My Mom bought this orchid way back in November 2010, before S was born. It was in full bloom for months, but eventually each flower faded away...at which point I sort of stopped caring for it.

I could have sworn it was dead, but the last time my Mom was in town, she patiently gave it some TLC...and revived the darn thing!

The first 3 of 12 flowers opened yesterday and I'm sure it will be in all its splendor by the time my Mom arrives in a month.

Isn't it amazing? Seeing this in my living room every day just makes me happy!

Some orchid caring tips (this is what my Mom does):


- place your orchid in a place away from direct sunlight, but preferrably in a sunny room.


- do not overwater your orchid, you don't want it to drown. follow the next tip for watering suggestions.


- every 10 days in the summer (every 15 days in the winter), soak your orchid in the kitchen sink for 20-25 minutes. this means filling up the sink so that the whole pot is submerged in water.


- make sure that the moss, soil, and roots look moist at all times. 


Good Luck! :)

My sister sent this to me the other day...LOL...Who can relate???

The Mexican Didgeridoo

It's amazing what fun you can have with something as simple as a tube of wrapping paper and a baby! :)

¿Juay?

If you are a tourist in Mexico City and you see this billboard, you'll probably be thinking..."hmm - I didn't learn the word juay in spanish 101 back in highschool." It's ok, you are right, you didn't. That's because it doesn't exist. It's the Mexican pronunciation of WHY. At least according to local news anchor Joaquin Lopez Doriga.

So why is the city sky dotted with these ads? The bookstore chain Gandhi is famous for its quirky, smart, and thought provoking marketing - and this is just another example of them using current social buzz in one of their campaigns. 

(For a whole list of the their campaigns over the years, check out their publicity page here).

Anyway, so juay did this become an infamous line? It's a result of sound and translation complications during an interview with Anthony Hopkins, where Lopez Doriga tried his hand at English by asking Mr. Hannibal Lecter why he chose to do the film The Rite. Needless to say, tweeters went crazy with his obvious lack of English speaking skills. 

It's just 4 minutes of absolute awkwardness. 

Peek-A-Boo!

Gordo's new victim ;)

A Lovely Day for a Picnic

Before the weather changed drastically - my Mom keeps saying it's colder in Mexico than in Finland - we were blessed with one day last week that was perfect for a park picnic.

So with cold cuts, cheese, bread, and other yummy munchies on hand - we headed for Chapultepec (Mexico City's version of New York's Central Park) along with 2 other couples, their babies, another friend, and my mama for an afternoon of lounging, good company, talking, and just enjoying having absolutely NOTHING to do...{sigh}

Wistful Acapulco

Only about 3.5 hours (without traffic!) from Mexico City, Acapulco has long been a favorite destination for many chilangos wanting to escape the stress of city living.


We just spent the last couple of days there basking in the sun and refueling with clamatos con cerveza. Gordo, me, and my in-laws went to celebrate my suegro's birthday, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year...etc, etc...a lot of excuses to take a few days off, but I don't think anyone needs a pretext or justification for being at the beach. Just 'cause you want to is sufficient.

This was only my second visit to Acapulco, so don't judge (or maybe wholly trust) my judgment please.


First off, I feel like I'm in Manila. Ironically, this was same thing my gordo said when he arrived in Manila - 'I feel like I'm in Acapulco'. There is something about it - the sun, the humidity, the palm trees, the people - it all feels very similar to me. We have also been reading/skimming a book entitled Manila Men in the New World, which shines some light on the migration between Mexico and the Philippines. I don't know how much of the book is actually cold hard fact or wishful thinking, but nonetheless entertaining.


Second, there is an aura of nostalgia that surrounds Acapulco. Made famous as the glorious getaway of Hollywood stars in the 1950's and 60's, this vacation spot was the epitome luxury and exclusivity. But as the years passed, it tried to desperately cling on to the glamour and charm that once defined it, while being thrown into the era of modern consumerism. What was once, I imagine, a quaint fishing town is now a semi-city with monsters like Wal-Mart and Costco lining the coast, and every cliff with a view covered in houses and hotels. And the fact that it is relatively accessible to get to means throngs of people line the beaches on any given holiday.

In recent years, Acapulco has been trying to recover the charm that will turn in back into an international luxury destination, according to the Official Acapulco Travel Site. Multi-million dollar hotels, residences, and restaurants are popping up everywhere and renovations are constantly on going. I question though whether more jaw-dropping amenities will give back Acapulco what it may have lost. It seems to me that a lot of tourists flock to this cove of the Pacific coast in search of that glamour of a privileged life - ending up at such icons like Las Brisas and Baby O - to get a taste of what life was really like back in the day as a star.

The New York Times Travel section has some good tips on where to stay and what to do in Acapulco.

images on the left from www.capama.gob.mx/Capama/historia.php












This trip's photos may not truly show the real Acapulco, but it's because we pretty much kept to ourselves by this pool. We only wandered out one night for dinner at (you guessed it!) Las Brisas. Even we can't escape the idea of a glamorous evening.

