Mi primer mes

¡Hola todos! soy Shunsuke Seo.

What I have been working in Hippo office in Mexico!

One month has passed since I came to Mexico, so I want to write the first month report.

On October 3rd. I flied to Mexico from Japan. 

When I arrived in Mexico, I was tired because it takes about 13 hours.

I met Migueru and Adris at the airport, and went to Migueru's house by taxi.

My first day, I ate Tacos with my brothers Migueru and Hazael. There were muy rico!

In regard to work, as I could do only chore, so I felt terribly sorry.

October 12th, I had my first free day. I went Bellas Arutes and Zócalo.

I felt Nothing but only impressed with those beautiful architectures.

And I dropped into shop about anime and manga nearby Bellas Arutes.

I went to sightseeing by myself for the first time in Mexico, but I didn´t get nervous and I had a very good time.

October 14th, I went anime and manga expo with Jorge and Oira.

There were many cosplayers, many goods, and I listened to some musics of anime and game.

I´m the one of Otaku, so I was so excited.

It´s muy divertido! It´s fantastic!

All member of Hippo office prepared for the DAI FAMILY.

DAI FAMILY is one of the biggest event for HIPPO MEXICO.

On October 22nd, DAI FAMILY was held.

¡Vino mucha gente! I made a presentation about my experience and why I came to Mexico, what I feel, etc.

After the DAI FAMILY, we held MOCHIYORI Party.

We brought various foods. It was a lot of fun.

DAI FAMILY had a great success, and new members entered to Hippo.

Also I turned 21 years old on this day.

October 25th, I went to Tequisquiapan for help 3rd years anniversary of Xi De Kaishi Family with Roman.

I and Roman had a homestay at Martín´s house, who is Fellow of Xi De Kaishi family.

There was also Maria who is the year long program student from Japan.

I was so confused, because even when I arrived at Tequis, I didn´t know what I had to do there.

However, thanks to the help by Martin and Roman, I managed to work.

Tequis is placed at center of Mexico, but quiet city unlike Mexico City.

Muy bonito.

I did various things in tequis, for example, handing out shirashi, to help for Moni´s shop (Moni is Marutín´s mother).

October 28th 3rd years anniversary of Xi De Kaishi Family was held.

Había mucha gente como DAI FAMILY.

I played many SADAs, METAKATSU with full power.

Also MOCHIYORI Party was held.  ¡Todos muy rico!

After that, we played various games.

It was very fun day.

November 1st and 2nd, in día de Muertos.

Many people did scary cosplay, There were many skeletons, y mucho papel picado,

Todos se divirtieron mucho, claro yo también.

Novemver 6th I did farewell to family in Tequis, and I came back to Mexico City

My first month was like this.

And now, I came to work in Hippo office in Chihuahua since November 8th.

I will do my best for three more months.

¡animo!

Mi Primer Congresso, pero no último!

Hello friends!

When I was in India, preparing for my Internship in Mexico, I was planning to return on 2nd August, 2017 and I almost booked my tickets. But then Adris texted me and told me that "You've to stay till Congress. Don't miss on that." I didn't know anything about "Congress" and just followed what Adris said, I decided to stay till Congress.

Almost when the month of July started, everyone in the office started talking about The Congress, the work, events etc. And so I finally started getting familiar with what actually is Congress. The month of July passed really fast because there was a lot of work. But I'll say that was the best time because I finally started to open up with everyone in the office. All day we would work, crack jokes, do practices, more work and that made me talk more about myself and I learned a lot about everyone else.

4th August, 2017, finally the day came! I woke up at 5am after sleeping at 3:30 am because I was packing my luggage all night. Those who saw my luggage will know the struggle. Haha
So after we left in the bus, I spent most of the time sleeping. But in between I woke up to play some fun activities.

Our first stop was at Tula. The place was beautiful with different types of cactus all around and a pyramid. It was really hot there that it finally reminded me of my hometown, New Delhi. We were there for almost  an hour and every team was given a task of team picture. We clicked a funny team picture there and then we went to the pyramid.

