There was a duality to our visit to Guanajuato, due to it being our last trip. One one hand, there was the desire to slow down, take in the beautiful city, truly be one with Mexico. On the other hand, many people were frantic to buy last minute gifts for family. It resulted in us skipping some of the well-known attractions, such as the silver mines and the mummies (*so* disappointed about the latter), to walk the downtown, shop, and eat (we did eat at a gorgeous mansion-turned-restaurant next to the mine, and we did walk through a museum where the war for independence began, and went to Diego Rivera's birthplace). Guanajuato is an interesting city to walk through, lots of ups and downs and narrow and wide streets, plus there are paved tunnels to drive through where a river used to run. At every turn the view was something interesting. It was a beautiful day, and we all finished our shopping and prepared to return home.
The next morning I awoke at 3:45am in order to be dropped off by my host family at 4:30 at the school in time for the airport shuttle. The dog, Ginger, got very excited upon seeing my suitcase, and it was as sad to say goodbye to her as it was the rest of the family. The flight home was easy, and it was shocking how suddenly I was back in another world, the one that is my home, and felt mostly like home. I am having to adjust a little bit to being back. I realized that my only interaction with Americans has been with my own classmates, so I am training myself out of speaking in Spanish to strangers. I'm not quite ready to let go yet, I have learned. When I drove to the grocery store I put on the Spanish radio station, and instead of going for American classics at the store I bought more Mexican food, so I could try to make things that I enjoyed the most during my trip. I just want to spend the next couple days remembering, and adjusting, and not rushing back into being American. Or maybe I can keep this with me for longer than I think. I hope so, anyway.
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