JUST WHEN THE ROUTINE STARTS TO SETTLE...

Another two/three weeks have passed sprightly here in Mexico, of course some days quicker than others in the undulating hot haze that Vallarta has to offer. In saying that l feel most days l am starting to acclimatise (a bit) to this tumultuous weather. Although l still enjoy a good complain with the rest of the population when we hit the high 80-90% for humidity it just doesn't seem quite as assaulting as when l first arrived. The enormous afternoon rains continue 'almost' daily bringing some brief relief and complaints can be heard when they do not occur. Below is some footage of our street in a typical 'illuvia' taken from our living room window.                                                                                                                          

Since the last post, a routine was beginning to settle here in Vallarta. Proyecto Pitial in the mornings until around 330, then coming home, going for a run and then hanging with Ivan and his family or going out with friends from the project. The weekends have continued to be fabulous and filled with new adventures, and amazing hospitality and generosity (more of that later). I was finding myself having surprise moments where l realised there was a time when l understood conversations and what was going on around me. Where l wasn't generally always quiet for listening so hard my eyeballs hurt, and that the bumpy bus ride to and from the project wasn't the way it has always been. I think because in the first month everything was so new, exciting and at times hard that the yearning for home and loved ones was not as noticeable, and during these weeks l found myself pinning a little more for home. However, as my mother would say, when in need the universe will provide, and it did! The second project started (CAM 21- School for Children with Disabilities) and the whole process of learning a new place, new people and finding a new role began.

The school was founded more then 30 years ago and supports children and young adults with predominantly intellectual disabilities, however there are a wide range of diagnosis' at the school. Supposedly this school was the first school in Vallarta that was opened specifically for children with disabilities. Since then the number of schools and centres for this population in Vallarta has grown and there are now many. So many that on December 3rd (National Disability Day) all the schools/ centres go to the Malacon to showcase their school and sell goods to raise funds for their programs.    

We have decided that l will be in the class for the oldest 'kids' (some of whom are 29, 36 and even 40 years of age). This is what we would call a transition class, with the hope of building up life skills to live as independently/ contribute as much as possible to the family household. It also has the ideal aim to try and find suitable employment, and there has recently been two classmates that are now in supported employment in Vallarta! Therefore, in this class literacy and numeracy are a big component so that they can have an increased opportunity to participate in work and home life  The semester has only just started and so the focus is on evaluation and goal setting is, which is a good opportunity for me to get to know the 15 or so 'kids'.The children have been very welcoming, however all are pretty rapid speakers and often it's a pretty stilted conversation!

Back at Proyecto Pitial we have been discussing setting up an afternoon activity program for the older kids to try and achieve some of the same goals as CAM 21 of increasing independence and skill sets and increase overall engagement. As finances are a constant pressure we are also going to start making goods with the children to sell at National Disability Day. With the children who are less able we are going to look at bringing in more structured activities and sensory programs that are appropriate, as at the moment due to the number of children and the demands on the staff many are in wheelchairs/ seats unoccupied for long periods of time. We are also going to look at splinting as many of the splints currently being used are 'off the shelf' and quite inappropriate for what the specific child needs. So in regards to the project the OT is starting to come out more and more, and as my Spanish slowly gets better l am able to better express ideas and brainstorm with the other staff. The other day the physiotherapist, manager, doctor and l sat and had a great chat discussing what we could develop at the project. Obviously it was mostly in Spanish and l understood maybe 25-30%,  it was really exciting to feel collectively passionate about making sustainable improvements for these children. In saying that a big issue we discussed, despite the lack of appropriate resources and funds, is how do we increase participation and occupation of the children without increasing the workload of the staff who are already stretched thin. This is something that l have seen in Australia and am sure occurs all over the world. So slowly we have begun the big task of trying to execute all these great ideas!

Outside of the projects, l think the real highlight has been starting to form better friendships and pushing the breadth of conversations that people are often still needing to dumb down for me. I spend a lot of time on the weekends at people's houses and with their families and going out for dinner and drinks, to parties for baptisms and dancing. The hospitality is overflowing here and every time l try to offer some money/ cook some food/ contribute somehow...."no no....we invited you" or "you can buy the ice". So, I haven't been spending much time on the Malacon as am now exploring the Vallarta far from the tourist district and it has been wonderful! I haven't been to the beach for nearly 2 weeks even though it is at the end of my

street?!              

     Again l will let the photos tell the stories!

