One more thing to add to the list of firsts: brain tacos. Yep. I had 2 of em tonight.

Yesterday was a great time.

My new friend Dr. Raul took me to Tonalá, a district on the outskirts of Guadalajara known for its handicrafts and street vendors. Anything you ever bought in Mexico either came from here or could be found here, from art, furniture, shot glasses, spark plugs turned into whimsicle figurines, belts, pewter dishes, and on and on. We went to an open air glass foundry in the middle of the hubbub where you can watch as pieces are handblown. It's an incredible place.

Afterwards, Raul took me to his families house for a posole- a pre-christmas family get together. We had civiche camerones tostados for appetizers, with a home made secret family recipe picante sauce, sopa camerónes (shrimp soup) with cilantro, lime juice, and picante sauce, followed by an enormous plate of jumbo shrimp, with more picante sauce. Many beers were laid to rest by the family that night. It didnt take long before the Karaoke machine came out, and my dancing abilities were soon under intensive training by Raul´s sisters. I dont dance in the States because I feel that I look foolish. Imagine how I felt in the living room of an enormous Mexican family, WITH MOVES!
The aunts sang me 4 or 5 songs, then it was my turn. The only song they had in English was Mambo #5, and I quickly hacked it to bits with my singing. The Mexicans had mercy on me though, and knowing the words better that I did, proceded to help me through it. A beer bus was organized, and the fiesta continued on until the wee hours.

On the ride home, the police pulled Raul and I over, claiming he was not wearing a seat belt. One of the cops was DRUNK! The younger one, not drunk, kept on harassing Raul for close to ten minutes, trying to get money from him. Raul didnt back down though, and we were finally free to go. Another first- my first Mexican police attempted extorsion! No dice, jerk!