Everything is in Spanish

I finally have reliable, fast internet, and so much to write about, and I'm not really sure where to begin.
I expected Mexico to be different. I asked people about it, I looked at pictures, but nothing prepared me for the real thing.

I can't really figure out how to explain it. I have been in Mexico for a week now. In two different places, and those two places are very different from each other. As I write this, I am in Hidalgo my birthplace. It has been really great seeing my family for the first time in so many years. I left when I was very young, so my memories are very vague. But as I walked through my childhood home, things began to come back. It was a very special time.

We also spent some time looking at pictures of my childhood, which was also fun. I am really enjoying my time with family more than in Ciudad Juarez. While i was in Juarez I didn't really go out much, and i didn't talk to too many people. I do have to share that I happened to run into someone i knew from Corvallis. I had only met him once before, but it was the most random thing running into him. I think this helped both of us feel a little more comfortable.

We both noticed the differences in life and culture. For example, driving in Mexico is a completely different experience than in the U.S. People here are in a hurry to get wherever they are going, and they tend to be a little more aggressive. Turn signals seem to be optional most of the time. It has really been an adventure. i think it is all part of the experience.

Ciudad Juarez is not really a nice place. It has a reputation of being a dangerous place, and there was definitely an oppressive feeling in the city.Hidalgo has been a completely different experience all together. The people here are so friendly and nice. Part of my family lives near Tulancingo, which is a big city, and my grandparents live out in the country.

I am looking forward to spending time with them and getting to know them again. They have all been nice and welcoming. I have been able to feel more at ease. I know that even though i don't talk to them very much, i could go to any of their houses at any time, and be well received and treated. That is a good feeling to have.