Pictures from Kino beach: April

Last weekend I headed to Kino and the beach. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it has a rocky section, which is what I love about San Carlos and its beach. In addition to sea urchins, sea anemones, and an oyster catcher (which I had seen in San Carlos this December with my parents), I got some new wildlife…jelly fish (aka bad waters in Spanish). So needless to say I was thrilled with my day away! Enjoy… (I recommend opening the photos in a new window.)

Picture 1: urchins, a school of fish, and lots of jelly fish
Picture 2: a live jelly fish washed up on the rocks!

Kino in February

My reason for not updating last week: a mini-getaway to Kino, the nearest beach 2 hours away in bus.

I had worked hard during the week pulling an almost all-nighter, up until 5:00 a.m., trying to finish paper #1 for Bowling Green. (It’s finished although unsatisfactorily. For now, I need to move onto the other nine, and then if I have time this summer I will revisit it.) So, to reward my hard work and take a break, I had decided to go to the beach.

On Saturday my friend Carmen and her son went with me, and then I stayed overnight by myself, and on Sunday hung out on the beach and (a book for class) and came back to Hermosillo. In all, I had a little bit of everything I wanted: to hang out with a friend, eat good seafood, solitude, a chance to leisurely read, and above all the beach...(see last comment)

The beach with its shells, interesting rocks, and the above all the sound of the waves are my nature here, my new “mountains.” Very relaxing and good for the soul.

Overdue post

It´s been two weeks since I entered a post, so here´s a very quick one. Sorry if it´s a little scatter brained.

Highlights:
1) Still love living with my family. They are amazing and it continues to be a great place for me.

2) Took a break and went to Mazatlan to see brother Jon and sister in law Toni. They were spending a week doing medical missions, and I got to hang out with them over the weekend. It was great to be with family and take a break. Furthermore, I got to play in the ocean!

My brother the doctor in action!

Jon, Antonia (his translator), and Toni

3) Mexican Independence Day, September 15: In Mazatlán, we went the the Grito, or the shout. Every Independence Day in every town, there is a shout at the end of the day in the plaza in front of the cathedral, when everyone shouts "Viva Mexico" or Long live Mexico. In Mazatlan, accompanying the shout, were fireworks, confetti, lots and lots of people, a program, etc. It was a really neat cultural experience and I´m really glad I got to experience it (plus with Jon and Toni!)

The Grito...See posting on October 7th

4) Went to Kino Saturday with some of the other exchange students. Bahía de Kino (Kino Bay) is the nearest beach to Hermosillo and I´m glad I got the opportunity to go.

Kino Bay Beach

Vero, my French friend, who speaks like a Mexican!

Hard parts:
I feel like I spend all my time studying. I have implemented various strategies and still I struggle. I am also hoping to drop a class if I get the ok. However, that won´t change the amount I study, but it will hopefully give me more time to dedicate to the classes I do have.
The hard part in this is that despite the amount I study there is no much I don´t achieve and I feel like I achieve a basic level of understanding and completion of the work. Furthermore, I also don´t feel like I have time to play, make friends, dive into the culture, relax and just chill, or even respond to people´s emails or write to friends. Taking a break and going to Mazatlan made me realize how much I needed a break, but it´s still hard to make it happen. I know that all this is part of the process, but I´m tired and sick (change of seasons and stress), and I´d like to feel a little more balanced.