Micheladas.....hmmm so this is the first l tried and l have vowed to try another, but then that may be my last. After a long day at the project where it had been hot, the kids had been a little unruly and in the course of the day l was bitten, scratched, pinched, pushed and wrestled (all in fun....) l strongly requested a Friday afternoon beverage with my compatriots......this is what happened. So inside is two beers, clamato (tomato, clam juice, Tabasco, chilli, salt, lemon, and l think that's it). On top is a seafood cocktail with tomato, lime, chilli, avocado.... in Spanish it's what l call RARO or WEIRD but FUN!

I was invited to Mariana's house for lunch and a few beverages. After an hour bus ride north of downtown Vallarta a great day/ night  was had of music, dancing, chatting in Spanglish and enjoying the simple things in life. This is Jamie (pronounced Hymie) the professional Ecuadorian pan pipe player giving us a few tunes! Some of which were traditional and others were renditions of ACDC, Celine Dion, Willie Nelson and many others.

Herman from Argentina accompanies a few songs as Mariana shows me how to dance. That night l slept on a massage table, it was one of the best sleeps l have had in Mexico!

Monday Night Games Night with Ivan. Scrabble, Ivan in English and me in Spanish (l cheated as used a dictionary). However these are the letters that l finished with.....hmmmm.....no....not possible in any language me thinks!

Games Night also included this Mexican 'bingo'-esque game for kids, which is quite complicated when tired, however great for learning Spanish!

Greta and I at Las Carmilitas, an amazing little restaurant above the tunnel in the hills above Vallarta. It is on acres and acres of beautiful lushess green private property. Many of the hotels have been trying to buy the owner out to build a big monstrosity of a hotel however we are very thankful that he is holding firm. A great night with Greta, watching the sun set, chatting with the owner about Mexico and how it's language and people are changing and again just enjoying life. I listened quietly and hard in this conversation maybe picking up a mere 30%, wishing l could of understood more, regardless a fabulous experience.  Below are pictures of the wildlife around the restaurant, the pig almost came up to our table and some of the fabulous views from our table and above the restaurant.

Dinner at Las Carmilitas was on the Friday night, then on the Saturday night some of the ladies from Proyecto Pitial and l went out dancing.... ooh lordy! So as you walk into 'Nitro' you see a typical nightclub with techno-pop music, flashing lights, a dance floor in the middle of the room and many tables and chairs surrounding said dance floor. I was happily sitting watching the crowd, sipping my Sex en la Playa when l was dragged on the dance floor. Here l forgot how to dance and I looked like an epilipetic fawn off it's medications. At one point l just started jogging on the spot as peoples feet were moving so fast that this was the only way l could problem solve the situation! After a while l got my groove on but it really did take a bit, and l was quite concerned l had lost said groove for good.

Then.... the lights flash on and off, a curtain draws back and there is a stage, and these guys with horns, drums and matching jackets come out. This is 'Banda' and it sort of felt like having a whole lot of brass instruments yelling at you. Then the real dancing begins, it is close, it is fast, there is a lot of twirling and dipping but most of all it's close! I sat back down having sincere fear for the toes and backs of the ladies and watching people nearly twirling off the lip of the dance floor. I tried to explain to our little possy that this way of dancing is a little different and awkard for me, as in Australia generally dancing in such close proximity to another is reserved for novios y novias (boyfriends and girlfriends). Everyone laughed hartely, and quite frankly asked "why?"  I have learnt (confirmed by further investigations) that everyone from siblings, friends, uncles and neices, grandparents dance like this.

I was quite happy enjoying another free beverage (due to Gratis night for the ladies on Saturdays from 11-2) when one of Marta's friends decided to take pity on me..... l have a feeling however this was under direct orders from Marta..... and then began two plus hours of sweaty humilation. So l put my Australian prudish ways under my drink like a soggy napkin and did what a McLellan does best in these circumstances....try and rise to the occassion!

After about two hours of being twirled, marched and dipped large amounts of lacto-acid were building in my legs and l had to STOP! I think my dance partner was relieved to finally go and find someone that he could really get his dance on with, as l took my rightful spot on a seat close to the dance floor. I felt weak as the other ladies continued on and danced for close to four hours solid! They asked me why l wasn't dancing, was l drunk they asked? Surprisingly, 'no' l responded (we had danced through much of Gratis Saturday), l was solely tired and had nothing left in my legs. Shaking there heads in disbelief they marched back out into the frey.....

