Journal #7

More of Jan. 10. Churches and Natural Health Center.
Group hugs! of Jan. 11. Trout restaurant.
More of Jan. 12. Landscape, Cacti & Children.
More of Jan. 13. Mountain Hike.
More of Jan. 14. Not Much.
Last Day Dinner.
Party night & Back home!
What did you do with your free time when we stayed in the mountain cabins of Calpulalpan? Describe the landscape setting, the stars and moon at night, and any flora and fauna you might have seen.
In the cabanas, I thought I might go mountain biking with the guys, but it was too hard. I could have done it if I really wanted to, but it was quite difficult, so I opted to stay inside with Katie and Meagan and work on our journals. It was really peaceful being all alone with the environment (there was a few hours where I was the only one on the camp awake) and it was interesting to see how long I could concentrate with out a cellphone, facebook, youtube, television, etc. (I think I lasted an hour). I listened to some music Kamelle gave to me. When everyone got back, they told us about their trip. They said it was messy and difficult, but it was one of their favourite days of the whole trip. I'm glad we got that free-day. It was definitely needed.


Although you assured me in written and in person interviews that you could easily cope with Mexican social conditions, primitive living and inelegant hotels, some of you were uncomfortable (others literally whined--yes, I heard you) when we moved into some of the cabins and the hotel in Cuicatlan. It did not seem to help that groups of European and North American travelers stay there (including doctors, lawyers, business people, museum curators, generally upper middle class and upper class people). What did the experience in humble lodging teach you about your life in North America?
Haha! I remember some people who whined. I don't think I've ever complained, but living a nice place is just a wonderful convenience that we are used to living here in Texas. We take some things for granted. Who knew having warm water to bathe in was such a luxury? Even when I stayed in Nigeria, I was at least able to boil some water to put in a bucket to take with me to the shower, haha! So it was the first time I ever ran away from the bathroom or really dreaded the thought of taking a shower. There was not enough time or space to keep all my things, so my belongings in my bag needed to be organized. I had to keep everything I needed in ideally one bag. I brought 3 not including my messenger bag! It just goes to show that we make usage of unnecessary things here in Texas.

How do the landscape and natural resources shape the sense of place in and near the biosphere, in the region of Oaxaca known as La Canada?
The landscape was definitely incredible. Even though it was very dry and uncolourful, it was very interesting to first of all be surrounded by so many cacti everywhere. I had never seen even one cactus in real life before, let alone the millions that were there. The drastic different in landscape from what we are used to really helped to put our minds in Oaxaca because the landscape is unlike anything we're used to in Texas. I don't think there are mountains of cacti and thorns in the US at all.


Long term contemplation and careful observation of the intricate patterns and cycles of nature led the ancient peoples of Oaxaca to the knowledge that allowed them to construct astronomically aligned monuments such as Structure J at Monte Alban. What did you do while we waited at the canyon’s edge for the Military Macaws to fly in to roost for the night? Did you listen to the sounds of all the other birds calling in the canyon? Did you contemplate the serenity and space of the wilderness? Or did you pass the time separated from the experience by listening to music, text messaging, or playing cards? What was your personal experience of the landscape? What did you learn about your own physical and spiritual strength and your awareness of the landscape during the long walks into and back out of the biosphere?
While we waited, I spent most of my time completely zoning out, messing with the strange grains of earth native to that part of Oaxaca. Picking flowers and scraping and uncovering rocks. From time to time, I would write notes to Andrew and I noticed people doing nothing, listening to iPods, playing cards or writing messages to each other via text or handwriting. As I was shifting around dirt, I thought about how archeologists would have to start with a big mound that may seem like there's nothing much under it, but the more they dig, the more they find. Like wise, the more I dug, the more rocks, pebbles and roots I uncovered. I also thought about the number of people who had been on the same trail, waiting for macaws.

