“About where I am from” by MiraCosta students
Hi!!! I’m Elvia and I want to show you where I used to live before I moved here. My town’s name is Tonatico and it means “the place where the sun rises.” Tonatico is a touristic place where many American people go to relax. So, if you have a chance to visit Mexico, go there because you’re really going to enjoy it. Tonatico is an amazing place!!!
Hello! My name is Idalia Garcia. I am from Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca has a lot of touristic places. One of the most important is “El Cerro del Fortin.” In “El Cerro del Fortin” people celebrate the most important festival in Oaxaca, “La Guelaguetza.” A lot of people come to “La Guelaguetza festival” from the seven regions of Oaxaca to dance folk music. Many tourists come to Oaxaca to enjoy “La Guelaguetza” because of its cultural richness. I really miss all this about my city.
I am Shinobu from Aomori, Japan. My home town is located in the north area of the main island. We have the beautiful four seasons. These pictures are most of my favorite season’s events and views. The first one is a “ Cherry blossom “ in April, the second one is the “Nebuta Festival “ during the summer, the third one has “colored leaves “ during autumn, and the last one is “Mt. Hakkoda” in winter. I left Japan ten years ago, but my country is always in my heart!! Thank you.
Carlos’ Hometown
I want to tell you a little bit about the place where I was born, Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca has been an important place all along the Mexican history. This state is the house of Zapotec and Mixtec people. This state has more than 150 dialects. Oaxaca is the fifth largest state in the Mexican republic. Oaxaca means: In the nose of the gourds, in annual dialect.
Salvador Hernandez — he is from my town, La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico. He is the first Mexican who flew into space. He worked the sugar beet, tomato, and cucumber fields as a kid in California and didn’t even learn to speak English until he was 12 years old. He is 47 years old now and he lives in the U.S.A. — By Rigoberto
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world. It was built mainly to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. Now, it is a beautiful spot for tourists. It is not just a wall, but a symbol of the bravery and wisdom of the Chinese people. The wall has more than 2000 years’ history. It attracts many tourists from different parts of the world. If you have a chance to China, be sure to visit the Great Wall. By Qing, from China
Hi my name is Ofelia Salazar and I am originally from Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca. This is my hometown and I would love to invite you to come visit. There you can enjoy the lagoon. This is the best place to swim. People who live in Juxtlahuaca like to have a big party on July 24th to celebrate Santiaguito’s Day, the patron Saint of Juxtlahuaca. Also they love to dance “Folklorico.” They wear dresses made from goats. I think Oaxaca is one of the richest states of Mexico in terms of archaeology. We have places and events like la Guelaguetza, Monte Alban and the Tule tree, the biggest tree in the world.
Moscow
I’ m Maria, and I’m from Russia. Moscow is the capital of Russia. This is the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s cathedral. Both are historic places at the heart of Moscow – Red Square. Red Square is the most famous city square in Moscow and one of the most famous in the world. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Russia. Welcome to Moscow!
Hi, my name is Sinthia. I’m from the Dominican Republic. I want to show you how beautiful my hometown is. There is a gorgeous beach and the weather is perfect. Dominicans are always happy and a lot of fun. I love to wake up to the rhythm of bachata. I miss my warm friendly people as well as my island very much.
Hi my name is Federico Torres. I ‘m from Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca is in the south of Mexico. Monte Alban is one of the many places tourists want to visit in my state. This ruin is an interesting architectural show. I hope you visit Oaxaca to enjoy its beauty.
HI! My name is Mabel and I am from Sonora, Mexico. The Sonora State is located in the north of Mexico. It is a beautiful state with a lot of resources like livestock farming, agriculture, and fishing. Sonora also has natural resources such as mining industry. I am very proud of Sonora. The people who live there are very friendly and hospitable, so you will always feel at home.
My country, Vietnam! 
