Lydia Mertz – Page 3 – Valpo Voyager

Author: Lydia Mertz (page 3 of 4)

Thanksgiving….in Mexico?

Thanksgiving in Mexico-I was dreading this day. I consider myself a positive person and in general refuse to allow the hardships in this rather unpredictable life affect my spirit. However, on the big day of turkey, giving thanks and some good ol’ football, I would be taking an exam for my Spanish exam. It’s sad and somewhat depressing when you’re in a country that doesn’t celebrate a holiday from your culture. Yes, very depressing indeed especially when you’ve been celebrating this holiday every year since you were born. I mean, it’s Thanksgiving, I wanted to be helping mom in the kitchen and witness the vivid display of emotions and language of my father as he watched the football game. However, this Thanksgiving was a desperate time and called for…well, unique measures.

The day before Thanksgiving, a group of children came to visit our dorms and played soccer with some of the students. These children were from a local home to help children from families that were not able to take care of them financially. Their energy was addicting as they ran up and down the soccer field yelling and laughing attempting to make goals for their team. It’s a tough life for these kids, it’s a rare moment that they have the chance to feel this kind of freedom and these kids were soaking it up here in this little soccer game.

My lovely friends from the US….we were so thankful for our turkey!

Thanksgiving Day consisted of an exam for a class, not the pleasant way to start off this holiday, but hey, you got to live with what life gives you. However, my friend Erin and I went to Casa Verde later in the day for a (free) Thanksgiving dinner. Casa Verde is a Christian ministry and home located close to the UDLA for students to enjoy, relax and learn more about God with leaders from Mexico and the USA. Every Thursday, they offer a free meal to students and this particular day featured the classic Thanksgiving food. With a plate full of food that seemed to weigh close to four pounds, I was quite thankful to have my share of carbs and other delights. However, what made it very special was that we shared the meal with a local orphanage that came to visit Casa Verde. We ate our food, listened to music, made crafts and the American students laughed how for the first time in our lives, we were celebrating Thanksgiving in warm weather.

So, how was my Thanksgiving? Well, it was somewhat bittersweet because I missed my family terribly but special because I realized my blessings in life and especially this experience in Mexico. Similar to the soccer game, I realized that my experience in Mexico has made me more aware of my freedoms in this life. It is very easy to let others influence us or if you’re a complex perfectionist like myself, just making yourself aware that you’re always safe and can always hold your head high in any situation. Learning Spanish and the Mexican culture has been a humbling, hilarious and heart-inspiring experience. With the frustrations of the language, it’s been my ticket to discovering a culture and meeting wonderful people.

Somehow being immersed with these experiences on a daily basis in a culture that is filled with color and passion awakens my desire to paint color and live with passion in my life. Realizing that your are free and do not need to live your life with dull gray and khaki like so many people in this world-you become more thankful for life when abroad.

Plans Have Changed…..

December 4, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 3 Comments

So, my plans have changed…a lot.

I’m now staying in Mexico for a year. Yes, this means more blogs for your reading pleasure (or at least this is the reaction I hope to receive from you, dear reader).

Due to circumstances, I’m not able to fly home for Christmas and be with my family. It’s a mixture of feelings. Chrismas in Mexico will be such a beautiful cultural experience and I have friends and “family” here to stay with. However, it’s Christmas-you know, the time to be with your family, watch Christmas movies, make cookies together. Christmas away from family? Am I crazy to be staying for a year? I miss my family, friends and Valpo so much!

Next semester, instead of living in the dorms, I’m getting an apartament with my friend Martina from Austria. It has everything I want but I’ve never lived in an apartament before and have been used to dorm life for the past two and a half years.

Living with more color and passion….and less fear

Yes, I’ve becoming independent and stronger. It’s so scary though. At times, I want to be five years old again with my mother holding my hand instead of being twenty-two years old in a foreign country. At times, I think I’m crazy to be living my life like this with so many new experiences but then again, what is the point of life if we don’t take chances? Becoming independent is so tiring and makes me question my sanity at times but I can’t go back to the old way of living in fear and making mistakes. The best I can do is try and just stay calm. When I look at the uncomfortable and difficult times, it’s nothing compared to the positive and beautiful experiences I have had here.

Doing these kind of things while remaining true to myself and connected to the people in my life is a glorious challenge. It’s painful at times but why live in worry and fear? I’m learning to celebrate and live with color and passion….life has never tasted sweeter.

The Magic of Dance

November 12, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 0 Comments

The other night, my friends and I attended “Muestra de Baile” here on campus in which students from the university performed a variety of dances from around the world. For those of you from Valpo, this is similar to the spectacular Dance Ensemble put on every year.

The very beautiful and seductive moves of Polynesian dancing.

The “Muestra de Baile” took the audience in a dancing journey that featured nine types of dance including salsa, folkloric, hip hop, Polynesian and more. It was fascinating to watch the dancers (mostly Mexican students with a few international students) as they swayed, popped and maneuvered their bodies to a variety of beats and rhythms.

Hip Hip to Usher-yes, in Mexico!

