BYU Guadalajara 2007

Stephanie Naegle Stagg has an announcement to make!

2009-07-31T16:57:00.002-06:00

Another Warning about Mexico!

2009-02-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

Universities: Spring breaks south of border to be avoided

by Amanda Lee Myers - Feb. 23, 2009 12:00 AM

Associated Press

Going to Mexico for spring break is practically a rite of passage for college students in Arizona, but the state's three public universities want to warn young revelers about stepped-up violence south of the border.

The University of Arizona in Tucson has issued a travel advisory urging students not to go to Mexico, and officials at Arizona State University in Tempe and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff said they have similar plans to warn students. The schools' spring breaks fall on the second or third weeks of March.

In its notice to students, UA cited a travel alert issued by the U.S. Department of State in October warning travelers that crime rates have increased sharply in Tijuana, Juarez and Nogales - all Mexican cities that have experienced public shootouts during the daytime in shopping centers and other public places. The department warned that criminals have followed and harassed Americans driving in border areas.

Universities that warn students of violence in Mexico are providing "sage advice," said Special Agent Tom Mangan, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"We have had documented violence, attacks, killings, shootouts with the drug cartels involving not only the military but law-enforcement personnel," he said. "It is indiscriminate violence, and certainly innocent people have been caught up in that collateral damage."

Mexico's drug cartels are waging a bloody fight for smuggling routes and against government forces, dumping beheaded bodies onto streets, carrying out massacres and even tossing grenades into a crowd of Independence Day revelers - an attack that killed eight people in September.

Mangan said most of the violence is taking place in border towns and along roads at night, not at most popular tourist destinations.

More than 100,000 American teens and people in their early 20s travel to resort areas throughout Mexico during spring break every year, according to the State Department.

Becca Hull, a senior at UA, said she and her friends are going to Las Vegas for spring break because of the weather and good deals they found.

She said they thought about going to Mexico but didn't want to spend the money on plane tickets or risk taking their cars there - not because they were worried about violence.

"When I think of Mexico I don't really think of the violence issue because usually when you're in a resort area or one of the hotels it's all tourists," said Hull, 22. "In my mind it never would have been a factor."

Violence also isn't a factor for UA sophomore Daniel Wallace.

He is driving with seven friends and his father four hours from Tucson to the resort town of Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, and will spend his entire spring break there.

"I feel most of the violence is in Texas, even in Nogales, but less so on the road to Rocky Point and in Rocky Point itself," the 19-year-old said.

Warning from U.S. State Department - Kidnapping in Mexico

2009-02-21T17:43:00.002-07:00

GOOGLE KIDNAPPINGS IN MEXICO FOR MORE INFORMATION

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Sat Feb 21 2009 17:41:23 GMT-0700 (MST).

Mexico

February 20, 2009

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

How safe is Mexico in 2009?

2009-02-21T09:14:00.002-07:00

Maybe it's time to stay in the USA until the kidnappings are stopped! Check out this article!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123439889394275215.html#articleTabs%3Dslideshow

http://www.solutionsabroad.com/en/security/security-category/kidnapping-in-mexico.html

Meet Mrs. Brian Stagg

2007-12-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Naegle married Brian Stagg in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 27th. LDS General Authority Thomas S. Monson, 1st Counselor to LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley, performed the ceremony in Sealing Room B at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon and reception took place later in Bountiful! Mexico pals Carli and Sharee also attended!

Wow! The Semester is over and we didn't have a party!

2007-12-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

Shauna and Bob at the BYU/Michigan State game last Saturday!
Okay, we didn't have a post-Guadalajara party. I'm sorry. Time flew! I don't know anything about the 2008 Guadalajara program. I am out of the loop on next summer's program, although I have offered to help. Let's try to organize a party sometime during the Winter semester at BYU. Post some comments on this blog, if you are interested. Also, let us know what you are doing. Best wishes, TIO BOB

PS My office is 3005G JKB. I will be teaching three classes during the Winter Semester: Spanish 339, Section 4 MWF 11:00 a.m.; Spanish 339, Section 5, MWF 8:00 a.m. and Spanish 451, Section 4, MW at 4:00 p.m.

BYU Professor Gloria Stallings will lead the 2008 Program

2007-09-28T04:29:00.000-06:00

Gloria Stallings will take the BYU Guadalajara program in 2008. Best wishes for success! Let us know what we can do to help.

