This day last year I arrived in Puebla from Vancouver Canada. So I thought I would list some of my favorite things.
1. Listening to all the different jingles and calls of venders up and down the streets.
2. Waking to a jingle and the call "El Gas!" (natural gas isn't piped to all homes).
3. Hearing the trash truck coming so you remember to take it out.
4. Hearing people profusely compliment things
5. Not being allowed to turn down seconds in order not to offend the cook.
6. Being asked, as I accept seconds, if I like what I am eating.
7. Knowing that if #6 occurs #4 is expected.
8. Eating authentic Mexican food everyday. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
9. Tacos, cemitas, gorditas, conchas, tortes, and other foods (see 13)
10. Finding dishes stored in the ovens, because no one bakes.
11. Eating a variety of wienies and sandwich meats, because they are loved here.
12. Meeting people in the main plaza just to sit and chat for hours.
13. Seeing every other person of all ages eating ice-cream cones in public places. (main plaza, malls, parades, shopping centers.
14. Buying Balloons from vendors in the main plaza.
15. Seeing about 3 different couples all with the balloon that says, "Our love is unique"
16. Listening to all the sappy love songs on the radio or people playing in the plaza, restaurant, or buses.
17. Watching the clowns and others in the main plaza or at main intersection.
18. Guarding my coke from random bees who want to drink it.
19. Knowing I will never get a sun burn because all of my Mexican friends keep me out of the sun.
20. Walking on crowded, but shaded side of the sidewalk, when no one is walking on the sunny side of the street.
21. Watching people wash sidewalks and patios with a broom and soapy water.
22. Being among people who aren't afraid to walk or take public transportation.
23. Talking about how crazy the buses drive and comparing routes with Mexicans to know which have the craziest drivers.
24. Noticing children's shoes hung for good luck in vehicles including buses.
25. Being able to identify different buses because there are no two remotely alike.
26. Not being allowed to return home by bus or taxi if the Mexican I visit has a car.
27. Seeing an abundance of VW Bugs
28. Seeing horses pull plows, cement ditches, and other older farming techniques.
29. Jogging on the 3K track at the park a couple of blocks from my house.
30. Carrying an umbrella in rainy season because you know it will begin raining at 5pm.