I was born and grew up in the North Vietnam, near China. There, the climate has four seasons: Spring, summer, fall, and winter. However, in the south of Vietnam, the weather is warm all year and it never has the winter season. Did you know about my country’s two big cities, Hanoi and Saigon? Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is located in the North Vietnam; Saigon city is located in the South. I hope you visit Vietnam in the future. You will enjoy it very much. Thank you so much. Vang
Hi! My name is Juana Reyes. I am from Oaxaca, Mexico and I’ll tell you about the Guelaguetza. La Guelaguetza is a famous festival. It’s celebrated once a year usually the second Monday of July. In this festival seven groups perform folkloric dances. They wear beautiful and traditional dresses. Each group represents one of the seven regions of Oaxaca. Every group talks about the culture and costumes of their regions before they start dancing. When they finish dancing they give some gifts to the public like candy or bread. This is one of the many traditions of my beautiful state.
My country
Hi, my name is Marcus, and I am from Brazil. Brazil is the biggest country in South America, and it is a great place to visit. We have a lot of things to do, to see, to taste, and to eat for example: Carnaval, Churches, Beaches, Acaraje, etc. We have a strong cultural mix. So if you want to try different experiences, go on and visit Brazil.
My name is Eric. I lived in Mexico City for 54 years, and I moved to the United States three months ago. Mexico City is a big city with about eight million people. The altitude is very high, about 8300 ft., and the weather is warm and really good every year. We have around two million cars, and a lot of problems with this. Mexico City was founded in 1542 and it is surrounded by five states: Puebla, Morelos, Queretaro, Hidalgo, and Estado de Mexico. Our independence day is September 15.
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean to the North. The South side is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala was established in 1543 from Spain. The city was destroyed by a big earthquake in 1773. We called the first place now Antigua Guatemala; it is a beautiful place with colonial style. Our independence day was on September 15, 1821. We celebrate it with parades for three days, one day for students, one day for the military and one day with festivals all over the city, almost every day wears blue and white because they are the color of our flag. We have many towns with Mayan native names. My picture is the Santa Clara Church on Antigua Guatemala. Dora from Guatemala.
My name is Adan Perez. I am from Oaxaca, México. This picture is the Cathedral in Oaxaca. This ancient church is located in the middle of city, close to the Zocalo. This place is very popular for its church and for the tourism they get from different countries. I love Oaxaca, Mexico and I hope you can go there in the future.
I am Veronica and I am from Brazil, a country of cultural contrasts. The south of Brazil is colder than the North. The South has great German and Italian influence. The North has Portuguese and African influence and some northern states have Dutch influence too. The Amazon Rain Forest has Indians who still don’t know the city. Soccer is the most important and popular sport in my country, and Carnival is a party very popular too. These differences are interesting and fun in my country.
I’m from Uruapan, Michoacán where we have a National Park. The park has a lot of waterfalls and water all around. This park receives visitors from all over the world. Everyone can fish and later buy the fish to cook at home. The people can drink directly the water that flows from this park. By Adriana.
Hi, my name is Elisa Guzman. I am from Oaxaca, Mexico. My state is very traditional and people celebrate a special event called “La Guelaguetza,” during July. During this celebration people from other cities come to the capital of Oaxaca to dance. They bring gifts, like candies, chocolates and fruits. They throw these gifts to the people celebrating on the streets.
Hi Marina and Almu Diaz,
Thank you for writing me.
The The Carnival in my Country is very fun. The best Carnivals are from Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. In Recife people dress as “ Bonecos de Olinda”, traditional characters, and dance “ Frevo” on the street. In Rio de Janeiro you can pay to see the School’s Samba. I have never seen this because it would very expensive for me.
In my state “BAHIA” we have the best Carnival in the world!!!!!
In Salvador, there is “Bloco de Carnaval” with trucks have music with famous singers. You can party on the streets, but it is better that you buy a ticket to be part on “ Bloco de Carnaval” because there is a lot of people on the streets.
When you participate on this, you should be fit because you would walk and jump like a popcorn. It’s a lot of fun!!
I hope to see in Salvador!!
Thank you
Veronica
Hello Ana Concejero.
Im glad you liked the comments about my country. I know you are going to like my country. We called it “The Eternal Spring Country”. I hope you can go to “The Holly Week”. This is something similar to Spain’s celebrations in about the processions to diferents churches. The processions in the city are marvelous. If you go to Antigua Guatemala during this time you will find that it is beautiful, specially Thursday and Good Friday. I hope I can hear about you soo! Have fun DORA.
Hi Ana!