               

Then we got back into our buses after enjoying the Tula visit and I went to sleep, sí otrovez! Haha

When we reached the Hotel, we were welcomed by the staff. It was so amazing, their performance, ropas, personality, everything. I was thrilled.

We had lunch together and it was so tasty. Everything around was feeling so good, so positive. Watching everyone eating together, laughing, clicking pictures, in that moment I was feeling really thankful that I stayed till Congress, to witness this. Really, I can't even describe that feeling in words.

And by the way, my revolutionary name is Aquina.

After resting a bit, the Hippo activity for that day started. Angeles was the fellow and she was looking absolutely beautiful in her ropa típica de Japonesa. 

                                      

 This Hippo Session had a lot of everything. A lot of SADAs, a lot of Metakatsu, a lot of Jikoshokai, amazing different activities and so this session was a lot different y mue divertido! I realised that I already made a lot of friends just on the first day. I achieved my first goal of The Congress.
And now my favorite part: After the Hippo session ended, we headed to the dining hall to have dinner. Yayy, tasty food, again!

After filling my tummy with a lot of tasty tacos, we went to watch the theatrical piece of the staff of the hotel. Even though I didn't understand everything they said but I was bursting with laughter, thanks to their amazing acting. I laughed a lot, my cheeks were hurting after that. But that wasn't enough. There was much more madness coming. Then we went to the Bonfire area and they started their performance again. That night was a laughter riot. I didn't stop laughing even for a minute and I think by then my cheeks became used to this much smiling that they stopped hurting like before, one more accomplishment.

Next day was multicultural day and I was nervous about a lot of things. First, I had to wear a saree and I didn't know how to drape a saree, second, I had to give speech in Espaniol, and I was sure that I'll make a mistake on stage and then there were other small things like walking in saree because its really difficult for me.
So this day started with visiting Tequisqapan, one of my home. We went to the Central and there was a surprise for me. I saw my mom and dad ( Moy's family) and I was so happy to see them again. I spent all my time with them. I ate a lot of things like pastry, ice cream, chapulins etc. Yes, I ate chapulins again even when I promised myself that I'll not. But, nothing can come between me and tasty food, not even my own promises. Haha
We left Tequisqapan in an hour I guess and I had to say goodbye to mom and dad.

Then we went to The Winery. This was a next level experience. I learned both the beauty and science behind the making of wine. The fields were beautiful, the sky so clear. Even though it was really hot but I was enjoying my time there. After the tour we had our lunch there and got the chance to taste the delicious wine. The food and wine, both were really tasty and the noon was spent super fine with all the friends. We talked all noon, sipping wines, having fun. We even got a free bottle, thanks to Romain. Haha

Then we said bye bye to the winery and came back to hotel. Then the Hippo Session began.

The second day was multicultural and I had to wear the saree, trust me only I know the struggle. I don't even know how I was successful in draping it. This was my first attempt, another achievement added in my list. Haha

So I came down, really nervous about my speech because I had a feeling that I'll forget it on stage. But what could I do, so instead of worrying more, I did the practice for the last time and then started

enjoying the Hippo session. The activities, games, SADAs, they helped me a lot in cheering up. I was watching the skit of Kabajin and friends from backstage, and it was amazing. Then finally, came my turn. I started speaking whatever I learned and it was going pretty well, until the end, where I forgot some part of the speech. But everyone in the audience and backstage didn't let me feel bad, instead I was so happy to see how everyone was cheering up, boosting my morale. I got down from the stage

smiling. Thank you everyone for that. This incident is an example of what Hippo is made up of.

Then started the special activity of Hippo. This activity was so different and fun, and I actually learned a lot of new words in different languages. I could see how everyone was enjoying.  There's a reason we called it "The Special Activity".

And after the special activity, the Hippo Session of the day ended. Everyone went to their rooms to get ready for fiesta, The Revolution Style!

