Whats that, its story time! Awesome!
So last weekend I took a trip back to Queretaro to get out of the city for awhile and hang out with an English speaking friend I met on my first trip. My first solo trip in Mexico, but I wasn't nervous, I mean, what could go wrong? Well apparently missing my stop and going to the wrong city was one thing that could go wrong. And while the first part of this did indeed happen, fortunately I was spared the second. My friend (who I will henceforth refer to as Arianne, since thats her name) called me while I was on the bus to ask where I was, so I asked a fellow passenger and he told me, "Queretaro". Great, I thought, I'm almost there. So then we stop at this little dinky market and a bunch of people start getting on. "This can't be my stop," I thought, "since Arianne told me I'd stop at a big bus station in downtown." Well whether we did or didn't stop there before, I don't know, but I honestly don't remember stopping there, so I'm pretty sure the bus driver just forgot that he had a passenger going to Queretaro. Confident that it wasn't my stop (which it wasn't) I stayed on the bus. But as we pull away I notice we are leaving the city... Queretaro... where I wanted to go. I'm confused, so I ask again, where are we going? San Miguel? That small tourist town an hour north of Queretaro? Uh oh. So I run to the front of the bus and tell the driver to stop, I figure wherever we are is better then ending up in San Miguel. Well where we were was about a kilometer outside of town, which made for a pretty relaxing walk back to the bus station. I called Arianne to tell her that I had no idea where I was, but I was on the side of the road somewhere, and for some reason she got really nervous. So I told her to relax, eventually made it back to the market, and had a guy call her to tell her how to get to where I was. 20 minutes later, everything is fine, although apparently that market district is notoriously dangerous (however I found the people to be quite friendly).
The rest of the trip went great, really relaxing and fun. Also, her brother has a 10 month old pit-bull named Brutus and we are best friends now. On Saturday we went to a big lunch her mom had organized with old high-school friends and their kids. I got to practice my Spanish a lot that day, but the whole group was really fun, and I even won some flower pots in a game (and came in second place in a "best legs" contest). The return trip was much more uneventful, but I got to watch Transformers 2 in Spanish on the bus ride back. I think I was only able to enjoy it because I couldn't really understand what they were saying half the time. And that was my weekend!
Then this week I finally got to revaluate my first round of patients. The results were way better then I expected. We evaluated them using the "Fugl-Myer" scale, which is a standard clinical test of arm mobility on a scale of 0-66. The scores of my patients changed from 31 -> 41, 20 -> 36, and 15 -> 26. My control group had 2 people go down (4 points and 1 point) and one person go up 4 points. Typically a change of ~5 is considered good, but I had one patient increase 16 points! Pumped. Lets see how the next round goes!
Now for this weekend, well, last night I went out to a bar with a bunch of couchsurfers, which was awesome, and subsequently got invited to go to a Lucha Libre match tonight! Thats Mexican wrestling if you don't know, with the masks and shouting and craziness. So I'm really excited about that. Then another guy offered to help me with my Spanish so were meeting up to review tomorrow. Then on Sunday I'm going to a soccer game (Pumas, local team in the top league). Other then that, no big plans, although I got to play soccer for a bit today too. Except now I'm sweaty and gross and theres no hot water in my room. Stupid shower.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mexico #6
Well its been awhile, but for the past two weeks, things have basically been on autopilot with my study. But this is the last week of exercise for the first group, so by this time next week I’ll have my first solid data (standard clinical measurements) on whether or not the device is actually doing anything! Although all 3 of my patients have shown improvement in the quantitative test I created and they all claim that their arms feel better after treatment, so I’m hopeful.
In other news, I went to the visit the pyramids at Teotihuacan this past weekend. It was awesome, got to climb to the top of them, beautiful view with strong winds whipping around us. Me gusto. I also found out there is a large forest/national park right by the institute, so I went to check that out last week. It was refreshing to get back into nature for a little bit after being surrounded by all the craziness of the city.
So now to go in a different direction then normal, in the few weeks I’ve been here, I’ve gotten a chance to talk to a lot of different Mexicans about their views of the United States. Naturally I didn’t expect many of them to be fond of the US (our reputation is often less then stellar abroad), but I was actually kind of surprised at how many different opinions I encountered. Although in retrospect I guess I shouldn’t be, since there are just as many different opinions of Mexico in the States.
