10.01.2017

On 04.01., today we were in a village called San Miguel de Allende, which is about 40 minutes away from Jurica. The village is very touristy, but beautiful. You can hear a lot of English because many Americans live there. Handmade items are sold on small tables everywhere. We went to a small market where there were all kinds of artistic things for very little money, from bead art to bags made from recycled can tops. To finish off, Sylvia invited us to supposedly the best Churros Café. Churros are a Spanish fried, elongated pastry, traditionally served with cinnamon and sugar and dipped in hot or cold chocolate. We just made it in time to get a table, as a long queue formed in front of the café after us. The evening ended with playing Wii (Mario Kart), as Matilde is obsessed with it and won't stop.

05.01.

Since Matilde just can't get enough of Mario Kart, we played until lunchtime today. After that, my host parents Cristina and I were given money and we went to a nearby mall to buy gifts for ourselves. January 6th is celebrated almost like Christmas here, and all children receive gifts from the three wise men. Since Matilde still believes in the kings, we wrote all our wish lists, tied them to balloons, and released them into the air.

In the evening, Los Veras came to us because traditionally on the day before the three wise men, a Rosca de Reyes is eaten. This is a wreath-shaped brioche in which a plastic figure of Jesus is hidden. It is cut at various places in turn, and the one who gets the figure has to buy Tamales for everyone on February 2nd. Luckily, I didn't get it, Sylvia did. After everyone finished eating, we watched Parent Trap together on our huge TV.

06.01.

It's the day of the three wise men! I was woken up at 7:30 by Matilde, as she was very excited that the kings brought gifts. The children unwrapped their presents and were delighted with their gifts. No wonder: there was a MacBook, speakers, an iPod, and other expensive gifts. Apart from playing Mario Kart and watching a movie, Matilde, Melissa, and I decided to go for a short bike ride. However, it took longer than expected and it got dark. Melissa was very worried that something might happen, but we arrived safely!

08.01.

Sunday means church! I always look forward to church as it is always fun and the music is very beautiful. After church, I went to Los Veras' house with them and had lunch with them, as we went to the movies in the evening. We watched Assassin's Creed, but everyone was very disappointed with the film. After the cinema, I was persuaded to come to another Rosca (pastry with Jesus). This time, it took place downtown in a very small house, with a family I already knew. It was fun again and there was a lot of music.

10.01.

Since yesterday, we have a new domestic help as the other two ran away. However, the new one is very phlegmatic and quiet and seems very uncomfortable.

Today, Sylvia, Mayela (Los Veras' mother), and I met for a coffee to practice German. We had a lot of fun and agreed to meet twice a week to speak German and Spanish.

In the evening, I helped Matilde with her homework and she asked me if she could call me sister. She hugged me tightly and said she will miss me very much when I go back to Germany. Oscar has also been calling me sister for a few days.

Today, I also noticed that I am now very familiar with the chaotic streets of Querétaro and that I roughly understand most conversations.