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!