The first opinion I encountered was not a good one. My friend did not like the idea of so many of his country-men leaving to work in the US. He recognized that there were more jobs available there for the poor in the north of the country, but he felt like the US often discriminated against Mexicans and didn’t think having to live in that kind of environment was worth the financial benefits. His words were, why would he want to move to a country to work where he would be at an immediate disadvantage because of the color of his skin. He also recognized the years of bad history between our two countries, and desired an improvement in our relationships, even if that meant letting go of many wrongs he felt were committed against his people during the early development of our countries (see Texas, California, etc…). He also thought the new law in Arizona was garbage, and I have to say I agree.
Later, I met a guy who had lived in Chicago for 42 years and was now back visiting Mexico during his retirement. He worked in maintenance in an office building there, and had worked his way up to make a decent living. He told me that he raised his kids in the States, and for them that was their home, his son even served in the Army. However, they also had roots in Mexico, and his son had made strong friends down here during vacations. For the dad, Mexico would always be home, but he appreciated what the US had to offer and was glad his family was making a life there.
After that I was talking to one of the doctors at the clinic, and he told me that a large number of graduates from his school left to work in the United States. For him, it wasn’t worth leaving home (plus it is very difficult to get a work visa, even for a doctor), but he understood why they did it, especially since the economy in Mexico was rocky at the time. Like another friend told me, when the US gets a sore throat, Mexico get bronchitis (referring to the economy). He went on to tell me that most of them left with the intention of working for awhile to make a little more money, save up and pay off debts, and then coming back to Mexico. And while this often happened, many of them ended up choosing to stay in the States after getting comfortable at their jobs and establishing roots there.
The fourth opinion I encountered I didn’t really expect. I went out to a night-club this past weekend with a group of students who were part of the wealthier crowd. I was talking to one guy, and he started using a little bit of English, so I asked him if he’d ever been to the States. So he pulls a ticket stub out of his pocket showing a recent flight from Mexico City to San Francisco, and went on to tell me he took a weekend trip up there a few weeks ago. So I asked if he had any family up there, but he told me that the entire purpose of his trip was to go shopping, because, apparently, Hollister, Armani, etc... are difficult to find in Mexico. Nice.
Now to insert my own little political opinion, which is actually something I hate doing, I’m beginning to think more and more that we should open up the borders between the US and Mexico. If they want to come and work, I say let them do it, and legally. Want to cut down on illegal immigrants? Make them legal. Most of them are just trying to find a better life for themselves or their family, which is kind of the point of the Unites States, no? Also, by improving our relationship with Mexico, there could be less of an “us vs. them” mentality, since I know many people think that they come to the States to work, but don’t really want to be one of us. My experience forces me to disagree. Furthermore, we are neighbors. While many of them see problems with policies or groups of thought in the US, everyone here has been incredibly welcoming of me and knows that there are many Americans that they could consider friends. And I think it would be great to cultivate this kind of relationship with our neighbors and to encourage the sharing of cultures which is already taking place. In fact, I’m not sure why Spanish isn’t taught more rigorously in schools (learning other languages is common practice in many other parts of the world). I think too often we accept the way things are as the way things should be. And thats pretty much my main point.
In other news, I went to the visit the pyramids at Teotihuacan this past weekend. It was awesome, got to climb to the top of them, beautiful view with strong winds whipping around us. Me gusto. I also found out there is a large forest/national park right by the institute, so I went to check that out last week. It was refreshing to get back into nature for a little bit after being surrounded by all the craziness of the city.
So now to go in a different direction then normal, in the few weeks I’ve been here, I’ve gotten a chance to talk to a lot of different Mexicans about their views of the United States. Naturally I didn’t expect many of them to be fond of the US (our reputation is often less then stellar abroad), but I was actually kind of surprised at how many different opinions I encountered. Although in retrospect I guess I shouldn’t be, since there are just as many different opinions of Mexico in the States.
