Round Two in Guadalajara... Molcajetes

We're back in Guadalajara for the second semester of med-school, and things are going great.

I didn't get to write about our families' Christmas presents before we left for the break, because I didn't want to ruin any surprises. So, now I get to talk about molcajetes.

In case you're wondering what a molcajete even is, here is the short version:

It is the traditional mortar and pestle of Mexico, dating back to the Aztecs. One of the things that makes the molcajete unique is that it is carved from basalt (volcanic rock), giving it its trademark rough, porous texture. This rough texture is perfect for grinding roasted peppers, tomatoes, and other spices into the perfect chunky salsa.  Is your mouth watering yet?

Walking to the Tianguis: a side street in Tonala.

I had heard about the artisan town of Tonala, located just outside the major Guadalajara area, and thought it would be fun to do our Christmas shopping there. On Thanksgiving Day, we drove over to check it out. Having gone on a Thursday, they were set up for the Tianguis, with all of their pottery and handcrafts displayed out in the streets. We had some delicious street tacos, and of course, I couldn't pass up a fresh, hot churro filled with chocolate (can you blame me?)... But then we got down to business, and went on the hunt for the perfect molcajetes for everyone.

Molcajetes

It wasn't really a hunt; they were easy to find, being a staple kitchen piece here. So, after completing the simple task of finding/buying them, we were then faced with the difficult challenge of fitting over 50 lbs of rock into our luggage to fly home, without going over-weight. But that's another story for another day. Next year, everyone is getting calendars... ;-)

The Med Student

I'm finally writing a post about Garrett, now that he's almost through with his first semester... better late than never!

For starters, he is doing great in his classes. He has always put his whole heart into everything he does, and med-school is no exception. I couldn't be more proud of him!

He has already completed Cell Biology/Histology, and Embryology, and will be finishing Anatomy & Lab, Biochemistry, and Genetics in the next few weeks. His favorite classes this semester are Anatomy and Biochem. After this one, he has two and a half more semesters in Mexico.

It has been really nice living so close to the campus. He's able to come home for lunch most days, and, our friends that he studies with live right around the corner from us.

This semester has flown by, and I know the next semesters will go by as fast, if not faster. We're trying to make the most of our time here, knowing that the day we move back to the U.S. will be here before we know it.

We're both thankful for this opportunity. Every day that we're here, Garrett is getting closer and closer to becoming a doctor!

Cosas Alegres

It's been a while since I've posted. Things are still going great in Guadalajara. Garrett is doing great in his first semester of med-school. I'll write more about what he's doing soon.

In September, I went back to the U.S. for two weeks. It was nice to see friends and family, including our two sweet pups. We really miss everyone!

I have been painting a lot since I've been back. My subject: Cosas alegres, or Happy/Cheerful Things.

Tianguis de Santa Tere

I went with a friend on Sunday morning to Tianguis de Santa Tere. I had to look up exactly what a tianguis is, because it differs from a mercado in a few important ways. 

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Here is a little information on this interesting and fun part of Mexican culture, courtesy of Wikipedia, Tianguis and Traditional Fixed Markets:

A tianguis is an open air market or bazaar that is held on a certain day(s) in a town or city neighborhood.

The main (and coolest) difference is that Tianguis were the main form of commerce of the Aztec Empire, and still function in much of the same way as they did in Mesoamerica. Mercados were later introduced as a way to regulate the pre Hispanic Tianguis, and are almost always set up in buildings owned and operated by the local government. 

As an interesting side note, one of the oldest continually operating tianguis in Mexico is the one in Cuautitlán, just outside of Mexico City, which has been going on every Tuesday for over 500 years.

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At Tianguis de Santa Tere, I came away with 2 cute head-wraps, a shirt, and a very cute, teeny-tiny plant that now goes by the name, Chiquita. Total amount spent: 70 pesos (about $5.50 USD).

"Chiquita"

Whether it's a Mercado or Tianguis, these places provide jobs/income for LOTS of people. While in Tlaquepaque, one group of tenants organized a protest of an impending building project designed to replace their existing market with a new commercial area with underground parking, among other things. I'm not sure what has happened since the protest, but I thought I'd share this video I took as they passed by.

Pintando (Painting)

I spent the day painting on Friday, and enjoyed every minute of it! I'm using watercolors-- the only supplies that would fit in my suitcase this time. I guess, technically, they didn't "fit" in my suitcase, either, judging by the hefty fee I had to pay for having an overweight bag... (another important lesson learned!)

I worked on my children's book for a while and now only lack a few more illustrations before I can self-publish it. I'm enjoying the process.

I also painted this umbrella scene from a photo I snapped at one of the local malls. They looked so pretty floating on the water; a very fitting subject for this rainy season.

Back to el Centro

Two Saturdays ago, we went to el Centro Historico de Guadalajara to have our photos taken for our visas, and decided to walk around and enjoy the sights. It was fun and very festive! While we were there, we stopped and had Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)...so good! Here's a link to a recipe from Serious Eats that seems similar to what we had (with the sauce and lime!).

http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/07/how-to-make-mexican-street-corn-elotes.html

And, here are some photos from Downtown:

Expiatorio de Guadalajara

Palacio de Gobierno

Catedral Metropolitana

The Walk Home from School

Here are a few photos I took on the walk home from UAG.

Citrus trees are everywhere

Our neighborhood