Conclusion of my Trip to Morelia

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. I have loved the people I have met here in Morelia. At school, some of my teachers are now like friends, like Luz, who I've had for 2 hours each day this week. We laugh and joke, and my Spanish is getting more natural, and less of a chore. It is amazing- this week there hasn't been anyone here in my class level, so I've had private lessons. I feel like it's perfect- I've learned so much, and in several classes we're working on things I've long had trouble with. I think the subjunctive is finally starting to click (haha, it's only taken 4 weeks, and multiple years of previous study). The teachers are very willing to stop when I have questions, and it doesn't feel like I'm holding the class up, since it's just me-- great! The staff at the school here Morelia really take pride in what they do, and it seems like people are encouraged to use what they're passionate about for the school. Like Tere, a woman who cooks at the café, offers cooking classes each week (which are amazing, since she's such an excellent cook). And a guy who works in the computer lab just put up a signup sheet for futbol de salon (indoor soccer). It's just an incredible school, very well run, with wonderful people. And my host family- having almost been here a month, I'm really feeling a part of things. My "abuelo" and I joke about the yogurt that his wife always offers him (that he doesn't like). And whenever I hang out with Regina (who's almost 2) and her great-aunt, it seems like we're always doing something silly. Regina likes to make us lie down on the floor, and we all pretend to go to sleep. And the best was last Monday, when some good music came on the radio, and Regina, Abuela, the Great-Aunt, and I were dancing away in the kitchen. They're really a nice family, and they kind of remind me of my own, especially the grandparents with their quirky ways. I've also met some really great people at school. Lee, Amanda, Patricio, Natalie, and I all arrived around the same time, and we've explored the city together. I feel like I've done many things that I probably wouldn't have on my own (like salsa classes! so fun), and they're just good people to be around. I mean, who else could I hike with around el Mercado de Independencia in search of a tortilla press? As I look back over my time here in Morelia, the people are what have made it special. Fountains and panaderias are great, but if you don't have friends to share them with (or to gawk at the pickled chicken feet together!), they're not quite as sweet, at least not for me.