The first opinion I encountered was not a good one. My friend did not like the idea of so many of his country-men leaving to work in the US. He recognized that there were more jobs available there for the poor in the north of the country, but he felt like the US often discriminated against Mexicans and didn’t think having to live in that kind of environment was worth the financial benefits. His words were, why would he want to move to a country to work where he would be at an immediate disadvantage because of the color of his skin. He also recognized the years of bad history between our two countries, and desired an improvement in our relationships, even if that meant letting go of many wrongs he felt were committed against his people during the early development of our countries (see Texas, California, etc…). He also thought the new law in Arizona was garbage, and I have to say I agree.
Later, I met a guy who had lived in Chicago for 42 years and was now back visiting Mexico during his retirement. He worked in maintenance in an office building there, and had worked his way up to make a decent living. He told me that he raised his kids in the States, and for them that was their home, his son even served in the Army. However, they also had roots in Mexico, and his son had made strong friends down here during vacations. For the dad, Mexico would always be home, but he appreciated what the US had to offer and was glad his family was making a life there.
After that I was talking to one of the doctors at the clinic, and he told me that a large number of graduates from his school left to work in the United States. For him, it wasn’t worth leaving home (plus it is very difficult to get a work visa, even for a doctor), but he understood why they did it, especially since the economy in Mexico was rocky at the time. Like another friend told me, when the US gets a sore throat, Mexico get bronchitis (referring to the economy). He went on to tell me that most of them left with the intention of working for awhile to make a little more money, save up and pay off debts, and then coming back to Mexico. And while this often happened, many of them ended up choosing to stay in the States after getting comfortable at their jobs and establishing roots there.
The fourth opinion I encountered I didn’t really expect. I went out to a night-club this past weekend with a group of students who were part of the wealthier crowd. I was talking to one guy, and he started using a little bit of English, so I asked him if he’d ever been to the States. So he pulls a ticket stub out of his pocket showing a recent flight from Mexico City to San Francisco, and went on to tell me he took a weekend trip up there a few weeks ago. So I asked if he had any family up there, but he told me that the entire purpose of his trip was to go shopping, because, apparently, Hollister, Armani, etc... are difficult to find in Mexico. Nice.
Now to insert my own little political opinion, which is actually something I hate doing, I’m beginning to think more and more that we should open up the borders between the US and Mexico. If they want to come and work, I say let them do it, and legally. Want to cut down on illegal immigrants? Make them legal. Most of them are just trying to find a better life for themselves or their family, which is kind of the point of the Unites States, no? Also, by improving our relationship with Mexico, there could be less of an “us vs. them” mentality, since I know many people think that they come to the States to work, but don’t really want to be one of us. My experience forces me to disagree. Furthermore, we are neighbors. While many of them see problems with policies or groups of thought in the US, everyone here has been incredibly welcoming of me and knows that there are many Americans that they could consider friends. And I think it would be great to cultivate this kind of relationship with our neighbors and to encourage the sharing of cultures which is already taking place. In fact, I’m not sure why Spanish isn’t taught more rigorously in schools (learning other languages is common practice in many other parts of the world). I think too often we accept the way things are as the way things should be. And thats pretty much my main point.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Me at Teotihuacan, from the top of the Piramide de la Luna.
Arbol de Pajaros... The bird tree in the reservoir at Coroneo.
The church at Coroneo (where I vacationed during independence day)
My arm exerciser attached to the chair!Monday, September 27, 2010
Mexico #4
Scotch, Story of the Year, and the internet... I honestly couldn't be happier.
I got a little lonely today, so I went on CouchSurfing.org and messaged a couple people I found that spoke English to see if they wanted to meet up for a drink or something. Its exhausting always having to talk to everyone in Spanish, so I don't fault myself for looking for a few English speaking friends, just to mix it up a little.
I got another lesson in salsa dancing this weekend. I went to a costume party, where the theme was "mexico". At first I thought this was kinda odd, but it would be like having a party in the US where people dress up like Abe Lincoln... or Britney Spears. Never thought there would be a reason to group those two together, but there you go. It was funny to see Mexican people dress up like, well, stereotypical Mexican people. One guy had this HUGE fake mustache complete with cowboy hat and full getup. They decked me out out in the mustache and wig at one point so I would fit in a little more. But originally I went dressed up as a generic Mexican soccer player. I was going to go with a name/number, but the custom jersey was more expensive. I actually really like the jersey I bought, so double bonus.
