In Mexico Christmas is traditionally celebrated starting in the evening of the 24th.  Many go to an evening mass then return home or to a relative’s home to celebrate.  A Christmas dinner is served shortly after midnight and the celebration continues until early morning.  Christmas day is more relaxed and a day off for most.

For me yesterday was completely normal.  Today I went for a walk to take a couple of pictures.  The city centro was very quiet however a few shops were open including the cafe I patronize.  You can see the sky above.  The temperature dropped down to 8C and may reach 18C later today.  Chilly but better than YVR.  I will probably have dinner with some other students later today.

If I allow myself to recognize my progress in Spanish,  I am now very functional.  I understand most of what I hear or read, and know the grammar quite well.  However, I still commit errors when speaking, sometimes more than others depending on the topic and my stress level.  I find this frustrating and am now focusing on speaking better.

The 12 weeks of school ends next week.  I was going to go to the beach for January 3-13 and I had hoped that some teachers would also go.  That didn’t work out so I decided to stay another week in Guanajuato and take private conversation classes.  Luckily I am able to stay in the same apartment an extra week.

I will take a bus to Puerto Vallarta Saturday January 10 and I fly to YVR on Tuesday January 13.