Ash Miercoles

Experiencing Ash Wednesday in Mexico was so unique. As you walk on the street, person after person had ashes on their forehead. I expected to attend a special AW mass but instead there was a priest at the front of the local church giving ashes. I wondered if he just stood there all day waiting. And the answer was yes...he didn't really have any downtime. I've never seen so many people pour into a church for ashes.

Also, instead of making the ashes in the sign of the cross, there was a nifty stamp he used. Very chic!

Running on Empty...Streets

We thought the street was especially quiet this morning. The city blocked off our street for a road race! Luc practically got up and started running with them. It's funny waking up to new sights every day...

Besame Mucho

There has been a campaign around town called "Besame Mucho"--just like the song. Evidently, on Valentine's Day, the city will attempt to break the Guinness World Record of most people kissing simultaneously. Event planners did this to make a statement against violence in Mexico and to send a message to lawmakers who have suggested banning kissing in the Zocalo.

We made it to the Zocalo--although a little late-- to see what was going on. We entered the huge mass but realized there was really nothing going on. Either we already missed it, or it hadn't happened yet.

So it was the latter, and the big official kiss took place at 6pm. Mexico City now holds the record! I don't think our entrance counted, but we were there. And that's more than alot can say!

Back to the Pyramids

This will make my third trip to the Pyramids. Soon I will be giving my own tours, but for now we left Turibus in charge of the tour. Taking a day off from work on Friday, I head with my parents to the bus.
They took us to the Basilica de Guadalupe like before. My mother was very excited about seeing that site as well. We headed north on the bus passing various site, the public square where you can hire a mariachi band. Soon we step off the bus and into the Basilica. This time there were fewer people. Although we did witness pilgrims, both on their knees and feet entering the holy site. It was nice to return and experience the Basilica without the crowd that was there when Rebecca and I first visited. Then it was just weeks before Lady of Guadalupe Day. After a prayer and several pictures we returned for the rest of our bus ride.
The bus took us to that spot mention before in the blog that shows the uses of the agave plant and how they hand make silver jewelry. My mom was most fascinated by the sewing needle made from the agave. Then there was the tequila, mescal, and pulque (beer like drink from the agave, very sweet) that we all enjoyed. After a few purchases in the gift spot, Valentine’s Day was not far, we return to the bus.
This time we started at the other end. We enter the opened area below the Pyramid of the Moon. This prompted us to climb the first tear of Pyramid of the Moon, which I had not climbed yet. We rest up there and took pictures. Walking towards the Pyramids of the Sun, the one you can climb to the very top I was unsure if my parents would want to hike another man made mountain. We got there and they want to give it a try. So up the Pyramid of the Sun yet again. With the occasionally break, we made to the top. It was great to show them the view that was atop. No matter how many times I visit this site I am always in awe of this view.

I am 29

Definately the warmest birthday I have ever had. After work I got home to Rebecca and my parents. We figured out that this was the first time my parents had seen me on my actual birthday since I turned 21. They came up to North Adams then, and we had dinner with my roommates.

I was in Albany for 22, and Beckenridge, CO for 23, my parents visited the following month. 24 happened in VT, while 25 and 26 must have been in Somerville. I distinctly remember 27 was in Boston Habor on a tug with just the captain, I had a good send off earlier those at Isabel and Dan place during the Superbowl. 28 I was in Boston. Sometimes I need to do that just to keep track.

They all decided to take me out to an Argentinian restraurant that Rebecca and I had been to once before. The restaurant was a little bit away and my parents experienced the Mexico City traffic. The restaurant is on Insurgentes, which is about five miles away from us. The cab ride however felt a lot further.

The night was great with a bottle of Malbec, which is a lot cheaper down here, the best steaks in the city, and coffee drinks prepared right beside your table with fire. Nothing like watching whiskey burn and heat the coffee that is add. I am very thankful to say 29 was in Mexico.

Traffic was better on the return trip. Once home we had some ice cream cake and presents. Chocolate cake with mint ice cream rolled in it and presented as a train, Rebecca finds the best stuff.
Thank you to all.

Thirsty in Mexico City

...I am thirsty no more. There is a God!

Besides the airport vending machines, I haven't been able to find Vitamin Water. It's been frustrating b/c I've seen trucks bounding all around the city. Alas, I found a small cafe in Polanco that sells it. It's WAY overpriced but SO worth it. I treated myself to a bottle.

Flagless in the Zocalo

Luc's parents arrived yesterday and we wanted to show them the historic center of town. Today we went to the Zocalo. Apparently, there was a military exercise going on where they took the flag down. It was such an experience. First, to see the military procedure and second to see the empty flagpole in the Zocalo. More importantly, it was amazing that the flag NEVER touched the ground. We were really fortunate to witness the event!

My Parents arrive

My parents arrived tonight and it was great to see them. This was their first time in Mexico. Well, definitely my mom first time. My father on the other hand had worked in Belize and Guatemala, and there is a possibility that he crossed the border, unknowingly, when there. However it is their first night in D.F., and we plan to show them as much as possible. (And what is a trip to Mexico without a Don Quixote photo op)
We got back to the house and gave them a tour, showing them all the work we had accomplished. Just since Matto’s visit a lot had been done. Mom was excited to see the city. Having taught geography and covered Mexico all the landmarks we were going to see, to her had just been a caption in a textbook. Now her memory will have to make room for the really thing. All that is for tomorrow, after a few cervezas and some salsa Rebecca prepare (who can resist that salsa) my parents long day of traveling ended.

Candeleria Day

Tamales!

Since there was no planning for a party on Luc's end, we decided to hit up a tamale spot nearby.

We tasted different kinds--chicken, beef, cheese, and those wrapped in corn husks and banana leaves. It was great and super cheap. Not a bad way to spend the evening.

Won't you be my neighbor?

Since we arrived, we've endured hours of endless banging and noise from next door. (8am to 6 pm--even on weekends!) From what we could tell they gutted out the apartments next door and were renovating. We didn't know if it would end up as business or residential space. The other day the mystery was solved. Workers put up a 7-Eleven sign up on both sides of the street. While having a convenience store next door will be...well....convenient, it might just end up as a nuisance. There might be more trash on our sidewalks and vagabonds hanging around at all hours of the night. On the other hand, who loves 7-11 more than cops? If the po-po are around more it might bode well for neighborhood security. I'd be more forgiving if Mexican 7-11s had Slurpees (cherry coke slurpee...a great cure for a hangover), but they're extinct here. More to come when they have their grand opening!