Swiss Days in Midway, Heber Valley, Utah

2007-09-05T10:52:00.000-06:00

Courtney Logan's gracious Mom recognized us from the blog and introduced herself. We talked about Courtney and Guadalajara. Film at ten!

No, I can't get you tickets for the October 30 concert at the Delta Center!

2007-08-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

Tio Bob is not thrilled with some of the language in the Rolling Stones (September 6) article, but James' band is selling a lot of records! Rock on!

Guess who is engaged to be married in December, 2007!

2007-08-27T16:09:00.001-06:00

Welcome back to BYU Fall Semester

2007-08-23T06:08:00.000-06:00

Tio Bob at the August 2007 BYU Commencement.

My new office is JKB 3005 G, a tiny little cave in the renovated JKB building. I am teaching two sections of Spanish 339. Section 3 from 2 to 2:50 MWF in SWKT (the tower) and Section 10 from 4 to 5:20 TTh in 1106 JKB. Let's have some kind of reception/debriefing about three weeks after the start of the semester. We can invite prospective participants for the 2008 program. The new director for 2008 has NOT been chosen. We are looking for a facilitator from among the students in the 2007 group. Are you interested? Abrazos, Tio Bob

Tio Bob is forced to go to McDonalds in Provo

2007-06-29T15:53:00.000-06:00

Well, that is what Miles, Owen, Phoebe and Hugh wanted to do! What is a grampa supposed to do? I had the crispy chicken sandwich. Don't ask how many points!

Grampa Valentine is back home!

2007-06-26T15:43:00.001-06:00

Daughter Gina's darlings are Sydney, Sloane and Sheridan. They love their grampa!

Our Mexican host families say goodbye!

2007-06-22T08:28:00.000-06:00

We returned from Puerto Vallarta late Wednesday and left for the airport Thursday morning, June 21st. Having bonded as friends and families, it was NOT easy to break up the group.

The empty chair means we are leaving in the morning!

2007-06-19T20:17:00.001-06:00

We are going to miss this place, Nuevo Vallarta, Villa Varadero.

Be careful of the jellyfish and a sea snake!

2007-06-19T20:07:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night nobody went into the water. The red flag was up and so were the stinging jellyfish.

The narrow streets of Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-19T20:03:00.001-06:00

Sightseeing in Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-19T19:53:00.000-06:00

On the beach in Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-19T19:46:00.001-06:00

In the hills of Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-19T19:34:00.000-06:00

Puerto Vallarta has narrow streets and steep hills and steps. Lots of Americans live here. The luxury apartments and condos are farther North of Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta shopping!

2007-06-19T06:55:00.000-06:00

Dr. Valentine finds a neat dress shop for the lovely and vivacious Shauna. He hopes the dresses fit! Shauna Valentine was in Mexico for only a week because of her duties in the McKay College of Education back in Provo, and someone has to spoil their grandkids.

Reading and wading!

2007-06-19T06:49:00.000-06:00

After a long day, why not relax?

Players and Spectators!

2007-06-19T06:35:00.000-06:00

Where there is a beach, there is volleyball.

Why not?

2007-06-19T06:32:00.000-06:00

If Valentine had hair, he would get it syled, too.

Let's learn to mambo!

2007-06-19T06:26:00.001-06:00

Free dance lessons! The teacher is very enthusiastic. He keeps the place moving. His name is Jahir Ulises Hutchinson Peruyero, half Mexican and half American.

Buffet Meals are pretty good!

2007-06-19T06:21:00.000-06:00

The pancakes and omelettes are fabulous. There are coco krispies for sugar freaks.

Hotel Villa Varadero in Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-19T06:15:00.000-06:00

The Nuevo Vallarta area, about ten miles North of the old city of Puerto Vallarta, is a newer tourist area with all kinds of hotels right on the beach. Our rooms are air-conditioned. The showers are strong, and we have cable TV, too. The students are four to a room.

Meanwhile, back to Puerto Vallarta

2007-06-18T22:10:00.001-06:00

Puerto Vallarta is a 25 minute bus ride from our hotel in Nuevo Vallarta. What a great town for shopping and sightseeing. It was put on the map in 1963 when John Huston filmed "Night of the Iguana" with Eva Garner and Richard Burton, with Elizabeth Taylor tagging along. "Who are they," the BYU students ask.

