November 17, 2002

"Seaching for Knowledge"

This Saturday, Danya Martin and I had a cultural experience that forced us to realize that even now there is still much to learn about living in Mexico. With all the papers and projects that need to be researched, we decided to try our luck with the libraries here in Mérida. We were very optimistic; our book bags were heavy with books and laptops, and we were ready to get down to business in the first library we found with books relating to our topic.

Our first destination on this beautiful Saturday morning was the Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas (Faculty of Anthropological Sciences); since we both wanted to finish our anthro papers, we thought the anthro campus library would be logical first choice. We managed to catch the right bus, get off in the right area, and after one stop to ask for directions, we finally arrived on the Anthropological Sciences campus. As we entered the library, we were greeted with rows of books and a cool blast of air-conditioned air; however, the librarian informed us that the library was closing in 10 minutes, could we come back on Monday. Strike one.

We went all the way back downtown to check out the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan’s library, which our professors had assured us was one of the best in Mérida. In order to enter the library we had to present a valid ID; no problem, that seems logical. However, the receptionist also wanted us to turn in our book bags. The rules state no bags past the lobby area; so, after Danya and I take out all of our stuff, books, notebooks, computer, pens and highlighters we turn our bags over to the desk and venture in.