In Spanish esperar is an interesting word for the two definitions it possesses; it can either mean to wait, or hope. I find it interesting as often as one waits, one hopes that the waiting will result in a positive outcome (be it that the movie tickets you stand in line to purchase are not sold out or that the asses who screwed you over in a real estate scam are caught!).
Currently, I feel as though all I have in my life is this verb and in both its meanings. I am waiting to sign papers for our apartment, I am waiting to move into said apartment; I am waiting for apartment signing and moving plans to be more firm so I can pack (right now our current residence is jam backed with boxes filled and empty, and a recently delivered living room set - which I also had to wait a ridiculously long time for!); I am waiting for Little Nena to arrive (and most certainly hoping for a positive outcome!); I am waiting for the renovations on the apartment to be finished; I am waiting for the painting in the apartment to be finished (and hoping I have the patience and intelligence to figure out the measuring required for the stripes we are attempting to decorate Little Nena's wall with!); I am waiting to resolve things with the "real estate" agents who screwed us over, got caught, gave us invalid cheques and whom we (obviously) cannot relocate; and above it all I am hoping that soon my stressful, frustrating life will get back on course to the positive joy that it had once been.
It seems that everything I am waiting for, besides Little Nena, is about 1000 tims more frustrating and difficult than it should be, simply because it's "the Mexican way". Justice is in my hands to properly organize so that those who are suppose to ensure laws are upheld and bad deeds are punished will actually do said job; I wait around for hours at a time in an empty apartment for electricians and plumbers and carpenters who arrive when it is convenient for them, but who dislike waiting when it comes time for their pay; simple legal paperwork in reference to the apartment takes 15 different people and 4 different locations to complete one certificate and obviously none of them work hard or fast. Sometimes I feel like screaming from rooftops, but most days I settle for crying (being 9 months pregnant with changing hormones and discomfort helps make that an easy process).
The worst part is that we are waiting on others and here in Mexico manana means anything from morning, to tomorrow, to when-I-get-around-to-it-which-may-be-after-you-are-dead-and-buried. I think that this aspect of Mexican life is the most frustrating for all foreigners and is the one thing that is nearly impossible to adjust to and accept.
ARGGGGG!
Esperar - sometimes enemy, sometimes friend; always with me.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu - Rumours and Reality
Well, all classes in D.F. and the country have now been postponed until May 6th.
For me, that means early maternity leave as April 30th was suppose to be my last day of work. It also means that I need to get things organized via email for the sub (we were to meet the first Friday school was cancelled) and prepare some work for the kiddies to do over the shut-down (as the schools says "This is not a vacation".) The work is being given out also in the hopes of avoiding an extended school year due to this unexpected period of time off; something that would cause a lot of chaos where I work due to the number of foreign staff who have likely all ready planned and booked trips out of here for a close to the year end as possible.
The city is certainly more quiet than normal but then it IS a long weekend. Had I been working, I would have had Friday off (it is Labour Day here) and some people are also receiving Monday and/or Tuesday off (May 5th is Cinco de Mayo although it's not a federal holiday). Unfortuatnelyt he media is again omitting facts when they talk about this "five day shut-down" that is going on in Mexico but not menitoning the fact that it is a holiday weekend; MANY people all ready had plans to be out of the city for this weekend, although I am sure others also made last minute decisions to leave due to the lack of social possibilities here currently. Regardless, closing stores and reducing social venue openings was due tot he time period just as much as the flu.
Masks seem to be seen less around the city and I have to admit that the last few times I went out I forgot to even put mine on. I am not too worried though as it seems like handwashing and staying out of the way of sneeze showers is the better option.
Rumours abound in media all around about what is going on; when it all began; how many have been infected; how many have died and to be honest, I'm tired of it all. I'm especially tired of the thought that perhaps there is something different at work here in Mexico but no explanation to back it up.
Interestingly as of today the number of deaths thought to be due to the swine flu have dropped by 75, down to 101 possibles; currently there are only 19 confirmed deaths related to the flu. For me that is one of the most annoying things about all of the media coverage - journalist (and the reader's) inability to diferentiate between the words suspected and confirmed.
