Friday, December 12, 2008

El Dia de Guadalupe

Today is el Dia de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Day), a day honoring the virgin saint, if I understand it correctly. How do I know this? Well, by the fireworks, music and singing that started at 5:30 this morning, of course!

December seems to be celebrated with fireworks and they will only become more frequent as we get closer to Christmas and New Years. Last year I pondered the relation between Christmas and fireworks, but never came to a conclusion. I understand New Years, just not la Navidad. As long as the ratio between fireworks and guns stays heavy on the fireworks side, I'll be happy.

Next up, Ibis and I are going to Mexico City! I mentioned this in passing earlier in the week, but thought I'd tell you a little more about it. He has family there that we haven't seen since we first arrived in Mexico and we've wanted to go visit them ever since. His boss has given him over a week off so we might stay for a full week (or however long his aunt will have us.)

Mexico is about eight hours from here, but only four from Morelia, the capital of Michoacan, the next state over and where Ibis is from. We're planning to attend his niece's baptism on Sunday (this may or may not be happening now) and since Morelia is four hours away, that'll break up the drive to Mexico.

The only thing we have planned so far is to visit the ruins that are about an hour outside the city. Neither of us have ever been to any ruins and we're really excited to check it out. I have a walking stick from when we hiked to the Monarch butterflies last winter, so I think I'll bring that along.

Other than that, we'll explore the city, hopefully go to a museum or two, and visit with family. Oh, and we will be seeking out Thai food! Mmmmm... I've already tested my Word document on his computer so I know I'll be able to write while we're gone. Yes, I have notebooks too, but if I can type, I will. Since I'm not sure which day we'll be leaving, I'll be sure to post a note here so you all don't miss me. :)

9 comments:

WendyCinNYC said...

That sounds like a fun trip!

Please do your best to avoid the gunfire today.

Anonymous said...

Exciting! I believe there is a lot of story ideas hiding in Mexico City. I can't wait to see the pics!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I will! Most of it comes at night and we don't usually go out, so we should be good.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Turkey, I hope so! I'm bringing along plenty of notebooks in case I get inspired.

Robin said...

Wow. That sounds just awesome. I'd love to see Mexico City. You're going to have a blast, and tons of adventures. The pictures! The blogs! The stories! *rubs hands together gleefully* I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Oh, if you go to the Frida Kahlo musesum please please please post about it.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, I'm glad you're as excited as I am!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

AC, I didn't realize that was there - I really don't know much about the city - but I like her and am adding that to my list! Thanks for mentioning it. :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

That sounds so fun! You guys have a great time and be safe.