I couldn’t help but think that the hip hop piece that had Mexican students dancing to the very contemporary (and very attractive) Usher was simply globalization in dance form. While there was a modern vibe to the program, it also featured traditional Mexican folkloric dance from Veracruz. The couple that did this particular piece wooed the crowd with delicate steps but with a certain richness that made me so happy to be living in this country. My particular favorite was the traditional African dance. The beats were so raw and pure and made the performance incredibly energizing as the dancers shook their bodies.

The “Muestra de Baile” exemplified that dance illustrates the beauty of cultures and tempts an individual to learn more about a culture. As we gaze on the dancer, our eyes take on their movements and physical interpretation of the music. Whether it is seductive moves of Polynesian dancing or the raw vibrancy of the African dancing, it stirs up a hidden (and sometimes unspoken) desire and energy inside our souls that inspires us to transfer that to our bodies.

Traditional Mexican folkloric from Veracruz

This is the magic of dance. It inspires up to project energy from our souls to our bodies-if we allow ourselves to embrace it. Whether it is Polynesican, hip hop, the tango or whatever it may be, learn to dance. Allow rhythms and beats to transcend into your soul and into your beautiful body-it really is magical.

Some Snapshots of this Mexican Life….

November 9, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 0 Comments

My Valpo friend Erin and I at a recent birthday party. The theme was the letter “P”-she was a padre and I was a professor!

Inside the beautiful San Andres church. At one point, this church underwent major reconstruction after the roof fell in-it looks brand new!

A Day for the Dead?

November 4, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 4 Comments

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead)-it’s a beautiful, odd and reflective holiday here in Mexico. Basically, you could call it a combination of conservative Catholic traditions with a raw Aztec attitude. Every year, families in Mexico make ofrendas or offerings for well, obviously the dead but specifically members of the family who have passed on. These offerings will include flowers, a portrait of the deceased, bread, fruit, chocolate skulls, food and drink the family member liked among other items. Offerings can be very simple or extremely fancy.

This was posted on the wall on a family’s home. In English, it reads: “For us, there was no death, you live in our hearts and our pain will not end until we re-unit forever.”

Bread, flowers and fruit-always in an ofrenda!

The ofrendas or offerings are meant to attract the spirit of the dead loved one and celebrate his or her life. At a certain time, family members will go out into the street and create a path with flowers leading into the house guiding the spirit of the deceased to enter the house. The family eats the food from the ofrenda and re-lives the memories they shared with the spirit of the deceased. When the time comes, the family bids the spirit of the muerto (or deceased person) farewell until next year.

I had the recent opportunity to visit the town of Huaquechula with some classmates and our professor to visit the homes of complete strangers to see their ofrendas. This is an official tour the town does every year for tourists. Entering the homes with beautiful ofrendas, I stood there taking in the life of a complete stranger. I realized that the love and dedication between families even when a member has passed on is forever strong. It sounds odd to invite the spirit of a dead family member into your home. I mean in my family, we just put flowers on my grandparents’ graves, say a prayer and call it good. Here, they go to great efforts to make these offerings.

This was a very beautiful ofrenda for a family member that has passed this year in Huaquechula.

Family members invite the spirit of the deceased family member to enter their home.

Going through the different homes and seeing the offerings that the family member’s had painstakingly made was somber, breathtaking and beautiful. It’s difficult to explain experiencing this day because it’s a mixture of emotions ranging from sadness for complete strangers that the loved one was not physically there. However, I felt a sense of peace because despite death, the families still had each other and most importantly, this opportunity to express the loss in a healthy and open manner. Stealing a phrase from Oprah Winfrey and Doctor Phil, in order to heal, you got to feel. Day of the Dead certainly does that.

However, it also goes to prove that no matter the occasion, Mexicans will always celebrate. Remembering loved ones that have passed on is sad and difficult for sure. Some family members laugh and some cry but why not celebrate and remember the life and memories you shared with them? It is a beautiful lesson that in life and death, there is always a reason to keep hoping in the face of death. Even though the body has been buried, their spirit will continue to live on.

Lydia

Now, You’re Making Sense!

October 25, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 1 Comment

Ok, so my first blog post was about my frustration and struggle with Spanish.

Well, you should be proud to know that my Spanish has improved. The other day, I was eating dinner with my Mexican friends Cynthia and Angel and asked them if they thought my Spanish had progressed. The reaction I received was similar to if I just asked them if Mexicans like tequila and tacos. Even though I still make mistakes, hearing from a Mexican that my Spanish had improved muchísimo (very much) felt amazing!

My friend Cynthia-a friend who has been very patient with my Spanish!

Although my Spanish is better, what matters in my opinion is that I just don’t care about making mistakes as much as I used to. My inner perfectionist has lost a lot of her power in my life. A stronger sense of confidence has replaced the sweaty palms and feeling of shame when I’m confused. I’ve realized that making mistakes are a necessary part of life.