Another interesting twist to the swine flu story is a case of the flu spreading from a pig farm worker (of course, he's a Mexican) to 200 of the pigs on the farm. Apparently the man returned from a two day visit to D.F. April 14th meaning that this story has been kept quiet for two weeks. I find it interesting that no one has suggested that perhaps the flu started in Canada (on this Alberta farm) and was brought to Mexico, rather than the other way around. I also wish people would jump up in disgust at 200 pigs so easily becoming sick and recognize the fault that factory farms have in this, and other, illnesses.
There is so much information out there but I find it hard to trust, espeically after the BF was interviewed by several news agencies. He was contacted by: The Sun Newspaper, CBC Radio Winniped, CBC National and the BBC to provide his opionion on the situation here in D.F. as an ex-pat. The first two used his comments, the last two did not; in the Sun Papers his comments were taken out of context and when the National was doing a pre-interview the woman seemed disappointed that he was not panicking and that he couldn't report on riots engulfing the city or other such crazy behaviours.
Unfortutatnelyt he biggest loser in this situation will likely be the Mexican economy, especially since some countries have banned pork imports and/or stopped flights to Mexico. Our poor economy has been hit hard enough and this is the last thing that we need so hopefully it too will be able to bounce back after the media and the governments stop their fearmongering.
Time shall tell...
For me, that means early maternity leave as April 30th was suppose to be my last day of work. It also means that I need to get things organized via email for the sub (we were to meet the first Friday school was cancelled) and prepare some work for the kiddies to do over the shut-down (as the schools says "This is not a vacation".) The work is being given out also in the hopes of avoiding an extended school year due to this unexpected period of time off; something that would cause a lot of chaos where I work due to the number of foreign staff who have likely all ready planned and booked trips out of here for a close to the year end as possible.
The city is certainly more quiet than normal but then it IS a long weekend. Had I been working, I would have had Friday off (it is Labour Day here) and some people are also receiving Monday and/or Tuesday off (May 5th is Cinco de Mayo although it's not a federal holiday). Unfortuatnelyt he media is again omitting facts when they talk about this "five day shut-down" that is going on in Mexico but not menitoning the fact that it is a holiday weekend; MANY people all ready had plans to be out of the city for this weekend, although I am sure others also made last minute decisions to leave due to the lack of social possibilities here currently. Regardless, closing stores and reducing social venue openings was due tot he time period just as much as the flu.
Masks seem to be seen less around the city and I have to admit that the last few times I went out I forgot to even put mine on. I am not too worried though as it seems like handwashing and staying out of the way of sneeze showers is the better option.
Rumours abound in media all around about what is going on; when it all began; how many have been infected; how many have died and to be honest, I'm tired of it all. I'm especially tired of the thought that perhaps there is something different at work here in Mexico but no explanation to back it up.
Interestingly as of today the number of deaths thought to be due to the swine flu have dropped by 75, down to 101 possibles; currently there are only 19 confirmed deaths related to the flu. For me that is one of the most annoying things about all of the media coverage - journalist (and the reader's) inability to diferentiate between the words suspected and confirmed.
Another interesting twist to the swine flu story is a case of the flu spreading from a pig farm worker (of course, he's a Mexican) to 200 of the pigs on the farm. Apparently the man returned from a two day visit to D.F. April 14th meaning that this story has been kept quiet for two weeks. I find it interesting that no one has suggested that perhaps the flu started in Canada (on this Alberta farm) and was brought to Mexico, rather than the other way around. I also wish people would jump up in disgust at 200 pigs so easily becoming sick and recognize the fault that factory farms have in this, and other, illnesses.
There is so much information out there but I find it hard to trust, espeically after the BF was interviewed by several news agencies. He was contacted by: The Sun Newspaper, CBC Radio Winniped, CBC National and the BBC to provide his opionion on the situation here in D.F. as an ex-pat. The first two used his comments, the last two did not; in the Sun Papers his comments were taken out of context and when the National was doing a pre-interview the woman seemed disappointed that he was not panicking and that he couldn't report on riots engulfing the city or other such crazy behaviours.
Unfortutatnelyt he biggest loser in this situation will likely be the Mexican economy, especially since some countries have banned pork imports and/or stopped flights to Mexico. Our poor economy has been hit hard enough and this is the last thing that we need so hopefully it too will be able to bounce back after the media and the governments stop their fearmongering.
