We're a whole camp now. Everyone's here -- students and teachers from Torreon, Mexico D.F., and Merida, bringing the student population at the camp up to between 80 and 90, from 1st grade to 8th grade. Choosing classes went smoothly, and our travelers are involved in outside exploring, animal care, learning from traditional artisans, cooking, music: the list goes on. Counselors walk the students to their classes, using their ever-present walkie-talkies to keep in touch with the camp and the gate keeper who spends his day watching the comings and goings at El Molino. As we teachers visit different classes, we will try and mention a few each day.
In Desilado (pulled thread embroidery) we walked into
a beautiful little courtyard where Rachel, Sydney, Morgan D, Naomi, Lucy and a few others of our angelitos were sitting in blissful quiet and concentration in a circle around Celia, an award-winning and nationally-known artisan, learning about her craft.
In Hojas de Maiz (corn husk art) Karina, Stella and Carrie were sitting around the table, laughing and speaking in Spanish with the other students and teachers, while they worked.
In Diseño (toothpick art) John and Pedraam were sitting in an amazing building built out of concrete and recycled bottles (built by their teacher) on mats on the floor, crafting delicate and complicated structures.
As the first day of classes wound down, we sat on the porch listening to a contemporary Mexican composition being learned in Musica by Nia, John, Morgan G, and Gabriella -- after only two hours, they sound amazing; we can't wait for the concert they will give for the camp on Thursday night.
Our travelers are really excited to interact with the other students here. Naomi and Eliza came bounding up after dinner last night beaming and announcing that they had made new friends. All the students at the camp are playing soccer every day before breakfast, going on walks together -- yesterday there was a walk to the local cemetery, a walk to the bakery, and a night walk to see the full sky of stars. Stella commented on how colorful the cemetery was, and how the cemeteries here seem to celebrate life -- and that made her happy. Gabriella even confessed that she was very thankful that she was forced to come on the trip, because she was having such a good time. Kara has adopted a new hairstyle every day in honor of her travels, and despite a week of cold before we left, is full of smiles and tackling each activity with enthusiasm.
Meals continue to be filled with fresh local vegetables and fruit, and our travelers are not shy about eating their fill, trying new flavors and foods. The camp is making a point of serving traditional foods. This morning's breakfast was enfrijoladas, which most students took seconds of, and yesterday's lunch was posole, with each of us travelers filling our bowl in the traditional order, from posole to onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, oregano, chile, and avocado. Yum!
Beatriz, Karen, and Timnah will continue to share our adventures with you tomorrow, in this group-written blog.