What are the most important characteristics of Oaxacan people and life in Oaxaca that you believe are important to share with others? How do these compare to key characteristics of life at home in the USA?
Something very important I noticed in Oaxaca was that life was much slower pace than in the US. Not everyone has internet or cellphones or club meetings or business meetings. Life is just much slower, and so I feel like since life is slower, the people have time to fully express themselves which includes identifying and displaying their priorities in life. Because of this, everyone we've met has seemed much more at peace, content, and genuinely good in comparison to people you might meet in the US. The people in Oaxaca just seem to understand their character better. One very good example was when I met Jacobo, the artist. He hugged and kissed me and talked to me about his art work. He was very proud to display his family and their craft. His priorities in life are very obvious: art and family. I believe having well defined priorities and the time to show your pride in them also leads to having time to express who you are, your character and your personality better. In the US, sometimes people seem like robots. You can't tell what kind of personality they have by looking at them. You can't tell what they cherish most if you enter their home. Its so hard for people to slow down and actually wait for a response when they ask "How are you doing?" as they zip by. Of course, not all people in the USA are like this and likewise, maybe not all people in Oaxaca are as I described, but you can very much get a sense of these things when you're in both places.

All of you were regular and active participants in the hands-on workshops and school interactions. What did you enjoy about and learn from these experiences? Did you feel you had a good relationship with your artist teachers in spite of the language barrier?
I enjoyed getting to see and feel and do what these people have been doing all of their life. Like when we met the women who worked with red clay. It was so hard for us to do, but that is what the women did everyday all of their life so they got a lot of practice. Being able to do the work of the people made the experience so much more educational and unforgettable. I felt a very good relationship with all of our teachers because they were open, happy, and excited to show us how to do the activities. I especially like Jacobo because I had a one on one interview with him. Since no one else interviewed him, the relationship felt stronger.

During our last discussion, I asked you to share which Oaxacan place/landscape, person, and/or memory were your favorites, and to explain why. Please revisit these questions in your journal. It is OK if they have changed since our discussion.

I picked 2 people for who I will never forget, but I didn't know we could also pick items and places. The first person I will never forget is Esther because she really brought the history to life. She reminds me of una tia mia because they are both so expressive when they speak. She's so funny and she is a great tour guide, taking us and telling us about things we never would have even known about otherwise. I will never forget Jacobo Angeles for reasons I mentioned earlier. He is incredibly sweet, open and passionate. I've never met so many artists before and meeting him and talking to him one on one was a real pleasure. I will never forget el pueblo magico because it really felt like magic! The best part was the children on the Mirambas. They were so precious, dedicated, and talented! I was very impressed that they went there without teacher supervision. I was impressed that their families allowed them to go (and even if their mom MADE them go) knowing that there probably wouldn't be a teacher there. How amazing is that? I mean, in America, it is so hard to get a group of kids to be passionate enough about something to seek others who do it and maintain a regular schedule with each other. Even when I would play soccer, all the girls loved soccer, but we needed a coach to make us come to practice! And then the fact that their families let them go without supervision is amazing because you know that couldn't happen in the US. Parents would be afraid of their kids getting kidnapped or the class room having disorder or whatever else parents worry about. I also will not forget the girl who was always singing her heart out with an accordion on the way to the zocalo. Wouldn't it be funny if she was "discovered" and got to make her own album? Her family would be happy for years.

What did it mean to you to meet Oaxacan people who often live without many material goods, health care, education, or opportunity? What impact do you think you may have had on the lives of people we met in the various communities we visited? How does all of this affect your own sense of place in the world? Have these experiences brought about a shift or transformation of your world view (it may be too early to know)? How are you changed? Why? If not, why not?
It meant a lot to me to meet those Oaxacan people because it allowed us to get a feel for what life for people in Oaxaca was like. We got to see ways of life that we've never known existed before. They really taught me to take my life slower and to focus on what I care about the most and show people that I care about them, as well. I am not sure what kind of impact we might have made on all of the people. I know we probably made an impact on the lives of the children we got to be more intimate with because we were talking about our lives in all the different places and I'm sure all the kids that we gave gifts to will not forget us. I don't know how often some of the other families get visitors from the US, but I don't feel like we had a strong enough connection with some of them that we had made much of an impact on their lives. Some places we went, the people felt very proud that people were coming to see their town and that probably just gave them a greater sense of pride in where their living and the initiatives they are making (especially in those environmentally-cautious towns). It affected my sense of the world greatly. When I came back to SMU, I had a totally different mind-set. I felt like I was more open to the way the world moved and I wasn't confined by the bubble of SMU or thinking that I could just stay in Dallas or even the US. Of course, the prospect of moving when I graduated has crossed my mind, but it always seemed like it would be a big ordeal or something almost unthinkable. Just a fantasy, but I feel like the world is open to roam in now. I feel like I have a better understanding of people which makes me less scared to interact with them. Before the trip, I used to be scared to say hi to some people. Since I feel so much more open to the world and my environment now, I don't feel so concerned about things that used to concern me at SMU. I'm not concerned about going to every meeting or every party or whatever else I'd think about. I think the fact that I was in a foreign country free to make a lot of my own decisions and met so many people who live a passionate life (because they believe in what they're doing) is what helped to give me a new perspective of the world. I have a greater appreciation for my education, as well. Even though many people like to complain about education and some people blame our current educational system for short-comings of some people, it is still something very important to the advancement of any society and it is envied all over the world.

