tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26457447263372838302024-03-13T10:57:35.867-07:00La Inglesa CuriosaLa Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-69618025253598666512009-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:002009-10-16T08:32:25.471-07:00Festival Interational de Cine de Morelia<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZzVyJ4cBV4b8ad1tggHab7BsJc_Ut4bCxlZz733FzIod_VqOfle3Ef44SePdyVEmftqSwlqVshrQox0XNPMw3x-HkGVvDBX_n6r6UCwz3IzsuUhYQzVs2CfAbLdMfQAcPuEXYv0I35s/s1600-h/Festival+Morelia.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393213008382313138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZzVyJ4cBV4b8ad1tggHab7BsJc_Ut4bCxlZz733FzIod_VqOfle3Ef44SePdyVEmftqSwlqVshrQox0XNPMw3x-HkGVvDBX_n6r6UCwz3IzsuUhYQzVs2CfAbLdMfQAcPuEXYv0I35s/s400/Festival+Morelia.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last weekend I went to this film festival (<a href="http://www.moreliafilmfest.com/">http://www.moreliafilmfest.com/</a>) in Morelia. It was great to spend a weekend in such a beautiful city just watching films from all over the world. </div><br /><div>We saw films from Italy, the US and England (a film called Helen which I thought was pretentious rubbish) but the best was definately <em>Abrazos Rotos </em>by Almodover, which while still quirky enough to be an Almodover was very funny and popular with everyone.</div><br /><div>The festival is very well run making Morelia a popular location for the weekend but not over crowded nor over priced.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393215045191367986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD_ujfbMgt2mbXe7nhYGe1_zMLUPce-hIQf6sZQsZcpyYckll6Fs8I-9CLNrnclH2d3x_5_c70xlbXDqqEy7-nb41VOuVd2RygyU1hWghHEhjbInqFZlg3klnEwna0fUclKlNB6fmTqQ/s400/Morelia+View.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The city centre of Morelia is a world heritage site and also the capital of the state of Michoacan (famous for narcos.) The Spanish established a mission convent in the city and named it Valladolid in 1541. It is full of beautiful Spanish arhitecture and unlike in D.F the city is clean and well maintained (I'm told this was helped by the current governer who kicked all of the puestos [stalls/sellers] out of the centre.)</div><br /><div>While Michoacan is well known for drugs and drug related crime (beheadings and the like), as one taxi driver explained this has very little effect on the people living here who are not involved in the drug scene. The Morelians seem calm, laid back people making Morelia an even nicer place to visit.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393218174231849810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_q-v-G4P4G-sbdtHqv-Za2w1KFmC71XqyW1RofbhiGHQkN-MEGdxePbwUdskxRgklrfsKN0j4hoTuNJL-_HUuUC_MymJN0TKEonyB1TxzkvM57Y5AM-HuxzNGGmX9_pBZ6E2htGxxfU/s400/Morelia+Street.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p>Anyway, back in D.F life is chaos once again with the <em>Luz y Fuerza </em>electritans' union marching down the main road (Reforma) all of yesterday making traffic an even bigger nightmare than usual. It seems Calderon has taken a very small leaf out of Maggie's book by shutting down this inefficient, corrupt and powerul union (there are still many more to go.) While he is offering 33 months redundancy payment it still means unemployment due to corruption amongst government and union leaders. And chaos to everyone else.</p>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-2893671327856068932009-06-20T14:04:00.000-07:002009-06-20T15:36:06.960-07:00TulaA couple of weeks ago (yes, I know I'm slow) Zoe and I took a trip to Tula as this is one of the items on her list of things to do/see/eat before she leaves Mexico at the end of this month (noooooooo!!!) Sadly I am rarely the initiator of an archeological site trip (I call it "more into art and modern history" others may call it "pleb") so if this blog is lacking in detail I do apologise.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349527739992895298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwF-rBxvKQmZtOQ4_1AZCREOJIC6o-K5yQDw4v1fUobh2mvtCJKnR_h3A8WyhQoT2k6nMu7aLjppl-buBijn1S9xIvozj3d6uLbINaW2hawKKz3iH1DxWDZhBtxwVVuCWbGJU7yjscGo/s400/BILD0310.JPG" border="0" /> Tula (originally Tollan) was once the capital of the Toltec - those believed to have inhabitated and dominated pre-Columbian central Mexico between the 10th and 12th Century AD. I say 'believed' because Wikipedia considers the Toltec "possibly real and possibly fictional" (not that I would ever use such a lazy and unrealiable source as wiki for my blog.) However my guide book and those handy information boards around the ruins present the Toltec and its tradditions as historical facts so I shall proceed in this manner.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349530379113886882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yPN73dutl84CpuS0TT5-22ET43f4A5Pq3_RzDxuIcJmiNYF11dLAdAHOu5iiLOjJZzcGs7bdWzTqCd8vvu-CGthJT_umVSBMCZik3Uv8zBTkS31sWYZO_kVbfjgRkrTxyGBJ7M-ZRKo/s400/BILD0321.JPG" border="0" /><br />Anyway back to Tula: What I most liked about it and what it is most famous for are its Atlantean colossal statues (gigantes) that were originally used as columns to support a temple on top of what is now one of the site's pyramids. They are 15 feet tall and make still make a striking impression despite having been thrown down a ramp when Tollan was destroyed (possibly by the Chichimec [no tengo ni idea! Research it at your own risk.])<br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349530935554502354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWI_bmU_4qp3YqMX0zWDR0sEF42mxvd5PY6-7upR9tplyutm1UWMc6d3DIlaMg39_4_8a359VsJaewLNex8SyCCUOr7D2QFsLCghQt0o2otxIoJJ19FCFvBdTQsEhmoLjc78rfUgoCXc/s400/BILD0303.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349531785458339346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBbJwa-TX_-Ylg_sZ_Q9mmKZHMe9Vd56xMsdCnWWA_NYsUikRKgw8CHH3p3hwnJFk-SX3AVKB6z8ePFwWF0IWo94VUGrfbjnU3ZgRctPlrPC0yFtKL9UVvChmDxli1I3MFl4RP0nyjH4/s400/BILD0309.JPG" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349532395632159826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZOIAaWlB1Vjff52BF9pMKgwQ5SVd1tLtR-HyXzXZrlEuoL3muTBj4OZeF-I3G_82m2nlnPWdj-IO83G8G_jf3uSGECyWmxqIhL_lD4nWxLzavneYDHBJHe23XkjpPAoEEsMHb3wJ3oA/s400/BILD0317.JPG" border="0" /> On the site there are also ruins of a palace...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349535587971852834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCjVk_x058YfeYn92YAa3ebYTWgZdMgM5QH4nKhJG3cUuo9F2ZbYqg02vvfZuf5bsLUCymStBqV87a07m-qG2MsOB0BEQh-MtKIV5li6L__AMDTsCkckOP4WVEdB5yT6yyV-n_yjU-AQ/s400/BILD0308.JPG" border="0" />...an altar (TA-DAA!)...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349536317974974498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0jq446o7ljfJwI2ZIAhJ6fs0OaUB4HmjIW6v_FYKpuiW29e-DbbU0ysKN_KnHv9N6uDwksYK8C5ce8PNx2qNfI75IexBDyPtxlI9a_WleI-fZ8swdp2ZKtV5nYWi2XQU_l1hohHOKto/s400/BILD0298.JPG" border="0" /><br />...another temple...<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349537434864585298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL4DEsMSpLoeniBBlpRTdJTFOyDOunv3PchJTGEzLHP2jl3fCW4lvEmTaaHLPpx1KKEAgE8ti7VvYEA03rRTUmfuvSrY4NXeqU0sUC6TboY_T0XjZA7p7Wxx19GkGBq9M30hoYsRifgo/s400/BILD0297.JPG" border="0" />...and, of course, a reference to sacrfice (on the serpent wall surrounding a small plaza) with images of snakes devouring human skulls.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349538352792144578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YQJ-CeK5658EoZtpwF4byPs-hYtuJ5lxJsiHViEgocpVck57eDTabL2tD69DdckFFPCfgdii3aQWAr71NTA4hDKU1JxPrSV2GzYEDBvYVoZD8u8EpKUAnq6ywcihYFYgtqVwqlfdIWg/s400/BILD0295.JPG" border="0" /> There is also an ancient ball court (the largest in central Mexico) but this was undergoing restoration on our visit so I was unable to see it. <p>All in all it was a good day and I am pleased to have seen the site and been on a pyramid viewing venture since I do live in Mexico and am well aware how proud many of the Mexicans I have met are of their ancient culture.</p>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-73158203373141957252009-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:002009-04-30T11:54:54.378-07:00Life in Swine Flu CityI realise that living in Mexico City I can not avoid a post on the current pandemic (or potential pandemic, however you see it). But I don't really know what I can say on the matter that has not already been said and overexaggerated in the press (see; any British newspaper.) <div></div><div>Hence I will try to correct or verify what has been said/shown:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Mexico City is not a ghost town: Shops and most businesses are open and most continue to work/shop/go on with their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>2. Measures have been taken: Restarants, bars, schools (includng my school) and gyms (AND my gym) are closed. People are taking extra care with hygiene and kissing hello has stopped (although people do still communicate with one another and while they keep their distance it is not 6 feet [shock shcok horror horror].)</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330527580672029586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteRhOc2ZDXNG_UBaAJMzYhig6G7lMejGXt6Ms1LEWX0RFItSGuoeXrg-9EHiGUfzDNJIk6vmueVa973VDay3NowfjPR-GZnJyamxuzNEocu8_IWnO8unslos1mSNPsxy8sW7Z1panzRM/s400/3122_76162607356_505082356_1616265_1722012_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>3. The masks are worn and are stupid. Their name; <em>tapaboca </em>(mouth lid) is even dumber. The idea that a piece of cloth protecting your mouth is going to protect us all from the disease is ridiculous especially considering the number of articles I have read explaining that only good hygiene will help and that the moisture the masks absorb may only make things worse. They are however very popular with the Mexicans and I do wear mine on the metro out of courtesy but nothing else. I am now the proud owner of about 5 as they are being handed out EVERYWHERE. Another important point regarding the masks is that Mexicans have always been partial to a <em>tapaboca</em> even before this outbreak. Throughout my 8 months in this country I have often spotted Mexicans (with colds I assume) wearing them. This leads to my next point...