afro-latino music night

wow, today was an amazing night. The program put together an intercambio (exchange) between the students in out program and other young people in Cuernavaca. So we got to speak Spanish a whole bunch to really cool people! It was really nice to have this scheduled, because when I go out and talk to people, sometimes I wonder if I am actually making some sort of meaningful connection, or if they just want to talk to me because I'm American. So tonight was wonderful because we all had something in common. I met a few really cool people and talked to them about Mexican politics, privatization, and Coca-Cola in Mexico. Apparently there is a Coke plant in Cuernavaca that pollutes the water. go figure. But we drank this pop called "Boing" which is made in a collectively run factory. So now I know which pop I will buy from now on.

The intercambio was held in this cafe called "la Comuna" or "the commune" and is a place with a whole bunch of community events and organizing meetings. I am super excited to get to know this place better, and I will also be doing my internship with an organization called "la Comision Independiente para los Derechos Humanos" (Independent Commission for Human Rights) which owns the cafe. I think I may be able to hang out there, help out, and talk to lots of community organizers and artists for my internship.... amazing.

Then a few of us and two of the people we met at the intercambio went to an afro-latino music show, which was AMAZING. It was some of the best drumming I have ever seen. And then Beto, one of the guys who took us, busted out doing african dance, and we found out later that he takes lessons from the musicians. He is this really big guy, but he moved his body so fast and in all different directions. It was probably some of the best dance I have ever seen too. And then for the last few songs, everyone was up and dancing and clapping and it was so much fun!!!!! I am really glad I found this community and hopefully I will be doing some more dancing and talking!

Then we walked back to the house and stopped by this taco place that is right on the street that our house is on. I had tacos al pastor and orchata, which is a kind of rice-milk sweet drink. three tacos and one orchata for 2 dollars... mmmm.

We had to come home kinda early because tomorrow we are going to Tlamacazapa for the day which is a pueblo in Guerrero in which many of the people have lead poisoning and lack of access to good water. Its going to be a pretty heavy day, I think. I have to wake up at 6:45, but I really needed to write this all down for y'all.

besos.