Football fever

Days in México: 154

The World Cup is officially over. A big congratulations to Germany! I have got a couple of friends from Germany so I was supporting them in the final. It's going to feel weird not watching a football game every couple of days because that's what I have got use to.

Last Monday I went with Martha, my councillor for youth exchange in Mexico, to a school which is supported by my host Rotary Club Costa de Oro. I got to meet all the children and see the library that is expanding with the help of the club's donations. It was really beneficial for me to see what other projects my Rotary Club is involved in, other than the youth exchange program.

Meeting the students

The library in the school

After visiting the school, I went with Martha to Xalapa. I have been there briefly about a month ago for Father's Day, but this time I went to one of the universities. Martha had to do some work in the library there so I was able to explore the building. The library was four stories and was divided in to different study areas. I browsed in a couple of the different sections and read parts of books in Spanish and also in English.

The library at the university in Xalapa

In Australia I didn't like reading and I wouldn't read a book unless I had to for school, but since learning Spanish I have started to read more books in English and now in Spanish. I think I took the skill of reading for granted and learning a different language has helped me realize and appreciate how hard it actually is.

The university campus was massive and had a lot of really beautiful gardens. We had a walk around one of the gardens near the library while we were there. There was a really steep hill on one side of the garden which looked perfect to roll down. It was tempting but I wasn't in the right clothes for it- maybe next time.

The side of the garden with the really steep hill

 

On Wednesday I went with the family to Diego's graduation. He is moving up from Secondary School to Bachillerato which is the equivalent of moving from year 9 to year 10. There was a big ceremony for the students and their families. The room was decorated really nicely with white cloth hanging from the ceiling and gathered in the middle of the room where the chandelier was.

Graduation