Ocotupus tacos at the foothills of the Sierra Madre

Good Afternoon all,

Well, last time I wrote, we were just getting our feet wet in our new surroundings. Speaking of wet, I could use a pool or heat shield or something (it averages 40 degrees everyday). In the past few days the school has taken us out on a couple of very enjoyable outings to appreciate the finer natural and aesthetic aspects of Monterrey. On Tuesday, we ventured up the majestic Sierra Madre to Chimpique Park. Over a kilometer above sea level we were treated to encompassing view of San Pedre, Monterrey and beyond (Caroline will be adding the pictures shortly). The mountains form something of a natural chain around Monterrey, and are, according to locals, a national treasure. We were driven along 7 km terraced road to ascend the mountain; however, there are hiking trails available and guides who lead to the summit (for a few pescos). It is difficult to adequately describe such a sublime view, only to say that it is carpeted forest all the way to the summit and that the ascent is very steep and strikes an imposing feature on the local landscape. Caroline and I hope to climb it this autumn.
Yesterday, we took a boat cruise of the lazily meandering Santa Lucia river. This river was artificially constructed over the past couple of decades. It is, however, naturally fed by springs that surge from an aquifer below. The river snakes its way through the fashionable San Pedro downtown ending at the National Museum. Inside the museum are many artifacts of which Caroline and I were most impressed with colonial era, oil on canvass, paintings. Along the river route we also saw several boardwalk restaurants that we are eager to try (maybe this weekend). An interesting sociological note, Mexican culture is very trusting and well, more comfortable with physical contact than us frigid Canadians. Case in point, on our river touring boat a little girl, about six or seven, used my knee and shoulder as a ladder for a better view of the shore. This isn't totally unheard of, of course. Nevertheless, she was at that age wherein children more likely to recoil than embrace strangers; stranger still, the parents smiled on as if I were a long-known neighbour.

This week has also brought our first few days of orientation at our new school. I should say, perhaps prematurely, that it is an educational utopia; an utra-modern open concept school (all corridors are outside and contained within a plaza filled with gardens and palm trees) with the latest classroom technology (smart boards, projectors, etc. etc.). My classroom is exclusively for my own classes (a rarity in Canada) and is slowly being decorated with posters and other things. I can't wait until the last week of August when my students arrive. I will be the sole grade nine English teacher, while Caroline has a team of four other grade five teachers. This is, of course, because elementary students keep the same teacher all day; nevertheless, I am apprehensive about the task ahead. This evening, Caroline and I are going to mark up our new map with all the new locations we want to explore.
I should get going now, preparation for tomorrow awaits. Oh, I should note that I tried an octopus taco this week, and it was very spicy (good thing beer is only 1.50 a pint :) Talk to you all later.

vaya le bien!