First thing I want to thank you very much because you already think and understand about my country Vietnam. You said that “Vietnam must be so interesting” although you don’t know it. Ana, I believe your thinking is right; you said that you would be able to travel at least when you retired. So you’re welcome to visit my country!
Hi,everybady,mi name is Margarita, i hope you enjoyed the pictures about the Countries, cities and towns from my class mates.You can write to me now! I’m from sinaloa, mexico.
Hi, Aixa
You are absolutely correct when you said that you would love to go to Brazil. So, on your next vacation, come to Brazil and enjoy it.
Hi, Laura!!!!
Thanks for your comment!!!!!
This iS Elvia. Iam sure that if you go to Tonatico you will really enjoy it, specially the SPAS:-). In response to your question about why Iam living in California, it is because I got married, and my husband has lived all his life here and has a job here as well.
Hello Belen, thanks for your comments. In this Park you can’t pratice rafting because is very dangerous. There are a lot of rocks and the river is very strong. Here it is prohibited to swim and everybody can walk and admire this Park only.
Hi Marina!!!
The Guelagetza festival is celebrated on the second Monday of July. Usualy, not all the people wear these dresses because some dresses are very hot. So its not recommended to dress with them on this day. Its better to wear confortable dresses. But after the festival you can take pictures wearing each dress. It is very fun..
Hi, Laura!!!!!
This is me, Elvia. I am sure that if you go to Tonatico you will really enjoy it, specially the SPAS:-). In response to your question about why I am living in California, it is because I got married, and my husband has lived all his life here and has a job here as well. Thanks for your comment!!!!!
Hi Ofelia!
I loved the place where you live. The lagoon it’s very beautiful, it’s a really good place to swim. Considered your information your hometown looks very interesting because have a lot of festivals very peculiars. I hope visit your town in the future.
Bye!!!
Hi everybody,
Thanks a lot for telling us about where you are from.
Idalia, Elvia, Carlos, Ofelia, Federico, Adán, Eric, Salvador, Adriana, Mabel, Elisa, Juana, all of you know how much I love México. I was over there for nearly two months, a long time ago and I visited Puebla, Chiapas, Veracruz, Zipolite, Mérida…We wanted to go to Guatemala as well, but because of a heat wave we changed our minds, so Dora, next time….and I was in The Guelaguetza festival! so nice!
Maria, I also liked Moscow a lot, so different from my own country! And the State Hermitage Museum, one of the best museums I’ve ever seen!
Vang, Qing, Shinobu, Verónica, Marcus, Sinthia I don’t know your countries but they must be so interesting! When my children grow older I think I will be able to travel again, well, I hope so, or at least when I retire
Hi Adriana!!!
The park has to be beautiful, because the photo is also very beautiful. I like parks a lot because we breathe quietness. This park has to be very large and very nice all full of plants. Thank you very much for those such beautiful pictures.
Hi Veronica¡¡¡¡
The Carnival of your country has to be incredible. I dress up every year in the festival of my city but it isn´t as great as yours. We have a Carnival in Cadiz and Canary Islands. I would like to go your carnival in Brazil. I think it will be fun.
Hi Adriana!! I like it your city! It´s very beautiful and incredible.
I love its waterfalls. I would really like go there and see it…but I have a problem…I haven´t got any money.
Can you send us more photos of your city and waterfalls?
Bye!!
Hi Shinobu!! How are you?? I´ve read you what have written and Japan must be very beautiful in each season.
Moreover,I always have seen those festivals on TV and they must be very funny.
Since you left Japan…have you ever been back there again?
Bye!!
Hi Idalia!!!
When do you calebrate the festival? It must be interesting.
I would like to go to Oaxaca to see the festival. The clothes are very beautifull and very funny. The day os festival, Do every people wear those dresses? When I go to Oaxaca, I will wear one too.
Bye!!!
Hi Adriana!
Oh, you are so lucky! In Málaga there are not any waterfalls and I only can see them in a documentary on TV or in a magazine… In Spain there are places like that one, but not in Málaga. I know it because some friends of mine had been visiting some places like the photo (waterfalls, vegetation…).
Would you like to practise rafting? Is posible to practise it there?
