to get to the sea, even if they are in a container. This wears them out entirely, resulting in sluggish turtles.

All of this activity took about as much time as it takes to watch the sunset, so we got to do both, making for the best 15-minutes of the day and the week.

A welcoming people

Sorry to disappoint you Mr. Trump, but the Mexican people are the most welcoming and warm people you will ever meet. Last night was just more proof of this. You see, after we finished with the turtle release, we walked back to one of those little restaurants on the beach. There were six of us students and another couple who joined us. We ordered fresh fish, shrimp quesadillas and more and sat chatting for almost two hours! I had a quesadilla and a Pacifico for 50 pesos ($2.50!). We were the only customers, which meant that the four or five people working there had to stay until we were done.

Let me just say that it was PITCH BLACK by 8 p.m. Remember the walk down the dirt road? We were looking at having to do that in the dark. But rather than leaving us to our own devices, the woman there offered her brother to drive us back to the main road where we could catch the bus.

Not only did they give us a ride, but they made sure we got on the right bus and didn’t pay too much for the fare. A whopping 10 pesos each. That is about 50-cents U.S. Most of the time we’ve been paying 7.5 pesos each.

Every day we meet more wonderful people here. People who don’t mind our poor Spanish and who try their best to help us when we are lost or can’t understand something. I am so glad we are doing this! I can’t wait to have an actual home here!