Saturday, January 21, 2012

Friday, January 20, 2012 — A Day For Choices






Friday, January 20 — More time to explore today—


No cooking class and no intercambio today. I found I was missing my USB connector to the little Nikon. So I followed directions to an Office Depot about six blocks up the hill from school. As one of my classmates predicted they didn't have that little micro USB I needed, but they did have several card readers. I only have two of them at home already, but what was my choice? I picked out a tiny little Kingston (quite cute) and of course found at least six more semi necessary items while I was there. Huge difference in prices for simple lined blank notebooks without graph paper and with cardboard covers instead of hard covers. I saw one earlier in my search at a papeleria for 220 pesos. Bought one at a book store for 17 and bought one at the Depot for 7 pesos. Absolutely equal quality.


I found my way to Calle Acala but was not able to speak with Anulfo Mendoza because he was resting. So here I am facing the Zocolo, sitting at an amiable street cafe under the colonnade, watching people parade by and looking beyond to a garden tapestry richly covered with point Setias all vibrantly in bloom. A sea of deep red. What a scene.


School has been so demanding time wise that this is my first visit here at the Zocolo this year. Calle Hidalgo is just beyond, so I'll take the opportunity to walk down to the Textile Museum, see the exhibits and library and try to visit with Eric Chavez, their education director.


A woman at tapestry weaver Anulfo's gallery remarked that I would probably not find a salad in this direction. But here I sit, having just eaten a lovely green salad. High quality lettuce, spinach, gorbanzas, tomatoes, red and green bell peppers and onions. How good can it get. Music in the background, sipping an after meal cafe con leche frio and continuing my writing.


What a special feeling here. There is so much warmth and affection visible in this city. Also in Mexico in general. But I have to say I don't know of a place where the people look happier. They're always kissing and hugging and looking pleased with each other.


Just gave 10 pesos to a beautiful young woman who played the guitar near us for a few minutes. Very self contained, jauntily wearing a baret. Lovely handwoven guitar case cover on her back and singing like a trooper. Made me think of Mike at that age. — What do I know? Last few minutes she's been discussing something back and forth with a tall young vendadora who reached into the musicians purse flap, took something from it and popped in her mouth. I took another picture of the two of them and they cautiously turned their backs to me and walked off. Sorry girls, I didn't mean to scare you away.

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