Al fin...

Its my last hour in Mexico... I still have many more videos, pics, and Mexican stories to post about. But, right now, I need to right about this moment.

I've been living in Mexico for over a year. 15 months to be exact. And, I honestly did not think I would it this long. The first month, I was crying like a baby for coming here, and nor here I am, teary-eyed in the Airport over leaving. How crazy life can get in such a short period of time. 10 months in Xalapa, part of me still can't believe it. From the loneliest couple of months of my life, to one of the best summer adventures I've ever had. Sure, it didn't include any crazy backpacking stories or sleeping on some strangers floor (well.... maybe, ha). But, the people in my life and the dance dance dancin I was doing out-do all of that. Just goes to show, things come around... no matter what. The small, hippy town of Xalapa did me well. I went to study Son Jarocho, but ended up dancing Afro-Cuban and teaching like crazy for the very first time. I am happy to say POR FIN, I know where I came from and am mother f'in proud of it. Veracruz has a flavor to it that could never be replaced. Even with all the cartels messing things up (more on that later) and the government trying to keep people in a state of constant fear. Its un ritmo in the blood that can be taken away. For this, and many more reasons, the city of Xalapa and the State of Veracruz will always be a vibrant part of my life!

Kinda Ironic that I am ending my 15 month long adventure in a WINGS at the airport in D.F. with 90s american pop in the background. Jaja. Between all the drama, crazy moves, Broke-ass days, and a crazy desire to just give up... I am so motherfuckin' happy that Mexico, mi querido, came into my life.



Son Jarocho, Amigos, Cheladas, y las noches loooooocas.... Los voy a extranar!

Te Amo, Mexico. Nos vemos pronto!

-Vane

And the SON that started it all....

So... here in Xalapa, at least the area I live in, trash pickup has its own, specific routine. Around here, the trash is picked up between 6 and 8 pm, everyday (except Sunday. there is NOTHING on Sunday). Such a HUGE time gap, you say? Well... no need to worry. A few minutes before the garbage truck pulls up, a cowbell is shaken up and down the streets to let everyone know "Hey, its almost time..." Then, everyone runs to the designated street corner with their bags of trash. Simple, no? I just never really knew where the cowbell came from exactly. A truck, a car...? CLEARLY not. Yesterday, I was walking home from my Jarana/Zapateado workshop downtown at around 7:45pm, when I FINALLY saw it... a boy, about 17 or 18 years old, walking up and down the streets in my neighborhood, cowbell in hand. I couldn't believe it... I stared for a bit, then went inside the house... bring the trash out.

Imagine doing THAT every evening!

On a side note, I've been taking a Jarana/Zapateado workshop everyday. I finally decided to give the strings a try. Its fun. And, I finally feel comfortable with Zapateado! I've been doing some tap dancing/zapateado exchanges over the past couple of weeks. Just wish I could've started it sooner!

2 more days until CHIAPAS!!!! YESSSSSSS!

Current Musical Obsession

:)

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."

I'm on a high. Long overdue.

Vacaciones en Veracruz!!

Hooooooooola!! Pues, my dance summer program ended, and I've been on vaca time the past few weeks. Something I must say about Mexico, it has definitely taught me to slow down. I never thought I'd be able to just BE in one spot for more than 30 mins. But, I've definitely proven myself wrong. Can;t say I really like it... Just something I had to adjust to.

Anyway.... The past couple of weeks were full of dance classes, beaches, bus rides, and beer. Jajaja. I ended my summer dance program with 'Beat it.' They begged to learn something by MJ, and I finally caved. Ja! It was suuuuuper cute. Glad I did it- I can now mark teaching little girls to tap dance and imitate Michael Jackson in a foreign country off of my list of things to do. Other than that... I've been making it a point to visit little towns near Xalapa. I went to Naolinco last weekend. Super cute little town that specializes in Leather and shoe making! I definitely had to take advantage of this. And may need to go back before heading out of Xalapa. Jaja!




I FINALLY had a chance to make it to the beach. I spent a couple of days in Chachalacas. Its la playa closest to Xalapa. Not pretty, but a beach, and freaking HOOOOOOOOOOOTT. Seriously.






AND, I FINALLY made it to el Festival AfroCaribeno en Veracruz!! Cada ano, I barely miss it. And, por fin, I was here! Even better, we got to see La Toto La Momposina, for free, front row!!! YESSSSS. I LOVE this woman- amazing singer with amazing tambores to back her up. The show was moved inside due a Hurricane warning por el Malecon, pero sigo REALLY good!!
They didn't play my favorite song, but I think I'll live. Especially since We got to meet her!!!





And, Last but not least... a night of Salsa Dancing with some of my favorites! I'm definitely feeling the 4am dance and beer. But, Life's worth living, right?! FUN time in Xalapa and beyond. But what to do next.... :)

You're here for a reason.... now do it.