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>4. Mexicans are scared of getting sick. They always maintain high levels of hygiene and take real pride in a clean house (to such a level that even the most obsessive compulsive of British housewives (or husbands [this is an a pro equality blog I'll have you know] would be put to shame.) I fear this may be because in a developing country such as this people may well die of ordinary flu/illnesses. Hence I would really like to have more information about those who have died so far and exactly how many of these cases can be confirmed as having been caused by the virus.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330527896157849954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 387px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe3k-XpcEkMF972BuowIoP2uo21vGka3FdmSGPzdOkKhbmP4t1gOvdwnvnRpQCZJU905AcwXyuXC2uaFxlRJTX1QRQlhYnfo3kzMTasEQPYvSIzz_7EM_sM4EZo27YtuJf0mPZaI7sT8/s400/3122_76162622356_505082356_1616268_405071_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>5. I do not feel like like a character in John Christopher's <em>Empty World</em> (who'd have known that one of Mr. Kidd's dull choice of reading matter for my 12 y.o self would ever come up?) nor is D.F like the set of <em>28 Days/Weeks/Months/Fortnights/etc Later</em> (a series I have never seen but which is currently popular amongst the other disaster movies selling out in movies stores/illegal puestos everywhere.)</div><div><br /></div><div>6. And finally, as with any good Potential Pandemic, War (see Iraq) or Royal Death (see Princess Di) there are of course conspiracy theories a plenty. Most popular amongst Mexicans being that this was created by the U.S (who else?) for their evil plan for world domination (Obama did visit barely a week ago). In close second the virus was created by Calderon to distract from the financial crisis and his lack of success with the drug cartels (although many of his cabinet have recieved some financial success from those.)</div><div><br />So, as you may well have worked out by now I am currently at home with no gym nor bar nor restaurant. Hence I am having a rather pleasant government imposed relaxing time. I am listening to Spanish classes on Spanishpod (excellent podcast service for language learners) and finally have the chance to read Smith's <em>Theory of Moral Sentiments</em> which Pat kindly bought me from the U.S (v.interesting so far, I'm on chapter 5.) </div><div></div><div></div><div>All I really want to say is please please please do not worry about me. It is terrible and devastating that people have died from this virus (as death always is) and I am truly sorry for all those Mexicans who have lost their loved ones and hope the current number of fatalities increases no further. However the POSSIBLE (remembered not all have been confirmed H1N1 cases) fraction of fatalitites from the virus is still very low and that yes, the WHO has raised the warning level but this seems to be more due to the spreading of the disease rather than the danger of the disease itself.</div><div>Obviously I am following the official advice given and while I am well aware of the risk here I do not feel myself to be in serious danger but I promise to keep monitoring the situation.</div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-64502459137849135262009-04-14T14:34:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:25:55.996-07:00EasterAfter a load of complications and different offers for what to do for Easter, we simply rented a car and went to the beach. This time, instead of going to Acapulco (like the rest of the population in DF) we headed that way but drove a little further up the coast with 'the palace' (see below) and stayed on one of the many vigin beaches between Zihuatanejo and Acapulco, in a town called Arenal.<br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324668047378030178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRznXl7OSeypw931dIAkcQRY_247v6hm6UB4zTGn0JG4tN65W5QnlFjiwFuRqs_QZkoBz9IMbpNV78cEH5pRScXfMTaDU12XkUX4mlIZxgnViF8bU9yptsbWbmKWDoGmfEnArCZTb3Go/s400/Tent+overlooking+ocean.JPG" border="0" />We followed the first signs we saw for cabanas and arrived at the above, owned by an old man with just some hammocks, tables and a small "restaurant" (a very basic kitchen serving only fresh fish, tortillas and beer). The people were lovely and let us pitch up our tent for nothing. The place was frequented by fisherman and families from Arenal with whom we spent some evenings playing dominoes and drinking cervesa. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324666256381888658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtnPSWI5is847KBWb8kdFD0buri6KDL06HC0zXfWoQPiS2X7_m6AmPEm7A22pAh54WxaU-SYJC2AQ8N2l1GQa7dosjyscUETu3h9gP03lDhbJWg7LoEVDislJaZYdwZUp5UwcDdRyI2I/s400/The+cabana.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>On the Friday we took a small drive down the coast to a nearby laguna we had been told about to go swimming and have a BBQ (we bought ours with us but unfortunately forgot the grill; photo below) which was really beautiful.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324669319974734770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7BLQoC8r9bmUzEgsbLSf-YG-t3aNJhr9WfJXRPql9vBSRWbwR4XsaBJ9r0JBToXvE3kpQw1T_gq2rz3Q3AWzHlHoHalLnHk46zit1UJyVwfwZUbaHcJlMQ4rNeiVBEQnKRKD_RGnnuM/s400/Laguna.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326559580082330850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeF2hUwglRvjPiKEU3huvjnQx4KYtZ4ZVQWKEkPP_pZF-noiaTh77CI522HjbyPxPcA3taTAR2loI1FjGyrLsJiyuTx30s3M8TzfHX7_xF8b6MStWeMuBpwh0Bc9aiUp8UxAyIbXRgeQ/s400/BBQ.JPG" border="0" />Unforunately on our drive back to the cabana our car became stuck in the sand and there was no way of moving it. We went back to the laguna to ask a small family for some help and soon we had an army of Mexicans pushing the car out. After sharing out our vodka with them (modern manners) we were safely on our way back to the cabana.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326560601599568338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NQMyEPGD5Y2GcuEl2qm8VDx98Tqz4QQcfhQsPoaz52uBhJ7PlRDSKXmmd0dFSsNqMZ9aVVMP4CDZHM_pYvfgGxktqYfT9Gw-1KZyoU7VXkzqbtxUO7K-U6rOvkGlQqQoLxQBm3LJdPI/s400/Me+in+front+of+laguna.JPG" border="0" />Now, after a great break I am back at work with a big fat timetable just trying to think of the money and not go insane over the 3rd person singular (he HAS a car - he does not HAVE a car!) and of course looking forward to my next holiday.La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-42792659975826542332009-03-29T18:07:00.000-07:002009-03-29T19:13:14.012-07:00Barbie Girls!After hearing about Mum and Dad's visit to a Barbie exhibition during their stay in Mexico, Zoe and I obviously had to take that trip to the Franz Mayer (below) to see it for ourselves.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318782063205802946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKywPzt_IvKiXywhn5-SV1-iDK02xTTnd5ToYf5fFIC-scJ7pbCEjahzH1FUlsnxA3vxyn9kmSYyWKMm6Z_hBYB_H0Bp7HcZ1bE_-1x7KevwiO8gT5xTpGBGCCnTy4Yyzyzq-iR8NtsEM/s400/Museum.jpg" border="0" />Celerating 50 years of the plastic icon, the exhibit shows Barbie reflecting the times and pop culture throughout the past half century.<br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318784398793641234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxioC4eGOrZiAef7Cm7izvnkShLKa1m-0EzlV1xAR-6nWFjYCmBkp9h0Z0WcJsrNuEh0J66c1tka8hsYtk4VTZwt05VHld54gyNjlofj5PyQzPw19NMBk2E4apeoM8a8dtLl0krm1em4/s400/Gone+with+the+Wind.jpg" border="0" /> Above: Gone with the Wind; Below: Wonderwoman and Bond<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318784603959897890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QQzQwipJbBQv5oNfs8YfDAdH7PW6d0NMieys-sYn8-taAfika8CpLsHaPzVpl_JMQgS_SUKFtUbJK6QrjHNtV2JwCqVDMXJ1iZ-mmlmBTCQcpILRstchBF6_TnWDvBNGn3NFfQzUWKo/s400/Wonderwoman+and+Bond.jpg" border="0" />From French maid to baseball player to American president Barbie could both conform to and challenge sexist stereotypes.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318789974472775682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnmsMyKvu4CCMKfJRtakW1cWCRaa7IdtCUEbCs1DYIbPI92AqEv7Qtj4mbEvRSjJFq0z3kGbMldHc3o_5_45sH2G5vg3XwGWUJO_iVqMeNqOf5yqsIPgEpbeart_oZTP_yri7xw7rJTU/s400/French+maid.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKeT7UmBlx0iAWauItoKh-dALlEV-cBAMtCdWUIHoS5fBqqRSTwGEQ7radyux9YFVSNQXlY-0OkaDmxaM0g8m-vB1FoY0i9jP3crwIAQHjQ8_J0Ntc4Qj8M4zzrE_QBbEXU5dEKzQv3Q/s1600-h/American+president.jpg"></a></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318790086670616178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi813D8-_IUiOhkUd-9zy0vgvPwLg7KcTq2Zga0u4H_uVNgvY7R_zxzLbIDl4Y4aM7Z1ndlVWdZmql0wi7lDIAvYKl8kHfFKe06aIGrBtd8XnP8pnadkfVClgBcCdO6L75UHPYbTrHaz70/s400/American+president.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>She was created by Ruth Handler to offer a different type of doll that was neither a child nor a baby. She was named after Handler's child, Barbara, as was Ken (a little disturbing this me thinks.) </div><div><br />The exhibit displayed Barbies from all around the world, including Mexico (of course...)<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318786053898917954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8esElqn_qaPf728BpDLkmZsf6XrFh_Chvd5W_1Kz4fWn_HY0sOasNDfv2nua1fT8nMPYn3My0Wl34a0WdzqshDriDLD3x1HtBbdYDwI9kyHctuif8bdV1DcJpqQqOpLbz7SocVtdQzY/s400/Mexicana.jpg" border="0" />...and Blighty (spot the British Barbie hahaha);<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318786384783897058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d-hvHcheqbrM4_l-aGbCLp8YyAkAU0K2JFK5g7r3k8DDk7D7yskrUBxjRaAiubSJZDDIkxo5fT0EWgJtsUk_yzPAhQNu8oHySLqe5xmzIaoP9AGKCBvpjJTANtR5jpEuj0vsreUdJ7M/s400/Zoe+and+Brit+barbie.jpg" border="0" />The exhibit also demonstrates Barbie's role in fashion and to celebrate her 50th Birthday, designers from all round the world have created new outfits for her. Below is one by a Mexican designer that I particularly liked;</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318787064677725890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhCULwBungeKa8DUXfco6DpIMl2_1zjcBjj9_eKnxgdLPqdSslPIQCS1lVMQzLMm6NL-6J7iCS0ELnC6lduAcmktDG8AmtGqx5gnGBkaFB7XAzrzdjg_ELNjCOkOSaz70Y9Gs1vkRnZ0/s400/Mexican+desgner+barbie.jpg" border="0" />In case visitng a Barbie exhibit full of young children was not barking enough, Zoe and I could not resist a photo in the Barbie boxes outside the exhibit (although some 5 year olds did have to be fought off first)<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1Cjg5QCZaqP2tkLtgK1DG45RdIcaxxwPo46pbmaH4fG3wOR0f63g9zsOohyAAZ4wZdd7MGl1MxIlOMO0et83fIGlqzE2p33kf15uT40hhETjj79IcVxae5z6tdphI0xzCz2xwrteRTs/s1600-h/Me+in+Barbie+Box.