Dane came to the choir practice.

2007-06-18T22:05:00.000-06:00

Sorry pal, girls only. Janae at the piano and and Kimber at theflute, too.

Our last Sunday at church in Guadalajara

2007-06-18T22:01:00.000-06:00

Amanda let a choir. It was beautiful. Several of our Mexican families attended. One of our teachers attended, too.

The bus ride to Nuevo Vallarta

2007-06-18T21:51:00.000-06:00

The bus broke down three times on the way from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. The exhaust tube broke and melted the wires. How did we fix it? We shifted the cables and put a large rock between them and the manifold. It worked. Martin, the driver, says he will get it fixed for our return trip next Wednesday. The five hour trip took seven hours. Check in at the Villa Varadero was smooth. We all wear bracelets which allows unlimited food and drinks. The rooms are very nice. We are eager for two days of rest, relaxation and sight-seeing.

Dr. Valentine's fajita lunch in front of the Cathedral in downtown Guadalajara.

2007-06-16T14:46:00.001-06:00

He is going to miss the food. The folks at Weight Watchers in American Fork, Utah are going to collect some fees for a couple of months.

Saturday, June 16, 2007 - A Tourism Exposition in downtown Guadalajara.

2007-06-16T14:42:00.000-06:00

Dr. Valentine gathers information for the folks who will lead BYU Guadalajara 2008.

Quiz: Who has eaten the most in Mexico?

2007-06-16T14:40:00.000-06:00

Guess!

The party is over. Edilia did a great job!

2007-06-16T14:32:00.001-06:00

Hanah and Elisa love their teacher Teresa. Everybody loves Paula's little boy, too.

Piñata Time!

2007-06-16T14:28:00.000-06:00

Dane wounds, Sarah kills, to Victor the spoils.

Maria Esther and Alicia handed out certificates to the BYU students.

2007-06-16T14:23:00.000-06:00

Friday, June 15, 2007 We had a big fiesta for all!

2007-06-16T14:19:00.000-06:00

We saw some of the Mexican "parents" again after six weeks.

The Farewell Party for our teachers and families.

2007-06-16T14:15:00.000-06:00

About 80 people came to our final party. I will put in several uploads of pictures. Check out the food!

Friday, June 15, 2007 Final Exams and Last Day of Class

2007-06-16T14:10:00.000-06:00

The finals for grammar were over in about an hour and a half. After a break, the conversation classes presented their recipes and samples of food, some of which was outstanding. Seven weeks has gone by quickly. The campus was crowded for graduation day for medical students. You can become a medical doctor in Mexico with only four years of courses in college!

Nearly seven weeks later.

2007-06-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

The tree over my patio is sprouting leaves at the beginning of the rainy season. The days are cooler and the grass is turning green.

A couple of words about Mexican Farmacias

2007-06-15T08:31:00.000-06:00

Open 24 hours a day, they are everywhere and will sell you anything you want without a prescription, including the latest antibiotics.

"Charlie's" is a Favorite Taco Stand

2007-06-15T08:27:00.000-06:00

The BYU students are brave. Many of them love to eat tacos in the evening at this stand on the railroad tracks near Las Galerias. For dessert, they cross the street for "churros." Dane found these places and has made them famous.

Teresa teaches next door.

2007-06-12T18:12:00.000-06:00

Here are Teresa´s students on Tuesday, April 12, 2007. They are getting ready for the final exam on Friday, April 15.

Yes, we are still studying Spanish every day!

2007-06-12T18:08:00.001-06:00

Here are some shots of Paula's class on Tuesday, June 12. Just three more days of Spanish classes!

Lunch with Kirk Douglas

2007-06-12T18:02:00.000-06:00

Lic. Arrequín is in charge of all of our programs at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. He hosted Dr. Valentine and Edilia Castro Serna for a delicious lunch at Los Arcos, where we had pulpo and a delicious large fish, which we dispatched with our fingers. Dr. Valentine noticed that José Luis looked like Kirk Douglas, the move actor (for those of you who are under 25). It is not the first time someone has made the comparison. After lunch, Dr. Valentine went on one of his marathon walks to compensate for the extra calories. The food is Mexico is fabulous! Edilia´s picture is terrible. She was fighting me for the last camaron when I took it. Thanks for lunch, my good friends.

