Back in Tucson

I have been neglecting my blog for the past few weeks... But, I am now back in Tucson after an amazing month of traveling and an equally fantastic Spring Break in Portland.

We spent the last week of the travel seminar in Oaxaca City which I became very fond of. Throughout the week we focused more on culture and the arts than on economics and migration which was refreshing. We visited a women's weaving cooperative, some wood carving shops, and a farm. I managed to take a few step arobic classes that were very intense and in the evenings we would walk to the town square to get the most delicious mole tamales I've ever tasted, followed by ice-cream and to watch the entertainment of the evening. The last two days were set aside for processing. We brainstormed what action steps each of us can take in the future, ways to talk to people about our experiences, and the meaning of our trip. These four weeks were incredible and I can't believe I had the opportunity to have these experiences. I grew so much and learned a lot about myself. I can't wait to talk to you all in person to share some of my stories.

I flew out of Oaxaca and into Portland for break. It was about midnight when I was flying over Portland and I looked out of my window to see rivers of gold lights. There have not been many times in my life where I have felt like I am coming home--this was one of those times. I could barely contain my happiness at being back in the city of bridges and back with friends. I spent half of the break in Eugene and half in Portland. Jesse and I went to Eugene to hang out with his two best friends from home. It was so relaxing to laugh, go hiking, do acro yoga, and eat cheesecake on the roof. Back in Portland we passed the time playing guitar, catching up, playing games, and cooking with tons of friends. It was so good to see everyone from Lewis & Clark again and spend lots of time not really doing anything but enjoying myself and Jesse's company.

Now it's back to classes and work. It was difficult to come back after such an amazing five weeks. But, I feel like I came away from the travel seminar with tons of knowledge and I am excited to apply it to life back here in Tucson. We started off the week with two papers and I've been spending lots of time at Derechos Humanos doing Abuse Clinics. I feel very busy and like there are too many things I want to do but only a month left to do them in. My host parents, Laurie and Blake are wonderful and I am glad to be back living with them. We went to see Spike Lee the other night and we also had a wonderful Seder at their friend's house.

I'll post some pictures of the trip and Spring Break soon.