Carnaval

 My mom was able to come and visit during the week of Carnaval. I was so happy that she was able to experience the craziness of the week and also that we were able to spend some time together. In Cambodia, I remember missing family so much and feeling incredibly far away. Here in Mexico,  I'm just a short plane ride away and it's a lot easier to keep in touch with family.  It was really nice to have my mom here to see where I live and also to experience a different culture. Here are a few pictures from the week:

Getting my face painted at the fund raiser for school

I loved the bright colors and never wanted to wash it off really...

Downtown trucks carrying spandex clad Mexican women in high heels pull up, music blasting

The girls and guys line up and get ready to perform their routines while the passerbys and people eating at restaurants stop what they are doing to watch

And the shimming and hip shaking begins... I thought many times, "Wow, American's really just can't move like that"

Andrea and me taking pictures with the dancers. I loved how sassy this lady was.

Carnaval is just one example that in this culture, having a good time is always important. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the week and everybody has work the next day, people are ready to drop everything and show up in town to socialize with neighbors and family.