Sunday, June 10, 2007 - A New Bishop in the Moctezuma Ward

2007-06-11T10:14:00.000-06:00

The Stake Presidency installed a new bishop. The former has moved to Vera Cruz. The new bishop has (finally) asked us to sing next Sunday. Well, actually, Dr. Valentine offered to form a choir for our final Sunday in Guadalajara.

There are shopping centers and there are shopping centers¡

2007-06-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

The downtown Guadalajara market is cheap and dirty. Las Galerias is elegant and expensive. The street market in Tonalá is fascinating! Take your pick or drop in at COSTCO, too!

The Bariachi mariachi guys were friendly!

2007-06-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

These gueys sang and played and seemed fascinated with the coeds from BYU!

Mariachi time in Guadalajara!

2007-06-11T09:53:00.000-06:00

A fabulous and not cheap meal at the famous Bariachi is mandatory. On Saturday, June 9, we listed to music and ate shrimp and drank fruit drinks from 2:30 until after five p.m. The band also play a medley of Glen Miller hits for us gringos. Some of the BYU students asked me, Who is Glen Miller? ¡Qué viejo me estoy poniendo!

¡Oye hueritas! ¿Que buscan?

2007-06-11T09:49:00.000-06:00

The BYU students turn heads everywhere! Please ignore the piropos and keep walking!

Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque take care of the laurel trees.

2007-06-11T09:47:00.000-06:00

Throughout the city, laurel trees are trimmed to perfection.

Catholic Church in Tlaquepaque

2007-06-11T09:44:00.000-06:00

The interesting sign lists the services provided by the local Catholic Church in Tlaquepaque.

Friday, June 8, 2007 in artsy Tlaquepaque

2007-06-11T09:39:00.001-06:00

Many bought wooden rings with their names carved. Dr. Valentine bought a pewter sun for sixteen dollars in trendy Tlaquepaque. He found the same artesanía in Tlapalpa for half that price later. Tlaquepaque is part of Guadalajara. It is basically a tourist area. More fun is Tonalá on Thursday and Sunday, a fabulous market worthy of one or more visits.

One of the best steak houses in Guadalajara!

2007-06-11T09:25:00.000-06:00

Get reservations for La Matera, an Argentine restaurant on Avenida México 2891, because it is always crowded. María Esther and her husband Horacio hosted me for dinner. I had the best milanesa napolitana in years! And the bread? How many bolillos did I eat? ¿Quién sabe?

Another visit to Instituto Helen Keller

2007-06-11T09:14:00.000-06:00

This is the plum job! Twice a week, Kimber, Christina, Victor and Dane get to take the blind kids at Instituto Helen Keller swimming at the pool of the nearby sports club. Does anyone else want to help?

Back to Casa Hogar a month later, too!

2007-06-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

The young girls at Casa Hogar are a delight, but the boys are still pretty rough, especially on Monday when the music teacher lets them run wild. The BYU female students will no longer attend the boy's music sessions on Monday. Tristan will have to take care of them on other days when they mostly play soccer during the service hours.

Back to Los Pinos a month later!

2007-06-06T11:04:00.000-06:00

Eliza and Hannal have learned a lot about taking care of rough little boys during the last month, but on Monday they were wild. I wonder how much sugar they had for lunch? On Tuesday, however, they were calmer, especially during nap time. Grandpa Valentine finds a new friend.

Camion 35B wins the prize for the bumpiest ride.

2007-06-05T09:30:00.000-06:00

The best way to get around Guadalajara is on a bus, or camión (which means truck in South America). As mentioned earlier, for four and a half pesos, you can go anywhere. Tylenol is optional! Hang on for dear life!

Hogares de Nuevo Mexico

2007-06-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

This is another of the government-run day care centers for working single mothers, part of Centro de Bienestar y Asistencia Infantil de Jalisco. The center is fully staffed and very well run by Alejandra Macías. The 38 kids are well-behaved and look forward to seeing Tiffany and Shayla for two hours each day.

Parents! If you want to join us in Puerto Vallarta . . .

