(Written December 16, 2013)

Today was great. We got up, made a fire (for heat), ate a delicious tamale breakfast outside, and started our cooking classes. Jon and Estela are wonderful… And funny. I’ll make a post at the end of all the food. But it was so great. We learned around 6 traditional dishes that we later ate for lunch and dinner.

After than, Jon took us into town in Tlaxcala and gave us a tour of the zocalo area (Basically the City square/center). It’s the state capital of Tlaxcala state. It’s also been deemed the safest state in Mexico. The people also seem pretty cool too. Everyone has been really nice, even though my Spanish is laughable.

By the way, I can’t speak Spanish. I understand nearly everything as long as its not said super fast. But every time I try to speak, my thoughts come in Russian. Ahhhh! We met a guy from Brazil with his Mexican guide today at the Capilla del Pocito de Agua Milagrosa – Chapel of the Well of the Holy Waters (or something like that) and they started talking to us as we were about to leave… “Aren’t you going to drink some of the holy waters?” he asked. (This is Mexico… no way I’m drinking any kind of water … even if it’s so called ‘holy waters’ or a natural spring. I started to answer him, but it came out mixed terribly with Russian words unintentionally. Omg. Finally he asked if I spoke English, so we spoke that for a minute…

We saw a ton of churches, also one that’s said to be the oldest in Mexico that has a pretty sweet islamic style entry ceiling made when they spanish (who were influenxed by the arabic moors) came hundreds of years ago. (not exactly clear on that part of history, though I did learn a little today.

Anyway, today was great and I really like Mexico… At least this part of it. It makes me wanna be friends with everyone from Mexico. Haha.