One Last Hurrah

So I don't know if anyone will actually read this, but just for kicks and giggles... here is my final essay for our Westmont in Mexico re-entry class. Don't be offended by anything please. Enjoy! I'm going to go graduate real quick :)

Brad Searle

4/28/14

WIM Re-Entry

An Unbiased (and Not Offensive at All) Taste Test: Mexico vs. USA

            In today’s article, we are going to take a look at a very interesting taste test. This taste test was done by an American college student at Westmont College. Don’t be too surprised; unlike the normal taste test, this one has little to do with food. Today we will be comparing the Mexican and American culture based on 12 criteria So kick the feet up, grab a taco or a hamburger, and let’s see who won each of the culture battles. GAME ON!

Tools: The United States. The US boasts extremely advanced technology in many areas. Meanwhile, Mexico is still developing. Even though technology is much more advanced and prevalent in the US, this is not always beneficial, as it takes some away from more important things like family and does not promote the old adage, “Be here now.” #exterminatetechnology

Language: Mexico. While English comes very easy to some (cough cough, me), it doesn’t stand a chance in this fight. English is very confusing for newbies (words such as plough and tough look very similar, but are pronounced quite differently), making it less user-friendly than its Latin counterpart. Spanish is far more phonetic and structurally consistent. Besides, who doesn’t like diminutives? Just ask Chicharito or Benjamin (la pollita fea).

Customs and Traditions: Mexico. The US comes into this battle with two big disadvantages. First, given its nickname of “the melting pot”, it spreads itself too thin when it comes to traditions. But beware, Mexico is far from uniform! Next, the US is limited to only a few hundred years of history, while Mexico dates back before the time of Christ. El Grito, Día de los Muertos, and Las Mañanitas help Mexico solidify the victory here.  

Arts and Recreation: The United States. While soccer is a big part of the Mexican culture, the US is home to far more world class athletes, such as LeBron James and Shaun White. Also, Broadway is a big attraction for visitors. I do have a special place in my heart for mariachi, however, as I enjoy how it brings communities together.

Shelter: Tie. The US is home to incredible modern architecture, but Mexico has colonial towns like Queretaro and Guanajuato. The US is the home to many more mansions, but then again Carlos Slim is from Mexico, so who am I to judge.  No winner here!

Values: Mexico. Although neither cultures seems to place a super high emphasis on integrity, Mexico seems to have slightly higher values than the US. Family time is much more revered in Mexico. Some would pull the corrupt government card, to which I would respond that our government is corrupt too, just in a different way. Others would point to machismo, but I think that the overly sexist and dominant version is a dying breed.

Artifacts: Mexico. Two words: Monte. Alban.

Knowledge: The United States. Largely due to its affluence, the United States has placed a higher emphasis on education that its neighbor to the south. American colleges and universities are much more prestigious in the world’s eyes. Harvard>ITQ (not in my eyes, though).

Government: The United States. While the US government has strayed way too far from the vision of its founders, Mexico is infamously known for its corrupt government. Their recessions are sometimes caused by Presidents taking money from the country. Ouch.

Religion: Mexico. While I don’t agree with every facet of their religion, I just have one thing that needs clarification: You’re telling me that over 80% of Mexico claims to be Catholic? Meanwhile, it seems that less and less people are going to church in the US every week. This one could be debated forever, but I have chosen a winner and what I say goes.

Clothes: The United States. It seems that Mexico is five years behind the US in terms of fashion. Abercrombie and American Eagle rule the streets. I’d take hipster jeans or basketball shorts any day.  

Food: Tie. Before you blast me for not picking Mexico (who doesn’t like Mexican food?), just hear me out. While guaraches, tacos, and gringas are perhaps the best tasting food in the entire world, it’s simply not sustainable. How are arteries supposed to outlive 50 with a diet of grease and cheese? Especially with the recent trend towards healthy eating, the US has a much more prevalent supply of healthier options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

            But in all seriousness, our semester in Queretaro changed the way I view Mexico drastically. Before studying abroad, I knew that I liked Mexico, but that was solely based on my weekend trips to Baja California. After WIM, I’m not going to claim that I’ve seen all of Mexico (I haven’t seen a lot of the US, either), but I feel like I have a more complete grasp of what Mexico is. I not only appreciate their culture more, but I love the language and people down there oh so much! I actually feel more at home in the Mexican culture. For example, their concept of time is something I think Americans could learn from, as we are always in a hurry.

