Week 8: Back to Work!

¡Saludos todos!

 We returned from our voyage to Puerto Escondido with sunburns and smiles on all our faces, feeling refreshed and ready to face the new week and our new classes. Monday was the start of our tracks, where our unified group split off into three different specializations: Arts & Science, Global Health, and Food Systems. Our professors arrived from Vermont throughout this week. Those in Arts & Sciences started a botany class taught by Michael Sundue in order to learn about the many plant species that grow here in Oaxaca, while Global Health began a class taught by Oliver and Burt Wilke. The Food Systems track started off at a different pace, as our first week's classes were entirely online. We participated in an online discussion about food and culture in Mexico, but this also gave us free time to work on our Independent Study Projects, as well as to explore the city and visit landmarks we might have missed.

Some of us took a few hours to see the Stamp-collecting museum (Museo Filatelia de Oaxaca), a charming place with a huge collection of stamps around the world -- including the "Penny Black", the first stamps ever made! The city of Oaxaca is full of small, wonderful places like this one, and all it takes is a little curiosity to discover something wonderful.

Later on in the week, some students in the Food Systems track paid a visit to CEDICAM in Nochixtlán, about a 1.5-hour bus ride outside of the city. There, we learned about local initiatives to replenish and reforest land that had been severely eroded in the past. We met with Phillip, who told us about all the techniques the local campesinos have used to restore the land and support their community, and we talked about how we can make sustainable choices in our own lives and communities. We left the meeting feeling inspired to make a positive change.

Lastly, Sunday the 21st was our Teacher Assistant Claire's birthday. Following a tip from her brother, we clandestinely organized a surprise party to celebrate, and brought two cakes: one chocolate, the other coffee flavored. The surprised joy on her face was priceless!

Next week, our tracks will really get into gear, as the Botany track is taking a visit to the mountains while Global Health begins their internships. Food Systems is starting their in-person classes, as well as taking field trips to markets in Oaxaca, Etla, and visiting kitchens all around the city. Things are really getting exciting!

We hope you enjoyed this week's update! ¡Que tengas un buen dia!

Until Next Time,

Charlotte and Rose