My name is Rachel, and I’ve been idling and talking too much since 1987. I grew up in Northern California and lived in Connecticut for four years. During my time as a Latin American Studies major in college, I got to spend two summers in Chiapas, Mexico. I went to learn about indigenous social movements and do a research project. Instead, I met my now-fiancé Paco, a musician and electrical engineer, at a restaurant where his band was playing. I gave him my number, and he called. Good thing.
We moved to Guadalajara in summer 2009 so that Paco could pursue a master’s degree here. We repainted our whole apartment, and I made the special contribution of accidentally getting paint on the ceiling and the floor. Another homey touch is our red tabby cat, Canelo, who meows incessantly and wants to be around people at all times (much like his devoted cat-mom).
Right now, I’m in a Master’s program. I like walking around, drinking coffee, learning new words, and cooking. I’m trying to learn how to take better pictures.
Things I really miss: my family and friends, funky coffee shops, T.J. Maxx.
rachel, i loved the writing. it gives me a picture of where you are and how you’re living. itsn’t it great to discover a new world?mexico sounds like a great country. think of yourself as a reverse refuge. love, you grammy
It’s great to hear from you, Grammy! It is indeed a privilege to discover a new world, which is why I started the blog in the first place–to share about the things I’m lucky enough to get to see!
What a perfect time in your lives! These are the good ol’ days, and I can see that you’re living them to the fullest. Moreso, you’re the right person to be reporting and investigating your new environs. Your sensitivity to humanity and artistic awareness, combined with your ability to be playful AND serio, make your writing so interesting. I’ll keep up on your blog!
Rachel, I’m enjoying your Blog on your life in Guadalajara. We plan to go to Cancun in February, but I don’t think the Mexican people consider that part of Mexico! :>)
Your Ohio Cousin (once removed), Linda
Great to hear from you, Linda! I’ve never been to Cancún, but I’m sure the beaches will be gorgeous. A lot of people from Mexico’s poorer Southern states migrate to Cancún looking for work. You might meet folks from Chiapas down there–you can tell them your cousin is engaged to a fellow chiapaneco! There are some amazing Mayan archaeological sites near Cancún that you should definitely check out if you have time. Thanks for reading the blog, and I hope to hear more from you soon.
Rachel,
Great start on the blog. I am thinking you could make a wonderful collaged lampshade covered with the bus passes and maybe some other colorful little bits of Mexican paper flotsam. Perhaps the base could be made from some other meaningful but silly item (clay pot? memorable wine bottle?) with a cheap lamp kit. Surely your new apartment could use another lamp? And what else?
Your youngest cousin Barrett is quite bilingual these days after his summer in Costa Rica so he can be written to in Spanish without a problem. Getting him to speak English is sometimes a challenge so it’s lucky I understand a bit of Spanish. Gill says hello but Bear is at Outdoor School in charge of yet another cabin full of 6th grade boys for a week.
That’s a great idea about the lamp–I will now start collecting the passes in earnest. So Barrett doesn’t like speaking English anymore? I’ll have to ask him about this (in Spanish I guess!) when he comes back. Hello to everyone!
Way to go, Raquel !!! You are telling it like it IS … and with such a keen eye and wonderful sensitivity… and sense of humor.
Your essay on the day at the consulate was heartwrenching and I am deeply disappointed for you both about the second visa application. You have very clearly highlighted the disparities in the system and your essay should be sent to a wider audience …
Felicidades on your blog — I totally enjoyed reading it !!!!!!!
Hi Margarita! I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the blog so far. I guess the positive side of the visa situation is that Paco will be back in SCLC in December, so you’ll get to see him–I’m going back to California, though. Hope you keep reading. Abrazos!
Hi, I love your blog. And I saw that picture where you are in a Tianguis in Mexico, what a great place! you can find anything and eat the greatest delicias mexicanas! I’m craving for TACOS and BARBACOA.
I’m taking English composition II and I want to request your permission to quote you in my essays. I’m writing about immigration issues. (I’m doing the research part and sometimes I get in shock -how to digest all these information?) I think your thoughts are very valuable, specially being a native born American. Enjoy your time in Mexico.
Hi Rachel,
I’m excited to have just found your blog through ExpatWomen. Reading through your stuff, we have amazingly similar stories! I’ve just reached my 1-yr anniversary in GDL too, we’re the same age, and I also write a blog (I also miss coffee shops and TJ Maxx)…. I also live with my tapatio boyfriend here, but have a parrot, not a tabby.
Anyway, just thought I’d say hi, good luck on your blog and new experiences in GDL, and if you ever want to grab coffee or something, email me at my blog.
Saludos!