Life in Mexico where minutes turn into hours....

To explain the last 30 days of my life is challenging because I want to put the joy of my heart into these words…… 

I started Spanish school a few weeks ago, it has been so challenging not only because I have to arrive early but sitting at a desk, raising your hand, and HOMEWORK is something I have not done for a minute or two... At the same time it feels amazing to be doing this for me. For so many years my schedule was taking care of others, helping them with their goals and future.  It has taken some adjusting  just looking out for myself, no complaints just different.  After my first week of school, I went out in the streets to put my Espanol to work. I decided I needed some new sneakers for the gym I joined. I walked into a shoe place to be greeted as always here with warm smiles and greetings. After 5 minutes I was invited to sit down and sip on tequila with the owner of the store along with his store manager. It was 12:15pm and I was sipping on tequila with my new friends talking about love….. By 1:30 and a few shots later my Spanish was really good 
( I thought) and I was learning about the love life of Carlos and his wife. They had been fighting all week, his heart was heavy I learned. He explained how they met and the many reasons why he loved her. I hugged him with tears in my eyes of learning of his beautiful life and said thank you to Carlos. He then told me to please pick out a pair of shoes. I tried to pay but he would not except. Once again this culture has taken my heart.  

I have spent days just walking the streets meeting people, learning the culture. I walked by a gallery that grabbed my attention. I walked in to be greeted by a handsome young man Rene. Ironic I thought the only other gallery I walked into the owner was also Rene. As I introduced myself and kissed his cheek a look of surprise came over him. In English he said  " you are the Hannah my father talked about" I looked at him surprised… San Miguel is small but still a city with a lot of art galleries. This was Rene's son Rene Jr, he owned this gallery. We laughed at the small world and small town.  Rene guided me through both his galleries and explained art in his words giving great detail and passion.  A few hours later he explained what it took to be a Mexican. 

1. Family and friends

2. Trust and respect

3. Time does not rule your life

4. Drinking and food

5. Family. 

I smiled as this culture is sinking deeper into my bones. 

I have to admit most of my time has been spent exploring during the day and sleeping in my cozy bed by 10pm. I have been cooking almost all my meals. I love going to the organic market, picking out fresh food then coming home to make something delicious.  On the food topic I randomly walked into a place that said fresh juice and smoothies. Inside was a vortex of goodness. I found a place called life path, Inside this beautiful old building is a place of healing.  Massage, yoga, products, counseling, and a kitchen with a chef named Alicia. Alicia was sitting in the kitchen and I walked in to introduce myself, right away I liked her so much, she reminded me of my friend Summer Bock. She was making yummy kale chips, soaking almonds and had her crock on top of her fridge with kraut. Again minutes turned into hours of conversation that lead to laughter, amazing information and the feeling of being with my girlfriends who I miss so much. I was introduced to many wonderful people and this included Eduardo a Shaman with magic hands. I made an apt to meet with him the next day, hugged the inspiring Alicia and walked home contemplating could I make a life here? 

 I have times of missing my friends very much, being away from Oceana I find the biggest challenge of all. I walk by a car every morning with an Ohio license plate that makes me smile as a good portion of my frieHaving no phone, no text, no Internet at my house, I feel very disconnected at times from those I love. At the same time it is teaching me to go deeper into my meditation, trust that those you love will be there when I truly need it and I for them. My dreams have been so beautiful, I was told San Miguel is built on top of healing crystals. If this is true or not there is something here so magical and my dreams on a nightly basis confirm this.  The part of traveling I forget that can be difficult is you want your friends and family to experience this joy, this happiness with you. So all I can do is express through writing this, hoping to share and inspire.