’18 Feb: Puebla City, Mexico

Corn. Cool.

From the internet article where I’ve got all this info:

“The artist gets to know the neighborhood and the family who lives or works in that particular building and then creates a design that speaks about both, a process that engages everyone in the project.

“The larger goals are to unite the community and to instill a renewed sense of pride in the neighborhood, a desire to beautify the area, and a new appreciation for its history.”

So Javier and I were walking around, me snapping away (owww I have so many more…) and a woman came out of one of the doors and told Javier we should turn around because the neighborhood is not safe.

I did not feel at all that we were not safe! Javier was getting really twitchy though, feeling responsible for me probably, and he’d never been to this place before even though the neighborhood is part of the historic downtown and part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

I wanted to go down this street to see what was what with that foot. So the woman said ok, go ahead, I’ll watch you. Yikes.

Here’s the foot! We then made our way back.

In the evening those of us who were leaving had a graduation party hosted by the school in a Brazilian restaurant. It was a lot of fun, we got certificates and gifts and sweet goodbyes from one and all.

Several of those who started with me were staying for another 3-6-21 weeks, and several who were leaving had come earlier. I think the 3 week ‘semester’ with books that the class can begin and finish in 3 weeks is an excellent idea, and with the afternoon guides it is a very impressive program here at the Spanish Institute of Puebla.

March 9

I decided to find an exceptionally expensive restaurant in the historic center to treat myself to a farewell lunch. It was nice, no doubt…

…and lovely to sit here. But no more delicious than food from the street!

And speaking of the street, I don’t remember what I did this last day!

But I did find a balcony and take these two pictures.

And then a contingent of the gang met for a final farewell. Such a happy, welcoming crowd. Thanks to one and all for a memorable three weeks full of delights and good fun.

March 10

My homestay host, Maria Carmen ready for her daily trip to the church. Adios Mari, Gracias!

And in 12 hours or so – Home Sweet Home!