We arranged for a high ranking environmental biologist to present a slide lecture to prepare us for our long hike through several distinctly different ecological zones in the biosphere near Cuicatlan (where we saw the Military Macaws). What were five of the important reasons (covered in the biologist’s lecture) for protecting the flora and fauna in the biosphere? What were five of the important benefits to communities near the biosphere as a result of this project (covered in the biologist’s lecture)?
Water is the most important thing for this region and the most important thing for the world because water is necessary for any type of life. For an area as environmentally conscious and self-sufficient as this one, perservation of clean water would be of utmost importance. The palm plant, the basis of the area's economy because it provides sales and jobs for local residents, is protected by Flora and Fuana. McCaws and their habitat are protected here as they are a trademark symbol of the region, and cacti are protected because they are vital for food and shelter of animals in the biosphere.

After you returned to the USA, what was the response of the family members and friends to whom you described your experiences on the Oaxaca program in general and in the service learning activities in particular (giving of donated school supplies, and interviews with local people)? How has your perception of your Oaxaca experience changed in the short time since you returned home? What do you miss the most about Oaxaca?
My dad picked me up and gave me a hug. He asked me about some things that I learned and saw. I told him about how the city seems small and when we leave the city, it begins to look a little like Nigeria in some places. My mom didn't say much. She asked "Have you changed?". My parents were also talking about how they were worried about all the rallies and social unrest in Oaxaca. I haven't gone into a lot of detail with many of my friends. I tend to be the kind of person who doesn't talk a lot about herself or her experiences unless directly asked. I told a few friends about funny stories and some people we met. In general I would say that it was an "amazing opportunity and was an extremely important part of my college experience." I feel now that your college experience just isn't complete without studying abroad. Some people say "That's cool" and have an expression like my family had. Sort of a "I'm glad you did that. Let's move on with life." and some people seem really excited about it like "Wow! That's so cool you did that! I want to know a little more." Looking back on the trip, I feel like I could have taken a few more risks with the people I talked to and my classmates (risks in regards to what I said/asked and how much I talked to them and what I did with them) to really get to know them, but that kind of stuff is scary. I think Kamelle and Andrew took care of a lot of risks for me and I got in on it afterwards, so in general, I'm happy with all I did. I'm not as super excited about the trip as I was at first, but I still really love it. I don't feel the amazing feelings I did at the time, but I can still remember that it was amazing and still describe it as such especially since it taught me a good lesson of learning to calm down and take pride in work. What do I miss the most about Oaxaca? First of all, I totally miss the cafe. I miss the breakfasts (they cook eggs "ala mexicana" the way nigerian women do and its so delicious! and breakfast in general was delicious!)! I will miss their breakfasts so much. I don't I miss the fact that I ate like a bottomless pit. For whatever reason, I can't eat so much in America, but in Mexico, my stomach expanded or something. I'm glad it didn't transfer because I would be fat eating American foods like that! I miss finding a new surprise around every corner. I miss Esther. I miss the shopping. I miss meeting interesting people. I miss the cheap prices. I miss my classmates. The only one I see is Kamelle and that's just because we've been running into each other ALREADY but didn't really know each other. Our group grew really intimate in a way that is really hard to recreate in other situations. I miss Jacobo because I wish I talked to him more. I miss that one cactus fruit so much!