Having arrived back in Oklahoma it is time to reflect on our trip and look to the future concerning the University of Oklahoma's, as well as our state's and country's, association with UPAEP, Puebla, and Mexico. 

I want to encourage students, teachers and others to consider participating in programs such as this, as the benefits are tremendous, both on a personal level and on a broader community basis. Mexico is a beautiful country, and in many ways its future prosperity is tied directly to ours. Our schools and teachers need to be able to effectively educate all our students, and appreciate and incorporate the diversity that is a hallmark of our society.

We enjoyed our time in Puebla and the surrounding area tremendously. We learned much, and appreciated the good food, history and culture we were immersed in. People there, especially at UPAEP, were helpful and gracious hosts. We are looking forward to returning at some point in the future, and receiving visitors from Mexico as well.

Thanks again to our hosts and friends.

The canals at Xochimilco in Mexico City

Before flying back to Oklahoma on Tuesday July 8, we had the opportunity to spend a few days in Mexico City. We saw a bullfight at the Plaza del Toros, the largest such arena in the world. We floated the canals at Xochimilco and saw diverse and interesting plants and animals. We also saw the Bellas Artes, Zocalo, and Basilica.  

A taxi took us to the pyramids at Teotehualcan, and we ascended the largest one and marveled at the view. We learned how pulque is made from agave plants, and other uses the Aztecs had for them, including deriving paper and a natural thread and needle combination. We also viewed how obsidian, jade and other minerals are worked into jewelry and other ornaments.

Geary and Mary celebrate Independence day in Mexico

Our time in Puebla is winding down, as we prepare to leave for Mexico City this weekend, and return to Oklahoma on July 8. Today we finished up our Spanish language instruction and we intend to continue learning the language at home. We also saw a demonstration by street vendors against the government today in downtown Puebla. We have enjoyed the food here, ranging from chalupas to mole to cemitas and pipian verde or rojo.  

The UPAEP International Programs Department put on an Independence Day fiesta tonight for the Americans here at the university. Mary and I were the only remaining Oklahomans, but we were joined by students and teachers from New York, Kansas, and North Carolina. The event was marked by fun, food, and sparklers and thanks again to all the UPAEP for the party as well as all our time here.  

American Independence Day party organized by UPAEP