I plan to move to Mexico after getting my CPA, which will be in a couple of years. There, I said it. This is assuming that my significant other is okay with that (assuming I have a significant other). I really have a heart for the Latino community and I love the Mexican Christian church. I could see myself in an underdeveloped beach or mountain community (I need nature!). I’d love to get involved in a Mexican church and become fluent as well. So overall, I guess WIM has been a very influential part of my life, considering that my future plans have been changed so much by it. Adios y que te vaya bien  :)                      -Brad Searle

Update from the States

Well I'm back on US soil. Got home safe on Tuesday and headed straight to the Mont. Before I talk about that, two memorable travel experiences:

1. I helped the Houston Airport staff out a little by translating in customs. It felt good to put a whole semester's study to work in the real world. 

2. I ordered my first food in english (at Subway) in the airport and it was quite the struggle. I said a few words in Spanish on accident and just got flat out flustered. I eventually got the sandwich, however.

Westmont was overwhelming. New faces and lots of catching up. The bummer is that everyone and their mother asks, "How was Mexico?". Doesn't seem like a bad thing, but I could talk about my experiences for an hour. However, they expect a similar answer to the question, "How was that banana split you just ate?" 

Kinda hard to summarize four months in 20 seconds.

Anywho, prepearing for this ahead of time, I tried to focus on others first up there. Rather than taking time to talk about my own experiences, I made a point of being interested in what happened the last few months at Westmont. Although, by this method, I didn't share as much as I wanted to (the time will come to share more), I feel like I reconnected with others rather well. 

A few things I've noticed right off the bat:

1) Everything is so comfortable, put-together, and "perfect" here

2) My bed is a lot softer than I remember it

3) People have schedules so don't waste their time talking about Mexico

4) I missed nature, A LOT. Went surfing and it was stellar

5) I am going to miss speaking Spanish (already looking for any opportunity to do so)

6) Consumerism and materialism. Enough said.

Other than all that, it's been great to hang out with family and friends.  Part of me (most of me) wishes I was still in Queretaro, but I'll just have to wait. I hope everyone's doing well, and 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

DESPEDIDAS (goodbyes)

Well, folks, this is it. Honestly I don't even want to write this but I'm sucking it up for all four of you. You're welcome. Anywho, tomorrow we'll be heading to the land of fast-food and consumerism (just kidding, I'm not that skeptical.. yet).

So, the most important thing that I have to say is that I have two new main squeezes, their names are Emily and Laura, and Betsy is the bestie of all. Oh, but plot twist, Laura is my brother ans emily my aunt.

Well that may or may not be true, but anyways, here's the last weekly summary y'all will be getting from me:

WEEK IN REVIEW

Last Sunday was the first of December. I love December. I went to Mass with Besty, very interesting and short (45 min). Then I went to a CHRISTMAS VESPERS, which was fab. followed by seeing Mr. Spray Paint Man. 

There's no other way around it, Monday night was party night. We went to Alejandro's (our professor) house and commenced the new month with billiards, cumbia, tacos and a pinata. 

Thursday afternoon consisted of learning a great (and secret) recipe for the best tortillas at our friend Gerardo's house. Man I love to eat.

That night, Diego stayed at my house for a little slumbie party. We bonded.

Wednesday was my volleyball playing at Queretaro 2000. 

 

Thursday was NUTS. We had the comida de despedida (goodbye lunch), which included dancing, food, art and some goodbyes to the professors and the Oregon group.

(above) Scrapbook material!

The men of WIM, really excited about what we were about to do.

Angelica, our history teacher, famous for her quote about the winter in Chicago.

That night, I went dancing. We got a little crazy out there on the dance floor and they had to drag me outta there (ok that didn't happen). Koko, my dance instructor.

Friday we had our last class of the semester (gosh so many lasts jeje). It was in Mary's house and it was a great time of debriefing and some tears too. Then we went Ice Skating:

That night, we had the Last Supper and then a sleep-over at Mary's house. 

Saturday I went shopping with Emily and Laura. They even ate with Gisela and me. She told us some funny stories about a previous student and gave us all gifts. Great sopes tambien. Then we went to church.

 Our pals (Diego, Alexa, Sam and Luise).

Sunday was the last time at Betel. We had to say goodbye to some pals that we've made this semester and it was pretty bittersweet (minus the sweet part). 

Then came Sunday night. We went to Mary's for Vespers and boy did we get more than we bargained for. We had a time of communion and blessing (the same thing we did in her house in the Spring). 

