checking in : Day of the Dead!

Hey everyone... so I´m WAY behind in letting you all know what`s been going on. So I`m going to start off with Day of the Dead although it was almost a month ago.... Day of the Dead was amazing. On Friday night (October 31st) my classmates and I went to two different cemetaries in which were surrounded by what seemed like a fair. There were tons and tons of marigolds everywhere, people dressed up as "the dead", stands to buy whatever type of food you wanted (including hot cakes with nutella and caramel!), and tons of festivities. First, something that every family does is build an altar in their house. It`s completely filled with bread, food, coka cola, mezcal, marigolds, as well as other flowers, and the pictures of the loved ones who have passed away. It`s very beautiful, and on the 1st of November while I was reading in my room, old music and the smell of incense floated upstairs. So, I decided to see what was going on and my host mom had opal burning at the altar and was looking through photographs while listening to her parents` favorite music. She started showing me all the different photos from when her mother was young as well as her extended family. It was really cool for me to be a part of this time of remembering because usually the family is pretty private. When we went to the cemetaries the night before, there were tons of sand murals in which depicted a variety a images such as Jesus, the Virgen Mary, images of death, simple designs, and more. Also, the cemetaries where completely filled with candles and flowers. It was beautiful. It made me start thinking of my grandparents. I had never really understood how beautiful and meaningful Day of the Dead really is... it`s a time of remembrance, getting together with family, and celebrating that our loved ones are in a better place. I wish in the US we had a day to really remember and appreciate those who have passed on. We have Memorial Day, but sill ... it seems to go by forgotten. I was just thinking how many years have gone by since I`ve visited my grandparents` graves, and while although I remember them and will think of them from time to time, it`s always a fleeting thought in my busy day. So, I really truly enjoyed Day of the Dead. On Saturday evening, I went with Daniel and his mom to a little town where their family came from. We stayed at Daniel`s uncle`s house, and that first night felt like Thanksgiving to me. The smells, eating with lots of people, eating lots of food, and there was just a cozy feeling that reminded me of one of my uncle and aunt`s house. The only difference is that later that night, I got to listen to all types of scary stories! (And really! By the end, I was a little shocked!) Oh, and the food.... Ok, where to start? So, before I left for San Pedro Añañe (the town), I ate what`s called "mole negro" which is a sauce made from chiles and served with chicken. Very delicious! That night at the uncle`s house ... mole negro with chicken again ... the next morning, we woke up, ate lots of bread with hot chocolate and then went to visit friends in the town. While although I was full from the bread and hot chocolate, when we arrived at the friend`s house, we had MORE mole negro with chicken. At this point, I seriously thought I was going to puke and be completely ashamed in front of all of Daniel`s mom and family friends.... I mean, every second I was telling myself,"Don`t puke, don`t puke, dont puke!" So you`re probably asking, how did I reach this limit in which my stomach was literally almost overflowing? Well, the first night I refused a second serving by saying, "Oh it`s delicious but I`m already full. Thanks so much!" And Daniel looked at me with this smile and said, "Mom, tell Michele about how to have good manners in the towns." Well, found out that it`s considered bad manners to refuse food in the smaller, traditional communities. You`re always supposed to accept whatever they present to you and what you can`t eat, you take home with you. Oh no... my problem is that 1) I eat too fast and therefore am receiving my second serving right away, and 2) I have a small stomach. Bad combination! Well, the good news is that I didn`t puke! (But I definitely should start running again!) That evening, after visiting other friends` houses (and receiving more refreshments and mezcal) we were looking for someone, who had gone out into the cornfields, to say goodbye before we left. We ended up spending much time walking in the country side and when we finally found them, they insisted that we eat with them. So, while sitting amidst the cornfields, we ate roasted corn (I ate about 4...), with rice, chicken, tortillas, and AMAZING salsa. Again, I was SO full but completely satisfied. And it was such a beautiful sight; I love the country. We were all sitting, eating, and talking (with my shyness, I listened more thatn spoke), and as the sun was starting to set, the cornstalks had kind of a goldish glow. I felt completely happy and at peace and so comfortable sitting there, absorbing everything around me. Hopefully I`ll get to return one more time before leaving Oaxaca! Oh, and the pics are really cool! I`ll be posting them later this week, so check them out!

Love and miss you all, especially during this week of Thanksgiving. Take care of yourselves, and I really can`t wait to see you!!!