2007-06-05T09:15:00.000-06:00

Call Servitur at 52 33 36 10 20 00 or send them an email to servitur78@hotmail.com Ask for Mónica or Gilberto. They have made arrangements for our stay in Nuevo Vallarta at the Varadero Hotel, which you can view on another entry. They may be able to get you a room at a good rate. We arrive in Puerto Vallarta Sunday night, June 17 and leave at noon on Wednesday, June 20 to return to Guadalajara for our trip back to the US on Thursday, June 21. Bring sun-tan lotion!

Sorry, we would have to use super glue on you, huero!

2007-06-04T10:01:00.000-06:00

Some of the students have added weavings to their hair. Dr. Valentine tried. They just laughed. The little piggy banks caught the attention of Robert Valentine. His parents bought him the same little black piggy bank during the summer of 1946 when he was four years-old and his parents Amy and Lee Valentine drove their old Ford from Provo to Mexico City with canvas bags of water on the radiator and patches for flat tires (frequent) to study at the Universidad Autónoma de México. We ate bananas and tortillas all summer long.

La Policia Turistica

2007-06-04T09:53:00.000-06:00

Tony and Monica, members of the Guadalajara Policía Turística, were in Tonalá. They asked me if I needed any help, which led to a long conversation. Tony knew all about Utah and the Mormons. He also runs a pet store on the side. Most Mexicans have several businesses. They are the archetypal entreprenuers of Western civilization. On my way out of Tonalá, I saw another group of tourist police, about seven, surround a pack of ruffians. Guadalajara leaders want to make sure the city is safe for everyone.

The Tonala Market is on the edge of Guadalajara

2007-06-04T09:45:00.000-06:00

The streets of Tonala are packed with all kinds of stalls on Thursdays and Sundays. There are plenty of things to see other days, too, especially the flea market on Wednesdays. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is on a green (sort of turqoise) TUR bus for nine pesos. It takes about an hour from UAG. Take the #25 on Patria toward Tapalpa and get off at Plaza Patria. Take the TUR bus on Camacho (around the corner) all they way through the Centro to Tonalá. This is a great Friday afternoon or free Saturday trip.

On the road again!

2007-06-04T09:31:00.000-06:00

We walk back to the bus through the narrow streets of Tapalpa, except for three girls, who hopped into the back of a Mexican pick-up truck, much to the dismay of Dr. Valentine (How do I explain to their parents that the last time I saw them there were speeding away in the back of a pick-up full of Mexican men!).

The most popular purchase in Tapalpa: slingshots!

2007-06-04T09:28:00.000-06:00

The perfect gift for little brother. Parents: call your insurance agents now!

What is behind these doors?

2007-06-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

In Tapalpa and elsewhere, the doors on the streets open into beautiful patios. Once in a while, you can sneak a picture. Some of the beautiful homes have been converted into hostels and restaurants.

After eating lunch comes the math!

2007-06-04T09:20:00.001-06:00

Okay, how much do we tip? Wait a minute, who had the fajitas? Does anyone have change for one hundred pesos? Give it to Courtney, she is a math major.

Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Two hour bus ride to Tapalpa in the mountains.

2007-06-04T09:14:00.000-06:00

Some took taxis to a zip line outside of town. The rest of us ate and soaked up the atmosphere and bought stuff. Tapalpa is a delightful little town. María, from UAG public relations, helped us get around.

More views of the Guadalajara Zoo!

2007-06-04T09:11:00.000-06:00

There is a nifty amusement park next to the Guadalajara Zoo!

2007-06-04T09:08:00.000-06:00

If you didn´t get to go on the cable rides at Tapalapa, this place has all kinds of crazy rides and was packed with thrill-seeking teenagers.

Advice to Students: Go to the Guadalajara Zoo!

2007-06-04T08:48:00.000-06:00

While the BYU students were getting ready for a big Friday night dance, Dr. Valentine went to the Guadalajara Zoo, about 45 minutes on two separate buses. The entrance is 65 pesos, which includes the train ride. It is a first class facility, especially the snakes and reptiles. The zoo also has a view of the deep barrancas that form the north edge of Guadalajara. There are several free days remaining before we return to the US. If you like going to the zoo, do not miss this one!

Dr. Carlos Navarro del Toro takes care of the BYU students!

2007-06-04T08:43:00.001-06:00

Dr. Navarro is available to treat students for a variety of illness, from colds to indigestion and more. His office is a short walk from the Spanish classes in the Humanities building. Of course, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara has an excellent medical school, too.

