El Grito

In a previous life, I must have been Mexican. Not Spanish, not Latin American - Mexican. It is the only way I can explain my affinity for the music, El Dia de los Muertos, the dancing, the colorful fiestas, the ceremonial culture, the literature, the languages, the FOOD of glorious Mexico.

Today, the university is celebrating the day of Mexican Independence (a day early because of school schedules). There are booths honoring the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, the Mayan, Toltec, the Aztec empires. Costumes from ceremonies in Hidalgo, Jalisco, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nayarit are ribbons and blooms, lovingly displayed. The music - a blend of guitarros and and brass - fills the courtyard. The struggle for independencia is storyboarded. And the long line of antojitos are enticing even the strictest of dieters.

The thing I like the most is that Mexcian culture tends to celebrate life. Familia, religion, food, amor - all are weaved into the daily tapestry. The idea that la vida is glorious. We should all celebrate life as much.

Sitting in the courtyard, admiring the groups of people talking and laughing, I feel warm, relaxed, happy and home.