Alone in Mexico

By Emilly Hogge – Guest blogger traveling in Morelia, Mexico.
Whew, Mexico.
It may be a lot of things, but no one day is ever the same as another. I'm currently trying to find a balance between making friends with Americans (and talking English) and sticking solely to Spanish-speaking. Since I arrived here alone, at times I have wished for a traveling companion or two to explore the city with. Being in Morelia by myself has made me realize how much I appreciate living with roommates in the States- not just living with them, but going places, and doing things together. Here I have class with several other students, but then when class ends, I'm pretty much on my own (other than the delicious meals and time with my host family, of course). Still, flying solo has allowed me to make my own schedule, and spend more time in the places I enjoy, and less in the places I'm not so fond of. I find that when I'm alone, I'm also keener to use my Spanish, since there really is no other option.
Getting friendlier with a few other Americans here at school has been a blessing in some ways, but it is not without its cons. I love having company in exploring places, and it's also fun comparing stories of our experience. Yesterday I sat in a cafe in el Jardin de las Rosas with two of my new friends for a few hours, something I probably wouldn't have done on my own. It was beautiful, and great to sit a take in the atmosphere of a quieter part of the city. We also spoke entirely in English, however, as one of the girls is very new to Spanish.
I also feel like I stick out more when I'm in the company of other Americans, especially when we're walking down the street together. I'm sure that I really don't blend in too well when I'm alone, but it's even more obvious when we're chatting in English together.
So… I guess I'm enjoying having company, but feeling a little guilty that I'm not using this experience to its fullest, and packing in the Spanish. Still, I'm grateful to have found some people to hang out with, something I had been missing. And I know I will continue to speak a fair amount of Spanish at home, with my host family. It's interesting to see how things are progressing, and I can't wait to see what happens next!