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318787574503975506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1Cjg5QCZaqP2tkLtgK1DG45RdIcaxxwPo46pbmaH4fG3wOR0f63g9zsOohyAAZ4wZdd7MGl1MxIlOMO0et83fIGlqzE2p33kf15uT40hhETjj79IcVxae5z6tdphI0xzCz2xwrteRTs/s320/Me+in+Barbie+Box.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jXYibsl-5hLXpkpPrEokD56vcy5LYW470Z8aW3eQFMUiVPnPSzSqVTDObm6rQgoAEHkkU9mDZ4MlkSSPxL1BMr978xX0fAcwHbIMCY15mK_8iAiCTIIL8S8Cp-MnaZ6DB1Or2MFTDoQ/s1600-h/Zoe+in+Barbie+box.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318787710514693842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jXYibsl-5hLXpkpPrEokD56vcy5LYW470Z8aW3eQFMUiVPnPSzSqVTDObm6rQgoAEHkkU9mDZ4MlkSSPxL1BMr978xX0fAcwHbIMCY15mK_8iAiCTIIL8S8Cp-MnaZ6DB1Or2MFTDoQ/s320/Zoe+in+Barbie+box.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Overall it was a really fun day and we left with Aqua's Barbie Girl song stuck firmly in our heads (however, should anyone ask, I never owned a Barbie and grew up with educational toys only [- oh how I loved my junior laboratory and mini calculator!])</div></div></div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-33666226037673411132009-01-27T10:07:00.000-08:002009-01-29T16:11:09.548-08:00Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera MuseumsMy last week of holiday before school was spent in DF and so I had the chance to visit the two museums I have been keen to see for a long time; the Frida Kahlo and the Diego Rivera...<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Blue House</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zehtKVtj2B19Ya8LgUb-GqK4Jdq3mVl2sJMNHWUAYHYgxmCGO2jQ4YiOm9blsxsSPKx7OeuXjVN8tVjEhWU_cmb162LYmsrj-9EJWwZtHzntx5KaVfkoUCaz3WZZabyLDnScM0JsBT8/s1600-h/The+Blue+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296796819260718786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zehtKVtj2B19Ya8LgUb-GqK4Jdq3mVl2sJMNHWUAYHYgxmCGO2jQ4YiOm9blsxsSPKx7OeuXjVN8tVjEhWU_cmb162LYmsrj-9EJWwZtHzntx5KaVfkoUCaz3WZZabyLDnScM0JsBT8/s200/The+Blue+House.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is where Frida Kahlo was born and where she lived periodically with Diego Rivera. The house is in beautiful Coyoacan, is ovbviously blue and has works by Frida, Diego and other artists, plus letters they sent eachother, a great big pile of Communist literature and a mini pyramid in the garden.<br />After seeing the inside of the house (taking photos unfortunately prohibited) I practiced my Spanish watching the video at the museum: From what I can gather Kahlo, in many ways had a very unhappy life, with a husband who had various affairs (including one with her sister) and spent a lot of time in hospital (due to polio at the 6 and a bus accident in 1925). She was also childless and suffered many miscarriages which she often references in her paintings.<br />Although, on the other hand I'm not entirely sure life for Frida was ALL the doom and gloom she made out. I think she was an outgoing, confident human being, always favouring the more tradditional Mexican dress and painting herself with prominent Mexican features (thick eyebrows and yes, a bit of a tash). She also managed to have her own affair with Leon Trotsky while he was exiled in Mexico DF...<br /><br />...However in the painting below she does liken herself to a wounded animal.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296798167396612386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3M3w8K5n6VxHhj7Iuknbp7kPktSn76Y3Itx3Y2bTq3GCZLb3Zz7zKhBK0XroFZG89ElYBecdbqxBcaHMTBViCh2qPkZsFqOrq7L61GJRTsPLKY8I1m9VfA6Qp_FJwFg1znnDFH0WITA/s400/frida_kahlo_the_little_deer_1946%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> It was particularly fun visiting the museum with my dramatic friend Vanessa who wandered around the house comparing herself to Kahlo at every oppourtunity. </p>Below is a photo V took of me outside the house:<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296799302771177746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzk1Y1ohowEVONQP6Q1KTo-UP-Jr9l5hUYGKhdlB86yY7LQzHA2-dI1qhonovDZK6CwJsCnhnulw5-pZBgJJeKVBavfs4E6aoLEnwBHxCrPw0SxPNg8Ijqi1xpuEbfqumYtYTsUF77Bd0/s400/Me_Frida_1.jpg" border="0" />Either way it was a great day and fascinating to visit the wacky house of this wacky but talented artist with my extremely wacky friend.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Anahuacalli</strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296804089639537410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKekceOEMFiOq_qLhWC50XRCiTrYxp1aTecxprZcKI75it3GmS29VtyOhDvBjv6ukeZE525R50zs_yq_vf-kKnSLnu5tBwjHiGZV98lALr1lEa_336Pq803ebv7-aa0-rDh7woI2iUW0/s400/Diego_building.JPG" border="0" /> Rivera designed Anahuacalli as a place to display his Pre-Columbian artefacts. It is made out of dark Volcanic stone and is reminiscent of a Maya tomb, inside being cool and dark. In all honesty I was expecting this place to be rather dull, being a bit of a pleb when it comes to ancient history but with the (free [of course]) tour guide I found it pretty interesting especially thinking how old many of the items in the museum are. <p>Diego's collection is huge, and includes models of warriors...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296806956033103650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlOVTPwoPqZkrWI_6Mb9B7ZSAewzdgmgWas39Lz6v182PwjkSn71WSEsHctZkeaX-kRs9T9hHSa7ULW7Axg-cg1xS1eBqrXaGS38TYW1aLOEZ-WM8E7xBN1gzfnXMp87ZvQLjC736wz8/s400/Diego_warrior+models.JPG" border="0" />...childrens' dolls made from the historic version of playdough...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296807687535565490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFppbwHcw4wCUjCe79c6Oa3L3yONsKb1zqcv7m6cPJO-YPyloGK6LlLEy9QfAu2CvKYbpGj4QFJuZ-I4Vht5cqYRPuqEP26ngLOUKilaE7iJrirpBqKvPWh2XUAADMezzT_kEJPcjD5Pc/s400/Diego_Children+dolls.JPG" border="0" /> ...and what may look like a jug but, when filled with certain levels of water, wacked and blown into correctly is in fact a musical instrument:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296808388969511266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RKINPday50p7AEQVWlKnFaXk-RxOHayFvgg_CG6jiHEMHlTXCp8RWwYXIhSNxVjssIMuVrNxbJn9myiqtBPPjQKXDvGbtYu-2usb-Xrung3MCPkgKGvcd3TCWRvXBvFtEgyvLV7-Khg/s400/Diego_instrument.JPG" border="0" />I also liked some Diego's personal touches especially his snake and Communist (what else?) themed ceilings:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296809343059387938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3CoVQceyHrZxQicqdLpDKrmyHFinaQuAHFJzRzrTv9zK84ubNJgN8md5jYs-Hb6oyxcfcPZMk3rjDMehW1JU9rRb71KuGorTmPSK-6q6I9282JEhXVoS6P8mcaKP4U-BHm4IyrSz9rk/s400/Diego_Ceiling+snake.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296810879098966642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QEub9iZLYW_i1nHUj9omGDJY63hio1qatD7-Xw2P_nIflgk9qlZsbu3Aw8zijIjXs1W6YQQ8PAPbOz32LEPHOdwbPlbbPxp3Pzgp-ZGDwpA9IwUsmhO4UzNxmWmZURSU06i-e9gkJD4/s400/Diego_Ceiling+Communsm.JPG" border="0" /><br />And the random frogs/toads on the ground floor:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296867124269279938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT2NsG6JLYxryl9u-N5wK9b7El5pFRdSsL25OIyd6XpE9YehoO-KJl-GaVu5oB1vgVf7QTDizfs9ymX4-B2KPzoavPYc1fAotxNAFtw2_0L0UUye41MXdIZV7u-LkfDT41aDHiIcuwTs/s400/Diego_Frogs+on+floor.JPG" border="0" />From the terraza there are views of the surrounding city and volcanoes in the distance although I am sure they were easier to see when Dego built his museum and Mexico City was not one of the most polluted places in the world (got to love that filthy sky)!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296867889447864450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTNziDhIXn-VQ5caidtDMwQSbht_UhGj6gbKRbxqYAz3uyWE_6v1Cfwm9Jt-AZNXYrCVHqdPbB39aOr6EbKqLb1N-65NxhTjcZf8NjGduUx24i1MEhuhQm-SM4Q2lPNPdNJ9c1sfk4-U/s400/Diego_view+from+roof.JPG" border="0" />Outside of the museum there was also an alebrije; a paper maiche cross between a monster and an animal. These are a very common and tradditional type of art in Mexico and come in all forms and sizes (although this one was a biggy). Having mocked other tourists for taking photos of themselves "fighting" the monster, Zoe and I later did the very same: <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296868314185969954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAIT0GRTw2_DVBdxW24PpK-1DgNMVcfHMnmtO9y4eSSPZ0uLcHALmKuXNCyHD1_s-zPUNQZ_lkn7Ct8kXoiKUoqwVD7NKwIdxGnJOrrmL0GcuoS5V4vRHIG0Z1iwOIS0bDKLAbz1b5BM/s400/Me+attacking+alebrije.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Overall it was a great week and one which makes me very grateful to live in such an interesting city with so much to do and such interesting inhabitants. </div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-23904688693593909422009-01-22T05:35:00.000-08:002009-01-22T17:15:02.207-08:002009 and KingsOk so after way too long a gap I will now be tryng to update my blog for January before February comes along with even more to add.<br /><br /><strong>New Year in Acapulco</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRThI2rTZb8FK9T4C4ZLRy_Fanb-2t0mK-zLw1QeJAlWKtHpYbNkXeJHHg86uLSHjsbdypj_i58Q_Y45TSRmhxpj-pFLxP7n8YSnRWUERL9myo11ySb5Cdgqidn3kJLeaGxjIgTRoHgbM/s1600-h/Me+in+club.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294152226351299298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRThI2rTZb8FK9T4C4ZLRy_Fanb-2t0mK-zLw1QeJAlWKtHpYbNkXeJHHg86uLSHjsbdypj_i58Q_Y45TSRmhxpj-pFLxP7n8YSnRWUERL9myo11ySb5Cdgqidn3kJLeaGxjIgTRoHgbM/s200/Me+in+club.JPG" border="0" /></a>As mentioned in my previous blog I spent New Year in Acapulco at the beach as I was very kindly invited by my roomate. Acapulco is a lot of fun and a very popular tourist destination, being one of the nearest beaches from Mexico City. It was therefore packed with "Chilangos" (Mexico D.F dwellers) for the complete NY period making it a great place for parties but not for virgin beaches and stunning scenery. Either way a good time was had by all and the hangovers were probably not as bad as we deserved although the us joruney back could have been shorter...