 

Then we did Secret Santa, here's what I got (thank you Mama):

 

 

After that, we went to a spraypaint artist. He's the man! Seriously a lyrical genius with some cans of spraypaint. Here's one of his pieces (shirt not included): 

That night, Emily, Laura and Besty stayed in my room and helped me pack. Everything fits! Then we talked till the wee hours of the morn about life. I'll miss them a little, they wrote the weird parts at the beginning of this blog. 

Today I took a memorial walk through the Centro with Laura and Christina. So great to just sit and talk in Plazas without anything to do. Very sad too but it's been a great semester (I gave it a 8.8!).
Last night here: Huacal, Pan, and Haga Su Taco with friends. Deuces.

HOW MEXICO HAS CHANGED ME

 I know you're all wondering how Mexico has changed me. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Spiritually I've grown a lot. Betel, Bible Study with Ben, and daily time in the Word and in prayer have helped me a ton. Tough conversations/questions have also made me question why I believe what I believe. 

2. Friendship! Sounds a little like a 5th grad girl, but seriously. I'll never forget the relationships I've formed with Diego, Luise, Gerardo, Luis, Alex, Koko, Paulina, the whole Haga family and Alejandro. And then how could I forget Gisela? They've truly showed me that Mexico is made up of great people. 

3.  The WIM group taught me how to be a gentleman and also taught me some things about "girl code" or whatever their language is called.

4. Speaking Spanish taught me the power of words. I have embraced Ephesians 4:29 this semester and I feel I am a better friend because of it. 

5. Mexican culture. Just relax and spend some times. That could be their tagline (only it would most likely be in Spanish). But seriously, here people are valued over schedules. I'm busy but my friend wants to come over uninvited for a few hours? So be it, let's party!

6. My whole view on Mexico. Yeah, it changed from "our poor neighbor where I travel for missions" or "it's full of drugs, violence and corruption" to "WOW, this place is beautiful. The people are awesome, the food is top-notch, and there is just a great sense of community".

BONUS

Safe to say I left my mark in Queretaro (get it?)

Adios Mexico!

 

ADIOS MEXICO!

Winding Down

Oh my lanta, it's already December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! As for us, we had four classes on Thursday but I'll get to the rest of the day later. 

UPDATES

Well I don't have any earth-shattering news, as it was a fairly routine week. On Monday, I had the opportunity to play in and win the basketball and volleyball championship at our school. I won a few cool shirts, and it was just a great experience to make Mexican friends through doing something that I love. 

I've been doing yoga lately. I enjoy its effects (more flexibility). However, I have heard that Christians shouldn't be doing yoga. Hmm.. Anyways, just a random thought. Another random thought is that we've been talking a lot lately about women's roles, especially in the church. Seeing that I'm part of the three guys in a group of 17, it's been quite interesting. Somehow (for the most part) we've kept the conversations very civil. Lots to think about.

I got a 65 on my last History test. Doesn't matter all that much because Angelica (professor) and I are pretty good friends, we hung out at the party which I will be telling you about shortly.

On Wednesday, Kara Besty and I made an apple pie and an apple crisp for the said party. They were a hit. I don't spend too much time in the kitchen actually making stuff, so it was a great learning experience. I think I still need some work:

Action shot, helping Besty make a delectable pie.

 Close up, real artsy (thanks Kara!)

The final products.

That night, I went to see Juegos del Hambre: En Llamas (Hunger Games part 2) for the second time. It was better the second time, no lies.

And then there was THURSDAY, el dia de accion de gracias, or Thanksgiving in layman's terms. I know it's cheesy and overused, but anyways here's a list of cositas that I'm thankful for:

• God and all He's doing in my life on this trip
•  My family (typical answer, but I seriously love them)
• My friends from home and Westmont (be seeing y'all soon)
• Gisela, my temporary mother. She is AWESOME, and she's been telling me to not leave
• Betel Church and my friends from there (see post from 9/29 for more details)
• The WIM group and Mary. I can't imagine a more fun-loving, open group and a more quirky leader to set the tone :)

Thursday night, we all went to Mary's house for pies and other goodies. There had to be 50 or 60 people there, including students professors families and friends.  It was honestly one of my favorite nights I've had here. First off, Mary decorated her house all Christmassy. Second, I splurged and had both apple and pecan pie... vale la pena. Also Shelby read, well translated too, me and Paula (Angelica's daughter) the story about Charlie Brown. Linus got it right, folks. Towards the end, we all (50ish of us) sat around and toasted thanks, followed by Christmas carols (in Spanish of course).
To top it all off, we danced at the end. It ain't a Westmont party without some harmless dance circles. We swung, cumbia-d, and even Mexican line danced (taught by Diego). What a night!