Time shall tell...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Influenza Outbreak
Late last night (about midnight) the Health Secretary for Mexico City, Jose Cordova, canceled all classes in the D.F. and surrounding area in an attempt to control an outbreak of influenza.
The Associated Press is reporting:
This means that I have the day off but it is a little scary when you consider that those who died were from the population segment not normally considered at risk - the young/mid-aged, healthy adults.
It is thought that perhaps this is a strain of swine influenza but tests have yet to confirm anything.
My biggest fear is for Little Nena; I don't know what this might do to her if I were to be exposed to the flu. So today I will stay home and if things don't seem to be much better by next week then I will have to discuss my options with work. Thankfully, next week is my last week before I am off on maternity leave. Looking back now, I never should have complained so much about this forced early leave; with all that is happing personally and nationally, it seems like my mat leave couldn't have come at a better time!
The following precautions have been recommended by the government to help those in the city better protect themself from becoming sick:
The Associated Press is reporting:
Mexico's Public Health Department said tests proved that 16 died from the new strain, and about 44 other suspected cases still being were still being tested. The department put the total number of people sickened at around 943 nationwide.
This means that I have the day off but it is a little scary when you consider that those who died were from the population segment not normally considered at risk - the young/mid-aged, healthy adults.
It is thought that perhaps this is a strain of swine influenza but tests have yet to confirm anything.
My biggest fear is for Little Nena; I don't know what this might do to her if I were to be exposed to the flu. So today I will stay home and if things don't seem to be much better by next week then I will have to discuss my options with work. Thankfully, next week is my last week before I am off on maternity leave. Looking back now, I never should have complained so much about this forced early leave; with all that is happing personally and nationally, it seems like my mat leave couldn't have come at a better time!
The following precautions have been recommended by the government to help those in the city better protect themself from becoming sick:
- Avoid crowded places or large events if possible.
- Stay away from people who have respiratory problems.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially if you are in contact with any sick people.
- Do not shake hands or kiss people hello.
- People who are sick should avoid public transportation.
- Sneeze or cough into the inside of your arm.
- Use a mask to cover your mouth if necessary.
- Contact your physician if you suspect you are ill. Do not self-medicate.
- Avoid exposure to pollution and contaminants. Do not smoke in closed spaces or near children, the elderly or the sick.
- There is a flu vaccine that is updated yearly according to the types of flu outbreaks expected. It is usually well tolerated but should not be given to people with egg protein allergies, a history of problems with vaccinations or who have suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (6 weeks before vaccination).
- Stay warm and avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C (carrots, papaya, guava, oranges, mandarins, lime, lemon and pineapple).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Buying Real Estate - WARNING!
Just briefly (more details to follow as I figure things out) I want to reiterate what I also though seemed to be hype - real estate buying warnings.
The BF and I are in the middle of trying to buy our first apartment (ever) here in DF and we just found out yesterday that the agent we have been dealing with is scamming us!
Until yesterday we, the bank, and our lawyer had no worries about the validity of the agent and yes, we had given them money.
After an attempt to reach them by phone failed due to a disconnected line, the BF decided to go straight to their office (obviously with Little Nena on the way we are in a rush to get the apartment finalized and we found the agents to be sloooow - we just though "Oh, that's Mexico). He arrived and found their office was empty; they had moved out on Saturday. After talking with the building owner we were even more freaked; the agent and company had moved out and left behind $350,000 in rent owed.
The BF continued his detective work and we located the owner** of the buliding (the one who - or so we though - had hired the agent) and he informed the BF that he had never received a penny (in this case a centavo) from the agent, let alone had he heard of us. In fact, he had almost sold the apartment on Saturday to someone else!
**We had never been in contact with the owner - we were working on the assumption that the agent was his representative; neither the bank or the lawyer thought it questionable and in our naivetee neither did we.**
So from my first hand experience be careful; I guess leaning towards paranoia is required to do such things here. Silly me for trusting others.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
It's That Time Again...
...Jacaranda time!
I just love the Jacaranda trees here in the city. I find them just gorgeous when they are in full bloom and the fact that their flowers are my favourite colour might help just a bit!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Laguna Zampoala
Well I have the week off for Semana Santa (many schools receive two weeks off but I had a week-long holiday earlier in the school year) and so despite not having a lot of money we wanted to get out of town, even if only for a day trip.
