Question to keep in mind: How has your “single story” of Mexico/Mexicans/the “developing world”/engineering/the role of engineers in society changed?
Tuesday 5/7:
We walked to Chapultepec Park and got to learned about old water ways and how they changed over time, how they were altered as the Spaniards came, and how they were with just the Aztecs. We first saw the area where water would be held from a natural spring and how it shrunk over time even though the number of people using it was increasing. We then talked about water towers to hold more water. The last sight we looked at is the current water passageway and the art pieces made for it to serve as a point of pride and to display the engineering novel that it was.
Next, we ate at a yummy pond side restaurant then headed over to the Professors’ residence to have out first discussion. We learned more in-depth about the solutions previously tried to solve the water issues in Mexico City. It was mostly trying to build tunnels to drain the large amounts of rain that would flood Mexico City because it sits at in a valley.
While experiencing and learning about the history of Mexico City, it made me fully realize that water has always been of concern for the area but how the Aztecs and Spaniards went about trying to solve it were completely different. If the Aztecs were trying to stay in harmony with nature and water, working to take what they need but not too much, the Spaniards aimed for a quick and “absolute” solution that would only benefit them. While the Spaniards’ solution allowed for fast dominance and expansion of the area, they neglected think about the effects of their actions and their long-term access to water. Even till the present, the people of Mexico City are feeling the repercussions.
High: Meet up with everyone as a group for the first time where we had introductions.
Low: A bit tired from all the walking.
Buffalo: Good food on the water side but got a bit of an upset tummy from it.
Looking Forward To: Looking at the Museum the next day.
Wednesday 5/8:
Met a bunch of cool people who worked together to create a Maker Space for public use and to bring it to schools so expose kids to STEM early on. We got to solder a little LED heart thing that lights up and did a cardboard car race. We then went to museum where we learned about more of the history of the Aztecs and how they developed the land and how it was changed. Seven of us went to a Terrace and I got very sweet hot chocolate. Next, six of us went to a cool modern museum of modern art then worked our way to a Mariachi square. On the way we stopped at a cool bakery and got good good good pastries for cheap. We also walked by a snazzy taco shop that we later eat dinner at.
Today was amazing because I got to learn about a program that wish I had growing up. We did not have access to any form of maker space and to know that there are people driven to make sure the next generations know how to create is fantastic.
High: Walking the entire museum.
Low: Spent too much money lol.
Buffalo: Walked in circles finding locations to sit.
Looking Forward To: Seeing the Chinampas!
Thursday 5/9:
Got onto a bus with everyone and went to the Chinampas. We learned about how the soil is very rich and the farming process used passed down over countless generations. Next, we weeded one bed of carrots but didn’t pick up the pulled-out weeds which I still feel bad about. {Saw a bigggggg spider} Met a Wees, a cute dog that scares off cranes. Also learned about the water way that had several biofilters. Side note that new trees were planted to try and stop the channel from eroding, but they were white instead of red (provided from the government) and they don’t work as well. We had a meal at the Chinampas. We headed home and I chilled till sleep.
I learned today about the method of farming used from the creation of the Chinampas to present day. This method of farming is very different then the corn and soy field I grew up next to, so it was interesting to see their methods/process. So much more care is put into this method, and it used to be efficient enough to feed 200,000 people. It is a lot of hard work and there is no real way to streamline it without ruining the yield and cultural significance. Also, especially considering the amount of time this farming method has survives, the sustainability of it is amazing.
High: Baby onions, so yummy will never eat something with that perfect flavor/texture again.
Low: Felt sticky after weeding.
Buffalo: played Rummikub with cards with Gwyn and Kiana (typically I play with tiles).
Looking Forward To: Food with the group and the Professors.
Friday 5/10:
We bet with a person at Isla Urbana which is a company dedicated to providing water systems to people in Mexico City and it seems like they are doing really well. This company is focused on installing independent rain harvesting units to houses and school. The idea is that there is so much destructive flooding that occurs in Mexico City but also so much water scarcity. If they can help people manage their own water, then they will help limit the flooding while securing water for half or even 3/4th of a year! They have had the support of the people and the government so as long as they stay true to their morals, they think they will continue to be on the up and up. Sidenote, our presenter mentioned that one of their gods might be “non-binary” and I always enjoy learning about older cultures takes on gender queerness (today’s wording) and how it was shifted and changed over time over different religions and or ideologies.
It is inspiring to see the engineering design process take form on a project that both matter and is making active change. I feel like this is the first time I have seen a start but be this successful and influential in person. I plan to follow them, and I hope they continue to do well.
High: Goooooood food.
Low: The day came to a close.
Buffalo: Successfully order lemonade without ice (Lemonade sin hielo).
Looking Forward To: Salsa Dancing with Chuyu.
Closing Remarks:
This week felt like a glimpse into the world of water scarcity, and it was a great way to get an understanding of how something like this can come to be and the steps people are taking to try and retroactively help.
Picture(s) of the week:
One photo almost perfectly blends into the other.