Also Mexicans know how to party. It wasn't outta control crazy or anything, but they just don't stop. We got there around 10, and we were pretty much drinking and dancing until we left at 4 am... and we were the first ones to leave... and everybody thought it was weird we were leaving so early! And they had this huge sound system set up in a tiny little house and literally everybody was an awesome dancer... I've never felt so white haha. There was even this one guy who had to be at least 240 pounds and he was absolutely tearing it up. Then they put on some English songs for my sake (I taught them how to moon-walk to Billy Jean (yes apparently I know how to moonwalk)). I also learned how to do the Mexican aiaiaiiaaiia shout that they do (the "grito"). It took me about 20 times before I got it right, apparently the trick is "con aire y sentimiento": with air and feeling. They kept repeating this over and over like it would help me understand, but when I finally got it "right" all I did differently was do it for a really really long time. All the other times I would start laughing halfway through, and they told me I messed up. Not only was it fun to learn, but it also changed my opinion on the shout, which naturally I have heard many times in LA. For a long time, I thought it was annoying, but its not at all, its liberating! Nothing is as cathartic as screaming at the top of your lungs, and how awesome to live in a culture where thats encouraged! We could all do with a little grito in our lives.
And in the time it took to write this, I already got a response from a fellow couch surfer. If you ever want to meet really awesome people in a new area, check out that site. Actually, even if you just have a spare couch I would really recommend getting involved. Its a super easy way to spread hospitality and expand your horizons without ever leaving your home. Basically you can sign up and indicate that you are willing to host travelers in your city for however many nights you want. Good for the soul.
On a parting note, don't eat mac'n'cheese out of the yellow box. Its not the same.
I got a little lonely today, so I went on CouchSurfing.org and messaged a couple people I found that spoke English to see if they wanted to meet up for a drink or something. Its exhausting always having to talk to everyone in Spanish, so I don't fault myself for looking for a few English speaking friends, just to mix it up a little.
I got another lesson in salsa dancing this weekend. I went to a costume party, where the theme was "mexico". At first I thought this was kinda odd, but it would be like having a party in the US where people dress up like Abe Lincoln... or Britney Spears. Never thought there would be a reason to group those two together, but there you go. It was funny to see Mexican people dress up like, well, stereotypical Mexican people. One guy had this HUGE fake mustache complete with cowboy hat and full getup. They decked me out out in the mustache and wig at one point so I would fit in a little more. But originally I went dressed up as a generic Mexican soccer player. I was going to go with a name/number, but the custom jersey was more expensive. I actually really like the jersey I bought, so double bonus.
Also Mexicans know how to party. It wasn't outta control crazy or anything, but they just don't stop. We got there around 10, and we were pretty much drinking and dancing until we left at 4 am... and we were the first ones to leave... and everybody thought it was weird we were leaving so early! And they had this huge sound system set up in a tiny little house and literally everybody was an awesome dancer... I've never felt so white haha. There was even this one guy who had to be at least 240 pounds and he was absolutely tearing it up. Then they put on some English songs for my sake (I taught them how to moon-walk to Billy Jean (yes apparently I know how to moonwalk)). I also learned how to do the Mexican aiaiaiiaaiia shout that they do (the "grito"). It took me about 20 times before I got it right, apparently the trick is "con aire y sentimiento": with air and feeling. They kept repeating this over and over like it would help me understand, but when I finally got it "right" all I did differently was do it for a really really long time. All the other times I would start laughing halfway through, and they told me I messed up. Not only was it fun to learn, but it also changed my opinion on the shout, which naturally I have heard many times in LA. For a long time, I thought it was annoying, but its not at all, its liberating! Nothing is as cathartic as screaming at the top of your lungs, and how awesome to live in a culture where thats encouraged! We could all do with a little grito in our lives.
And in the time it took to write this, I already got a response from a fellow couch surfer. If you ever want to meet really awesome people in a new area, check out that site. Actually, even if you just have a spare couch I would really recommend getting involved. Its a super easy way to spread hospitality and expand your horizons without ever leaving your home. Basically you can sign up and indicate that you are willing to host travelers in your city for however many nights you want. Good for the soul.