So that's it, much has happened especially in the conversation department but those moments need a little longer to ponder and collate. Those grand reflections will come all in good time. Another couple of weeks lie ahead of getting settled at the school, new and exciting efforts at the Project and more weekend frivolity. Then it will be meeting up with my boyfriend and seeing friends for the first time in three months. I think this will come at just the right time and what better way to celebrate than with Mexican Independence Day!

Just to reaffirm to family and friends that l am still alive, safe and well and for some reason only tanning on my chin and forehead?! I shake my fist at you Scottish heritage! So......

   l enlisted the assistance of Ivan for a quick makeover, because there is nothing better than a makeover night! There's nothing better to offset the eyes than a tourqouisey/ teal bathroom!
Take Care All, Much Love xox

The First Month In Mexico

Hello Everyone! Waving! Sending big hugs to you from across the seas!

So, l arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday 7^th July 2012, after spending four fabulous days in Los Angeles with the Wilks- Keyishan ladies, l felt ready to step into whatever was going to be thrown at me, and now before l know it a full month has passed. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone, how intense some days have been, how my Spanish fluctuates every second from being barely passable to horrendous, and just how unbelievable it has all been! The experiences keep coming and in ways l could not of imagined. 

It began with the wonderful Greta helping to smooth the whole process of buses, food, health, family,  project etc. and guiding us through our first few days. From there we were on our own, however we knew if needed Greta was only a phone call away and the families were always so helpful that you always felt set to overcome any problem. The first few weeks were BUSY, full on and GREAT! With a full day at the project and then Spanish lessons for two hours in the afternoons you can imagine it was pretty tiring acclimitising to weather, language, culture, everything! So the first few weeks were a bit quiter of just finding my feet, getting a bit of confidence and into the routine of this Mexican seaside town.

I have had times in the last month of missing family, friends and boyfriend terribly. Feeling quite little and alone after a hot day of trying to learn a different language, forge new friendships and sometimes just figure out what the hell is going on. Then typically, out of nowhere will come an amazing moment of Mexican generosity, kindness or humour.  My heart stops straining for home and familiarity and l am emersed again in the experiences of the day. Invitations to fiestas, ranches and rivers, to booze filled nights at the clubs or a transvestite show, to lunch and coffee with people's mothers, to zumba classes in the park or Mexican karaoke on a Saturday night (the Japanese still win that battle l think!?). Or simply someone teaching me how to cook something Mexican and delicious or explaining something basic like the buses or just taking time to talk to me in Spanglish. The moments come frequently (often with some aspect of surprise) where l realise in the middle of a sentence that l am so lucky to be here, and honestly there is nowhere l'd rather be than in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico exploring a country and it's culture and inevitabley myself.  So much has happened over the last four weeks that l don't even know where to start. So let's start with the project and the additional photos can tell the rest. 

Here in Vallarta l am at two projects. Proyecto Pitiall (Rehabilitation and Day Centre for Children with Disabilites) and another project at a school for children with disabilities. However, l have not started at the school as it is summer holidays so l currently spend from 9-3 at the centre. This will change in a few weeks, but it has been really nice to settle in one project first.

 

Proyecto Pitial

Proyecto Pitial is a totally donation funded organisation and was set up approximately 20 years ago by the fabulous Marta, a mother of a child who still attends the centre. She decided to found the centre to allow other parents the opportunity to go to work and know that their child is recieving good therapy and care. They solely depend on donations and sponsorships, and finding enough money to keep it all going is a daily preoccupation. It began in one woman's house and what resulted was an evolution to the current state. A three building centre that has a pool, a horse and some amazing resources with 2 physiotherapists and permenant staff of about 8 very dedicated and caring people. Most of the kids at this centre seem to have either cerebal palsy, paralysis from an event post birth, down syndrome or autism/ intellectual disability. The caring goes beyond the staff as numerous of the older children who are able provide support for the others. They assist with meals, occupying/ calming children in busy times and just generally helping out. It is a wonderful atmosphere, that takes a little while to settle into and find a groove, but once dancing is a daily joy to be there. 

Warming up for some high fives and boxing with two of the kids and the fabulous Marianne!

