¡Viva México!

Obviously, we have a rapist in Lincoln Park. But really, did you expect me to not reference Antoine Dodson in some way? Even more obviously, it was difficult to say the final good byes to the world I know, the family that I love so much. Still, while I am sad to not be with my family right now, I cannot help but feel incredibly excited for what lies ahead. Now, I must put some of myself into this and therefore must include some frivolous details in everything i write. The first flight of today, Green Bay to Chicago, was quite the experience. While it only lasted 36 minutes, I gained at least 42 minutes of memories. In typical Kealey (actually, Andrea) style, I was the final passenger to board the plane- gimme a break, why would I need to be on the plane any longer than 13 minutes before take off? So the lead flight attendant is doing her announcing thing as I make my way onto the aircraft carrier (that’s official air plane lingo). I am not the tallest person I know, but I am relatively tall. Well, picture me walking onto a plane that is certainly no more than ten feet wide in the interior with my enormous (and incredible- thanks, Grammy Squeeze!) backpack while the flight attendant is trying to perform her official duties. Basically what I’m saying is that I looked super cool. Then she stops announcing, leans over to me, and says, “Maybe we should put that beneath the plane.” Really, ma’am? Does it look a little large for this midget-mobile plane? However, it was quite a bonus for me because I didn’t have to proceed to hunt own an open cabinet and then attempt to shove the mammoth backpack into the tiny space. I found my seat and began to settle in, which is a process and yes, quite necessary. I quickly sorted through what I would need for the flight and what could be placed beneath the seat in front of me (see? I am a good passenger sometimes.). Across the aisle from me, which in this plane is a few mere inches, sits a man about Grandpa’s age in a bright purple golf polo. And judging by the vibrant red shade of his skin, he was headed down south for some golf (important detail? Oh, you just wait and see.). He begins to look at me in a very analytical way, as though assessing whether or not I am fit to be flying. Sir, I can so do this flying thing. Maybe not gracefully, but still. His quizzical gazes kept making their way over to me for the entire trip (yeah, the whole 36 minutes). Now, if you grew up in a family like I did, you simply assume that all people employ common courtesy, things like “ladies first” and such. And now for some stereotyping, I totally assumed that this older man would be traditional or polite despite my lack of poise when entering the plane. But he slid his little tan foot out into the aisle right when we landed, slowly moved his belongings into the aisle, looked at me, and stood up long before it was actually time to exit the plane in order to swiftly exit. I talked to Dad after, and he suggested that the man may not have even known he was staring. Either way, I really hope he wears sunscreen wherever he is going; melanoma is no joke. Moving on, I exit the tiny-town express and make my way to the next gate. Thanks to Mamma’s passion for moving and going (it’s a good thing!), I spent my layover time wakling back and forth in the concourse. And passed about 6 Starbucks stores. And I only went through concourses F and B! Crazy stuff, that coffee. Makes me think of my Laura. I love you! And to all of you Wisconsin friends and family members, I imagined passing your home or dorm as the plane soared above the lovely state. And I blew kisses to a select few as the plane began the descent (you special few, you know who you are [you see, the trick is to not tell anyone you blew them kisses, because then this comment applies to everyone who reads it and thinks it applies to him or her] {but really, one kiss was for you}). Then I hopped on the plane to Houston (en route now) and found that a flight attendant had been missing (apparently that’s an issue for airlines?) which caused a fair amount of fluster for the other workers. It was a mini-comedy for the first few minutes, hearing the gentleman firmly suggest over the intercom that we all keep moving quickly and get the heck out of the aisles. Another flight attendant told a lady in front of me, “Listen, I have worked very hard to make this flight amazing, so just sit down.” Now there’s a man who takes his work seriously! Here comes the drink lady; I could so go for some ginger ale.

What if the whole airplane broke into dance? But not just dance, and not just a free-style dance party. I mean all out: choreographed, singing, and Jai Ho as the song. Seriously, that would be the best experience of my life (on a plane, anyway). Think about it. Consider it. Write a letter to the airline and propose it. Because I really would love to see that. And be a part of it. For real.

It is incredible here. I got off the aeroplane, went through customs and grabbed my luggage, and came out of the gates to meet Jared and Montse (two staff from my DTS!)! They are both incredibly cool people. Then we proceded out into real Mazatlan: unbearable heat and instant sweating J. We waited for another student, Susanna, to arrive and then headed to the base. It was so cool to see the city from the eyes of a local as opposed to a tourist. Two guys came up to the car at a stop light, hopped onto the hood of the car, and started scrubbing down the windshield! Well, all we had on us was a couple pesos and a quarter. So hey, happy quarter to those guys! The base is awesome, the staff is so cool, and there are about 13 of us students (a small school for the base compared to the typical 20-some students). I am finally (mostly) settled into the room. It is gonna be weird, but that is what is so exciting about it! Today Lape comes; she is our sixth girl! The best part about our room: I have the bed next to the air conditioner (so from the hours of 9 pm to 7 am, you can expect to find me in my bed right by the beautiful thing). I wanted a different bed that was by the window and was all bummed to find that someone else wanted it. But God is good; He knew that I would do so much better by the air conditioner J. Irena, a German student (yes, I am pulling out every stinkin’ German word I know), told me that if I was too cold I could turn off the air conditioner… these girls don’t know me yet: cold is not a problem for me (Grams and Gramps could attest to that!). I love you all and will do my best to actually fill you in on things you care about as opposed to the trivial things that make me so excited J I love you all! [Insert stylish “sign off” kissy face and hand gestures like Glozell does]