On a parting note, don't eat mac'n'cheese out of the yellow box. Its not the same.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Mexico #3
Back from my trip, and it was awesome. If you want to practice your Spanish, go on a 5 day trip with 9 Mexicans to a small town where your the only white person for at least 100 miles. Definitely a new experience. OK so quick recap, I ate a bunch of tacos, we basically lived off of them the whole trip, celebrated Mexican Independence Day (the Grito is awesome) and danced to some awesome authentic live Mexican music. It was awesome to see fireworks in a place without such strict rules as the US... they were directly above us, and half the fun of watching them was dodging the flaming balls of ash that were raining down on us.
Having said all that, its good to be back home. I finished my work early today and just locked myself in my room and played guitar for about 7 hours straight. Its cool, at times I feel really isolated here, so its kinda become both a relaxing sanctuary and a crazy adventure where everything is new at the same time.
Another bonus, some of the guys I went on the trip with play soccer every Tuesday! So that's where I'll be at 2pm tomorrow.
As to my study (the reason I'm here after all) I had my first day of testing today. I think it went well... its hard to gauge since I'm an engineer and have no experience in the medical world. I just put the pieces together to make the arm and programmed a little black box to measure the angle and play music. I have nothing to go off of to make me confident that it will help people with stroke... but the people that would know these things seem optimistic, so I guess there is that. Oh and if you have no idea what I'm working on, I'll see if I can post some pictures/video tomorrow... might not be able to post a person using the arm due to privacy concerns, but maybe I can demonstrate.
Peace
Having said all that, its good to be back home. I finished my work early today and just locked myself in my room and played guitar for about 7 hours straight. Its cool, at times I feel really isolated here, so its kinda become both a relaxing sanctuary and a crazy adventure where everything is new at the same time.
Another bonus, some of the guys I went on the trip with play soccer every Tuesday! So that's where I'll be at 2pm tomorrow.
As to my study (the reason I'm here after all) I had my first day of testing today. I think it went well... its hard to gauge since I'm an engineer and have no experience in the medical world. I just put the pieces together to make the arm and programmed a little black box to measure the angle and play music. I have nothing to go off of to make me confident that it will help people with stroke... but the people that would know these things seem optimistic, so I guess there is that. Oh and if you have no idea what I'm working on, I'll see if I can post some pictures/video tomorrow... might not be able to post a person using the arm due to privacy concerns, but maybe I can demonstrate.
Peace
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mexico #2
A quick update...
I already have 4 stroke patients signed up to participate in my study. Its been going well so far.
Real gorditas are nothing like the ones Taco Bell makes. No surprise there.
Pacifico is better here too. Thought it would have been the same since its an import.
I've only been here 3 days and I'm already leaving on a trip for 5 tomorrow. But its ok cuz its a holiday.
I haven't yet drank the water. Decisions, decisions....
I already have 4 stroke patients signed up to participate in my study. Its been going well so far.
Real gorditas are nothing like the ones Taco Bell makes. No surprise there.
Pacifico is better here too. Thought it would have been the same since its an import.
I've only been here 3 days and I'm already leaving on a trip for 5 tomorrow. But its ok cuz its a holiday.
I haven't yet drank the water. Decisions, decisions....
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Mexico #1
I woke up, went to the airport, got on a plane, and flew to Mexico yesterday. In two months I will do the same, but my plane will be taking me back to the states. For the time in between, I am staying at the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia (INNN) in Mexico City to run a study on a new low-cost exercise device for stroke patients that I have had the chance to work on. Woo!
So before now, I've only been to two places in Mexico, a little border town called Mexicali and a tourist town called Puerto Penasco. Mexico City is much different. Flying in, my first impression was, this place is green! My second was that it was huge. I don't remember my third.
Anyway, I had a little trouble bringing the exercise device (a glorified arm support) through customs. Not because I couldn't speak Spanish well, but because they couldn't understand my English. Fortunately the director of the rehabilitation clinic at INNN was there waiting to pick me up, and he is fluent in English, so we worked things out pretty quickly with his help. Then he took me to my apartment at the institute, which is an awesome corner Suite that I'm pretty sure is supposed to house two people instead of one. My first hint was the two twin beds in the bedroom, which I've now pushed together to make an awesome queen (America!).