<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>6th January - Piñatas and the Arrival of The Kings</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294159999826608098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioujreFEo_stZkn7hWlgGJmA6LEe_9v-gJcShNSuBOz4D58UuYC-iSxnt751CLYNa9bZvPwr-eLN_Rfhne1TKyzi9YFgJ23Uk_FU85w4s7j7iZFmkhb6YPB86YIEZdKG5tdInN_vBN5j4/s400/Pinata_3+Kings.JPG" border="0" />The arrival of the 3 Kings is yet another important festival in Mexico. Although many poor Mexicans do still have to go to work, the day does not pass by unnoticed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294154447320311330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ut29S9FcVwWnydrbrk9ZMJvtcDkn3kWN1eR7tpjbpVnY5-vHiy25J3Ay5D4MR5C7YnjKUxdolhJR_96HtfJJkVO_LDZa_j1NYHrZ7diV2uDTTLsX_BsBuX6TE9S1TZNZjBmn9Phxl5s/s400/Nativity.JPG" border="0" /> Fortunately for Zoe and I, IH was still on holiday and so we took ourselves off to the Mueso de Arte Popular (as mentioned in a previous blog) to see their Piñata exhibition (what else?).<br />[In the picture below I am just in front of a random Paper Mache peacock which has very little to do with the exhibtion, I just liked the bird.]<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294158882309553634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnv5gVpGots8ND44ay_S6mxtcIL7lPex1Gi37q5iQfJXnqAN8i4Sbr2GFw7RBffHooEAExl4MjVd0eF3ULODTiAQQrBQUXK2owhyphenhyphen_2MTuhNBHNmeGNQJlaEYuqtGeQ_j70yZyyTE7ln4/s400/Me+in+front+of+peacock.JPG" border="0" /> ANYWAY... Piñatas are extremely popular at Meixcan parties and are traddtionally star shaped with 7 points to represent the 7 Deadly Sins. You then bash them about untill gifts (usually sweets and little toys) fall out. This is done blindfolded in turns and is actually a lot of fun as I have been lucky enough to experiance first hand.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294158077868398146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DGyaB7s9Z8B6GvQWYOC-kxybKqV9nM4zOCAQAJqRd8c7cvcQlEiUsgyGslpV8gJoOmZUViYqC1UHGDwWMzvSfSUwgYeBxvP5mxvrjtkfiblzw7v3GHdkVz05gCGJ7KET2oJFXyZl6-Q/s400/Pinata_golden.JPG" border="0" /> The exhibition however had a range of beautiful and unique piñatas. My favourites probably being the Kings (above) and this little guy below:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294161205201056354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXnT_6wZz9FuFBWwmQVvmTrQhOQ5uUbjv3-tdRuDsQBYtZHJK0PZlQYWwjej46KtEU4Xs5ePI3PL2QrmfP5TQPM8tLyB0tFm2EuQDzs4Wy7Nw6IgPp9JNUSvYeh2_0TifwCvPIKJknKM/s400/Pinata_Loro.JPG" border="0" /> After the museum I then had to buy la <em>Rosca </em>for the party Vanesa and I organised for <em>Dia de los Reyes Magos</em>. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294286516265034274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTKpvNO40jj2LMYgAFBtg3sDSaw6-TJqwUfhRUox9bz0hjmnBQnynE1LtELzNxvzQnBHNn8ctRnfQya2lkf7vE6T8AQdwXs86qbchjpDYcm7SfzE2KP0sLRjb8gGKtrDRc51MBmM3k84/s400/rosca_edited.jpg" border="0" />This party essentially involves gathering friends and eating Rosca (a sweet bread; above) with hot chocolate.<br />The only tricky part is cutting the Rosca as baked inside are small dolls (2 in our case) and whoever touches them with the knife is doomed to make tamales for all the people at the party on 2nd February.<br />The dolls are believed to represent the "hiding" of Jesus to protect him from Herodes, however I still don't know the significance of 2nd February although I'm sure I shall within the next fortnight...<br />Fortunately I was spared from the making tamales but look forward to trying Zoe and Pat's efforts shortly. Hahahahaha...La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-56136145653666015032008-12-26T17:49:00.000-08:002008-12-27T11:52:51.691-08:00Christmastime and VeracruzSo the past few days have been absolutely mad but I will try a general recap of the highlights:<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><strong>Pozadas and Parties</strong><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHrYwU6gWTBHD8YLDcqI7On3rrYhkbjRD6XGoionn4ObxchKjGvfaNXflsxNADt27S2Hynh3xs3RXgQ7YQNMvN6HGaDwpsv2qgTlgqQh50ydz8hQ34eTHIkiRNJQ5n7CeSN2_2SbT5Sw/s1600-h/Me+and+Jake+with+our+new+Ts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284282672777644626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHrYwU6gWTBHD8YLDcqI7On3rrYhkbjRD6XGoionn4ObxchKjGvfaNXflsxNADt27S2Hynh3xs3RXgQ7YQNMvN6HGaDwpsv2qgTlgqQh50ydz8hQ34eTHIkiRNJQ5n7CeSN2_2SbT5Sw/s200/Me+and+Jake+with+our+new+Ts.jpg" border="0" /></a>As mentioned in a previous blog, we are currently undergoing "The Marathon" here in Mexico which involves numerous Christmas parties and Pozadas (special Mexican Xmas parties). This has been better accomodated by the IH Christmas holiday. To round off the school year there was an IH Xmas dinner. This was a lot of fun although the British teachers at the school quickly revealed themselves when it came to attacking the open bar (as shown by the slightly pink faces in the photo). Raffle prizes were also won and I am now the proud owner of an IH T-shirt, although I would have prefered the printer/scanner which Zoe won (grrr...)<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh13BEqStjdmU3AJmIn46xxyl_VoGC2KM2UcB2UzD2q7olENnhkZntSAS3IJkli5wWD09dmw1sud9vHgZoFeFmtDlYusoAERhI-98m2D1NqhscNA2VZ4weucVAm5vyc4mElqUejtTYR0/s1600-h/Me+Pat+Jenne+Pozada.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284285309363753890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh13BEqStjdmU3AJmIn46xxyl_VoGC2KM2UcB2UzD2q7olENnhkZntSAS3IJkli5wWD09dmw1sud9vHgZoFeFmtDlYusoAERhI-98m2D1NqhscNA2VZ4weucVAm5vyc4mElqUejtTYR0/s200/Me+Pat+Jenne+Pozada.JPG" border="0" /></a>The IH party was of course only a "pre" for the Pozada that night. At Pozadas one usually ends up in a firend of a friend's house in some part of the City you will never remember, in the front garden, bashing pinatas, attempting to Salsa, lighting candles and singing painfully long Mexican Christmas songs. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Veracruz</strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284288421361362018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6GlzOANNg8qyL9dVQVc91Fnt_0-eMJpI9KHcRJNYPLsmpQ8THQP3lHD2xk3q3Q3jf4VUAEalL6QPUPdSA-vwI3i-DDmEpFcbrPlyHw5e4kkZ0omiTbvYv3YgF6R6UALqy6DXQbljeK0/s400/Me_V_Tajin.JPG" border="0" /> A couple of days before Christmas I finally took my friend Vanessa up on her offer of staying with her family in Veracruz. Bus tickets were bought and we arrived in Poza Rica where her Mother had made us some delicious Pozole (Mexican bean/meat stew) before we took ourselves out to visit the town. Vanessa's family is lovely and her Grandmother is a particular riot, keen to tell me how much I look like "la novia de Principe Guillermo" (Kate Middleton) and share her views on our Royal Family. After explaining that the courts had in fact proved Princess Di was not murdered I decided it was best to give up agree that yes, it was an assasination all arranged by Al Fayed. <div></div><div>The next day Vannessa's mum took us to see nearby Tajin, a pre-hispanic city, initially constructed in the first Century. It reminded me of the Romans, in the sense that these early Pre-hispanic communities built specific buildings for religion, health and other Roman like purposes in a rather Roman like way and that, as Tajin was abandoned by the Spaniards, all that remains are these impressive ruins. </div></div></div></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284289855100473298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YnJJT895IMIoocj1_qbv_tu0sH_CdW8STsXZhUBnYVqq-kOdMw9YLcmPoiM-XvqjRlunqrQOjoWlOBjedQrzeaDgz_A-vqeiZwj-IL0ut9XXudLZijVHUYjOwW8hvFuNttpjEdK8YWo/s400/Taijin_2.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>After this we watched <em>Voladores (flyers)</em>, once a tradditional form of Totonac Indian worship. The flyers climb up to the top of a very high pole while one plays a wooden flute, attach themselves to a rope (attached to top of pole, obviously) which they twist around the top of the pole and fly down upside down:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284301190110355618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oyPRiskZ0ivNAaZwtfRuKMwg7JShPPhS43W9KQcgWH6XPbi40asKyKd0G1ZrnbyCymOYegkpHat83FFDEDZmOu7Q_Db8o3EPvneyuzRgtCDDzFDw7w7oiKCPCr5I-BC5xfA4A7uDneQ/s400/Voladores+begin+to+climb.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284301496446935298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOx6b7QlYdl6AKe7_juA1NvhMPbxnfxxqTcaJHS3nykzNMWAYb1Uut0SiTtud1LIaepOAtqH8qt_N5KSlU1x6bvE95-KwYMIEhrr2qBqcRqYtFQyw3V-LnyroJc-Z_R8nbPYesrMYGFA/s400/Voladores+flying.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284301847592830578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbshdZrpLrsNnzjDkyk4O7cBQNVuszRjPmOqRECYdZyl2l3i5xmtfSSxMOkUF2ve5zzDxXkfuzIUHeksOsBIZKQKBvx0y8VxoyxQrcMIQmfOm8tZE9tydmVKP9-eCVhc9e0RlU5fF0fSI/s400/Volador+close+up.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>Navidad en DF</strong></div><div>While I could have gladly stayed with Vanessa in Veracruz for longer (and I intend to return), I had to get back to DF for Christmas. The 24th being the main event for Christmas in Mexico, we had a Mexican/Ameican/British Christmas dinner at Luis and Jenne's depa. We ate/drank, among other things; mole, guacamole, tequilla, turkey, pasta salad, mould wine, bread and butter pudding (the last two being my offerings).</div><div>On the 25th we had another meal at an American flat and hence a rather American Christmas day but merry all the same. However, gracias a youtube, everyone got to see the Queen's Christmas Message (many having never known it existed). Once again Queeny did not let us down and the British presence was felt. Another plus was leaving the party with half a ham (they were going away and unable to finish it)!</div><div>So far it's been a great holiday and, while very sappy, Christmas makes me feel very grateful for all the wonderful friends I have managed to make here and miss my fabulous friends and family back in Blighty.<br /></div><div>While today has been a much needed recovery (I took myself off to the Fine Arts Gallery and read in the park) and water has never tasted so good I know this is only a pause as I shall be off again for New Years and tomorrow is Saturday...</div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-33911740693242948762008-12-16T16:17:00.000-08:002008-12-16T17:07:16.923-08:00Guadalupe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzQxbZJvkZkB8koLgUJSod3FB81MeRIRC6zNL8WPmqrAUt_jDCgtAaK0gLjOQc8tKxeC-s087j3_kWpLggdoLmEqUY7KrDZRBb3zX7NfPrF2Bljag-w0sEia-XciLDx5eBO3oqHXHu0E/s1600-h/Me+in+front+of+basillica.