Additionally, I’ve also realized that if a person cannot handle my mistakes and acts rudely because of my lack of knowledge, then it is within my right to stand up for myself. Also, people like that have no business being in my life. Maybe that’s a rather harsh way but when abroad and learning a language, it is extremely important to seek friends who are will work with you and your struggle with the language. I have been blessed to find friends who are extremely patient and that despite my numerous mistakes, still talk to me and yes, even seek out my friendship!

So, while my Spanish has improved greatly, my attitude has as well. The number of errors and mistakes do not matter. What counts is being confident, classy, charming and always expecting nothing but respect from people. As the great Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent:” Wise words indeed. Stronger Spanish and a stronger sense of self…studying abroad is fantastic.

Saludos!

A Rock n´Roll Band

October 21, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 0 Comments

The music of Mexico. What comes to your mind first? Mariachi, salsa or some good looking Latino belting out Spanish that you don’t understand but just soak the beauty of his words anyway into your exsistence?

Chris belts out his heart and soul during the concert

Despite the idea that we have of the music of Mexico, it extends beyond the vibrant mariachi bands. I have had the pleasure of befriending two Mexicans, Chris and Davis, who are in an alternative rock band here in Cholula called Blake. The band began in 2005 and consists of five Mexican guys who were best friends in high school. They wanted to rock n’ roll and started their own rock band and named it Blake with regards to the English poet and painter, William Blake. Check them out here: proyectoblake

The band warms up before rocking out!

My friend Erin and I recently had the pleasure of seeing our rock n´roll friends play live at a recent concert in the city of Puebla about 30 minutes from our university. The band, Blake, sounds just like any alternative rock and roll band from the US. While Davis pounds the beat on the drums and the guitarists work their magic, Chris belts out his heart and soul in Spanish. Through songs such as Amar es Mentir (Love is a Lie) and Una Historia Sin Principio (Story Without a Beginning) they analyze the problems and challenges of life. Somehow, you find comfort and compatibility within the music and lyrics of their songs.
Granted, you could just say that it’s another rock and roll band. However, here’s where we take into consideration the beauty of music. No matter the language, we can find a part of ourselves in the music and still appreciate the gift of the musician to our ears. Besides, whether you speak English or Spanish, who doesn’t want to rock out?

For more information about Blake, check out their MySpace page: proyectoblake!

More of Mexico…in Photos

October 19, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 0 Comments

Don’t know the name but this flower is beautiful!

Dani and Alex salsa dancing in a store!

Enjoy these snapshots of my life in Mexico. It’s filled with exploring history and culture, fiestas and wonderful people.

A mariachi band at the birthday party of my friend, Luis.

: With my Japenese friend, Sumi, at a Foodlap-an event where international students made food from their countries.

Sometimes I Wonder….

October 11, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 6 Comments

When abroad, you ask yourself questions-a lot of them. Sometimes, these never-ending questions/thoughts leave you with a headache or absolutely thrilled. It’s easy to brush away them away. However, being honest and acknowleding these questions/thoughts has strengthened my purpose here and who I am as a person.

Sometimes I wonder…

Why did I choose Mexico?
How could I not feel like a million bucks when I have a conversation in Spanish and we understand each other!
Why are three out of my four classes in Spanish? Good Lord, they speak so fast!
Is there anything tastier than a taco from Mexico anytime of the day?
Why is there no Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in Mexico?!!

How exciting is it to meet a handsome Mexican boy who is a gentleman, a skillful dancer and wants to show you his country and get to know you?
Why isn’t there more money?
How can Mexican families stay strong despite a modern world? The strength and unity of the family is everything here.
How could you not be happy in a place where there’s so much color and natural beauty?
Isn’t thrilling knowing I’m living in an area where the Aztecs once ruled? It gives me chills sometimes.

Are you just rude or do you not understand the fact that I am foreign and struggle with your language? Please talk slower like I asked you.
Isn’t the Church of Remedios in Cholula just the most beautiful church ever? I could never stop looking at it.
Do you judge me by my white skin and blonde hair? Not all gringas (girls from the USA) are the same.
Is there anything cooler than celebrating 200 years of Mexico than in the heart of soul of the country, Mexico City?
How much more alive can I feel when I’m salsa dancing?

Isn’t beautiful to wake up surrounded by mountains EVERYWHERE?
What will it be like when I get to the USA? Will it will be weird and awkward?
My parents must be pretty cool to let their only daughter study abroad for four and a half months to another country.
Why are people so narrow-minded about Mexico? Seriously, it’s a rich culture and there’s more than the negative stereotypes.
How can Mexicans be so relaxed and not make exact plans with everything? It’s refreshing for sure, but geez, I don’t get it sometimes!
Mexicans are just about the best people to hang out with and very loyal too.

How did God bless me with this incredible life? A life that I can get to fulfill my dreams of traveling, living in beautiful cultures with people that love and support me. Yes, I love this life!

What are YOUR thoughts/ questions? Post them!

Snapshots of UDLA

October 4, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 0 Comments

Welcome to the Universidad de las Americas located in Cholula, Puebla! Here’s some snapshots of what to expect if you have the opportunity to study here. This is just the beginning-more pictures are to come!