 

Me and Paula (she reminds me of my future bilingual daughter). She called me "hombre lobo" (wolf man) and petted my beard... melted my heart.

Angelica, our history teacher, and the three men of the WIM group (los guapos).

Notice the hand placement... classic.

I taught Dieguito "la shaka".

Friday night, we had a Thanksgiving feast at Luise's house. I had to cut the turkey and it was less than stellar (my cutting job, the turkey was fantastic. 

Saturday was church and Sunday we watched another movie and had Vespers. Ay 9 days!

Guanajuato and Other Goodies

Well kiddos,

 Sorry I didn't post on Sunday, but here I am. Anywho, it's winding down here in the WIM group. In about two weeks we'll be heading back to EEUU. But before I get all emotional on you (I'll save that for a later post), let's take a look into the week that has just passed.

With Parents

So, as you already know, my parents came to visit me. Unfortunately, it was the hardest week (academically speaking) we've had this semester so I didn't get to spend a ton of time with them. 

However, here are a few things we DID do:

We went to Haga Su Taco, the famous taco shop, and happened to run into Hacha y Laura.

They took Ben and me out to lunch for fajitas, glad they got a chance to hang out with him:

My parents were generous enough to throw an ice-cream party on my terrace for the WIM group, including Mary and Gisela. What a great time! My parents (the hosts) along with me and my wolf pack. Above are a few of my pals.

Without Parents

On Thursday night, my parents left. To celebrate, my friends and I went to the premiere of Hunger Games. Party! So worth it for Katniss.
I gave some oatmeal to Gisela on Friday night. She didn't like it and made lots of funny faces. First she added sugar, and then ice cream. Kinda ruins the healthy-ness of oatmeal in my opinion.

We went to Guanajuato this weekend! It was awesome. Guanajuato is a mining town located in a valley. It's not very big, but the streets are very confusing.The hotel we stayed in had a tree sticking out the middle of it, a terraza, and breakfast buffet (yessir).

On Saturday, we went 60 meters down into a mine:

We also went to another church (shocker):

Safe to say Mexico has really changed us...

We went up to the Pipilo, a statue of a strong man that has a great view overlooking the city below. That's where the next two pics are taken.

On Sunday, we went to the market where I bought a bunch of cool things (but I don't want to spoil any surprises). But really, I bought a lot. Not really my thing, but shopping in Mexico is a lot funner (yes, it's a word) for me than shopping in the States. It's almost like every market is it's own swap meet or GoodWill or thrift store, but with higher quality products. 

After the market splurge, I had a good talk with a few female members of the WIM group. I think I'm starting to understand women more, even though I've heard it's a life-long process... I believe it. But really we're getting a lot more comfortable around each other (sometimes too comfy) and there's just a good vibe surrounding the group. Also Mary is pretty cool. I'm sure she wouldn't mind me sharing this with all five of you, but I asked here where the Callejon de Beso (alley of the kiss) was, and she made some off-hand remark about me hinting something. Without further details, safe to say it was a comical situation. What happens in Mexico, I guess.

I'll let you guys go, but see you soon!





P.S. Here are some keepers (the people and the photos).

 

The WIM 2013 group, everyone (missing a few). 

Gisela and me in our house :)

That Day All my Dreams Became Reality

Well hello there loyal listeners! Brad here, once again.

So lately I've been listening to a few good podcasts, one in Spanish and the other in English. But this all stopped when I left my iPod in a hotel in Tequisquiapan... just a sad intro. It gets better.

First, my week, yo

So Sunday night I had the glory of skyping with my RA friends from the Mont. We chatted about everything under the sun, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's good to see people from home, but also it's weird to think I only have three more weeks here! How nuts is that?

Monday night, we had family dinner at Huacal and the girls shared all about their lives. It was bittersweet: first, it was a great feeling to know that we feel close enough to share about struggles and not just talk about the weather. However, it made me realize how little I understand the complex language of women. Oh man, I'm trying my hardest but they really have this ESPN thing going on where they all are on the same page about everything (yes, that was a reference to Mean Girls, maybe I am improving here). 

