my dearest elena marie

Two weeks ago today, I walked away from my dear friend Elena at the Mexico City airport as she passed through the security check on her way back to Kansas. As I walked the trek back to the metro, I thought back about what a phenomenal experience it was to have her visit. More than the things we did, it was just the comfort of having such a good friend by my side that had made those ten days such a blessing.

I thought about the great conversations we had, just sitting around and doing nothing. I realized how much I have truly missed having deep, meaningful discussions with people who value my opinion but stretch me at the same time. I thought about the fact that I had probably laughed more in the last ten days than in the last 3 months combined. I again returned to my thoughts of how silly I was to move so far away from all the people I love and have such deep relationships with. Don't get me wrong, I am so glad I am here and am learning more than words can describe, but at the same time, I sometimes question the logic of leaving behind such phenomenal relationships! I thought about all the fun things that Elena and I had done during her time here, especially those that I might never have done on my own...

We climbed big old aztec pyramids (Teotihuacan)

We explored the Jardin Borda and all its beauty.

We found a great part of town, that included a beautiful waterfall, right here in Cuernavaca!

haha, best memories here i'd say ...
we went to a National Park: Las Lagunas de Zempoala.
It was beautiful!
(Though apparently more dangerous that it appeared...)

and our time at the park included HORSE BACK RIDING up a gorgeous mountain, with trickling brooks and the whole nine yards!

have you noticed a theme of nature yet? good old elena :) here i am rock climbing (i took a wrong route...) up to the top of a mountain in Tepotzlan.

Here we are at the top of the mountain, overlooking the view of the town.

And of course, we enjoyed lots of delicious Mexican food.
Here Elena is enjoying a sope and some agua de jamaica.

We had had a delightful time together, filled with lots of joy and the occasional little brawls that best friends are bound to have :) I loved it all. It was a time filled with lots of nature, great conversation, delicious food, and unbeatable company. I was sad to be leaving my dear Elena at the airport, but had a smile on my face recognizing the blessing it had been to have her here with me.

My wandering mind was quickly shook back into reality when I entered the metro station and saw the THOUSANDS of people trying to cram onto the trains. Luckily, Mexico City has something right, and during peek hours divides metro cars between those for men and those for women and children. I was very grateful for this fact as I spent the next hour with my body smashed up against several women. Luckily, being tall, at least my head is above everyone else and I have the chance to breath, albeit the most polluted air in the world. I arrived safe and sound back at the MCC Office and soon headed off to take care of some things for my Visa.