I am working closely with the physiotherapist to complete daily exercises, sensory involvement/ integration, and increasing concerntration and participation. We see approximately 12 of the children each day, a second physiotherapist comes in the afternoon, so everyone has at least one session of therapy. At present physiotherapy is the main focus, this is because occupational therapy is relatively new in Mexico. I have been told that if you want to study OT in Mexico you have to go either to Spain or America as there are no schools in Mexico. So as you can imagine it is difficult to trying to find/explain where occupational therapy can fit into the centre, especially in a language that you are far from mastering. Regardless, I am learning so much that it is irrelevant, l feel it is a bonus offering little bits here and there that would be considered more OT as an addition to the children's regular therapy. I also help with meals and at times with personal care, and sometimes just sit and natter with the teenager girls. So that is how l spend my days, problem solving and learning, sharing and enjoying. I am typically greeted at the door by some of the kids and hugs and greetings ensue. The hugs (albeit sometimes taken by surprise in a gridiron-esque manner!) continue through the day with laughs and many humerous moments.

So to outside the project, it has really relied on the generosity of those here in Vallarta, l have started Spanish classes again just one day a week and the other afternoons are taking with spending time with Ivan and his family or people from the project and simply exploring Vallarta. Below are some pictures of just a few of these moments!

One of the bars on a big night out with some of the other volunteers resulted in a curious, extremely strong free cocktail with a giant cow, enjoyed on a print mattress suspended in the air!?

Domingo a El Rio

An impromptu phone call on a Sunday lead to me jumping on a bus to Ivan's mother's house, where on arrival l dived into a ute loaded with people, food and music blaring. Here l was whisked away to a river just outside of central Vallarta. Many of the locals go to the river on the weekend and sit and relax, cook lunch, have a few beers and enjoy life. We had to drive across said river to get here but found a quiter spot to enjoy the fresh mountain water! The rain started to fall and we retreated to the river bank, sitting under a tree canopy for a BBQ lunch of chorizo, bistek, tortillas, frejoles and beer. The day passed, albeit a little soggily, but was refreshing and relaxing from the unrelenting heat, l was actually cold for the first time in Mexico!

Chillin with the family under a gorgeous tree canopy by the river as we cook our lunch!

Yes, I am Australian, and BBQ is my spirital homeland?!

So once the BBQ was fired up (and fuelled literally by fan force) l decided to offer my services in meat management. I was relagated once the serious eating was required, but had my day in the sun for just a little bit. I did emerge with a substantial blister on my right hand from too much fan action, however was too ashamed to say anything about my delicate Australian hands!

On another afternoon, l came home from the project (my zumba in the park date had fallen through due to motherly commitments and rumours of big rain, which is pretty much every afternoon in Vallarta!) and once in the door l was greeted by Ivan, who stated we were heading to his mum's house for dinner. Again with little notice we jumped a bus and headed over many a bumpy cobblestone street to Juistinas, which has become my second home away from home! Once at Juistinas, we were informed that we were heading up the mountain to Ivan's aunty's ranchito (area of land that they use for donkeys, dogs, chickens and growing produce). I was told the view was amazing...understatement!

The view of Vallarta from El Ranchito. My poor photography skills can be noted thus.

The Viewing deck at El Ranchito, where standing here l had another surprise moment of realisation; How did l get here? How am l so lucky to be seeing this? Tears began to well however before female hormones could take over l was whisked off to search for fruits to eat and animals, flora and fauna to see!

Ivan and his amazing family - Lis, Christine, Nauli and Juistina on the viewing deck!

Demanded to strike a pose, l do my best following the gorgeous Lis, but for heavily drenched in sweat we will take what we can get! Luckily an eleven year old designer comes my way to deck me out in the latest of Mexican Ranchito Accessories!

Ranchito earrings, flora! Yes that is a flower that has
 been put through my ear piercing!

Pretty Flora Ring made in less than a minute!

 Ranchitio fashion designer and l showing off our latest line!

The view in the other direction, mountains upon mountains!

And the sun begins to dip, l feel like one of the luckiest people in the world. We pile back into the Ute and head down to the river, where fully clothed we jump in, and there we stay until the sun is completely to bed. Second time l am cold in Mexico.

So we returned from the Ranch for dinner, where l had one of the most amazing meals of my life. It may not look great but it was delicious! Capsicum, tomato, cheese and egg soup. Topped with lime and avocado. Amazing! But that is for another post as l have ALOT to sayon all the amazing food of Mexico!

So there is a few moments of my first month in Mexico, far from everything. I am already so fond of the people and place here in Vallarta after a month, what will happen over the next four l can not imagine.