Source of the Swine?

We were caught in the middle of two of these pig trucks on the way back form Guanajuato... The stench was unbearable. We made the mistake of stopping at Subway (precious gem in the rough) and having to endure it not twice but four times as a direct result. Luckily my 6 inch turkey on wheat stayed down. heeee.

Mummy Museum

The mummy museum in Guanajuato was pretty stellar. We kept asking our Mexican friends just how the mummies had become mummies and after about the 4th time we asked without adequate response, we decided to take matters into our own hands. The museum itself doesn't do a very thorough job of explaining the mummies existence but the fact that they are there on display does quite enough for the visit to be worthwhile. Here's what I gathered post-visit...

"A combination of the soil conditions and a dry climate of the mountainous area caused the bodies in the local cemetery to dry out naturally before they could decompose. The bodies were placed in tombs, seven rows high; apparently, those in the middle row were more likely to have been naturally mummified. However, only those who failed to pay the grave tax were ever exhumed so information about mummification will always be incomplete."

Learn more about it here.

Muy interesante. Here were a few of my fave shots.

Cervantino!

The Cervantino International festival is held each year in Guanajuato, a small city about 3 hours from DF. The festival takes place for about 3 weeks in October and hosts a range of cultural events. We saw lots of cool artwork and a dance performance on Saturday night. Not as much music as I had been hoping for, but I think we were just in the wrong places at the wrong times. The performance was interesting to say the least. It was a wordless portrayal of themes of suffrage and power featuring about 10 nearly naked people painted white... and eventually gold. Pretty sweet.

Guanajuato is also the birthplace of Diego Rivera. We visited his childhood home and got a really cool take on the development of his artistic style over the years.

I especially enjoyed Guanajuato for its colonial architecture and unique city style. Many of the buildings are built atop tunnels that provide the towns roadways. Reminded me a lot of Cusco, Peru actually. Definitely going back for another visit soon.

La feria

The fair in Pachuca seems to be the major event of the year in the state of Hidalgo. Equipped with rides and games galore, it made for a fun night out on the town despite the ever-present feeling that I had been transported back in time about 10 years. They even had my favorite horse race game where you roll the ball into a triangular arrangement of holes until your horse makes it to the finish line. I won after I mastered my wall-bank roll. The prize was cheap but it was well worth the personal glory. ha. Check out these less-than mediocre prizes.

Another disturbing encounter was with this live pony merry-go-round... the poor ponies didn't get a single rider in the 2 hours that I was there. They have no shame here when it comes to animal rights.

I was also fortunate enough to meet Nolita's long lost mother, the 5 legged Siamese pictured here. Now that explains a few things...

God bless America

Peppermint patties, everything bagels, and cheddar cheese, oh my! I should've hidden in the closet when it was time to go to the airport... It was such an amazing weekend! If anything, my time in Mexico has truly made me appreciate the little things that we take for granted in the U.S. The food is just the tip of the iceberg... Add to that the incredible sights, clean streets, beautiful waterways, endless fashion opportunities, and native English speakers, and you've pretty much got it made.

Despite all of this, I am looking forward to an authentic taco meal, seeing my kitty, and gossiping with mis chicas...

Beautiful Views

I got my fair share of buena vistas during this trip. The view from Liz and Brian's Lincoln Park apartment is great and unobstructed.

Even though getting up in the morning to board a plane back to Mexico was somewhat painful, I was welcomed back with this beautiful view of a full moon over Mexico City...

That was Robin Williams!

While roaming around the streets of Chicago I pass a familiar face... you know one of those, how do I know that person people. And lo and behold, it was Robin Williams! He is quite short in the flesh.

Chicago Architecture

Oh the glory of high rises! Especially coming from Mexcio where the tallest building seems to be about the size of my old apartment in NYC, being surrounded by skyscrapers was a comforting reminder of being home. We went on the architecture tour via the Chicago River. Really cool perspective of the city.

Palmer House

Another highlight of my Chicago visit was the fact that we dined in style in the Palmer House Hotel's penthouse! It was incredible. The decor was so chic and classy and the food was amazing as well. Liz and Brian really got the royal treatment... talk about reaping in the benefits!!! heehee.

The lobby

Penthouse baño

My favorite... the powder room!

So old Hollywood

Chicago Cubs

Went to a Cubs game at Wrigley field while in Chicago for Liz & Brian's wedding celebration. An all-American activity for the fam. It was a little cold and the head was still somewhat pounding from the night before, but all in all so much fun!! The best part was watching Dad attempt to eat a traditional Cubs Dog... not an easy undertaking. Take a look: the works include cheese sauce, onions, relish, pickles, mustard, ketchup and sauerkraut! Ew! His face after this endeavor was completely worth the trek from Mexico (among other things of course)! And to top it off, the Cubs won!

Good riddance?

Well I wouldn't quite say that... I lost my camera at a party this weekend which to be quite honest, I've been waiting to do for about 2 years now. You see I've had this camera for the past 5 years and I just couldn't legitimize purchasing a new one when the old one was still serving its intended purpose. This led me to many a' blurred photos, landscape shots (meant to capture items a mere 10 feet ahead), and in general, sharp-lacking still shots that just weren't pretty. Therefore, I have come to terms with the loss and am ready to move on to the highest level of optical zoom I can afford. Pardon the lack of original pictures for a wee bit...