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280553044901830482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzQxbZJvkZkB8koLgUJSod3FB81MeRIRC6zNL8WPmqrAUt_jDCgtAaK0gLjOQc8tKxeC-s087j3_kWpLggdoLmEqUY7KrDZRBb3zX7NfPrF2Bljag-w0sEia-XciLDx5eBO3oqHXHu0E/s400/Me+in+front+of+basillica.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last weekend was the Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, one of the most important religious days in the Mexican calander. It is believed that on this day Juan Diego (ni idea!) was finally successful in offering the Bishop Zumarraga a vision of the Virgin (he opened his cloak where a cascade of roses revealed her portrait [obviously]). Due to this the Capilla de Cerrito (chapel on the hill [photo above]) was built since it was on this hill that the Virgin had first appeared to Diego (the image below from the story was taken inside the chapel).<br />For the full story go to; <a href="http://www.caryana.org/miracle.html">http://www.caryana.org/miracle.html</a><br /><div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280552320736515858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4d6-_cPgxYDiYX6RpEHZFABSAAkZNeZz1_rcgDSA4inW6iA6AkDJRaAEQFpQmwiZtBxV694uHvfDad7bxuM16N9fAd6e-Wmwivcia5loPJ3Nlr0AqVOl0uvCu9DK_fIOENQKr9zG4_M/s400/Guadelupe+pic.JPG" border="0" /> As with Dia de los Muertos, this may be yet another example of the Catholic conquistadores trying to incorporate yet another Mayan image into the Catholic church in order to convert the indigenous Mexicans. However la Virgen is still, to this day a strong cultural symbol of Mexico and la Basilica in Mexico City is an extrmely popular pilgrimage destination.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280552007828161842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpIQw9ow5O1cS3RMd6J4hkR79zGUKtWHGRCdN0rjp8LLw9gtAgkSYSxd2sOHY6a4oettQ0bxdBVY7uAUSGRMoFlomYnGoNADr6v0sL0khdAYQ1uw5C8NGiFEhEO5ggmfmhvYFJJYM0Jo/s400/View+from+Basillica.JPG" border="0" /> The weekend before last we visited both la Basilica and the Capilla de Cerrito, a beautiful little chapel overlooking D.F. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280553600005824818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4WCiZ7IyK8af8mal4Nl1RN82oVAOpIDLp2kExFiZ-ge4NJopJEZpdJaOffgbLQ8UvEnHg4ciqPL5fZ1lBT_olOF9kH0CUulazd5NQ3TyVjGCErAwtBjFdZeQDaqTdaEsGuz9YFhzZqI/s400/Inside+Basillica.JPG" border="0" />While it would have been great to visit the Basilica on the 12th, el Dia de la Virgen marks the begining of what is known as the <em>Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon </em>in Mexico. This means 25 days of squeezing in as many parties as is humanly possible from the 12th right through till the 6th January. Hence duty called and most of this past weekend was spent attempting to salsa, drinking wine and eating tamales at Mexican friends' or "friend of a friend's" houses all over D.F.</div></div><p>An advantage of this is that I can feel my Spanish improving rapidly as the combination of classes at IH, revision at home (flashcards I love you) and being a noisy little Brit fortuante to have some great Mexican friends work together brilliantly. Granted this is slightly more of an excuse than a reason (hopefully I shall be able to add some photos of this soon...). </p>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-86309904351020420192008-11-18T15:12:00.000-08:002008-11-19T12:11:20.697-08:00November Bank Holiday Weekend<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w3Rg-gfHioloyn1JMgQlaIW3HryZRQaKwodorFVIgSGqrp-UlZVbiRos4KG_zesQKCFanJleUhbHfy7jceRtdChHXINtD4-AfHzd_H83HcqsfSc0b5ZMcS6m4eTMCxkdfmW7no5uF-I/s1600-h/Pretty+waterfall.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270148269978891250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w3Rg-gfHioloyn1JMgQlaIW3HryZRQaKwodorFVIgSGqrp-UlZVbiRos4KG_zesQKCFanJleUhbHfy7jceRtdChHXINtD4-AfHzd_H83HcqsfSc0b5ZMcS6m4eTMCxkdfmW7no5uF-I/s400/Pretty+waterfall.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270143448627704226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGvJjShRnOO-Zl_YRUJD1_J8px6EdEbj2-JVL8CUvOhl4_DT5zZzTzD5AtKYFw8bK4WdP8_Y6prGI6OaYcI9NWcaHn65JYJwNTPZfoyp6JHmrCBM578nvR-T3u8BYkiko18PQ4GRPngc/s400/River.JPG" border="0" />This last weekend was a bank holiday and, unlike Independence Day this time we all had Monday off. This meant that after a quick class in the South of the city on Saturday morning, I was picked up and taken (by friends, not kidnappers) to Cuernavaca, just south of Mexico City and known as the 'land of eternal spring'. Although not 'land of eternal British spring' as each day the sun was strong and the nights were warm.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270148466055047986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz9MKrSJfxwIICAg0QnXTpDAJ2Km6KxcLUVVBb8_3zQFNvpxe2oQmzQCIvsfMEYA7F8iyu3ZlBOZ-bUKPwr55gCP_g4nXBAQfFeLNPcuSbJ9JhARjchCW9fa93HUd4rZPZrl3yFBpwuM/s400/Me+and+Jenne+in+River.JPG" border="0" /> We stayed in a campsite by the River (shown in photos above) which we actually swam across a few times. The campsite itself had warm springs, which it used for water and to supply the pools we spent many hours sunbathing around (and rope-swinging into).<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270149464937691794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iViF2WYWrbC8_w1NhUyUGvFAfdmsp_Hu3Ny9mRTrnScHi9JaacHT0hPSh5Z2y9rF0YfJNyxrHBOsIEEz7qOul92pW5bR0xdeZXQe22EcodGOhaS_4Yso-yFrCvU3EK1Re-K1PGIcy9U/s400/Me+Ropeswing.JPG" border="0" />In the evenings we had BBQs and made bonfires to sit around. Unfortunately Pat and I had to sleep in the "palace" which we had bought for 200 pesos from the supermarket ealier that day:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270456026721125042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsAAfrGPDAQRqQ70zsZW68-uvtbAWVAlzRgWQE57UoaV-eJY4RjwVGLpEZdkn8gj5VC0eCvesklFZC3mhmjlHcZl44nCAfVrpzjqZSxdznIygBnqTxPTnKgqnCuJZ3bQvITiVk5AFfC0/s400/The+palace.JPG" border="0" />In spite of all his enthusiasm for such a 'classic' tent it turned out Pat had no idea how to put it up (happily I have no issue with being bossy and so she was up in no time) and seemed surprised that the hard ground can be so "unforgiving". .<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270462565671074546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xuv0a4Oe2XK0xVx2odniwjbJY-UbzrCdfDKJxgYnftsaslqLzohXvyIIm9eQ8bA75qaYB2GzFh_yck7asPVllYApUPOtXhqRexLUCGudl1WRDWWPKhbaIzypwhNghJlUVX9Egngdx6A/s400/Me+and+Pat+by+fire.JPG" border="0" />Either way, it was great to have a break from the city and enjoy the sunshine on my first trip outside of Mexico City and it has given me a new found appreciation of my matress in Mineria.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270462977499798578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm9FxcXtaZdATe3bQuqsxrFCLlCQG7kWxFnYGsg0804Ylj5eqgOmKlaDu4-8eOBpTpOsTQvXGVEiAVl45Avcejekltp4_LRjSc3KgSKDX5pxgIXfNeAmvicCVrJ1mLFSdNxu7VyleE-I/s400/Me+and+Luis+at+the+river.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-89194511487110859262008-11-14T06:35:00.000-08:002008-11-14T07:29:34.059-08:00Last Week (of the 3rd November)I don't know if anyone heard about this over in the UK but on the 4th November there was a jet plane crash in Polanco which killed 13 people including Maurino (an important government minister and potential Mexican president) amongst other ministers. What is most suspicious is that those on the jet were most invloved in the action against the drug cartels who are unforunately powerful in Mexico.<br />It was a very strange experience as I was teaching a class about Guy Fawkes Day at the time and as my students were asking me why we celebrate treason which never actually happened they started recieving calls about the crash (many people work in Polanco, including myself and my students).<br />The crash is still under investigation (by British experts none the less) so no one knows for sure how or why it happened.<br />If you are interested this is the info the bbc had; <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7709877.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7709877.stm</a><br /><br />You may have noticed that the accident occured on 4th November and so in Mexico Obama only made the 2nd page of all the broadsheet newspapers. I went to the "English" (ahem) pub to watch the results. The place was full of excited Americans all supporting Obama and taking another shot of tequilla for each state that went blue. It was clearly the Gringo place to be as it was even reported in the expat newspaper here (<a href="http://www.thenews.com.mx/home/imprime_home.asp?cve_edicion_cont=296&cve_home=590">http://www.thenews.com.mx/home/imprime_home.asp?cve_edicion_cont=296&cve_home=590</a>) and one of my good friends (American wife of my Mexican friend Luis) was interviewed for the national news.<br /><br />Finally, after such an eventful week, it was nice to have a reasonably relaxed weekend. On the Saturday I went to Zoe's new flat for dinner and an Ugly Betty binge (she has been downloading the new series with her fancy high speed internet... grr...) and then for drinks al depa de Luis y Jenne.<br />On Sunday we walked to the Museo Tamayo, a modern art gallery here. I really enjoyed the well chosen exhibitions which focused on the Mexican/North American history and politics.La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-66046817575515969692008-11-05T15:41:00.000-08:002008-11-14T06:34:47.706-08:00Halloween & Dia de los Muertos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiqKoh0ooo-ZDKOXNgTbaD5cWooaLOWGldHI6obUceYmWt4JT88z_3vatXledk8g5ITQJlPOTAwOuGdMtL5Uo_aR9eakS6meAP2C840NM1FEcF-5cV7wbQvOWWRK3A10n67OeN_11FA0/s1600-h/Dia+de+los+Muertos+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268517837845126418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiqKoh0ooo-ZDKOXNgTbaD5cWooaLOWGldHI6obUceYmWt4JT88z_3vatXledk8g5ITQJlPOTAwOuGdMtL5Uo_aR9eakS6meAP2C840NM1FEcF-5cV7wbQvOWWRK3A10n67OeN_11FA0/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Having never had much interest in Halloween nor having really heard of Dia de los Muertos, the weekend of the 31st was certainly different for me. <div><br /></div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div>Working at a school with a lot of American teachers (or gringos, as the Mexicans unkindly call them - based on the American Forces green uniform ... "green go") there was obviously a halloween party organised on the Friday. It was a lot of fun and, as you might imagine there was a lot of 'in school' gossiping and drama - it seems that teaching in a school is not much different to going to school (obviously I am happy to share the gory details via msn ;) ) </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268517108915882818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN0_-GEWbopf5aydZw3H_rgLT071_URePp2nhB2lf1Odo2fEbqG8yrVUzB7ouYYN3ff3-3MUck0WWDDVAy5-CrEXgTcd0NexsQfyyG_oKNro495bt_xVXvBB9tZRGGDCvC0VtNHqoKpM/s400/Alex_Cammy_Me_Luis.jpg" border="0" />Sunday 2nd November is the main celebration of the lives of the dead, a trdditional Mexican Festival where it is believed the souls of the dead are able to visit most easily. Families usually make offerings to their dead in their homes. These usually incude food and drink which that person particularly liked during their lifetime. There are different days to celebrate the lives of those who died young and the disabled and I imagine these are quite sad, yet Dia de los Muertos was very cheerful.