Looks like bad weather is following me wherever I go (remember my Palm Springs odyssey). I just returned from Temecula but, this time, rain didn’t deter me from having a fantastic culinary adventure. This area may have some high end restaurants, presided by very talented chefs but, in this post, I would like to refer […]
Stories of a Pirate Taxi Driver in Mexico City
This story is about my experience with a pirate taxi driver in Mexico City was part of I writing course I took years ago. I decided to share it with readers. Hope you enjoy it! After a long day of sightseeing, it was time to transfer to the airport. From a shaded plaza, in front […]
How Travel Makes Me More Grateful
In this article, I share a story that illustrates why travel makes some more grateful. “Maestra, ¿me regala este lapiz?” asked me one of my students after the poster-making activity was finished. Initially, it was only one boy. After the initial request, 40 squeaky voices, with pencils pointing at me, started to repeat the same […]
15 Interesting Facts about Oaxaca
Oaxaca, Oaxaca. It was so delightful to visit this place and then write all about what I experienced. Sometimes, I ran out of words to describe the emotions, flavors, and textures I encountered during my short trip. Because of that, I have decided to share some of the things I learned while visiting this awesome […]
Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca: Trespassing by Mistake
This is the story of how I trespassed into the Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca by mistake. What has been your worst faux pas while in a foreign country? I would have to revisit my travel history to answer that question. Nonetheless, I can remember a recent moment when I felt a hole in my stomach […]
Hierve el Agua: Petrified Waterfalls Rising from a Valley
Hierve el Agua has become one of the most popular places in Oaxaca. Come take a look at this impressive natural feature. After a long day, a ride along the valley felt like a treat. The mountains were bursting with a carpet of greens; the occasional patch of wildflowers added a pop of color to […]
Cuilapam Convent: Beauty Worth Visiting
This article highlights the Cuilapam Convent in Cuilapan de Guerrero, Mexico. The world feels very slow after a gigantic lunch. When in Oaxaca, the situation gets worse since you have to deal with comatose symptoms after devouring crunchy tlayudas, thick mole sauces and big chunks of grilled tasajo. Your body struggles to digest the worst […]
17 Interesting Facts about Puebla
Last Monday, I published the last post covering my visit to the city of Puebla. It has been a wonderful journey exposing some of the best features of this unbelievable city. I would like to end my coverage of the city with seventeen interesting facts. Hopefully you would get intrigued and plan a visit […]
Loreto Fort: History Packed in a Small Place
Take a look at the role the Loreto Fort had in the Battle of Puebla (the battle associated with the famous 5 de mayo). I already wrote a detailed post about the Guadalupe Fort and its role in the Battle of Puebla (better known by its date, 5 de mayo). However, I cannot forget about […]
Mole: The Out-Of-This-World, Delicious Taste of Oaxaca
Oaxaca is well-known for its delicious mole. This article discussed the different types of moles, how to eat them, and where to buy them. In an effort to fill my mouth with the delicious flavor of the renowned black mole, I visited an Oaxacan restaurant located in Koreatown (Los Angeles). I ordered an “enmoladas” plate […]
Life, Travel and the Culture of Fear
In this article, I give my opinion with respect to the culture of fear many try to promote in the general population. Find your comfort zone. Then leave it. Robert Kiyosaki ********* In the last couple of years, we have been inundated with news discussing the “violent and terrible” situation Mexico is going through. As […]
Mitla: Geometric Patterns Carved in Stone
This article highlights Mitla, an archeological site located in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. As I approach the rectangular structure, the many fringes containing geometric designs start to show their intricate details. In Spanish, they are known as “grecas” after the Greek symbol of eternal life that is repeated in so many decorative motives. There […]
The Great Pyramid of Cholula: Largest in the World
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Let’s take a look at it! Appearances can be deceitful. When you are driving “la recta,” a straight road connecting the city of Puebla to the magic town of Cholula, a lemon-colored church, standing over a mountain covered with lush foliage, […]
Mezcal from Oaxaca: For Every Bad or Good
This article focuses on one of Mexico’s most notorious drinks: mezcal. Since I met Antonio, I knew I was in excellent hands. His authoritarian tone contrasted with his thin frame. We couldn’t stop giggling after the words he used to reprimand part of the group for not following instructions. Instead of a stylish uniform, he […]
Teotitlan del Valle: Surrounded by Rugs and Textiles
This article highlights the textiles woven in Teotitlan del Valle, a town located in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. Using a spinning wheel, with a small touch of magic, the weaver created thread after combing the raw Merino wool. “This one has clumps because I combed it without care for the demonstration. Usually, the thread […]