(I currently have intermittent and slow WiFi, so I will post in two sections.)
After a whirlwind three weeks with the Spanish Institute of Puebla, studying Spanish, visiting sites, and getting to know my host family, I feel at home in Puebla and have found a second family. Sofía, my anfitriona (I always struggle with that word – host), has fed me, laughed with me, taken me places, cleaned up after me, advised me, told me stories, and fiercely supported me when I needed it. Based on my experience, I am going to return here in April for another round!
Map of Puebla showing (top to bottom) the Zócalo, the Spanish Institute of Puebla, and my home with Sofía.
The Calavera Catriona is alive and well in Puebla! 
Sofía & I went to her favorite restaurant for traditional Chiles en Nogada – yum! 
Three of us went to this music house to watch Tango! 
My guide, Adriana, took me places each day and helped with my Spanish! 
Today we took the teleférico – great sights! 
We also went to the Museum of the Evolution of Pueblo. 
They presented information in interesting ways, using different lighting and sounds. 
They had a lot of great information on climate change & the importance of forrest & jungles – but this is a cooler shot. 
Early morning pageantry with a band and many service type folks in formation. 
Kids on their way to school with traditional dress for Independence Day.
Last Saturday, as part of the program, we went to Ciudad de Mexico and visited Teotihuacan and Bosque (Forrest) and the Castillo (Castle) de Chapultepec. On our way the active volcano, Popocatépetl (Popo, for short) was showing more clearly than I had ever seen it – and with a fresh coat of snow!
Standing at the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, with the Pyramid of the moon to the right of my head, the Pyramid of the Sun and the mountain Cerro Gordo behind. 
It was a pretty busy day at the Pyramid of the Sun. 
Avenue of the Dead, named because the mounds on the side looked like tombs. 
A beautiful shrine at the base of a tree along our walk in Mexico City. 
Happy looking succulents in Chapultepec Park 
The Castillo de Chapultepec 
Quite a striking mural on the ceiling of the Castillo – it has an interesting story. 
from the Maximilian & Carlota years (1864 to 1867) 
Emperor Maximilian’s Carriage – looks like Cinderella’s to me. 
Gardens on the roof? 
Statue of one of the Boy Heroes killed in the US attack on the castle in 1847. 
A look down Reforma Avenue into the heart of Mexico City. 
On the way home we stopped at a convenience store with this lovely shrine of Lady Guadalupe.
My México Travels 
Kathleen, really enjoying your beautiful photos and your commentary. What a perfect way to learn!
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Julie, I’m so glad you enjoy them. That means a lot coming from you! Yes, this experience has been everything I’d hoped for and more.
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