Scenes from 2007 Daily Life

Program Update September 9

Welcome to the first update for the border studies program fall semester 2007.  We are hard at work as classes are under way and we are also working 12-14 hours a week on our field studies.  At this point of the program, our host mothers have cut us loose and after breakfast, we are on our own to get to classes.  Most people take the 'ruta' or bus system in Juarez which is very reliable and an excellent way to get around the city. Most people cross the US/MEX border at least three days a week for classes at UTEP, shopping or spending time at 'Casa Puente' or 'bridge house'. This house is owned and operated in part by the border studies program. It is located in El Paso, not far from UTEP and the bridge.  On Monday and Friday the whole program meets on the UACJ campus in Juarez for class.  Monday is a history class open to other students from the university and is taught in Spanglish.
The weather has been very hot in the south as expected, given the time of year.  We have only had a few days when the temperature hasn't reached 90. The paved, dry, mountainous, border community bakes in the desert sun.
Last Saturday some students chose to go for a short hike on the mountain that cuts through El Paso.  From the top of the Franklin Mountain Range we were able to gaze out at both El Paso and Juarez with out a distinction between the two countries.  At times living on the border, I find myself questioning which side of the border I am on due to the very similar culture, language and stores. The line to walk across the bridge can take anywhere from one and a half hours during rush hour to five minutes at off times. There's an element of living a double life. We find ourselves constantly switching between languages, currencies and cultures.  This is a time for learning and adventure and the participants of the Border Studies Program are embracing their experience.

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