Big box stores can't compete with local markets
by Chrissy Peters
Today was the first day we went on our morning walk at 7 am. Only a few people went because they were still exhausted from the long travel. We saw a local high school and took pictures of some of the buildings around the town. We came back for breakfast which happens at 8:15 every morning. Tortillas with bean spread, lettuce, tomato and cream sauce was served with freshly squeezed orange juice. I don’t think any orange juice will ever taste as good. After breakfast we took a bus into the Market and we were on a mission. We were given a map of the town and split into groups of 3 or 4. We had a list of grocery items we had to bring back to the Abbey and places that we could visit along the way. It was incredible to see how people interacted with each other in the market and I found it quite easy to communicate with them using gestures and the little Spanish I knew. It took my group about 20 minutes in the market and then we were on our way to the small chapel and the Zocalo. We watched the military do a small performance and they had a marching band that Matt had a chance to record. Very interesting and made me a little nervous seeing their huge machine guns.
First Day
by Chrissy Peters
I have to admit I never thought the travelling to Mexico would have been this intense. I think I slept for about 3 hours since being up at 8:30 on Wednesday morning and arriving in Mexico at the Abbey at Thursday around 5:30 pm. The excitement and not being able to sleep on the plane was the reason for lack of sleep. After we finally got settled in and found out our roommates, we had a committee meeting to find out who was going to keep an eye on health, the steering group and the reflection group.
Sunday in Chiapas
by Gary Warren
Over 1000 kilometres south of Mexico City, and you would think it would be warmer here. But I am sitting with my Canadian winter fleece on, in front of a fire, and my hands are still cold. The temperature is expected to fall to minus 2 tomorrow night.
Touring Cuernavaca
By Matthew Killby
Feb. 20, 2009
I was going to go on Gary’s morning walk, but my alarm clock didn’t work so I woke as they passed my window. I showered, and for the first time in my life I turned off the water while I lathered. At breakfast, we were treated to Sopas, a corn tortilla topped with beans, tomatoes and sour cream without the sour. Despite not liking most of the ingredients I ate the whole thing, not wanting to seem ungrateful in a place where food is scarce for so many people. With this thinking, I would actually enjoy most of the meals prepared for me for the next week.
U.S. issues travel alert for Mexico as Spring Break drawn near
The news is full of this story. As students prepare to go on Spring Break, the United States State Department warning tourists to stay away from prostitution and drug-dealing areas in light of escalating violence in that country. The main focus is on the border area where violence related to a drug war is taking place.
It would be interesting to know what you are hearing in your corner of the country? Are there any signs of this? Are there extra precautions or is this something that is so far away that there is no impact?
Focus on Change Strategies
By Michelle Newlands
Wednesday, February 25.
I support fair trade. I stand against oppression.
Today it felt as if we travelled in time. We met with women in their traditional dress and slippers in the town of Cuentepec. Their houses had dirt floors and no running water. The washroom was a toilet without a seat and a curtain for a door.
Focus on Central America and Urban Poverty.
By Michelle Newlands
Tuesday, February 24.
Understanding activism in Mexico
By Michelle Newlands
After our adventure walk and breakfast some of the young women on the trip sat in the yard and relaxed in the sun as we waited for human rights activist Juan Manuel Zarragosa to arrive. It was a beautiful day, probably the hottest one yet and it was nice to put on summer close and relax for a while.
Encounters in Mexico
By Andy Sparling
I’ve met some incredible people in the last week. Here are some of them.
Gloria Cruz
Coming upon some everyday life
By Michelle Newlands
This morning I was tired and I contemplated whether or not I was going to be going on the adventure walk. In the amount of time it took me to decide, my brain was awake so I jumped up and joined the rest. I’m glad I did. It was the most beautiful walk so far and filled with some of the best conversation.