<br />The festival was begun by the Aztecs and later influenced by the Catholics who moved the date from August to All Souls Day when their attempts to ban such a sacilegious festival failed.<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268518899045846258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf-C7IpyC1QHCC-F9ja2YTuKm-sWt-fJlLAUFQCYdIh7VPm2Mpb2uarFV7-xWNejCjP7n6l1KotHHOIss0PtdPqYzN9keUBq9fcKlJHzHH1kEdh5g3tE8j2VcNAouoMKgBIVN5Rt8hcg/s400/Zocolo.JPG" border="0" /> While the festival is most keenly celebrated in the more indigenous parts of Mexico, there was still no lack of enthusiasm in D.F. We went to the historical centre (the Zocalo, above) to watch tradditonal dances (see below) and view the many public offerings made in the plaza.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268519407585168450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eKHqn8rQiVpnJ1XdNoHpbRWZ3TvDSHs3Y0_uplFR8gKt0n87WlwJWJ7hJ2rZ3zvSlB98LfeXvSpKgH0pBi3u9-mCzvrZ2ZQbrFmqsAzpeOlP0A0MflDIpQQjpZPojM5kUxcCZdvHzQg/s400/Indigeneous+Dancing.JPG" border="0" />Below is a photo of one of the many offerings. The orange flowers are tradditional for this festival as are the chocolate skulls.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268520062293427490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75dW1lPgeczFhHy1v2NCDbHiQcXtZgKT4QSAfYrYlqGmSCdMQOk4zPHVT_MbWNEx3sRbrIMrmI9MFFCbyC7LwYVgYCrLoqCOmtfoSfORfeoX6Q22ydRJBw6Ku3kJHZyYbFd-l1h8U7H8/s400/Ofrenda.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div></div></div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-21345411980214650372008-10-20T19:22:00.000-07:002008-11-05T15:34:06.121-08:00Museo de Dolores Olmedo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY67CCjLLNb_q6HmkD__PNwKW5J4Pee3ok_W14pziidnSLfJb3m4a95itCGCWlUoflbLm-sNS0-8wVDCu7Hp6im6Pjuzy2gGC-KZvh-PMYQTrygoqzkhebU6tCVP2Apz5jzW_LENJgEc/s1600-h/Dolores+Olmedo+Statue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264177800679867666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEY67CCjLLNb_q6HmkD__PNwKW5J4Pee3ok_W14pziidnSLfJb3m4a95itCGCWlUoflbLm-sNS0-8wVDCu7Hp6im6Pjuzy2gGC-KZvh-PMYQTrygoqzkhebU6tCVP2Apz5jzW_LENJgEc/s400/Dolores+Olmedo+Statue.jpg" border="0" /></a> The weekend of the 25th October, in between slagging off our landlord/satan and marking exam papers we took a trip to Xochimilco to visit the casa de Dolores Olmedo and go for lunch on the trajineras.<br /><div><div><div><div><div>Having visited the Casa estudio the week before it is easy to see why Frida had so many problems with Diego as the house he purchased for his mistress (Dolores) is over twice the size of her blue studio. It is beautiful with huge gardens which have peacocks and Spanish, short haired dogs roaming freely (unfortuantely the dogs were not around the day of our visit as it had been raining - very Lindy/Blitzi of them).<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264177492564905282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6VsAyQqanQHxNM8u4Hxc1Qyk-9nPRgC2Y8ZeUO6jvQmpY1BjwR_Ncb2CECaVXk6tiOzEW7otxY1TOTrVLCxEyPcA4LrCww7omWMtRIfi3EByT76if2epv3JDw1mX8DQ1xroxv1DHpsw/s400/Dolores+Olmedo+House.jpg" border="0" /> In the gardens we saw some tradditional Mexican dances from all the different regions of Mexico. </div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264171553276748706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c4GPw9RnJGh9Njv6EdgEKSsUcJEyFYOqGrJ7Icwg1Tf8xhEcXzI5JTIDr71u9X77zps1kVC07N1R4tacbL6wFThnWIkd-8AAYjQkulyMpbu5TxY9uU9aexJvKjrYtI-7ZSkRYpdRxJo/s400/Dolores+DancersBest.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Inside the house there was an exhibition based on Dia de los Muertos - the pictures below are blurred as taking photos is technically banned and so Zoe had to act fast. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwihbU8k-VyHInf0jl9ypZ0UguiUMyAAAufGoIcC2ylKs-1pseb6PmSHH-477OVvnlx8ylwKvGWNl7-DnWvtLGaeNMNZIutkKUgJ18k8CSdnk52MEMcK-yYhxEsw5dXzLPSEhxozj_Gs/s1600-h/Dolores+Dia+de+Los+Muertos+Dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264171820917258882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwihbU8k-VyHInf0jl9ypZ0UguiUMyAAAufGoIcC2ylKs-1pseb6PmSHH-477OVvnlx8ylwKvGWNl7-DnWvtLGaeNMNZIutkKUgJ18k8CSdnk52MEMcK-yYhxEsw5dXzLPSEhxozj_Gs/s200/Dolores+Dia+de+Los+Muertos+Dog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONbiFaoD7XUjB-ovRyr3-R_O4CruA7tpPe61TiM50sXBa9UU0sdy2ehXujJ9O0JE3QdYwGwOdPwneTf2ElBAyH-IWZTIrdpqvQ3l9OTZOCqOiZnp0pW54tcMJk54cLTZ35MDyDbjFwbY/s1600-h/Dolores+Dia+de+Los+Muertos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264172153262393042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONbiFaoD7XUjB-ovRyr3-R_O4CruA7tpPe61TiM50sXBa9UU0sdy2ehXujJ9O0JE3QdYwGwOdPwneTf2ElBAyH-IWZTIrdpqvQ3l9OTZOCqOiZnp0pW54tcMJk54cLTZ35MDyDbjFwbY/s200/Dolores+Dia+de+Los+Muertos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The house also has a lot of Diego Rivera's work. He was a great artist, who uses big, simple shapes and brushstrokes with beautiful colours. Most of his work is still in Mexico City and so I am defintely looking forward to seeing more of it. There are also lots of photos in the house of Olmedo touring the world and mooching with different celebrities. It seems that being a bit of a tart worked very well for her. Below is a painting of her by Diego Rivera (like the postcard I bought):<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264173677933289890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSXM2AINjB2lG0PSEDDWoHScbuMw67dKxUdbJpHG7u6JvdCzu6MwZkf-UHIfd2NDKdQBhh-TSz1GiSPlLvqq8KbR7ElGgbS7KcgxaYuWadFHAXikztu8eizI4nzpSbsZtiPua7RGuJ-U/s400/1955%2520Retrato%2520de%2520Dolores%2520Olmedo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> After the musuem we went to the market to buy blue corn quesadillas and mamey (my new favourite fruit) to eat on the boats.<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264174712851451666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPjWp_482LQSFoKFBeuarhw0hysxAh2INQlS6Bvk4v_Q0PBGnF3Z9IMevK1buD9F4f_Ik9Tfdb_R8h-mzU0g3p0se27rwj2WLPT0bsrw8TV7kPGyw2J4ZHI6FcmRf88u0VUk9p1N47DI/s200/Beth+%26+Blue+Corn.jpg" border="0" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeyI6lAo8ScmJecHUhBA3aJqiAZ8dsMQl8eVYbc308NwAawivoVUURNAiKOdSmwbmNNEgUL9biDob2jdbkjnzvjtW4dmqw6E0wj4VHTWG7ophjifOS407RRLi-tQpIElUSnCQRpwi9Zg/s1600-h/Me+%26+My+Mamey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264180343556179218" style="WIDTH: 114px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeyI6lAo8ScmJecHUhBA3aJqiAZ8dsMQl8eVYbc308NwAawivoVUURNAiKOdSmwbmNNEgUL9biDob2jdbkjnzvjtW4dmqw6E0wj4VHTWG7ophjifOS407RRLi-tQpIElUSnCQRpwi9Zg/s200/Me+%26+My+Mamey.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w4x-Rmo6V2RfjE-aqwb88Wo2bApVeL5BvSL-YDRS3h7tILYgm46GdewnauXiUftk4wAXqxSwQkxmVJ7W4g1QSk_y7uw5BKBSeoU_SGX6EQpR1o5veo-sWuVuOa2Uh8WO64ddAJWja34/s1600-h/Xochimilco+Luncheon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264180980254028066" style="WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w4x-Rmo6V2RfjE-aqwb88Wo2bApVeL5BvSL-YDRS3h7tILYgm46GdewnauXiUftk4wAXqxSwQkxmVJ7W4g1QSk_y7uw5BKBSeoU_SGX6EQpR1o5veo-sWuVuOa2Uh8WO64ddAJWja34/s200/Xochimilco+Luncheon.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeyI6lAo8ScmJecHUhBA3aJqiAZ8dsMQl8eVYbc308NwAawivoVUURNAiKOdSmwbmNNEgUL9biDob2jdbkjnzvjtW4dmqw6E0wj4VHTWG7ophjifOS407RRLi-tQpIElUSnCQRpwi9Zg/s1600-h/Me+%26+My+Mamey.jpg"></div></a><div>We floated about stopping at some of the markets and enjoying the views from the boats, searching for our names on them. Fortunately my name is Spanish enough and so the VIVA LAURITA boat does exist, oh yes! Although Zoe had no such luck.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264177130623174626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg41I5Ye_I9sAojLZOfNRZKb5sncEehqcVJwHtZ0lLwUx6tEKE1NhKy0E67HylkbvZq_fS2lBg4K7dQRx00VfbsfImQ0PsPqB5jgbCVT6NOQ-eCY1T5L5Z4tEqOZJ_UsAfHSJSKFq8pF8/s400/Viva+Laurita.jpg" border="0" /> As for Edgar, I have now moved out and live with another teacher from the school. However there will be no photos up here untill I have found a vacum.<br /><br /><div><div>That's all for now as I am off to the centre to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (today).</div></div></div></div></div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-13917653519347374022008-10-12T06:47:00.000-07:002008-10-12T09:40:01.871-07:00San Angel & Coyoacan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnWtlbZvxWjjfbywv5Mj3SLOs6E77irm0jJdBupAy4zu2Vf1ludCMMD4tsDGk9MK3zQEIsPB1I7zLPg3kA7GTJZSqoWNS5jElNEkNN4k5HC588dKPSj9wuhAud4e-Abgjtb8xRW3yOGg/s1600-h/El+Carmen+Museum+San+Angel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256303677313522738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnWtlbZvxWjjfbywv5Mj3SLOs6E77irm0jJdBupAy4zu2Vf1ludCMMD4tsDGk9MK3zQEIsPB1I7zLPg3kA7GTJZSqoWNS5jElNEkNN4k5HC588dKPSj9wuhAud4e-Abgjtb8xRW3yOGg/s200/El+Carmen+Museum+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYNRripusD0z0zcl8CmJWfKKDJAMOgqK-VEPiiQPTZ6U3kE4wd9d2sUjPK3H6U8iBhgpZmjeF81dqCbrZ8RO46H_2ceXIjoM11tW7Jtx8LM7oLJI7PcYVvnKy8pwIrU0ZvZ5iAM1H8fo/s1600-h/Diego+Riviera+Painter+Sq+San+Angel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256303823373995426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYNRripusD0z0zcl8CmJWfKKDJAMOgqK-VEPiiQPTZ6U3kE4wd9d2sUjPK3H6U8iBhgpZmjeF81dqCbrZ8RO46H_2ceXIjoM11tW7Jtx8LM7oLJI7PcYVvnKy8pwIrU0ZvZ5iAM1H8fo/s200/Diego+Riviera+Painter+Sq+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITj9zaPU8HlPKA075JwTzzVWFNoEZl47kTN8f5-MVzw3fCANkq0_yV1ldoEDnxXDic4iMP_L1nJ5MkPbYDxHMHJ9TAHU8ovqDa9s3QCCHRD7EaayNg0oOH8fSmxh8PWKayzQiCKvYabY/s1600-h/Me+in+Painter+Sq+San+Angel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256305261552869938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITj9zaPU8HlPKA075JwTzzVWFNoEZl47kTN8f5-MVzw3fCANkq0_yV1ldoEDnxXDic4iMP_L1nJ5MkPbYDxHMHJ9TAHU8ovqDa9s3QCCHRD7EaayNg0oOH8fSmxh8PWKayzQiCKvYabY/s320/Me+in+Painter+Sq+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After a hectic week of organizing, changing, attending and (at times actually) teaching classes it was great to finally have a weekend free to visit some of the places I have been told so much about.