Queretaro, Mexico: Inauguration

Though I promised to talk about my failed trip to San Miguel de Allende, I have more interesting things to mention in this blog. To make a slightly long story short, we made it to San Miguel (me and three other girls) only to turn right back to Queretaro because one of our travellers fell ill. So unfortunately, we didn't see any of the town up close and personal, but we did get a beautiful view from the bus as we drove above the city on a mountain. Incredible.

What I really want to talk about right now is the inauguration of President Obama. I know, I'm in Mexico and I should be knee deep in Mexican politics and tacos. Nevertheless, I cannot ignore this historic event because of the impact it has here in Mexico. Though it seems to be common knowledge that the United States has a huge influence on Mexico and its culture, it's still shocking to see it in person. I've already seen two Chuck Taylor stores, a Gloria Jeans, Starbucks, Walmart, and iphones throughout Queretaro, sometimes allowing me to forget exactly where I'm at.

But even more important than shoes and brand name coffee, the nit and grit of United States politics reverberates down here in the heart of Mexico. Since I have arrived, my host mom has mentioned Obama at least once a day and yesterday, she was glued to the television as she watched all the inaugural proceedings. Students in my Mundos Coloniales class have asked me my opinion and in my taxi last night, I got into a discussion about American politics, history, and Barack Obama with the taxista. Needless to say, the events of yesterday did not just belong to United States citizens, but to everyone in the world. I have yet to meet a Mexican who is not thrilled with our nation's choice for our 44th president. Though some Americans in the States might not care about the opinions of an undergrad Mexican student or a taxi driver, knowing that they have an opinion reflects the level of power the States have, our level of influence in the world, and most importantly, our responsibility to others outside our borders.

During the day of the inauguration, our group actually went to immigration (which somehow seems fitting) to work through all the paperwork. Afterwards, a group of us headed to a nearby restaurant, The Crazy Crab, to watch the event on the television. We missed the first five minutes of his speech because of technical difficulties, but eventually, the restaurant manager got Obama's face on the huge projection screen in front of our table. I don't know how to describe it other than it was freakin' awesome. We drank beer, toasted to our president when the crowd cheered, and ate some pretty good food. I doubt I will ever forget this day: watching the first African American president speak in front of the nation while I'm sitting in the Crazy Crab in Mexico, intently watching. A once in a lifetime experience, for sure. Even though I'm currently hundreds of miles away from DC, listening to President Obama speak gave me a comfortable sense of connection to home and this historic event.