Adios Mexico!

Obviously it's been a painstakingly long time since my last post and I do apologize. The last year of Mexico was a bit of a blur and unfortunately, Mexican Fever couldn't keep up. Here are a few highlights that I can recall:

1. Abby & Gustavo got married!

2. Nolita died~ que triste, no??

3. Administrator stabs neighbor and flees country (no, really).

4. Family comes to visit the beautiful yet desolate Baja California.

5. Staff members unable to communicate with Director of school (no, not because he has a hearing or speech disability).

6. Friends take jobs in Mexico City so didn't feel so bad about my last authentic taco night.

All in all, that sums it up.

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.