Then we went out to dinner with his wife at a nearby restaurant called Arroyo (which means stream, according to Dr Hernandez). We had chicharron (pig skin) with guacamole, tortillas con salsa, carnitas, barbacoa, cactus, cebollas (little grilled onions you eat with salt and lime) and some typical Mexican soups. Mine had avacado, cheese, chicken, and chipotle peppers, and it was most excellent. Plus horchata, which I have to say, is better in Mexico. Its a good thing I like spicy foods as well, because otherwise I'd be lame.
We were also lucky enough to have a table of very drunk people right next to us. In America, I know this is sometimes thought of as a bad thing, but in America, we don't have mariachis... well, we do, but most Americans of non-latino descent tend to not like them as much. I will admit, that I wasn't really a fan of mariachis before, and I have to say, they are not better in Mexico. But apparently the fact that they aren't that good is generally ignored due to the mutual drunkenness of both the players and the patrons. Its all in the fun of the meal, and really it just ends up being a good show for everyone around.
Then I went home and crashed for many hours. Today, I set up my apartment, got myself a Mexican phone (pero no voy a compartir mi numero contigo), and stocked up on some food. One of the OTs at the clinic showed me around the city, and at times it didn't feel all that different from Los Angeles, except I knew that I couldn't quickly retreat to the English speaking areas.
But now I'm going to relax for the rest of the night, since I start work on my project tomorrow. I'll probably go hang out in some dark alleys with an American flag and money hanging out of my pockets. Maybe go scope out some druggie hotspots. Who knows? Either way, one of the advantages of travelling is that whatever I do here automatically feels cooler simply because I'm doing it in another country. Nice.
So before now, I've only been to two places in Mexico, a little border town called Mexicali and a tourist town called Puerto Penasco. Mexico City is much different. Flying in, my first impression was, this place is green! My second was that it was huge. I don't remember my third.
Anyway, I had a little trouble bringing the exercise device (a glorified arm support) through customs. Not because I couldn't speak Spanish well, but because they couldn't understand my English. Fortunately the director of the rehabilitation clinic at INNN was there waiting to pick me up, and he is fluent in English, so we worked things out pretty quickly with his help. Then he took me to my apartment at the institute, which is an awesome corner Suite that I'm pretty sure is supposed to house two people instead of one. My first hint was the two twin beds in the bedroom, which I've now pushed together to make an awesome queen (America!).
Then we went out to dinner with his wife at a nearby restaurant called Arroyo (which means stream, according to Dr Hernandez). We had chicharron (pig skin) with guacamole, tortillas con salsa, carnitas, barbacoa, cactus, cebollas (little grilled onions you eat with salt and lime) and some typical Mexican soups. Mine had avacado, cheese, chicken, and chipotle peppers, and it was most excellent. Plus horchata, which I have to say, is better in Mexico. Its a good thing I like spicy foods as well, because otherwise I'd be lame.
We were also lucky enough to have a table of very drunk people right next to us. In America, I know this is sometimes thought of as a bad thing, but in America, we don't have mariachis... well, we do, but most Americans of non-latino descent tend to not like them as much. I will admit, that I wasn't really a fan of mariachis before, and I have to say, they are not better in Mexico. But apparently the fact that they aren't that good is generally ignored due to the mutual drunkenness of both the players and the patrons. Its all in the fun of the meal, and really it just ends up being a good show for everyone around.
Then I went home and crashed for many hours. Today, I set up my apartment, got myself a Mexican phone (pero no voy a compartir mi numero contigo), and stocked up on some food. One of the OTs at the clinic showed me around the city, and at times it didn't feel all that different from Los Angeles, except I knew that I couldn't quickly retreat to the English speaking areas.
But now I'm going to relax for the rest of the night, since I start work on my project tomorrow. I'll probably go hang out in some dark alleys with an American flag and money hanging out of my pockets. Maybe go scope out some druggie hotspots. Who knows? Either way, one of the advantages of travelling is that whatever I do here automatically feels cooler simply because I'm doing it in another country. Nice.
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