So I came down at around 9 pm and directly went to the buffet, porque sabes lo mucho que me encanta la comida. jajaja  I tried almost everything that was on table, and the food was really tasty.

It was so good to see everyone dressed up. And I would say I was so lucky that I brought those clothes I was wearing, without even knowing that they will be perfect for the theme of this party.

Then started the dance and I swear that was the best part of the evening. I enjoyed the state wise performances of Acapulco, Cuernavaca, Puebla etc. but I loved the dance of Chihuahua. Actually that dance was a challenge because my legs were hurting after that, still I didn't stop. That evening, I literally danced on every SADA. I didn't even know I had that much stamina, one more accomplishment. Haha

 And I also made everyone dance on a Bollywood song called "Kala Chashma". I can't believe everyone liked that song so much and I can't believe in myself that I even danced on that song. Now I know that I'm a pretty good dancer too!

                                     

Also, we won the team photograph competition. Yayy

Equipo 2 es Harasho!

That night was full of joy because I forgot that I'm here only for two more days.

Next day, I was a bit low on energy because my brain kept on reminding me that it's my last day here. Silly brain. I tried to shift my attention anywhere else, but this. 

That day, Margarita, Romain and I did a skit on our experiences and that went really good. With everyone sharing their experiences and talking their hearts loud, this day also came to an end. And that is when realization kicked me really hard and I started crying. I'm a person who doesn't cry much, but I was crying that day. That means something. 

In the end, I would say that I made a lot of friends, enjoyed each an every moment, made families and what not. I got a lot of gifts and messages, even from people I never met and that melts my heart.

Before coming here, I was a totally different person in India- bit introvert, inexpressive and now I'm a totally changed personality. Full credit goes to Hippo and the friends and families I made here.

Writing this blog was a bit difficult for me because this time I was writing it from New Delhi. But I'm moving on and living my life happily here, hoping that one day I'll come back.

I Thank everyone for giving me the best 66 days of my life. 

-शिवानी 

   

Congreso de Hippo Mexico Amealco, Querétaro 2017

Hola todos, ¡soy Romain!

Ya se acabo el mes de julio en el cual preparamos el Congreso, ¡asi que el XIX Congreso de Hippo!

Durante el mes de julio, la preparación fue muy interesante. Mientras estábamos preparando las actividades, los disfraces, mientras estábamos ensayando las obras de teatro... me estaba imaginando el Congreso sin haberlo vivido...

El D-Day, nos fuimos en bus en el hotel. Durante el viaje, todos estuvimos medio dormitando porque era la mañana... Pero hubo momentos padres: la guerra de sesión, el chofer chistoso y la salida en Tula!

Decirse que personas, miles de años antes de nuestra época construyeron Atlantes tan grandes es impresionante.

También, tuvimos el concurso de foto en Tula (no sé por que no ganamos 😭😭😛😛)

El hotel era muy bonito, cuando el estilo revolucionario. Cuando llegamos, un revolucionario nos dio la bienvenida... VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN!

Los 3 días se fueron rápidos! Entre las sesiones... las salidas en Tequisquiapan y en el viñedo... el rally... la actividad especial... la fiesta... No tuvimos tiempo de estar cansados!

Me acuerdo mucho de momentos muy emotivos, como las experiencias... Los que se van, los que regresan... El speech de Mauro fue también muy padre, todos queremos "Ser Natural"!!

Fue la primera vez que me di realmente cuenta del poder que tiene Hippo en las personas que creen en este proyecto de vida y su positive attitude: las personas que se acercan de ti para decirte hola mientras que no las conoces, poder sentarte en la mesa de cualquier persona para comer y platicar, o ver adultos tener pláticas con jóvenes y reírse juntos…

Vivir eso durante la sesiones y el Congreso confirma la vision de Hippo, y que somos una graaaan familia y creo que a todos notamos eso.

Después del Congreso, el lunes, fuimos a Xochimilco con los socios y los japoneses. Fue el momento para aprovechar con ellos!