<br /><br />Yesterday morning in true tourist style we grabbed our Guidebooks and headed off to San Angel in the South of Mexico City. It's a beautiful place filled with cobbled streets, stunning Mexican architecture and markets selling Mexican jewellery, crafts and paintings.<br />For a while we walked around staring longingly and attempting to resist the urge to buy. Unfortunately I caved a teeny tiny bit and spent 35 pesos on things which, I confess I may have been able to live with out (note my shiny new hat way below :D ).<br /><br />We then walked over to the <em>Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo,</em> where the two artists used to live together in seperated buildings united by a connecting bridge from 1934 untill he slept with her sister and they got divorced in 1940 (yes, I too am stumped as to why that one didn't work out). They did later get back together.<br />The houses themselves were designed by Juan O'Gorman (nope, I hadn't heard of him) as a rejection of tradditional conservative architecture and "buen gusto" - good taste. I personally really liked them, with their bold colours and clear shapes and lines. They also take full advantage of the bright Mexican sun as the light streamed in through the windows making the rooms really bright - a great way to display the collection of artwork inside the house. Apparently people now claim that O'Gorman "se proponía hacer edificios feos, pero no lo lograba" -attempted to make ugly buildings, but failed (although I'm sure some sarcy people might believe he succeeded).<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256280623181378130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCmotQSBP_mRdBeIvx4Pxk2IxE8OD4otHXOChBpvsbgU1iW8QrHR2xPColbsN_4j3Z_RvZEZn1r4CXs-SHEFENdKuqnldrq6gRW6W8XVj9WAGyj9z4Aeo_dRz4qfuxBvFIQ6qcJuPlKI/s200/Diego+Casa+Estudio+Diego+Riviera.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUCwyeYoqwLqlHO9IaJJin0hLR5yPxxjAXKx954OXeK4VzJNMLr4qYik2ZiPPHj4y2TfEQSGtPxbbWJUDrdK7UYWhcGt0rESZpynT6pxiSrtB0_4S6ME6YA6ATbGVlS6lyMJoAV8owKs/s1600-h/Me+and+Elizabeth+Casa+Estudio+Diego+Riviera.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256280943435586002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUCwyeYoqwLqlHO9IaJJin0hLR5yPxxjAXKx954OXeK4VzJNMLr4qYik2ZiPPHj4y2TfEQSGtPxbbWJUDrdK7UYWhcGt0rESZpynT6pxiSrtB0_4S6ME6YA6ATbGVlS6lyMJoAV8owKs/s200/Me+and+Elizabeth+Casa+Estudio+Diego+Riviera.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256306931570188082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKPfNWEg6vo1eipqKUY8JJS6OiS9-9L4UqPb3yioRRxJd6jEMSAFsafvEtekW6G_n1owxOk87xVqTSSiEr5RcBR7WUG464bEdCQPrWRA3C8v25AnZo5CgVudJH8kWCIw5dF41morPuAw/s320/Casa+Estudio+Diego+Riviera+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /><br />Being my mother's daughter, what made this trip even better is that now I am a legal teacher in Mexico I pay nada (always the best price) to visit museums and cultural sites and so this part of the day was totally free!<br /><br />After we visited the museum we walked the 3-4kms from San Angel to Coyoacan for dinner, stopping by the churchyard in San Angel where there had just been a Quinceañera (Latin American 15th birthday celebration). The girl in question was dressed like a bride (although not in white) with her hair and make-up professionally done and all her family and friends gathered round her taking pictures and stuffing themselves on tradditional Mexican sweets. Unfortunately I didn't want to take any photos (although I would have probably just merged into the mass of Grandparents) of the Quinceañera, only the park:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigg009tl1f8eQ1_t_Bj2duB8ko90vy38D8dohWdMW951iXbL2dth1vuEXWsJ19ysnSvW98JfQVbk7KLb-zKvv7Zrh1UfI7Hk_IS1g1e7LzCtnt5N9ZD2ca93jwYXM4GtkbJ7zS5yOO_c/s1600-h/Jesus+Park+San+Angel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256288725832543458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigg009tl1f8eQ1_t_Bj2duB8ko90vy38D8dohWdMW951iXbL2dth1vuEXWsJ19ysnSvW98JfQVbk7KLb-zKvv7Zrh1UfI7Hk_IS1g1e7LzCtnt5N9ZD2ca93jwYXM4GtkbJ7zS5yOO_c/s200/Jesus+Park+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBm3hxmoIj1OHGMaSuTpJY9ojS0ZmpwzgPay_GCwqnADUi3Nmbai2636VAeQtb5Wzb1_cWnE2TnkU3fEWDT0rPVtV4XaGvgdM4qI3i_hI51HgeKHVOixFOLheOS-JaMRsWPpsJdGxoOQ/s1600-h/Me+and+Zoe+Chruchyard+after+Wedding.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256289152873499538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBm3hxmoIj1OHGMaSuTpJY9ojS0ZmpwzgPay_GCwqnADUi3Nmbai2636VAeQtb5Wzb1_cWnE2TnkU3fEWDT0rPVtV4XaGvgdM4qI3i_hI51HgeKHVOixFOLheOS-JaMRsWPpsJdGxoOQ/s200/Me+and+Zoe+Chruchyard+after+Wedding.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vCCXqxgYb7XpgXShZoI-SzQWJSNkJOSSvuIRuSp8vcV8Lsba17ZJUh09YT_k5dUpHvKaLs37ZN6HxrBTJJVxFVyFoQptbia45MRlKtctRwG3X2UkVIHhAEkfAqPoKCr1idpnnHqCDpg/s1600-h/Churchyard+San+Angel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256288945911674354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vCCXqxgYb7XpgXShZoI-SzQWJSNkJOSSvuIRuSp8vcV8Lsba17ZJUh09YT_k5dUpHvKaLs37ZN6HxrBTJJVxFVyFoQptbia45MRlKtctRwG3X2UkVIHhAEkfAqPoKCr1idpnnHqCDpg/s200/Churchyard+San+Angel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Coyoacan is another beautiful part of Mexico City. It also has another of Frida Kahlo's homes, which I tried to visit last Monday. This is the day when Pat and I discovered that on Mondays everything in Mexico City is shut. However we managed to take some photos before we gave up and went to a bar and below is one taken that day:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256291589080686242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouARjckrTn4mjwDealh8LcSiV3u2iMbhUN0gS0Av_qmUdZgzvyP02rXh7EetBYqIvmgYjapbCAeubtJZHW2MVMbixcZ9csVZ-auipjqltDupyE7KDP5nQnRxAuAevcsOrvf1T_fSFj34/s400/1st+Coyoacan.JPG" border="0" />On Saturday nights, Coyoacan is full of people and has a real atmosphere and so it was great to come back. Fortunately, my Spanish teacher had told me this week all about a coffee shop, El Jarocho famous for selling the best coffee in Mexico City (my Spanish teacher has the most amazing ability to go completely off topic at the mention of either food or British music - it really couldn't be easier for me). The coffee comes from Veracruz and the queue for the coffee goes all the way down the street. The coffee is pretty strong stuff, comes with a loads of foam and sprinkled with cinnamon - it's also half the price of Starbucks and twice as nice.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256294562135232946" style="WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" height="258" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv-I15yF73m8hcu3W5yWHndJj1JWOzdKS5bVQSXHt4mdNmAuy-AiswIGYt3BfButSdhb_1Hc2ZZaluoxjDagZf4tj1lxRcLobgrm-Eyivsl-aS1WTum5ijyXGseDr75gfACg2q5ucsmM/s400/El+Jarocho+Coyoacan.JPG" width="320" border="0" /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTZPPHC3E1A79QmcP253pUJL96lOJ5lDpaqyIBJOSm23fTpJpZKO-4fSuJPDgG5wTlHjG1nunmRc51TF1BpETQRjC-sYsvgPNpSBRoknOjFY3L0kOav5xXxASpTJx-tYKqzL2UfVRzTU/s1600-h/Me+and+My+Jarocho.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256295566083685282" style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px" height="216" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTZPPHC3E1A79QmcP253pUJL96lOJ5lDpaqyIBJOSm23fTpJpZKO-4fSuJPDgG5wTlHjG1nunmRc51TF1BpETQRjC-sYsvgPNpSBRoknOjFY3L0kOav5xXxASpTJx-tYKqzL2UfVRzTU/s320/Me+and+My+Jarocho.JPG" width="304" border="0" /></a></p><p>Anyways all in all it was a great day. I wish I could say today will be as interesting but unfortunately my class has an exam next week and the only thing more boring than revising for an exam is teaching people how to revise for an exam that I'M NOT EVEN TAKING!</p>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-8033322841434841022008-10-04T06:44:00.000-07:002008-10-04T09:28:06.319-07:00End of CELTA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPnwZKCxIrF8JyAkZtUCAAon7f5w6f_6DyZuppX8ncvWHJRYipIeTdslK1HCXh1IAYzE2BKiAKw6niyWwEBhveCH7uA6G1MdbnbCODZlfhHMIwALiD-4fxX4rkTZ2_f841vMkhzp6POQ/s1600-h/Celta+Party.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253294689758107314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPnwZKCxIrF8JyAkZtUCAAon7f5w6f_6DyZuppX8ncvWHJRYipIeTdslK1HCXh1IAYzE2BKiAKw6niyWwEBhveCH7uA6G1MdbnbCODZlfhHMIwALiD-4fxX4rkTZ2_f841vMkhzp6POQ/s400/Celta+Party.JPG" border="0" /></a>After 4 weeks of observed teaching practices, assignments and evaluations the CELTA course is now finally over and I am starting work at International House next week. To celebrate the end of the course IH provided beer etc on the terrece for the CELTA students (most of whom are in the front of the photo) and our voluntary students. It was a good end to the course and a good chance to get those last email addresses from the students who for some reason still like us after some of the chaotic lessons we have given them.<br />Sadly not all the people on the CELTA course are staying on in Mexico City but I'm really happy to be one ofthe people who are so I can hopefully fill this blog up with all the stuff I plan to do.La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-23115077957859875212008-09-30T18:42:00.000-07:002008-09-30T19:33:29.296-07:00Binge Drinking and Saturday Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuh9F6L1R6GYmkhJp6OUp3CeNmjSBLXgvrt55Lcqw6P1l4RiXDyMOF4hWWbMUKwXTn9jS4S84hBM93zbV2szf94TML8-xNWUlXPEtAiyRmQIBryzWTv0kWounRmz4CZRm9R4KDh1naOmo/s1600-h/Mole.