A toe in the door

Our immersion process is definately underway. We've moved into an apartment, shop at the mercado on a regular basis, explored the historic center of Morelia enough to have found our favorite restaurants and stores, made a couple of friends, started going to school, and are getting a handle on the language. The aspects of Mexican culture beyond the superficial stuff is still beyond us. We show up to scheduled events on time (in other words, way too early), or we show up considerably late. Parades and festivals happen almost on a daily basis, yet we have no idea how to find out about them.

I've tried to ask people on the street what is going on, but people look at me like I'm asking them what color the sky is today, or they give me an abbreviated, usually one-word response, pause to be considerate, ask if there is anything else they can do for me today, and then continue with their lives.

I knew it would be strange not having job, or friends, or an official connection to Michoacan when we decided to come, but without an "excuse" to be here, it has been a bit of a challenge getting to know people beyond the usual small-talk-with-the-customer banter at restaurants and cafes.

Walking around town with a 3-month old sure helps. Everyone here loves babies.