It is hot, hot hot!

So, after a final day in Mexico City spent at orientation at Ibero and then visiting the UNAM, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. UNAM is huge, like bigger than UMASS huge. It has over 200,000 students. It wasn't too busy because they're only in summer classes but there were still students everywhere. It's a good school just like Ibero, but very different. It's public and free to those who live in Mexico D.F.

Friday morning we headed to the airport to fly to Tapachula. After checking in, we went to the terminal and found that even though our flight was scheduled to leave in an hour we hadn't been assigned a gate yet. We waited with about a half hour for them to post our gate, but I was surprised that they didn't post it ahead of time. I could imagine that situation happening in the United States and people freaking out that there it was disorganized. I wouldn't call it disorganized though, more like mellow.

Deboarding the plane in Tapachula felt like hitting a wall of heat. Unlike Mexico City it's a sticky, punishing heat. I don't think I'm ever going to get used to it, but we'll see. It rains pretty much every afternoon and cools everything down which is nice.

Our apartment is really nice, with AC and wireless. It's got a lot of space and is in a nice, central area of town. Last night, we went out and explored the two main squares. It's very different here than Mexico City. It's much smaller and less urban. The most noticeable difference is that as a group we stick out more. Tapachula isn't exactly a tourist destination and it's pretty clear they aren't used to a group of blondes wandering around. We get a lot of stares, but I think it's mostly out of curiosity rather than animosity. The main plaza, Plaza Hidalgo is busy and filled with vendors from all different backgrounds. Last night Rachel and I ended up talking with this man selling painted coconuts who had lived all over the US: Boston, LA, and North Carolina. He had come back to be with his girlfriend (maybe?) and child. They don't have papers, so for now they're here in Tapachula. It made me think about what my experience at DIF will be like, working with migrant and displaced children. I'm sure I will hear a lot of depressing stories, but will hopefully see some good things too.

I start work on Monday morning and am very nervous and excited. I don't really know what I'll be responsible for so it will be reassuring to get a better idea. Tomorrow we're going to relax most of the day so that will be a nice change of pace!