The Oaxaca airport is small and before the one baggage carousel gave us our goods, I could see the familias waiting outside. Many of them were holding up signs with their student’s name. I LOVE that sort of sentimental crap. But my mom was not there ☹!
One of the dads dropped me off at the Instituto where I waited 2 hours for my mom. I was soooo tired and miffed but the instituto welcomed me with a bottle of coke, tamales, and mariachis, which I have to admit was pretty awesome.
Everyone knows I love me some mariachis! I even convinced some of you that I was a teen mariachi. You know how some people take piano lessons when they’re younger? Well, in San Antonio you take mariachi lessons... Well, truth be told, I was not a mariachi. But a girl can dream, right?
My mom finally came to get me, explaining she had gone to the airport and had been stuck in traffic. She is a teeny-tiny lady. I think she was about 5’2” with heels on and she is very slow moving. I’m guessing she is in her 70s, has fabulous skin and I’ll bet an avid user of Ponds cold cream. We sat at many green lights while people honked but it was fine. (People are sorta crazy drivers here. They just ignore the lanes painted on the street and curve around whoever when needed.) Anyway, it was awkwardly quiet and I asked her some questions that she was very eager to answer.
She has been to SF and Palo Alto and loves CA. I think she told me she has five children that are grown. I think she said she had 9 or 19 grandchildren- pretty sure it was 9 but you never know with the Catholics. I’m guessing she’s Catholic by the Jesus plate on the dining room wall,
and the crucifix in every bedroom and the Virgin de Guadalupe painting with a kneeler in front, in her own bedroom.
Awesome! This is where I spent the first night, as another student was staying in “my” room and leaving the next morning.
So, yeah, sometimes I act like I know what she is saying and nod my head and if it seems important or really confusing, I ask. She knows some English but she is good about only using it to clarify what I’m saying or asking in Spanish. And I keep trying to speak Spanish, but then I say something in French. Oh la la, Senora! Excuse moi… lo siento.
The Senora also had a visitor in her in-law apartment- a man she hosted 25 years ago and his two children. They were very nice and helped me translate “I’m not lazy, I’m just sick and need to rest.”
