PICTURES

A Word from the Director

Our second day of class went very well. The students responded splendidly to the course material and have responded well to the burden of the class work. Indeed, these students are learning the art of ethnography. We meet at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. Everyone remains in good health. In the afternoons, some students tend to be a little sleepy. I personally believe it is the altitude. As of yet, we have not had any "late night" activity by the students. They are resting well, for the most part. They are definitely eating well! We went to a restaurant called Las Brazas today for lunch. They specialize in tacos. We all enjoyed ourselves.

Today, the US students had their first opportunity to shop in Mexico. They have been working hard and, until now, had no chance to test the waters as bargain hunters in Mexico. That all changed as we went downtown Saltillo today. What an experience! I never grow tired of watching our OU students cruise the market looking for just the right gift for a friend or loved one. I suppose that is why I continue to bring them back to Mexico. They seem to get so much out of each international experience. I am a real believer in this type of educational adventure!

All of the components for the research project are on schedule. Today, we assign the students a preliminary exercise in order to test their interviewing and questioning skills. Each student team must interview five people. Tomorrow we will know the outcome. They must also write a "thick" description of the events so that they can practice their descriptive writing skills. I am sure they with all meet the challenge with complete success.

It is very gratifying to see Mexican and US students working together with such harmony. There has been no tension or trouble. I am glad for that. We have a very harmonious group!

Our second day in Saltillo ended with a bang…literally! We all went down town to watch a special ceremony for the newly remodeled central plaza. They dedicated a new statue that is located in the center of the plaza. The program featured orchestra music, special presentations, traditional Mexican folkloric dancing with Mariachi music. Then, near the end of the program, they let off a huge fireworks display right over our heads. What an experience! One of the US students said to me, "These people really know how to throw a party!" With that, I agree. The Mexican people know how to make you feel welcome.

David M. Lucas, Ph.D.