Summer is almost over... I can't believe it!! I've been "living" in Mexico for just over a year now. Funny to think, at this time last year, I was having crazy "what the f***" have I done thoughts. Honestly... I didn't think I'd still be in Mexico by this time. But, I waaaay out did myself. Wooooot!

So, my time in SF was amaaaaaazing!! It was kinda a trip... jumping right back into working, rehearsals, living in (really close to) the mission. I absolutely loved every second of it. But... must admit, was a little overwhelmed at first. Ni modo, saw the fam and friends, drank some beers, even got a little lowriding in. AND, I finally got a chance to perform with the infamous Bomberas de la Bahia! I've wanted to start up with them for years. But.. with work, and dancing with at least 4 other companies at a time.. it just never worked out. Until now! It was a great experience- the girls, the music, the dance. I've been totally mesmerized by Bomba snce the first time I saw it performed in 2007, and love that I've been given a chance to learn this amazing form of dance and music from Puerto Rico! This is a sample of the group, recorded while i was in Mexico. A-MAAA-ZIIIING!



Other than that, my time in La Bahia was well-spent, and I was reminded of how freaking amazing my home is. I forget how easy it is to go to Brazil, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and India all in one weekend (I'm speaking in dancing terms, ofcourse). And, shiiiiiiiiiiiit, did I miss it! Not just that... the familiarity, my loves. All of that good stuff.

Needless to say, that month came to and end, my sublet was up, and it was time for me to get back to Xalapa and finish what I'd started. It was funny, saying bye to the family this time around. It was far less bittersweet. More like... 'See ya in a bit.' Jajaja. I'm pretty sure they've become desensitized to my coming and going.

So, here I am back in Xalapa. Found a sweet house with 3 dudes, a 15 minute walk downtown. I like it, a lot. I've been teaching at a dance studio on the other side of town. Tap, afro-brazilian, afro-haitian to a group of little girls ranging from 4-9. Suuuuuper cute. The language barrier has been... interesting, but, we're making it work. And, I looooove it! We have a little show this Friday. We'll be presenting 2 tap pieces, a Samba-Reggae piece, and a Maiis (haitian) piece. Super cute.



And already a month back in Xalapa! Fandangos, dinner making parties, peliculas de ZOMBIES, and a daily Son Jarocho Class right by my new house! Now... what to do. Money says time to go home. But, when have I ever let money stop me before! I've been offered a good amount of dance classes at the dance studio for the normal dance year. Its just gonna be a matter of finding the other half of money to keep me going. Plus, I gotta do at least 2 more tap performances here! I miss performing!! I've been stressing about this pretty badly. So not like me... I think its time for me to get the F*** over it and see what happens.

Some photos from Xalapa and Xico!





Now to figure out where to go next for a short vacation!!

Empacaaaaaaaaaando!!

I'm moving out of an apartment for the 4th time in one year. By this point, you'd think I'd have learned to start packing sooner than the day before...

On to Puebla, then a trip hoooome!!!

Went to a sweeeeeeeet fandango the other day. details to come, when I'm not running suuuuper behind. jajaja!!

Another Day in Xalapa. I woke up after a night of Salsa dancing Fun Fun Fun (El Bembe is the best), and taught a swing jazz dance class. Then, spent the day roaming the HOT streets of Xalapa with my roomie, Paty. We looked for apartments, talked about the creepster from the night before, and made fun of my bad spanish.... Its days like this that I'm gonna miss when I decide to leave this hippy town.

Things have been interesting in these parts. Less performance, more teaching... less drinking, more dance parties. Tension here and there... time to move again. Only problems is, I don't know for how long. Le siiiiiiiigh...

I spent the weekend in Puebla... was reminded of just how GRINGA I actually am. Ja! Fuuuuun weekend. One night, post outdoor dance battle, while roaming the streets of Cholula, we found this band, Los De Abajo, playing a live show. It was FUUUUUUN. Ska in Mexico just seems more cheesy and awesome. JA! serious Dance party and re-living youth status.



The night was filled with yummy food, a mini carnaval, and CUMBIA!!! Sonidero parties in Puebla are pretty Naco... The dudes are short, the places are dark... its pretty much rad.

Now between trying to pack, find an apartment, and a place to store all of my stuff... Im getting super excited for my month in SF!!!! Wooooohoooooo! I'll stop in Chulula one more time, then head home for a bit! I can't WAIT! Don't get me wrong, I love me some Mexico Adventurin'... but there is no place like SF!!



Aside from being good to be back home, see the family, the friends, eat some thai food, etc... It's the perfect time for me to step back and think about the rest of my Mexico Plan...

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

Live by this... I try to. <3 <3