We decided that renting a car and finding "some place with water" for the girls to play in and us to relax around would be a good idea. We set about searching for the right area. Being that it was only going to be a day trip we didn't want it to be too far outside of D.F. The BF suggested I look in the state of Morelos and so that is just what I did! Searching around I found the government tourism site to the state, and then eventual La Guia, which lead me to Huitzilac, Morelos. Here there is a laguna - Laguna Zempoala - which is up in the mountains and is a crater lake (the BF and I have decided Mexicans use laguna and lago interchangably).
Being that it's in the mountains the weather was cool but the sun was fierce when not covered by large, lazy clouds.
The laguna was tiny; much smaller than we anticipated although we are unsure if that is normal or a result of the dry season. Still, it was fun, especially for the dogs. Being pregnant we didn't really do much hiking/walking although we did go about a quarter of the way around the lake at one point. There are marked trails as well that go into the surrounding woods; one marker indicated that the trail was 19kms.The dogs were beside themselves with their good-luck -
there were piles of horse manure everywhere, perfect for rolling in (ugh!) And roll they did. Nothing would keep them out and eventually we gave up trying, resigning ourselves to not touching them (and not letting them touch us!) while also getting them into the lake for periodic clean-ups. Unfortunately for them, all of there rolling meant the first priortiy coming home was a bath!All in all it was a fun day trip and it allowed us to see another little piece of Mexico. Next time I am hoping to go horseback riding (being pregnant I couldn't this time) as I suspect I will be able to go a little faster than a lazy trot. Laguna Zempoala is a great spot to get out of the city, have a picnic and do a little hiking. Oh, and of course for rolling in manure if that's your thing!
**TIP** If you decide to rent a car try doing it online and using the American site (that is what we did with Budget). We ended up paying $207 pesos including IVA (for 24hours/unlimited kms), opposed to over $600 pesos had we rented at the .com.mx site.
Monday, March 30, 2009
And the Hospital Search...
...ends!
We have found the perfect hospital for all of us. It meets our top needs: it allows Little Nena to be with me 100% of the time (room-in); it allows me to breastfeed 100% of the time (no forced formula bottles!) and they have a lactation consultant on-site (she is one of 7-8 in the entire country!?!).
We had a tour this past Saturday and we were super impressed with the site and the staff. The centre even has two water birthing rooms, which we are now considering. I had never considered a water birth before but we are now seriously looking into it. The pros that I read seem to outweigh the few cons (and being that this pregnancy is super healthy - knock on wood - there really is no reason why a water birth is not an option). However, I did come across one site that states there is bascially no reserach into water births so the known pros/cons are not proven facts; that's a little worrisome.
Our doctor is also not registered to work out of our chosen hopsital so I am not sure what will happen there. However, if I have to give up one, then the doctor is the one who will have to go. She too failed to see why I disagreed with the typical hospital policy so I am all ready predicting her interest/understanding of why we selected the hospital we did will not be strong. Time will tell.
Most importantly though we have a hospital that we are happy and confident in! Now if Little Nena would just arrive! Speaking of baby arrivals my sister-in-law just welcomed her first child into the world - congratulations!
We have found the perfect hospital for all of us. It meets our top needs: it allows Little Nena to be with me 100% of the time (room-in); it allows me to breastfeed 100% of the time (no forced formula bottles!) and they have a lactation consultant on-site (she is one of 7-8 in the entire country!?!).
We had a tour this past Saturday and we were super impressed with the site and the staff. The centre even has two water birthing rooms, which we are now considering. I had never considered a water birth before but we are now seriously looking into it. The pros that I read seem to outweigh the few cons (and being that this pregnancy is super healthy - knock on wood - there really is no reason why a water birth is not an option). However, I did come across one site that states there is bascially no reserach into water births so the known pros/cons are not proven facts; that's a little worrisome.
Our doctor is also not registered to work out of our chosen hopsital so I am not sure what will happen there. However, if I have to give up one, then the doctor is the one who will have to go. She too failed to see why I disagreed with the typical hospital policy so I am all ready predicting her interest/understanding of why we selected the hospital we did will not be strong. Time will tell.
Most importantly though we have a hospital that we are happy and confident in! Now if Little Nena would just arrive! Speaking of baby arrivals my sister-in-law just welcomed her first child into the world - congratulations!
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