Call Me Xochitl: My homestay

I'm sure there might be a few more posts about my homestay. This is the first one. I'm not sharing a room as some other students have the pleasure of doing so. My room also is not a small closet as a new friend's is. Nevertheless, they seem to be content since they are only a block from the beach. My location is still considered a zona sul, which means that it is located in a middle class type neighborhood especially because it is near the Lagoon. I have not been here a complete week so I cannot recognize what areas are what. I'm told the favelas are the homes located on the skirts of hills, the homes are not completely constructed, that is, they do not have finished façades.

Here and abroad we're told favelas are 'pacified'. The word has many implications and I will leave that for another blog. I will be honest, I grew up visiting family in Mexico and it really is all relative. Unless of course this is your first time traveling abroad, then differences will be much greater.

Shelving that does the trick, it keeps my clothes somewhere for better access.

If you are considering the university's homestay program, do plan accordingly if you want to be comfortable. The majority of the homes that participate in the homestay program do so because it is extra income. I haven't heard many students say yet that they feel like they're in a welcoming home, per se. It is a college dormitory-like situation but in a family's home.

I brought a top sheet as a last minute thought for the bed. Now I wish I had also brought a fitted sheet. I did bring my own bath towels, always do. My bathroom is located on the first floor and my bedroom is on the second floor. I have to admit, I thought my bathroom in my tiny apartment back home was small, it now seems like a palace compared to the one that is designated for my use here. The sliding door that closes my bathroom here is made from frosted glass. The bathroom is located right by the kitchen area. I'm hoping that neither the lady nor her daughter decide to cook while I'm taking a shower. They'll be getting a silhouette show for sure. Imagine!

Do bring a converter for your electronics! Make that two. I only brought one. My electronics now take turns charging. And when you head out to the university or to explore the city, make sure you turn everything off and lock your bedroom door. The lady asked me to turn off the fan on the second day. Apparently someone's home burnt down because the fan was left on. Most homestays should provide you with a key to your bedroom and the home.