The good news I´m not as alone as I anticipated. The Unison (University of Sonora) has a student exchange program and there are approximately 20 of us. Two of them are staying in the same house as I am. Veronique comes from France and will be here for a year. She is also studying in the Literature program (I am as well, officially, but with my liberal arts background, I am diversifying my classes and have classes with 3 different "schools" or programs here.) We will have one class together this semester so that will be great, especially since her Spanish kicks butt (really, she speaks like a native). Andrès is here for a semester and is from Puebla, a town relatively close to Mexico City and if the battke site of Cinco de Mayo. It´s been nice to be with them as we are all have similar needs right now (exploring the city and area, learning the streets and public transportation, no friends, etc.) They are both exceptional people and just good folks so that´s very comfortable and comforting for me. I am the eldest of the group, though as they are both 21. So, obviously been pleased to have them as companions that are becoming my friends. Regarding the rest of the group, most are from Mexico, but not from Hermosillo. Most of the students (of the 20/25 thousand) are from Hermosillo or Sonora There are also two other students from the US (one from the Midwest and the other from Arizona). There is also another girl from Spain (and maybe 1 or 2 more coming as well). All the foreign exchange students that have arrived met this past Wednesday as part of our orientation. I am the eldest of the group (I think), but at least I have mom´s young looks! (Thanks Mom!) I´m also the least fluent of the four non-native speakers. A little intimidating. At least, it´s good for my Spanish, even if I feel like I don´t qualify to be here. Anyway, the group will reconvene in a few weeks to have some typical Sonoran/ Hermosillan food. And, if we´re lucky, the exchange office, is going to try to organize two trips during the semester so we might even get to travel! Not so sola after all, no?
