 |
| These mangoes are very big, and we ate 7 of them before I took this picture. They cost 20 pesos, or about $1.06 from the Abastos market here in Oaxaca. The green oranges are regular size. They are in season now, from Veracruz. |
 |
| This is just to remind you that I rent this room for short and longer term stays. Come visit! |
 |
| This is just to remind you that I rent this room for short and longer term stays. Come visit! |
 |
| I painted this chessboard onto the top of this dedicated table. I use it about 3 times a week with guests. It's right inside my door, so I can hijack anyone who comes in. |
 |
| Our dining / study table |
 |
| Fran just finished her last semester for the year and is heading into summer "vacation". This morning she was headed out with some friends, so I got this photo. This summer she will be taking violin, swimming, a summer class at her school, English at Berlitz, and working for the dentist. |
Fran is gearing up for a more relaxing summer, still crammed full. She's really excited about finding the time to start violin lessons with her new violin, and got up early this morning to go set up the lessons. Her lesson will be once a week for 4 hours. We're going to have to work out practice times that don't drive the neighbors crazy...
She's also eager to learn how to swim, and has decided that this is more valuable than taking a second summer course at her school to get ahead. I agree. She has been suffering from stress of late, and needs to find ways to bring it under control. Regular physical exercise will help.
Fran shared with me that she has been worried about money, just like the rest of us -- where it will come from, and if it will last long enough to get her through grad school and on her feet. We are both concerned about that, but she has been fine so far. It is a test of faith and confidence in uncertain times..
I think I have written before about the instability of Oaxaca, of its educational system, of the grim economic situation in Mexico -- none of it looks good. And to a young indigenous girl with only us as a "safety net" it looks perilous at times. But with all the lessons she is learning, her continuing determination and energy, I think it's going to turn out fine.
I still dream of finding a way to bring her to the States for awhile, at least on a short term visa to study, so she can become truly fluent in English and get a broader picture of what's out there -- even broader than the world outside her small pueblo.
She is learning a lot by the visitors who rent the room. They've come from all over the world -- the U.S., England, France, Japan, India, Canada, and they all talk to her about their lives and experiences. I hope you have a chance to come and visit us too!
We both thank you for your continuing interest and support. Don't hesitate to ask questions or comment on this blog. I think that's possible, no?
