Canary of Opportunity

Last week we were assigned to different Peace Corps sites in Mexico to “shadow” PC Volunteers and learn about their jobs and lifestyles and practice using public transportation. We were also given an allowance to cover meals, transportation and hotel. I was assigned to a volunteer who works at a nature preserve. It was a fascinating three days.

I and three other trainees went with several volunteers to see the preserve, which is in a volcanic area and traversed by hot springs and rivers. The preserve is doing a feasibility study to harness the geothermal heat from the hot springs to generate electricity, and some of the volunteers are assisting in the research. My volunteer has been constructing bike trails in the preserve, and is also working with local organizations and women’s groups to help them market their wares. The temperature was around 90, and the hot springs added to the heat and humidity. We walked down to the river and along the shore, crossing over rocks at various points, careful not to fall in the hot water. The altitude was around 6,500 feet, which made exercise even more grueling.

Later that evening we went to Zapopan to see a Basilica where a statue of the “Little Virgin” has just returned after touring the countryside for the past year. We stopped at several outdoor restaurants for drinks and dinner, then headed home. After the march through Hades and the cross-country hike to Zapopan and back, I barely had energy to crawl into bed.

Saturday we headed for downtown Guadalajara. We found a street vendor standing next to a small table on which sat a small, brightly painted wooden birdcage with a canary inside. Beside it was a box filled with little folded squares of paper, a tiny bell, some birdseed and a sign that read, “Canario de Oportunidad.” The man said that for 20 Pesos (about $1.75 U.S.) the canary would choose my fortune. I said yes. (Who wouldn’t?) He opened the cage and the bird picked up the bell in its beak and rang it, drew two fortunes from the box, then ate the bird seed. We each took a fortune and agreed to translate and share them.

We stopped at an art exhibit at the Hospicio Cabanas, a former orphanage and hospital. The “El Arte de la Arquitectura” exhibit showed modern buildings from around the world that combine sustainability, urban planning and function in artful ways. It was beautifully constructed and designed, and used wall-sized photos of the buildings, along with scale models that were works of art in themselves.

The weekend ended too soon and I’m still amazed at my fortune – canary notwithstanding – at having such a wonderful opportunity.

This week was Semana Santa, or holy week, in Mexico. We had a glorious four days off. On Good Friday the people in my neighborhood re-enacted the Stations of the Cross. My house was Station Number 8! My host mother converted her garage into an altar, and about 100 people converged upon our garage to pray. I was introduced to the priest, then we all kneeled and prayed. It was very moving and I was deeply touched to be included as a member of the family.

Later in the day a group of us watched the Procesion de Silencio, or “Procession of Silence," in downtown Queretaro. People wearing pointed white hoods with the eyes cut out (for anonymity and to prevent interaction with the crowd) walked through town barefooted while carrying crosses on their shoulders. I doubt the KKK had any knowledge of the practice when they chose their “costume” or they probably would have made a different fashion choice.

You can check out my new photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/20264995@N07