This week, Cynthia Toms, the new Westmont abroad person, came to visit us. She's super cool and she taught us all about Catholicism (she taught at Notre Dame). I think she was pleasantly surprised at how good the WIM program is :)

I ate 6 tacos for 15 pesos (about $1.25 USD).

Thursday night, we went out dancing. I danced my heart out, mixing it up with a combo of: cumbia, salsa, swing, disco, you name it. Such a great time, but I went to bed at 2 a.m. What has Mexico done to me? Pues, valio la pena. 

Also on Thursday, MY PARENTS ARRIVED! I know, I'm super spoiled having them and Jonny before. It's a family affair in Queretaro, baby!

On Saturday morning, we woke up at the ungodly hour of 5 a.m. to GO IN A HOT AIR BALLOON! Literally so fun (as opposed to metaphorically fun)! I normally have fears of heights, but it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. Just witness a bit of the action!:

The sunrise over the Mexican plains. 

The calm before the storm...

The best flight of my short life.

Told you they are here!

Oh oh oh, last night I went to my parents' hotel room and took a jacuzzi bath. Haven't done that since 'Nam and it felt like a slice of heaven. And we watched college football, just the right combination. 

This morning, we went to Betel and my parents met a lot of my Mexican friends and loved it! Just a great week in general.

P.S. All photo cred to Laura, Kara, y Maria loca :)

P.P.S. For those that take time to read about my life, I grant you this as a token of my appreciation:

Vamos a Oaxaca (land flowing with shopping and buffets)

 Oaxaca

On Thursday, we packed up and went for Oaxaca. Fortunately, this time, I woke up earlier and brought money. A good start!

As you may (or may not) know, we went down there during the time of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos (more on that later). The first night there, we saw a procession of people dressed up in all kinds of costumes. Then we ate pizza.  Lots of pizza.

The next day, we went to Monte Alban. I don't know much of its history (something about the Zapotecas a few years ago), but boy is it beautiful. GoogleImage it or just stay tuned:

Three words, five syllables: Y.M.C.A.

 A guy I met in the Monte Alban museum, gotta love the beard.

Then we went to Hierve el Agua (translated Boil Water, but it sounds better in Spanish). It's a petrified waterfall with natural pools. Felt good to feel at home again with the sun and water.

 Well that's pretty neat.

It's a LOT bigger in real life, I swear.

Ay carumba, she's a beaut.

During the trip, we went to four talleres (workshops kinda). First, Mezcal (an alcoholic beverage), then tapetes (fancy rugs) and other hand-made fabrics, then barro negro (hand-made pottery) and lastly calavera (the plates with white and blue, also made by hand). I would like to tell you what I bought, but I don't wanna ruin a perfectly good surprise. It was really fascinating to see people at their work and the amount of time and precision it took to do it.

 (right) Tapete man







(below) Barro negro, all hand-made

Also during the trip, we went to three Buffets! Talk about heaven for a hungry 20 year-old lad such as I. I went crazy, eating 8 plates at one of the buffets. I tried chapulines (crickets), conejo (bunny) and pato (duck). Lots of new experiences.

Speaking of new experiences, I watched my second ever salida del sol, or "sunrise" in layman's terms. On a nature-deprived semester such as this, it was a great reminder of the power and beauty God displays through nature.

I sure do love la naturaleza. That's the city of Oaxaca, folks. 

On a deep note, we went to a Panteon to see how Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead. We talked with a few families there, and it was more than interesting. Here's a pic (Pablo Lopez y su esposa):

 In Mexico, talking about death is not taboo. It's celebrated as a way to remember the one who passed. It amazed me that the people were remembering their loved ones but took the time to happily tell us more about their beliefs and Dia de Los Muertos in general. I think we could find a balance between celebrating death and refusing to talk about it, because the truth is that it's gonna happen to all of us (last time I checked, it's batting 1.000). I could write a full essay about this (actually just wrote a 3.5-pager, due Friday), but those are the thoughts I'll leave you with.

to Halloween or not to Halloween? don't ask these angsty 20 year-olds (Erin and Besty)

Side Note

Three things I lost on the trip:

1) My camera (hardly worth anything, but thanks Kara and Emily for the photos)

2) My Chevy hat (lots of good memories, skin cancer to follow)

3) A small comb for my beard (only 15 pesos, but it said Oaxaca on it so I'm a bit bummed)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S.

Just a treat for those that actually take the time to read (or skim) my whole blog. Job well done! 

The three men of WIM 2013, and a very big wooden hand.