1. Buses. I've ridden about 4 buses most everyday I've been here, so I have some thoughts to share. First of all, buses work differently than I'm accustomed to, in that drivers are paid on commission; they receive the money each rider gives them. Therefore, this explains some things that are frustrating to a new user, like me; there are no transfers, so you have to pay the driver for each different bus, and also drivers speed ahead to try and beat other drivers to get the money. Also, there is no schedule; you just go to the stop and wait. It's kind of liberating, in that you're never "late for the bus," but it's kind of a bummer, in that you never know when it might come. As I hinted at in my first post, it's often said women get groped in buses, thievery, etc. What I have to say to that is, whatever. As I remarked, I've been spending hours in the bus each day and I have never been leered at nor feared for my valuables. Instead, people are incredibly kind and helpful, way more than in the U.S. This makes me think this is some conspiracy to make Americans not want to see the real Mexico. Bus drivers are so helpful; I kept overpaying them and they always gave me even 10 cents back. People are great about getting up for older people, disabled, etc. Even a little girl I saw, probably about 5 years old, asked another little girl to share her seat today. Now that's bien educada...When I was standing and having a hard time holding my stuff, a woman sitting in a seat near me took and held my things for me. At first, I was kind of wary...but she really was just trying to help me out. The bus is filled with interesting characters. Often people will get on the bus and either play music (guitars, flutes, singing) or sell sweets. Live music, it's pretty awesome. It's interesting seeing which performers/sellers get the most money from riders. A final thing is that every driver, with the exception of one, has some sort of tribute to Jesus in his bus, with a big poster, cross, etc. (the exception had a hot lady instead). One driver today had a graphic crucifixion statue with blinking neon lights all over it (dios mío). The buses are so colorful and everyone tries to help you out, especially since I am so lost and there's not really a way to plan a trip or see where buses actually go.
2. Friendliness/Kindness/etc.
Guadalajara is bigger (and probably more sprawling? who knows) than L.A., yet I've experienced so much friendliness, I feel like I'm in Platteville, Wisc., or maybe even a smaller town that that. When I ask for directions, people will call their friends/family members if they don't know, until they find someone who does. A woman today, who we asked for directions, just drove us to what we were looking for. When looking for a bar, which we couldn't find, the taxi driver pulled over and we went together door-to-door, looking for someone who could tell us the bar's location. Those are just a few of the many, many examples of really kind people I have met, and it's always a great surprise.
3. European-yet-not-really Beauty of the City
I have been several places in Guadalajara, besides my university and a visit to the small town of Tequila (and our tour of the factory), and it is gorgeous, in so many different ways. The houses are vibrantly painted, with flowers and interesting doorways or detail. Even when there is trash all around in some areas, somehow it doesn't take away the beauty for me--it just makes things seem so much more real and exciting than, say, the Netherlands (no offense). In this really nice neighborhood, where artesans have taken over old mansions, every single one is absolutely gorgeous, with open courtyards, beautiful flowers and curling, delicate gates. The least-nice neighborhoods I've seen are beautiful too; while not ornate, I love looking at each house, with its vibrant colors and character. Houses here have soul! Furthermore, I think GDL has a very very Spanish feel. Each neighborhood has a plaza, of course, with a cathedral, town hall, etc. I literally feel like I'm back in Spain, no joke. The architecture, the winding streets, the style of everything, even the signs...it's crazy. Yet I don't mean to say this is Spain Jr. in anyway--I like this better than Madrid, etc. because I find the feeling more vibrant and exciting (less stuffy, maybe). Yet you definitely get the Spanish influence.
Well, I have my first day of classes tomorrow at the Tec, and I'm exhausted, so I'm out. I'll have to post some pictures of campus, I feel like I'm at a resort in Cancun, it's gorgeous. I'm taking all normal classes with other Mexican students, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow. I'm taking Differential Equations, Contemporary Latin American Literature, Economic Structures of Mexico, Planning Microenterprise for Social Development and Regional Studies of Africa.
Miss you all!
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