Day 4: Guess Our Meal… Tacos, Tacos, and More Tacos

This morning we started bright and early at 7:00 am! At breakfast we learned that our morning presentation unfortunately got canceled due to a cancelled flight, so instead we did a personality game based on 3 attribute cards that we each chose. We sorted ourselves into 4 categories: traditionalists, analysts, idealists, and experiencers. By that time it was 10:00 and we headed over to the farmers market.

 

It was surreal. We got to experience an authentic Las Cruces farmers market containing every trinket and treat from jewelry to Deathly Dark Dubai Chocolate. It was amazing to experience what it was like to go to the market and interact with the locals. It opened our minds to the different cultures of New Mexico. We loved getting to sample salsas, juices, honey, and more. Some of us even bought gifts for friends and family (cross your fingers it was for you). There were even stores selling mushroom powder, though we did not indulge. We then headed to lunch at Matteo’s, where we drank Mr. Nelson’s favorite agua frescas. 

 

After lunch we visited the Weaving for Justice headquarters where we learned more about Mayan culture, specifically how they weave their own clothes. Listening to the presenters, we realized how labor-intensive and time-consuming the process is. They mentioned the heartbreaking reality that many Mayan women faced when attempting to sell their products to the outside world. Many of these people were exploited and some were forced to sell their goods for a bag of apples. While it was quite hot in the room, we pushed through and had a great experience talking to the anthropologist who had presented to us. All of us decided to buy souvenirs, with Rafe and Autumn pitching in to purchase an authentic Moroccan robe (for an undisclosed price, sorry mom and dad!) 

 

After we got back we headed to the conference room to work on our projects. Each group created a mind map and noted what they have learned on the trip so far. After that some went to the gym to lift weights and others decided to do some group bonding in their rooms. Around 5pm we headed to dinner where we ate more tacos! We wrapped up the night with a sunset drive where we took aesthetic photos and did our nightly reflection with a backdrop of the Organ Mountains.

 

--Maren, Keira, Katelynne

 




 

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