Hei Adriana¡¡¡¡
I love the nature Parks¡¡¡It´s beautiful that you can drink the river´s water. Here in Malaga, there is a river “Chillar”. The people can walk throught the river. there are waterfalls too, andt they are very nice¡¡¡ , people go with their dogs. Is a good idea to spend a Sunday in touch with nature¡¡
Bye, Bye¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
hi shinobu:
I like your photos very much.The place where you were born is beautiful. Japan is an exotic country, always interesting and it`s well know. I think you are a sensitivity persone and I really like your way to describe Aomori. I can understand you, you miss your conuntry of origin. I don`t live where I was born either and I miss the north of Spain too. Now, I live in Málaga and I am happy, I came here seven years ago but sometimes I have the impression that it is like seven minutes. All my family and some good friends live there. I like the four seasons of the year but I adore winter and autumn because in my city it is always cold.I´d like to send you some photos from San Sebastian because it is beatuful too. I will. I am pleased to meet you. See you.
Ainhoa
Hi Ofelia!!
, I tkink that Juxthauaca is the perfect place for me, because I´m always dancing and I like swimming, I looked at the photo in the fantastic cave, it is ideal for swiming, but I would be have a bit afraid.
Had you ever been swiming there?
I think it is very dificult to live far from your family, isn’t it? for me it would be very dificult.
Hello Elvia!! I liked your city,specially the meaning of Tonatico.It´s very nice.
I would like to go there because I need relax.
I´m sure that you miss your family…do you??I hope you are fine in California.Why do you live in California?
Thanks you
Bye!!
Hi Sinthia!!!
How are you? I think that you must feel good by living near that sea…..it must be fantastic! I love the beach and the sun. When I was a child, I used to go to the beach (rocky beaches, waters like crystal…..) with my parents and we stayed in a camping for one or two months. My father loves the sea, swimming and diving…and he is always dreaming of those places. He would like to live in a desert island, because for him, being alone without any food, isn’t a problem.
Does this place really exist? Do you live near this beach? Are there too many people on this beach or is it a quiet beach?
Hello Veronica¡
I like so much the Carnival and I would like you to tell me about this party in your country. I know that it is very popular.
In my town, we celebrate this party too, but it is very different.
People go out and dress up as important history people and sing traditional songs.
Other people make groups and they invent funny songs about incidents that have been taken place throughout the year.
It is very nice.
Hi Sinthia¡¡¡¡
I enjoyed your picture about Dominican Republic¡¡¡ Your are very lucky to have been born there, because is a perfect place. But, now, you study in California, and you are away from your family
I study far from my town too, and I miss my family. What about you?
Thanks for your information
Bye¡¡¡¡
Hi ¡
Shinobu my name is Jhonathan, I read about the place where you are from and i think it’s fantastic, one of my dreams for the future is to live in Japan for a couple of year minimun i love the Japanese culture and it is antique architecture.
I took my time to look at pictures about Aomori on the internet and i was facinated by Hirosaki castle.
I enjoy reading about the place where you are from and i hope someday i’ll go and visit it.
Thanks you¡¡¡
Hi Sinthia¡ I´m Almu Díaz. Two years ago I visited Dominican Republic with my classmates because we finished the University. I think that this place is wonderful: the beach, the weather, the peaple… All there is perfect, always there is music and peaple are always happy. I had a really good time in Punta Cana.
Do you like your new life in California? I am from Córdoba but I have been studying in Málaga four years and I miss my family and my friends, what about you?
Hi Sinthia!! I like your city especially your beach. I think the weather is perfect for hollidays and I hope to visit your country some day. Why did you decide to go to America? BYE!
Hello Maria! What a beautiful place!!!! The buildings are very nice. I’d like to visit that place but I think that I couldn’t stand the cold there!!!! because in Málaga there isn’t too cold. There is too diference about these two places because in California the weather is good and in Moscow there is too cold!!! Do you like living in California or would you preffer to live in your country?
Hi Maria! I read your comment, I like all your city but my favourite one is Moscow. I would like to travel to Russia some day. Why did you decided to go to America?
Hi, Marcus¡¡¡¡
I am writting to you, because I remembered my family when I read your comment about brazil. My family lives in Sau Paulo. I´ve never been to Brazil, because they always come here, to Spain, but I would love to do.