El Grito!

Mexican Independence Day, aka El Grito, is celebrated on September 16th each year. This year is the 199th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. You can read more about the history of this day here. It's been bittersweet for me... we don't have school which is a great mid-week break, but I am currently bed-ridden with gripa instead of celebrating in Chico with mis amigos as planned... Oh well. Recovering fast in time for the weekend. Viva Mexico!!

Museo de Arte Moderno

Went to the MAM museum in Mexico City this weekend. Amazing collection of Mexican artists. I especially enjoyed seeing Las Dos Fridas and the surrealist works of Alice Rahon.

MEW

Excellent indie rock band recently discovered at the advisement of a new amigo. Check it out, por favor! Good stuff. They had their first show here in Mexico on Thursday in D.F. at Vive Cuervo Salón.

It's the kind of music that sticks with you. Like when I'm listening to a song and I have to turn it off mid-way, my mind doesn't let it go til I hear it again all the way through. Powerful stuff, I'm telling you. Download Introducing Palace Players, Beach, Special and Am I Wry? No if you know what's good for you.

Wedding Bliss

Liz and Brian eloped to Napa Valley on Wednesday, 09/09/09! Congratulations are in order. Can't wait to celebrate in Chicago in October! xoxo

UGH

and that's all I have to say about that.

Adios Champagne Supernova

It's official. I am no longer the proud owner of a Toyota Corolla. When my Dad asked me what kind of car I would get if I could get any car in the world, I said a Hybrid Toyota Corolla. And I was dead serious. Lucky for me, Toyota is currently working on a hybrid version of my car of choice... 2011?

Policia Corrupta

A lot party last weekend turned ugly when a friend and I decided to take a leak in the woods... When I say lot party, I mean just that. A vacant lot usually doesn't come equipped with baños and this was no exception. So you can imagine our shock when we are rudely interrupted (midstream I might add) by two Mexican cops who I presume had been waiting for just such unlawful behavior all night. The conversation goes something like this:

Us: Whoa! Shoot, sorry officers.

Them: What are you doing? We are going to take you to jail.

Us: What???! We were only peeing, we're really sorry, it wasn't malicious!

Them: Sorry, we are going to jail. You shouldn't be doing that here and you're breaking the law so we'll have to take you to jail now.

Us: Seriously?? This is crazy. Oh shit. Ok, can we call our friends? Is there anything we can do? We promise we will leave the party.

Them: Hmmm. OK, how much money do you have?

Us: $400 pesos.

Them: Done. Go back to the party.

Us (back at the party): Holy shit. What they say is true. Pay them off and you're in the clear.

Note to self: Do not carry large amounts of cash. Especially when attending fiestas sin baños.

I love you, Rob Marciano

Not only is CNN one of the few English speaking news channels here in Mexico, it also employs the lovely Rob Marciano. I watch the news every morning before school and it just gets my day started right to get the latest weather predictions from Rob. Yes, we're on a first name basis.

Listen ahorita

Passion Pit: Sleepyhead

Santigold

Just can't seem to get enough of Santigold these days... I don't know if its because she's on my Recently Added playlist or what but I am lovin' it as McD's fans around the world would say. I am particularly obsessed with L.E.S. Artistes, Shove It, and You'll Find a Way.

Where's Waldo?

So I purchased a few Where's Waldo books before coming back to Mexico this year and they have been a raging success. When kids are finished with their work, instead of constantly informing me that they are finished (which 99% of Mexican students do for some odd reason...) they grab a book and become completely immersed with finding Waldo. Works wonders! Except when I am equally as intrigued and end up wasting 10 minutes trying to track down that blasted scroll... gets me every time!!!

Mariachi Madness

I am rudely awakened by the off-pitch blares of a trumpet last night around 12:30 a.m. WTF is that?! I go out on my porch and find a Mariachi band serenading the neighbors. At first I thought to myself, oh, que dulce. A nice little concert for the lovebirds. That is until they continued playing until approximately 1:10. And the best part, the couple was making out the whole time! 10th grade movie theater style. Get some! But please, let me get some sleep too!

Mis Estudiantes!

Monday was the first day of the 2009-2010 school year at ASP. I am so excited for my little estudiantes! They are all adorable and so far its been smooth sailing. I introduced a few new things this year that seem to be going well... "Miss M money" is my favorite new addition. They are lovin it! We'll have an auction every two weeks where they can spend the MM$ they've earned on trinkets I got from the 5 peso store (teehee). I also started a class web page which is exciting. I hope they use it. Here is a pic of each of my classes. Que cute!

4th Yellow

4th Blue

Hard work has paid off...

Where the magic happens.

My desk area

Let's get ready to rumble!

Todo bien.

