A Day in Morelia

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Morelia, Mexico. Today was easily my most fun day in Morelia yet. I felt less tired today (it was the first day where I didn't take a nap), which might have had something to do with it, but what a great day! I'm feeling more comfortable in my own skin now, and less like a foreigner who sticks out hopelessly. Yesterday, we went on a very long walking tour of the city, sponsored by our language school. I don't quite remember everything we saw, but it gave me a place to start from today. Today I set out to find an orphanage that I'd heard about, because I want to volunteer there. I pulled out my trusty map, charted it out, and found it! When I got there, I met two girls, who went to ask about volunteering for me, and then told me I should come back on Wednesday, so I will. And then, I went to a cooking class at the school, and learned how to make chiles rojos! I don't think my Spanish benefited much, since I was horsing around with a few other people in English, but I'll definitely make them when I go home to the States. They were very tasty, and unlike anything I've eaten before, with a cream sauce over stuffed chiles. Finally, I participated in a conversation club that they have daily at school. It was so fun- Caroline, the other girl from my Spanish class, and I were there with about 5 native Spanish speakers. The topic today was dating and marriage (1/2 hour in English, ½ in Spanish)—so fun! Just now, while walking through El Bosque, this large park I cut through every day to go to school (not to be attempted at night), I saw so many cool things. First, the duck pond (my favorite every day). Then, some people practicing bullfighting techniques with a fake bull. Finally, someone who was at conversation club just came up to talk to me. And also, a group of about 10 teenagers just walked by, strumming guitars and singing. I feel so lucky! It's been such a great day! And I am thankful.