One by one, we place the cempasúchils, mezcal, fruit, and more that serve as offerings and guides to los difuntos (loved ones that have passed). Alongside my host mom, we complete the final steps of lighting the candles and burning copal and the ofrenda is complete! El Día de Los Muertos is a special season …
Tag Archives: SIT Study Abroad
La Flor del Muerto
All around me papel picado waves in the sky, cempasúchils (aka marigolds) line the streets, and pan de muertos occupy the shelves of every panadería. Spooky season: Mexico style (better known as Day of the Dead) has officially commenced. Take all of your ideas from past Spanish classes or Disney’s Coco and throw them out …
Overcoming Isolation
During the pandemic the term ‘isolation’ took on an uncomfortable meaning, one that most of us became all too familiar with. While preparing for my time abroad, I spent time emotionally preparing myself for several aspects of the program. I mentally prepared myself for trying and eating new foods, for missing home, and for feeling …
Over + Under
Teotitlan del Valle. With a name like that, one would expect an archaeological masterpiece or something. For that very reason, I was quite underwhelmed when, after a bumpy 40-minute ride, the bus pulled up to a rather insignificant-looking building. Boy was I wrong. I walked in the door and immediately my eyes fixated on the …
Dunes & Deserts
During our excursion in the south of Jordan, we visited Wadi Rum, Jordan’s most famous desert. Wadi Rum is famous around the world, and chances are you have probably seen it on the big screen once or twice. The Martian, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, Rogue One: Star Wars, Aladdin, The Rise of Skywalker, and …
Petra
If you have ever seen Indiana Jones, you’ve seen Petra. Located in Southern Jordan, Petra is known as one of the seven wonders of the world. Its history dates back to as early as 7000 BC, settled by the Nabateans around 3000 BC. Just a thousand years later it was developed as the main trading …
The Heart of Oaxaca
Did you know that Oaxaca is the state in Mexico with the highest indigenous population? In fact, there are 16 officially recognized groups. However, the reality is there are so many subgroups, the “true” number is unknown, but their presence is undeniable. This grand diversity of cultures and people groups explains the more than 70 …
Walking Among Alebrijes
Instantly my vision flooded with colors, from captivating reds to vibrant purples, and my nose filled with the scent of freshly carved wood. Just another day in the classroom. The copal trees provided some much-needed shade from the baking sun as we meandered through the workshop observing the artists in action. After all, it’s not …
A Day at the Dead Sea
This week I floated in the Dead Sea and visited Jesus’ baptism site.
Life on Mitla
Everyone’s familiar with the classic waking up to the crow of a rooster trope, but how many of you wake up to the sound of a mooing cow? I do! No, it’s not a real cow, but rather the song for the gas trucks here in Oaxaca that wake me up every morning with their …
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