Global Voice 2010 came right up on me. I was not ready for it at all. Not mentally, not emotionally, not career-ly. I feel a bit guilty about that, but all my fears and reservations and hesitations have been completely extinguished in the 24 hours or so since we've arrived in Sinaloa.
After a long travel day (4:30 a.m. at the airport, layover in Phoenix, bumpy flights, etc.) we met with Ricardo Topete at the airport in Mazatlan. Another wonderful man from a wonderful family connection of the Griffins, he is the principal at the middle school where we've chosen to spend the two weeks of our exchange.
After renting a van and driving about an hour to Escuinapa, home of the Topetes, we were met with his family: wife Marta, and three daughters who are all as different as can be. Arim, 28, lived in Reno for 5 years and is in international finance. She flies from place to place analyzing market risk for investor. Spain. Puerto Rico. Pakistan. Turkey.
Lucky girl.
Marien is almost 24, a quiet and petite girl who lived with the Griffins on exchange during 2005. Marta, the youngest, is a gregarious, bubble and emotive girl of 20. She studies at Luzanne, in Switzerland. Another lucky girl.
Marta Sr.'s family comes from Puebla, and the family made an absurdly delicious and beautiful meal from the region. Poblanos with bananas and chicken. Molé. Beans. Tortillas. Salsa fresca. So so good.
We ate in the beautiful garden of their large home. I am always amazed at the architecture and style in Mexico. Every building has a tiny and unassuming street-side face. When you open the gate to go in though, it´s like a huge world opens up. Trees. Flowers. Foliage. Gorgeous.
We met most of the familia de Topete including César, a 17-yeaer-old high school student who will return with us to start school in Virginia City as an exchange student for the semester. He´s used to small towns. So it will all work out.
After a trip to the grocery store for food for the week and a stop at the ATM, we jumped back in the cars to head to Téacapan, a small fishing village set right up against the coast. Literally 30-seconds from nuestra casita is the Pacific. It was a beautiful drive in, with the sun setting against the palm trees and hills in the distance. This part of the country is much greener and more lush in comparison with the Sea of Cortez side (Loreto is one of my favorite places).
After a quick settle-in, very quick group discussion, and some snacking we headed to bed in the large Topete family home. It´s beautful, with tile floors, two levels and two bungalows in the enormous and lush front yard. All together the place sleeps 16 very comfortably. It has been awhile since its been used though so we do have some adventures in front of us regarding bugs, plumbing, etc. I suppose the experience wouldn´t be what it is without these small humps to accept.
We slept quickly because we were all so tired from the day´s travelling. I slept easily from 10 p.m. to 8:30 this morning, uninterrupted save for a brief moment at God know´s what time when I put my ear plugs in to rescue me from the buzzing of a nearby mosquito.
Speaking of mosquitos, I don´t think I've been in an area where there are so many mosquitos since Ghana. At least I haven't thought about it before. It's appropriate since this week marks my four year anniversary of my departure to Ghana. This is completely mind-blowing to me as I often feel like it was just yesterday that I was there. Anyway, I´m wondering if I could have a malaria flare up? In my more paranoid moments I wonder if a mosquito bites me if it's possible for them to get infected. I would really hate to cause any malaria outbreaks throughout the entire country of Mexico. Hrmmmm...ideas?
Will add more at a later time. Right now I must get back to the casita from the internet cafe. I think tamales await. Love to all!
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