Hasta Luego Monterrey…

I was going to title the blog “adios” Monterrey, but a better phrase in Spanish exists that denotes a temporary goodbye until a later time – hasta luego, literally translates into “until later.” So, with this definition in mind, I bid hasta luego to the bustling business center of Mexico. My 7 weeks here have been filled to the max with difficult classes and projects, traveling to various cities around the vast countryside, hiking famous trails in Monterrey, meeting amazing new friends and taking in as much of the Mexican culture and way of life, as I can.

As I reflect back on my time here, I will recap the top moments and experiences de Mexico for your reading pleasure…

• Meeting many new people from a host of different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life!

• Traveling to various cities around Mexico including Santiago, San Luis Potosí, Queretaro and Veracruz – along with meeting up with old friends Kristine and Sebastian!!







• Listening to the most FABULOUS mariachi band I have EVER heard in any part of Mexico. Very cool!!!




• Hiking around Monterrey – the city is revered for its famous hiking treks! El Parque Chipinque, Cola de Caballo AND the big one, Cerro de la Silla.






• Interesting nightlife in Monterrey – thank goodness for Manaus and Lov Pub!!







• Awesome food – LOVE tortilla soup, Chilaquiles and the fresh tortillas. Not to mention “Tacos Heaven” is to die for (no pun intended of course)

• Volunteering at Case Hogar Douglas - the orphanage outside of Monterrey.
  
  
  
  




• Tae-bow with Amanda and Lisa – the teacher loved us – we were the regulars. Well, sometimes :)



• The smoothie place – the dudes at the smoothie place laugh at me EVERY time I go there (about 5 times a week) just based on my first trip there when I didn’t know how to say smoothie in Spanish, so I tried to describe it, and apparently botched that one! Oh well, all in good fun!





• SuperSalads!! OMG, I’m obsessed with their salads and tortilla soup – not to mention their one playlist of 80s rock mix with euro dance! AWESOME. No seriously, it really is! I love it!





• Encountering extremely presumptuous Monterrey residents who apparently think its OK to generalize against and berate Americans, but quick to criticize anyone voicing opinions about their city or country. Although, as a disclaimer – the Mexican people I’ve met have been quite amiable and gracious, and are quick to point out quips about their own culture with a jovial and jesting attitude. The others must have been the Internet extremists.



• The “Thunderdorm” and the “Thunderstreet.” There were about 30 Tbird students staying at the same apartment. Poor chaps – didn’t know what hit them. But I guess if you advertise reliable Internet and cleaning service 5 times a week – and then offer NO Internet and cleaning service 5 times in 7 weeks, then you’ll have an angry mob of budget-bound grad students demanding 500 pesos off a 21,000 peso bill – shouldn’t be too far fetched.








• Instant smells and mystery water (pretty much self-explanatory)!!!



• And, saving the best for last – the Mexican culture. As I mentioned in earlier entries, the culture in Monterrey has been watered down a little to conform to the demands of a thriving business center, however, in the smaller towns, especially Queretaro – the city was alive with music, performances in the plazas, colorful shops, and friendly and welcoming people – what an amazing little town rich with history and culture!
  
  
  

Overall, my time here in Mexico was wonderful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study international business abroad! So it is with a bittersweet note that I say “hasta luego” to this beautiful and diverse country. I wish I had additional free time to travel, as I’ve heard from many Mexicans from government officials to taxi drivers, to shop owners and students, that Monterrey is not “real” Mexico. Although I did visit 4 or 5 other cities, I would LOVE to come back and travel around the country more. But, for now, module 2 is starting in a week, and things like re-packing and taxes must be completed before!!! So, “hasta luego” Mexico… and onto PRAGUE!!!