Wrapping up the first week and starting the next...

The first week of classes is officially behind me, and although it was quite a whirlwind, I've already learned so much and have made an amazing new set of friends. Our classes so far have focused on Organic Coffee production, Mexican national identity, Student movements in the 1960s, La Lucha Libre, and the Oaxaca State Band. We were able to get out of the classroom a few times - formally to do a walking tour of the city and to watch a performance of the State Band, and informally to socialize during happy hours, dinners, and even an impromptu party at my house on Saturday night.

All of the fellows get along really well, and the professors continue to be fascinating (thank goodness!). In my neighborhood, I'm starting to become a regular at a few places and have made a few friends in restaurants and shops. I'm sure this will only increase (for the better) the longer I'm here.

This week is going to be our most intensive, a combination of all-day classes and a few field trips. But if it's anything like last week, it's going to be another incredible set of experiences. I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Benito Juarez statue

Santo Domingo

Freshly painted Zapata artwork on a city wall

Monument recognizing all of the historians from Oaxaca

Carmen Alto

Celebrating one of the fellows' birthdays in the Zocalo (notice the Burger King crown)

The birthday festivities continued at my studio apartment later that evening