Leaf blowers are as annoying in Mexico as they are in the USA!

2007-05-31T19:29:00.000-06:00

As we walk three blocks down the attractive entrance to the university around 8 a.m. each morning the grounds crew is often blowing leaves from one side of the street to the other, creating great clouds of choking dust. The next morning they blow the leaves back to the other side of the street. These infernal machines should be banned worldwide. Don't they destroy the ozone and contribute to global warming? Even if they don't, let's say they do and start a worldwide movement. There is already enough hot air circulating, right? (Especially on this blog!)

Not everyone likes the USA, unfortunately.

2007-05-31T19:15:00.000-06:00

On my walk back to Guadalajara through the narrow streets of Zapopan, I stopped to talk with the left-wing local representatives of the Mexican political party that lost the last election. The walls are covered with photos of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara and López Obrador, who lost the election a few months ago to Felipe Caldedrón. They insist that Mexicans in the USA make less than a dollar an hour and that Cuba has the best medical care and educational system in Latin America, so I changed the subject to Mexican literature. They were surprised that I knew most of the authors, including her favorite Enrique González Martínez, one of whose poems I recited for her. Later, I took pictures of murals in the Zapopan city hall. You will recognize the leading revolutionaries that inspire leftist Mexicans. Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx, Lenin and the ubiquitous Fidel Castro. The last picture was taken nearby in a record (that dates me) or CD store, showing my son James' band Maroon5's new album as #1 in Mexico this week. Nobody is buying Fidel Castro's albums these days.

Centro de Bienestar Infantil - Matriz Zapopan

2007-05-31T19:04:00.000-06:00

Roslyn and Janae work with delightful kids every day from 1 to 3 p.m. Alejandra Lazano and Faustina Campos kind of run the place on a daily basis. The kids are there all day while the single moms work. It is a lot like La Casita and both are run by the Centro de Bienestar y Asistencia Infantil de Jalisco. Mexicans take care of their children at risk as best they can. The pictures tell the story. The kids are marvelous. Roslyn and Janae are learning a lot about how to handle children that cry out for love and affection.

Parking is a problem in Guadalajara

2007-05-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

The standard sign says NO PARKING. The E stands for ESTACIONAMIENTO or parking. The second sign says if you park here I am going to let the air out of your tires. Desperate times, desperate measures. Buses and taxis are the ONLY way to get around town, but Americans still insist on renting cars when they visit.

Rafael Coronel is a well-known Mexican painter!

2007-05-31T09:27:00.000-06:00

Like his older brother Pedro Coronel, he has broken away from the Mexican muralist tradition. Some of his recent work is on display in the art gallery of Zapopan. Entrance fee: 20 pesos. It is worth a visit, as is the Cabañas art gallery with the Orozco murals in downtown Guadalajara near the central market. BYU Guadalajara students have a lot of fee time in the evenings.

To the BYU students: VISIT ZAPOPAN

2007-05-31T09:17:00.000-06:00

Several students do service projects nearby Zapopan. Take bus #25 or 32 to downtown Zapopan and walk around. The colonial cathedral is famous for the Virgin of Zapopan, where the Pope Juan Pablo II visited in 1979 on his first trip to Mexico. The Zapopan art gallery is first class, celebrating the Festival Cultural de Mayo. More on painter Rafael Coronel on another entry.

Backsliders! May 30, 2007

2007-05-31T09:10:00.000-06:00

When we got off the bus in Zapopan, there it was, a KFC. Valentine had a crispy pechuga; Courtney and Sheree shared popcorn pollo y papas fritas. The BB sauce, of course, was picante! The place was a lot cleaner and better run than the dirty KFC stores in Utah Valley, that is for sure!

La Casita is a day care center.

2007-05-31T08:58:00.000-06:00

Courtney and Sheree take bumpy bus to Zapopan, a little town on the edge of Guadalajara, to work and play with about 34 children after the kids finish lunch. Marcela Arambula is the very warm and friendly director and has an abundance of patience with the niños La Casita is open from 8 a.m. until late. The workers take the children to their local school in the late afternoon, where their moms pick them up later in the evening. Mexico has many private and public institutions like this one to take care of children whose moms must work.

¡Una queja!

2007-05-30T08:53:00.000-06:00

We are very sad that the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara has closed the swimming pool this year. The BYU students from previous years enjoyed swimming almost every day. It was one of the highlights of the trip. But, alas, the pool is closed and we are very, very disappointed that this important part of our trip is missing!

Break time every day at 10:40 a.m.

2007-05-30T08:40:00.000-06:00

About a third of the BYU students arrive at 8:45 a.m. for the daily song, prayer and announcements. About 80% are ready for Paula and Teresa at 9:00 a.m. to start the Spanish classes. Dr. Valentine is always worried until all show up for class each day. The students take a break at 10:40 a.m. for about twenty minutes. They often buy a snack downstairs in cafeteria or at the sandwich or ice cream stand. Usually, they hang out in the hallway and chat until 11:00 a.m. The final hour each day is devoted to Spanish conversation. The second picture shows a handful of very social BYU students who have a hard time making it back to Spanish conversation class on time.

Where does Dr. Valentine live in Guadalajara?

2007-05-30T08:33:00.000-06:00

About two blocks from the entrance to the university, Callejón del Quijote is a quiet street. Dr. Valentine pays about US$460 per month for a room with a patio, a kitchen and a washing machine. A little pricey by US (Provo) student housing standards, it is convenient. It cools off at night. There is no AC. Valentine bought screening for the window to keep out mosquitos.

Hotel Villa Varadero in Puerto Vallarta

2007-05-29T11:40:00.000-06:00

We are going to stay at this hotel on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta at the end of our study abroad from Monday through Wednesday, June 18 through 20. We return to Guadalajara on Wednesday, June 20 for our departure back to the USA on Thursday, June 21. Parents, please tell your kids NOT to be stupid during their last few days in Mexico. TO SEE A PICTURE OF THE HOTEL, CLICK ON THE ? Do you want to join us? The Puerto Vallarta airport is about 15 minutes from the hotel.

Where do BYU students live in Guadalajara?

2007-05-28T17:47:00.000-06:00

After church on Sunday, May 28, Carli, Stepahie and Kaylie showed the Valentines where they live - Calle Tomás Mann in the neighborhood called the Rinconada de los Novelistas, near COSTCO, Walmart and SAMS and the beautiful Galerias shopping mall. Not bad. Most students live in upper class Mexican homes like this one.

Lunch in a sidewalk cafe in Guanajuato

2007-05-28T17:17:00.000-06:00

Bob and Shauna have NO idea what the students are doing Saturday afternoon. Suspending our Weight-Watcher points, we eat beef and chicken fajitas with delicious side dishes at a wonderful outdoor restaurant on the main, tree-covered square. ¡Qué rico! Vamos a tener que caminar diez kilómetros después de comer. The last picture shows the bus ride back to Guadalajara late Saturday. Can we stay another night, tío Bob? No, tenemos que estar en el barrio de Moctezuma a las nueve el domingo por la mañana, por favor. The other picture is the bus ride back from the mines. Many of the BYU students engage in conversations with surprised Mexicans in the seat next to them.

Three Gold-Plated Altars Built by the Rich Miners in Guanajuato

2007-05-28T17:11:00.000-06:00

Thank you very much for all the gold and silver and the Indians to mine it. Here is a church in partial repayment. No, it is NOT solid gold, but it is impressive! No se toca, por favor.

Up the hill to the silver mines in Guanajuato

2007-05-28T17:03:00.000-06:00

Most joined the tour on Saturday morning. We visited an old mine and some other stuff, including mummies and torture equipment from the Inquisition. Most just wanted to walk around town and soak up the atmosphere of this town, which was founded in about 1550. The first Spaniards arrived in Guanajuato around 1521, about two years after Cortés invaded Mexico. The following pictures are the remains of one of the richest veins of gold and silver EVER discovered anywhere. There are still about twenty mines around the city. Mexico is a leading producer of gold and silver today.

Dinner at El Retiro, Friday night, May 25, 2007

2007-05-28T16:58:00.000-06:00

The cream soup was outstanding, the chicken in red sauce was OK, but the rest? Well, a lot of the kids had pizza later on. Some even made it back to the hotel by midnight. Suggestion - do not get a room on the street side!

Guanajuato is for lovers!

2007-05-28T16:49:00.000-06:00

This narrow street know as the Callejón del beso (the street of the kiss) is famous for a Romeo and Juliet type story where two kids kissed across the balconies, much to the dismay of their colonial parents. Encouraging BYU students to date and maybe even marry (!) instead of just hanging out with other students in Provo, Bob and Shauna Valentine (on the eve of their 40th wedding anniversary) showed the kids how it is done. The only BYU male on the afternoon Guanajuato tour, Derek Koller obliged for a group picture.

Friday afternoon, May 25, 2007 in Guanajuato

2007-05-28T16:42:00.000-06:00

Only a few students stayed with the tour guide to see the city on Friday. Their reward is apparent! What a view! What an interesting town.

Friday & Saturday, May 25-26 in Guanajuato

2007-05-28T16:31:00.000-06:00

After a five hour ride on a University of Guadalajara bus, we arrived in Guanajuato, a colonial mining town that produced enought gold and silver (along with Zacatecas and Potosí, Bolivia) to keep Spain running for centuries. Narrow streets require us to walk to the Hostería del Fraile, next to the restaurante El Retiro where we ate our evening meal. A Friday afternoon thunderstorm prevented us from finishing out city tour. We went to the mines on Saturday. More later (or earlier).

Whoa! What about Chris Valentine?

2007-05-24T10:43:00.000-06:00

When James was a little boy, he used to watch his older brother's band rehearse in the basement. Unfortunately, Chris gave up a promising career in music to become a respected physican in Salt Lake City. His wife Marilyn is a pediatrician. He gets no respect! Chris ended up six feet four, one inch taller than James, a source of sibling rivalry.

Maroon5 receives a special award for selling more than 10 million albums!

2007-05-24T10:36:00.001-06:00

Adam, Jesse, Mickey and James have worked very hard for five years! Their new album went on sale Tuesday with good reviews. One of the songs, Makes Me Wonder, is already #1 in the Billboard charts. The second picture shows the Maroon5 Moms, the reason the boys have been successful in life. The Maroon5 Moms have become good friends and get together somewhere about once a year.

May 23, 2007 Shauna Valentine arrives in Guadalajara from Hollywood!

2007-05-24T10:09:00.000-06:00

Taking a week off from BYU to attend the launching of our youngest son James Valentine´s newest Maroon5 album, Shauna flew in Wednesday night from LA. Here are some pictures of her stay in Los Angeles, including the opportunity to meet some of James´ friends. Simon Cowell broke the news to Shauna that she is NOT eligible for next year´s American Idol despite starring in BYE BYE BIRDY at Orem High in 1962. The first picture is of Shauna, our daughters, Lisa, Gina and Amanda and our daughter-in-law Marilyn in the green room at the Jay Leno show on Monday. The second picture is of Chris and Blake with son James Valentine in middle.

Keep in mind that we are here to study Spanish, too!

2007-05-24T10:05:00.000-06:00

May 23, 2007 The students meet from 9 a.m. to noon every day to study Spanish. Paula and Teresa are task masters! No goofing off! Estamos aquí para aprender a hablar español, chicos!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - Guadalajara LDS Temple

2007-05-23T10:58:00.000-06:00

Fourteen women and five men went to the LDS Guadalajara for ordinance work in the afteroon. It is a small temple so we have to divide our group. We had a wonderful time. Most of the students remained for LDS Institute, too, later at 7 p.m. in the chapel next door. Obviously, we can take no pictures inside the temple.

Program Director Bob Valentine has a Birthday!

2007-05-22T11:25:00.001-06:00

Born May 21, 1942, just months after the outbreak of WWII, Dr. Valentine has decided to wait a few years to collect Social Security despite turning 65 (¡Qué viejo!) on Monday, but he promises to help spend it all by the time these BYU students are eligible to collect. Seriously, Bob's best advice to all young folks: Save your money, invest in real estate now, and start your own business. Monday, May 21, 2007, it was party-time at TOKS, the cleanest restaurant in the world, where the desserts had NO calories, NO Weight-Watcher points, and I am lying through my old teeth. By the way, Bob's mother Amy Valentine (age 91) took a BYU study abroad group to Spain when she was 67!

Sunday Lunch at La Abuela on Calle Pablo Neruda

2007-05-21T12:57:00.000-06:00

Dividing up the bill is the hardest part. Eating, the easiest!