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251997303571561842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" height="187" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuh9F6L1R6GYmkhJp6OUp3CeNmjSBLXgvrt55Lcqw6P1l4RiXDyMOF4hWWbMUKwXTn9jS4S84hBM93zbV2szf94TML8-xNWUlXPEtAiyRmQIBryzWTv0kWounRmz4CZRm9R4KDh1naOmo/s320/Mole.JPG" width="224" border="0" /></a> Having spent last Saturday evaluating my "progress" as a teacher ("I didn't check instructions well at the begining of the course... and I... erm... still don't") that all important time of the day came along when all one has to do is turn up at their friend's flat and have them cook you dinner and serve you wine. I finally managed to try Mole, which Luis kindly prepared with shredded chicken and enchiladas and I kindly scoffed having quickly attempted a terrible photo (yes, that's the dark blur on the left). Either way it was absolutely delicious - rich, spicy and chocolatey.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHwv1QfMqak-9jtCE6EdYpBdhUdEqqRSFshjPEm6FFVamdfGZm6WGGjTvFRO6w_MTRIh2U3jds4YE-yBITJb9RxM5aKo1v2U_uRvy0INKZ08NMWJWLf78qtTZppreEax03i2P9tVes0s/s1600-h/Kelsey's+Bday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251998928156493650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" height="214" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHwv1QfMqak-9jtCE6EdYpBdhUdEqqRSFshjPEm6FFVamdfGZm6WGGjTvFRO6w_MTRIh2U3jds4YE-yBITJb9RxM5aKo1v2U_uRvy0INKZ08NMWJWLf78qtTZppreEax03i2P9tVes0s/s320/Kelsey's+Bday.jpg" width="234" border="0" /></a><br />This was then rounded off with more chocolate in the form of Kelsey's birthday cake which was accompanied by both the English Happy Birthday tune and the Mexican Anthem (seriously, 'God Save the Queen' is shorter).<br />We then finally made it to a salsa club which was a lot of fun although, being English and totally uncoordinated salsa dancing really just means jerking about and waking up the next day feeling like you have dislocated your hip. However I'd do it again so it can't be that bad.<br />And today I had my last and most interesting class ever which I was able to design by myself. I chose Teenage Binge Drinking in Britain and, while many a comment was made (including my tutor's "if you need some realia - you can just point at yourself" - ha. ha.) I really enjoyed the discussion at the end of the lesson. Most of my Mexican class found the concept of alcopops totally foreign and had some really insightful views as to the role of the family for young people. So while this week (and weekend) could get better in some ways, in many others it's going great.La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-55446849910099076182008-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:002008-09-30T18:41:01.504-07:00Museo de Arte Popular<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwvvhTO7dDKJcqMtnmIOOWhqwSVI5gNQeOta54kpLNR02k-_n3lf0PSkVmMaYkneE-oOJ2g86PMRN1zFHS9TDkYTNP6IpdDUmrCoHm9haQgrgl_5rsd_aXXNTIf1jfJkxbx3TIAtz0e0/s1600-h/Sand+skulls+at+MOPA_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250734843710143730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 680px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" height="350" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwvvhTO7dDKJcqMtnmIOOWhqwSVI5gNQeOta54kpLNR02k-_n3lf0PSkVmMaYkneE-oOJ2g86PMRN1zFHS9TDkYTNP6IpdDUmrCoHm9haQgrgl_5rsd_aXXNTIf1jfJkxbx3TIAtz0e0/s320/Sand+skulls+at+MOPA_edited.JPG" width="318" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhBnnFE86EhnJ2OHB9wq6T-L7BhWFHAMXQXSjmRgJbaF7AS3qWbvWFkSuyxJyYV96EBfz84mGwjYFlctg1P4iuRfB6MNOUMO6PASzwELg04PA2UmpM5x6OBMbcwZxKw-3RRZ-zAMNvU4/s1600-h/Indigenios+lenguas+MOPA1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250732770304551042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px" height="248" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhBnnFE86EhnJ2OHB9wq6T-L7BhWFHAMXQXSjmRgJbaF7AS3qWbvWFkSuyxJyYV96EBfz84mGwjYFlctg1P4iuRfB6MNOUMO6PASzwELg04PA2UmpM5x6OBMbcwZxKw-3RRZ-zAMNvU4/s320/Indigenios+lenguas+MOPA1.JPG" width="210" border="0" /></a> Last Friday evening we went to the Museum de Arte Popular for a magazine launch. It was an art magazine called AlterMundi and while some of the pages are very intense (the theme of this issue is "Death" - what else?) there are some really beautiful artworks and Spanish poems included within the magazine which has a strong Latin American influence.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>They also made the piece above on the floor of the museum out of sand, which was really vibrant and rather impressive me thinks. However most importantly the evening meant free wine and a good chance to practice my Castellano after a "fun" afternoon teaching relative clauses in English (WHICH are in fact as much fun as GCSE Physics).<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>I managed to go with my two friends from the school who both have a degree/diploma in art, and so I had not one, but two "must have" accessories for one's friday night gallery visits! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO7PAgd9XT0DHk-qbePLqo-06i6rVVbD8MbCvPeJaZK92JFq1vo6j3TGkltC46e066rZuWYrnk0OW20875-X_yI0Duv7eATkVT7ZVhpkL4LWZeYVURxs-wYkPh6-iMc6r3CGu8AD0wGk/s1600-h/Me+and+Kelsy+in+front+of+snake+at+museum+of+popular+arts_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251985852014887586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO7PAgd9XT0DHk-qbePLqo-06i6rVVbD8MbCvPeJaZK92JFq1vo6j3TGkltC46e066rZuWYrnk0OW20875-X_yI0Duv7eATkVT7ZVhpkL4LWZeYVURxs-wYkPh6-iMc6r3CGu8AD0wGk/s320/Me+and+Kelsy+in+front+of+snake+at+museum+of+popular+arts_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESFNta3I_h7OfvBtYpX2jnVDCQL1kMCt1a6kRSzyX0i7bLEMLTc9oaWAmFk5CfRZYsDip3oUoY_At4W7XoGbSZ0tlGNW3_UITtaPfnZ1GMB9XXk_Uhho88YRBuVzu-bUAokoHAQb7JII/s1600-h/Evila+at+MOPA_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251986391226572098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESFNta3I_h7OfvBtYpX2jnVDCQL1kMCt1a6kRSzyX0i7bLEMLTc9oaWAmFk5CfRZYsDip3oUoY_At4W7XoGbSZ0tlGNW3_UITtaPfnZ1GMB9XXk_Uhho88YRBuVzu-bUAokoHAQb7JII/s320/Evila+at+MOPA_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>The museum itself is very interesting as it has a lot of indigenous folk art. The photo above to the left shows the word "Welcome" in all the different indigenous languages of Mexico, including one, called Hñahñu which to the untrained ear sounds like a series of different breaths.<br /></div><br /><div>The two pieces above are both made by paper mâché and the thing I have plonked myself infront of in the photo below is called an "Artesan Tree" which has pretty little symbols and objects worked into it's "branches".</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251993676265386594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0mclz8t9rmdugccbYflJ7ypVwpiHKWkfg8agQvAPHaxHAvgJcYYlSsUvZSmPDIy_m-IHJ_qWPZoCasMTi5tSLS-vRnu3vA7z6tDiIce9CQ9xqtb-AMFMVlsfjAVS9FW3PJv6lFdYVjw/s320/Me+and+Artesan+tree_JROT2212.JPG" border="0" /><br />One of the most beautiful pieces was a silk tapestry which is based on symbols representing souls (the tube like shapes), the mind (the crosses) and spirit.</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251987785779080866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFV_is3G7BH5pv2qY181KHBqMbiupwAwhiBLSdQbDyfeMMV5RmryvpDp24ZPXPzUvVymOWg3e-WSFhlyybPYqyD2GudXkXEZGUtvDYoDNScp6lGEr7Fw9UaGW4NT4W1GdG-kBM61w8Wk/s400/Artesan+Tapestry+2+MOPA_edited.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAZDzGIcKbbEiG75o5UzW9L8_osTt6HyY4SrXX_xhrZHUdOlYdew4M94b7zkRxPcsjiAWM1L-o-yvZFUg4bScb-S6C_QXLVhze2JZB8og8rQcwv_ADXcEwgQPj_f7XN5R48_UJNWWyhk/s1600-h/Dinner+26.08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251989946222118962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px" height="101" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAZDzGIcKbbEiG75o5UzW9L8_osTt6HyY4SrXX_xhrZHUdOlYdew4M94b7zkRxPcsjiAWM1L-o-yvZFUg4bScb-S6C_QXLVhze2JZB8og8rQcwv_ADXcEwgQPj_f7XN5R48_UJNWWyhk/s200/Dinner+26.08.JPG" width="157" border="0" /></a> Unfortunately after all this we ended our rather sophisticated venture in a Taco cafe up the road, stuffing our faces.<br /><p>But all in all it was a great evening and an excellent start to the weekend. </p></div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645744726337283830.post-39892127943716340812008-09-22T19:39:00.000-07:002008-09-22T20:15:07.073-07:00Sunday 21st September<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nYOHzt-tyityMZzvIS44qb_J5MDGE7iYtV3Qp5VEeAGW4t2WQnHzmhrMxNHdYy9YmqJCLWvMvug7FcrKC3pTBmwEACkNOkRsWM5Tjn0_m0qC1XV_zNv0d6E46-bJaz4jH1TFPnRMz6Q/s1600-h/arrancame+la+vida.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249049938341174194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nYOHzt-tyityMZzvIS44qb_J5MDGE7iYtV3Qp5VEeAGW4t2WQnHzmhrMxNHdYy9YmqJCLWvMvug7FcrKC3pTBmwEACkNOkRsWM5Tjn0_m0qC1XV_zNv0d6E46-bJaz4jH1TFPnRMz6Q/s320/arrancame+la+vida.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This past Sunday I went to see a Mexican film called Arráncame la Vida set in 1930/40s Puebla. It is a love story about a woman married to a muchacho politico, based on the novel by Ángeles Mastretta (no, I hadn’t heard of her either.) Unlike most recent English films of the costume drama genre it did not have a ridiculous number of over the top lines and best of all – it had no Kiera Knightley! It was funny, had a good pace and, most importantly the dresses worn by Catalina (Ana Claudia), the protagonist were T.D.F (to die for). According to El Universal this is the most expensive Mexican film ever (a whole 65 milliones de PESOS) but it was probably one of my favourite films of this year. Again, according to El Universal (one does not do much research for one’s blog) it’s heading for an Oscar or a Goya so hopefully it will make it to English cinema for Dad to download and Mum to avoid.<br />Afterwards we went for dinner with a Mexican friend who had requested an intercambio to practice her academic English for her class the coming week. However this quickly descended into a 3 hour long gossip over boys, pizza and Claudia’s dresses almost entirely in castellano. It was so unconstructive that we are now doing the same thing again next week.<br />As for food (ahem, mum) I had a pizza azteca – pizza with goats cheese and huitlacoche. Huitlacoche is a mushroom fungus and a popular ingredient in quesadillas - it looks and sounds disgusting but tastes the opposite.<br />Anyways I’m afraid that’s all for now as I can procrastinate no longer and must face the miserable prospect of a lesson on the present perfect, simple and progressive past. Yay.</div>La Inglesa Curiosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07914343121897646363noreply@blogger.com0