As the spring semester came to a close, with a frantic rush to complete final
assignments and tie up loose ends, it was interesting to reflect on our first academic year here in South Bend. It has indeed been full of adventures, beginning with a cross-country road trip, the settling up an apartment, various trips to LA and Melbourne, flooding and car accidents, a challenging winter, and of course...our classes and jobs. With a degree of success achieved by both of us, we decided that the end of the semester called for a trip abroad...back to Mexico City...one of our favorite cities...to meet Rach and Dougie from Melbourne.
Mexico City is an amazing place - home to the same number of people as all of Australia, in a sprawling and overwhelming metropolis. The architecture within the historical center is a merger of Paris and Berlin, with a walk anywhere in town resulting in a vast array of sounds and smells, as well as the inevitable loss of personal space. Road laws are either non-existent or simply there for show - with each road crossing becoming an adventure in itself; while partaking in the traditional foods of Mexico is its own gastronomical showdown. So while this would probably not be the first choice for a relaxing week away - it was incredible to be back in the city - sitting on a balc
ony overlooking one of the main streets - and taking in the chaos that is Mexico City.
It was also amazing to see Rach and Dougie again - as they daringly attempted to make their own way through Mexico with a Spanish phrase book and an Australian accent - always a dangerous combination. An amazing week was spent walking through the many distinct areas of this huge city, absorbing record amounts of cheap rum and vodka, and partaking in the various cultural sites the city has to offer.
Our time there was all too short - especially in regard to catching up with some old friends - but this departure from reality was very much needed! Now it is back to work...at least briefly...until Rach, Dougie and my sister all arrive in South Bend in a few weeks.
Pictured: Mexico City in all its glory.
and 
the need for us to consummate our relationship in the same breath...the strange glance he directed towards me as he mentioned the many complications a criminal past can cause...and the ever-present desire to tell a distasteful lawyer joke. Strangely enough, once you are willing to hand over a good portion of cash to this slick gentleman...the whole process does not seem as overwhelming or as complicated as we once envisioned. So no dates yet...but my mind is ticking over...and Jen is looking increasingly nervous every time I bend down to tie my shoe.
