Yet another adventure...

My last entry dates back to the middle of the Amazon project during last summer. Since then many things have evolved and its only now, in January 2008, do we feel the project may still rise from the live embers remaining... more news to come.

Yannick after his ever going adventure from the Amazon to Sao Paulo is now, practically 7 months later, back in Montreal with a greeting -30 degree. On my part? Well, let’s just say that my pass back in Montreal after the Amazon project was in a few words a period of lust. Indeed, after having returned to civilization after 3 months in the jungle, I found myself longing those wild adventures and warm hearted people we had the privilege to meet. With a few special people in Montreal (left anonymous - they know who they are) I was able to keep my mood high and my mind dreaming, though not for long. Winter was lurking by. Ready to slowly, but surely freeze away our long Ete Indien, it plunged me (and others) in a state of dullness. Pinned by deadlines, fewer hours of sun, finances... stress. Notions that had been forgotten for quite a while in the heart of the jungle were summoned yet again in my everyday lifestyle. That is when I looked further down the darkening corridor to see a vivid light, that reminded me mexico wasn't too far. Lusting for a change... I let time bring me there.

It could have been a mirage of high expectations, only to find myself disappointed, yet after a week I can say that this experience is unique and goes beyond all expectations.

In Mexico city last Wednesday, I found myself in a luxury hotel (having ordered from France, I had forgotten of the rate and paid for a normal hotel at the airport in France)... it was quite dull with poor personality, a change from our 3 dollar nights in Ecuador, though they were able to serve me fajitas at 3 in the morning!

By 11 the following morning I was already heading away for Queretaro on a Primera Plus bus. I knew I had to go to Queretaro to meet up with Morgan, though I didn’t know where he was. Once arrived on campus with a soothing +24 C I strolled with my luggage to the international office. Once there I got in touch with Morgan and my Queretaro adventure began.

Staying four days in a hotel we finally found a house (please, 146 canadian dollar rent per month) right next to our campus with a Jorge, a Mexican studying psychology. Every morning we walk, sometimes very early since classes begin at 7 am. Mornings and nights are cold, nothing to do with Montreal obviously, but still can get you a little sore throat...I’ve been struggling for a bit with one as a matter of a fact.

Regarding the college itself, campus is great! It’s big and has many sports infrastructures free of access. International students had privileged access to selecting sport and cultural activities for their semester – for free. I signed up with the girls (Melisende, Eliane, Nadya) as well as with Morgan, to tennis, capoeira, salsa (a must in Mexico) and maybe theatre! My activities greatly go in harmony with my very light weekly schedule. Having five classes (administrative accounting, leadership, behaviour in organizations, management of small enterprises and seminar on strategic management) I start Mondays at 8:30 and finish Thursdays at 11:30 am. Giving me a very long weekend for some well deserved adventures in the outback of Mexico or some of the exquisite beaches I have heard of.

Otherwise, people are a charm here! In Ecuador they were also very welcoming, though Mexicans are particularly warmed hearted and joyful. Mario (face cut half way) and David (the big man in red) have been bringing us around and taking care of us during our first week and we have been having a great time with them. Showing us our first pyramid in Queretaro’s center, a picnic in a Queretaro park, our first Mexican party at one of their friend’s birthday... they really make our experience quite unique right from the start.

I also have a hermana mayor (older sister from a big brother program) called Ber taking care of me! She studies engineering and French, but is too shy to speak... though Morgan and I will get her talking. She and her friend Fer took us around Queretaro’s center and spent an afternoon with us to finish off late at night playing risbee on the TEC’s campus!

Tonight were meant to meet up with her at this huge welcoming party in a discoteca. We’ll see what more ill have to tell!

Here's a video i did that basically sums up my arrival from the departure in Lyon to Queretaro. Thanks Quentin for the soundtrack! ah la fin i sort of made it sloppy... but it's just I've got better things to do! (oh lord this took a while to upload)

Esteban

Queretaro center: