¡feliz año nuevo!
Looking back, 2023 reminds me of our Christmas tree lights with multiple settings. Sometimes, it slowly, hopefully, glowed on and off; other times, it was a frantic disco-ball-like rotation of color and chaos, and then, it would steadily and thankfully gleam as it illuminated the dark.
We spent the last couple of weeks enjoying the rest of our vacation days in Merida. The kids got their fill of pajamas and playtime, and we explored some new parks and the highly recommended Mayan World Museum.
rosca de reyes
Most recently, on January 6th, we celebrated Three Kings Day with Rosca de Reyes bread. It is a widespread tradition and baked treat to commemorate Epiphany, the day when the wise men met Jesus in the manger after days of traveling. The circular shape (signifying God's neverending love) is sweet and especially fun because three baby Jesuses are hidden inside, waiting for eager eaters to discover them. Those who uncover the eery-looking figurine in their slice are responsible for caring for it and bringing something to share (usually tamales) back to the group on February 2nd, the day Jesus was presented at the Temple of Jerusalem.
Given that friends, family, work, school, and even exercise groups enjoy the excuse to celebrate, Rosca de Reyes was no exception. Ryan and Reid were the lucky ones for their respective school environments as they found a little muñequito in their pieces. A tamale update is sure to follow!
just below the surface
As I type, Iowa is getting another wave of snow. I scroll through social media posts from teacher buddies and parents discussing canceled school while I ironically debate turning on the AC. Not too many weeks ago, I could have pictured myself gleefully announcing to the kids they could finally get out of the sleds as I started prepping the hot cocoa. But this January, while many people make resolutions and set goals perhaps to drink/eat/spend less or read/exercise/connect more, I'm finding myself logistically and often thankfully on what I am calling a "diet" from our productivity/status-addicted USA culture, and more specifically the state of Iowa and its political landscape.
While here, I have the indulgent privilege of hiding from the national and local headlines when I want to. Regardless, and because of the careful curation of news (I look at NPR & IPR headlines almost daily, read NYT opinion pages that pique my interest, and typically watch Stephen Colbert's monologues on YouTube the next day), I'm aware and dreading the caucuses happening on Monday at home. In addition, because of over a decade's worth of calling myself an Iowan and now being in a foreign country, I am painfully aware of its flyover status.
The frequency and duration that we are asked where we are from has been an odd experience. Just today, after asking the about the difference between lima and limón (both of which are green here!) the fruit vendor asked me, ¿De dónde eres? Also strange is the nearly automated response of qualifying the place you call home by how close it is to Chicago's easily identified urban sprawl. The sense of relief I feel when someone thinks I'm European is even more peculiar. Yikes. Why do I feel this way? Well, like most things with identity, values, and personal relationships - it's complicated. I love Iowa, but the current narrative and likely prognosis for its political future is unethical to the morality of most Iowans and, in my opinion, reality.
I hope that below the surface of all the posturing and polls, the Iowa caucuses can plant a seed of progress and reason in the currently fragile democratic process. In the meantime, I'm not hiding. I'm intentionally reading and watching so that when we return, I can use my most powerful tool regardless of where I call home and vote.
Here are some links to further any interest: We got our Rosca de Reyes from Tere Cazola - the brioche is best!
Our new favorite park is Parque de Deportes Xtremos - everything is free!
Watch this for evidence of Iowa as a "one of those in the middle".
Listen to The Run Up to form your own opinion about the caucuses and Iowa.
When the headlines or anything else seems too much watch Pasta Grannies.
No matter if you are reading surrounded by snow, wind, or heat, I hope 2024 has had a smooth and peaceful start. Thank you for following along!
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