Although the initial return to Mexico was a challenge to say the least, everything seems to have worked itself out. I am now a water-using, key-having, bed-bug free gringa. The past couple of weeks have been non-stop, which to be quite honest, I wasn't expecting. We had orientation for 4 days after my return from Playa del Carmen. I was a "specialist" on ESL instruction which meant that I had to give a workshop on it for all of the foreign staff. UGH. Luckily, my grad school classes were fresh in my mind and I was able to design a very informative and entertaining power point presentation. Things took a turn, however, when the school's power went out approximately 3 minutes before my presentation was set to begin. Really? Baaah. I pulled it together and gave the presentation sans ppt until it turned on 15 minutes later. Perfect timing, Mexico.

After the first week of orientation, I was asked to teach a pre-class for brand spanking new students who may or may not have much English background. 9 students in grades 4-6 came to my class to get familiar with school, school procedures, and basic English. It was a bit of a challenge, especially having it thrown at me the day before, but the kids were fun and it was a good warm-up for the real thing next week. I spent all day yesterday and will be spending the rest of today setting up my classroom, lesson planning for next week, and getting general procedure stuff done. Bring out the coca lights, it's gonna be a loooong weekend...

Porque??

As if the lock change wasn't bad enough, my water has been out for the last 3 days (tank is full so don't know what the problem is). All I want is a nice long shower. Pero no puedo! The school is sending someone over today to check it out. Venga, por favor!

Mother & Child Reunion

Nolita!! She's back at home sweet home. Molly was such a trooper putting up with her crazy antics, jumping out of the 3rd story window and attacking loaves of bread, just to name a few. I brought her a new bed and fresh toys and she has been on her best behavior since coming home. I hope it lasts!!

Welcome home

So I get to my apartment around midnight only to find that the outdoor lock has been changed! UGH. My house is actually 3 apartments in one, all occupied by fellow ASP teachers. My neighbors from last year have relocated, however, so I didn't know the new people when I got home. So I incessantly rang the door bells on my innocent new neighbors houses until they got up to let me in. Nice welcome, right? Whoopsie. Turns out the landlord's friends had a copy of the keys and busted into one of the new people's apartments the day after they moved in. Sketch. Not so mad about the lock change anymore...

Still Pinching Myself

Our final days in Playa were sad to say the least, but alas, responsibility calls and we had to say goodbye. The trip was amazing. Unfortunately, the end was sad for more reasons than simply having to go our separate ways. Charlotte was suffering from jellyfish stings all over her upper thighs which had grown into massive welts and Kelly was developing a severe sinus infection and ear ache from the water pressure of the scuba adventure. I, on the other hand, made out like a bandit and then some. When I got to the Cancun airport, they told me that they had overbooked the flight to Mexico City so I would have to wait for a seat assignment. As those with seats boarded, I realized that I was only 1 of 3 people without a seat. This could get ugly. So I came and left the front desk a few times to make sure they still remembered the seatless gringa. As I was settling back into my book for the 3rd time, the guy across me asks if I'm from Brazil? No, porque? Tus zapatos. O, claro! My Havianas have a Brazilian flag on them, pero no soy de Brazil. Y tu? Si, de Brazil. So I have a handsome Brazilian man on my hands. We chit chat for a bit, then his seat gets called (blasted seat holders!) and he wishes me well and hopes I get on the flight. I finally do, and a few minutes after the fasten seat belt sign turns off, I get a tap on the shoulder and some Brazilian pearly whites flashing at me. He's traveling with his dad and would I like to switch seats with him so that we can sit together? Porque no? So my new airplane bf and I talk the entire flight and at the end he actually suggests staying in Mexico for another week instead of heading back to Rio right then. Um, en serio? I pondered for a few seconds before I came to my senses and told him it was probably best for him to go back to Brazil...

Currently plotting my trip to Carnival 2010...teehee.

Scuba Steve!

So we camped out at the Blue Parrot every day to sunbathe, tomar cervezas, etc. About mid-way through the trip we met Steve, a dive instructor who works at the Blue Parrot. We shoot the shit for a while and lo and behold, he offers us free scuba lessons! Man, we're good! ha. Claro que DUH, we're going. So we spend one day training in the pool and the next unda da sea. The girls were a little weary at first but I think we all came out scuba winners. I LOVED it and plan on going again soon. It's crazy what a different world is down there! Now that I've gotten the logistics down, I feel like I can enjoy the scenery a little more next time... Payment may be a problem, however... hmmmm... donations anyone?

Training in the pool

Leaving dry land...

The main event! eek!

This Post Dedicated to Kel

The club scene in Playa doesn't compare to Cancun but it's still worth a few nights out on the town. Especially when ladies drink for free all night!! Wooop wooop. Good times. For lessons on how to become the ultimate Playa scenester in one week, contact Keldawg@letsgoout.com.

JUMPING for joy

One of the first activities we did in Playa was going with our newfound friends to a swimming hole type of place in a tucked away jungle-esque part of town known as Jardin del Eden. Beautiful scenery, but bugs galore. We went snorkeling through a few caves and jumped off the rocks to appease Charlotte's sudden urge to go sky diving, which quite simply, none of us can afford. It was a nice mini adrenaline rush. Overall a great jump off (man, I'm cheesy) for the trip minus the ridiculous bug bites that we all left with and I am still nursing back to normal! ugh.