Comimos juntos en la trajineras, cantamos y escuchamos mariachis.

Y al fin del dia, fue el momento para decir さようなら...

Esos días fueron muy bonitos y espero poder estar aquí para el XX aniversario, que va a ser aún mas padre!

Tequisquiapan was different!

Hola Todos!

I left for Tequisquiapan on Viernes at approx 2:10 pm. I was supposed to get in the bus at 3:15 pm but we're late and missed that bus. Then Ivan and I waited for 2 horas at the Autobus station, and finally I got into the bus at 5:00 pm. By the way, the name on my ticket was "Shivani Sangh" and I didn't correct it this time because it happens all the time. Haha

I reached Tequisquiapan at around 9:00 pm and there I met my family. I walked to my casa with my mom, Monika y hermano, Martin. At Casa, I met abuelita, Hortencia y me hermano menor, Jair. We had dinner together and talked a lot about India, Tequisquiapan, Hippo and I tried to sing some Mexican song. Well, I'm not that bad of a singer. Haha

Then we went to sleep.

PS: Abuelita cooks delicious food!

On Sabado, I went to the Hippo Session with Martin and Jair and met new people. The session was amazing and different from the Hippo Sessions we have at CDMX. 

After the Hippo Session we went to our home and had lunch. Did I mention that the lunch was amazing? Well, it was like heaven! Hahaha

After being full of delicious food, we ninos helped packing obleas for my mom's work. After that we went to the Centro and spent some time there joking, talking, eating. And the highlight of my Tequisquiapan stay- I ATE CHAPULIN! AND THEY WERE TASTY! Haha Yo no se why I ate them but that was totally loco!

Si, for me, it was disgusting to eat them so I had to close my eyes. But you know, food is life and you only live once, so I ate them anyway. Haha

 Then we went to the shop where my mom works. My mom has a shop of Dulces and trust me she's

an amazing salesperson. I learned a lot from her.

After closing the shop, we came home and Martin made Margaritas for everyone. That too was really good. Then I tried to play Fifa on Xbox with Jair. We set a match between India and Bolivia and the score was 0-5, yes India lost very badly! Well, that was a bit depressing. Haha

After making India lose, we watched a movie, King Kong having Palomitas with salsa, Que Riccooo!

On Domingo, me hermanos y yo went to another Hippo session and there also I met new people. That session tambien was muy divertido!After the session ended, we discussed India and Mexico while having our palomitas and that was a really good conversation.

                                       

                         

After the session we went to our home and guess what? I had another delicious meal, Chile Rellena, Arroze y Frijole!

After having our lunch, we went to the shop where my mom was working. Again, I observed a lot about how she works unless Jair told me to attract the customers to the shop. All I had to do was to say, "Gusta Poblar Oblea y Amaryntho?" while offering some to the customer. In the beginning, I said, "No",  porque I was really afraid to do that but Jair insisted and so I started doing my job. And Thank God, I was able to attract at least one customer and that was a win win moment for me. I am really proud of myself. Haha

                        

Also I got a free cupcake from a lady who sold cupcakes in the adjacent shop and that was really tasty. I'm very lucky when it comes to food!

After closing our shop, we went to Pena de Bernal. It is a beautiful small town located on a rock and I was amazed to know that it's the largest rock in the world. We had Michelada and for dinner we ate Gorditas de migijan, again, which was very tasty. The funny thing happened there was that I put a lot of wakamole on my Gordita without realizing that it was muy picante, Muy rico pero muy picante, and when I had the first bite, my mouth burned. So, sadly I had to wipe that off.

                                            

                                            

                                                            

                                             

                             

Then on our way back to coche, we had pan dulce, enjoying the frio and the beautiful scene of Pena de Bernal. Then we went home.

On Lunes, I left for CDMX in the morning.

Tequisquiapan was amazing and different. The lifestyle, town and people there are different. I enjoyed every bit of my stay there and learned a lot from this experience. I wish to go back some day.