But obviously if you Google "Acapulco", there are a million images of infinity pool views overlooking the magnificent Pacific, romantic dinner settings, and chaise longues you just want to live on forever. This is Acapulco, or at least what it wants you to believe it is. Just remember, it can be expensive to be a star.

Finally Friday

It's Friday night, the week is finally over, let the weekend begin.


We (my gordo and I) sometimes feel like we never take real advantage of our weekends. Granted, after a stressful week, yucky weather, and over all exhaustion, a weekend spent in PJ's on the couch is not only justifiable, but sometimes even well-deserved!


But on occasion, it feels good to explore, see what's happening, discover something new, right? So what are you going to do this weekend?


Here are a couple of suggestions if you live in DF:


Explore El Bazaar Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) in San Angel. For the last 50 years, Plaza San Jacinto turns into a labyrinth of little shops every Saturday. From hand made jewelry, clothing, house decors, paintings, and Mexican handicrafts  - perusing through all the artistic offerings is a great way to spend a Saturday.

A recent New York Times article actually mentions this Bazaar as one of the 'to-do' activities when you have 36 Hours in Mexico City.

Aside from shopping, simply walking around this colonia is breathtaking. Houses from the colonial era still line the cobblestone streets shaded under trees making it all so romantic and nostalgic.

Take a break and grab a bite to eat at Fonda San Angel inside the Bazaar itself, or better yet, head over the San Angel Inn, which I hear is super famous for its margaritas.

If you wake up on Sunday wanting more, head over to Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico and catch a bullfight.

Most people think bullfighting is really more of a Spanish pastime, even I did, until we went to see a corrida here last Sunday, but it seems that it is also quite popular here in Mexico.

Actually, many young toreros from Spain come to Mexico to debut their careers. They get practice fighting here first, so Mexican spectators even have a special cariño for Spanish matadors.


If you like bullfights, El Juli from Madrid is fighting this Sunday, January 31st. He is currently one of the best out there and definitely worth seeing.


Even if you don't live in Mexico City, I'm sure there is a local flea market near you that you can browse through for some great finds. Finding a bullfight may be a little more difficult though.








El Bazaar Sabado
Plaza San Jacinto 11
San Angel, Mexico D.F.


San Angel Inn
Diego Rivera 50 y Altavista
Col. San Angel Inn
56 16 14 02


La Monumental Plaza de Toros
Augusto Rodin 241
Col. Noche Buena

Sunday Strollin'

If I remember correctly, I visited Tepoztlan on my very first trip to Mexico. And ever since then, every time we go, we end up at El Ciruelo for lunch. There is no better way to end the weekend than with an ice cold clamato con cerveza on a lazy Sunday with not a care in the world. And their sopes con queso de cabra* are to die for.

*these sopes are little corn tortillas (a little thicker than a normal tortilla you use for tacos) filled with beans and topped with goat cheese, lettuce, and fresh cream. Add a little salsa verde and you are all set!

In 2001, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism launched a program called Pueblos Magicos in an effort to promote towns across the country that are places with "symbolism, legends, history, important events, day-to-day life, in other words "magic" in its social and cultural manifestations, with great opportunities for tourism." The complete list of pueblos magicos can be found on their website, and I've also posted it here:

You may have noticed that Tepoztlan is currently not part of actual list, but it was one of the first towns to be added in 2002. To be considered a pueblo magico, the town must comply with certain requirements that are upheld every year, and unfortunately, Tepoztlan was not able to. Their prestigious title was removed last year.

Regardless, we still had a good time strolling the streets after our delicious lunch. To be fair though, you should be prepared to share the quaint streets with a million other tourists there to do the same thing as you. The Sunday flea market attracts plenty of attention.

As the sun was setting and the vendors were packing up, I added another 'to-do' on my never ending list:

VISIT TEPOZ DURING THE WEEK

I'm sure there is a completely different vibe without the hoards of people.

Tepoztlan

View Larger Map

El Ciruelo

Zaragoza 17

Barrio la Santisima

Tepoztlan, Morelos

(739)3951203

Seksi D.F.

On the way to the studio, my hands were sweaty and my heart was thumping just a little too fast with anticipation. I was en route to my very first pole dancing class. Ah! I can’t believe I just posted that on here! LOL.


It’s ok, I can write about it simply because it was absolutely fantastic!

A very good friend of ours, J., opened her own studio in the heart of the Condesa, where men are strictly prohibited and women are encouraged to let loose and let go :) I’m trying to find the right words to even do it justice…

Relaxed breathing like in yoga, combined with the powerful moves you find in pilates, all wrapped together by sensual dance movements. Granted, there were some basic movements that you have to learn as foundations. They are a teeny bit awkward at first, but once you stop worrying that you look like, your body embraces it’s movement and it just comes naturally.

There is such a misconception around this discipline. While most people almost immediately associate pole dancing with late night men’s clubs, dollar bills, and naked women; there is really so much more to it than that. OK, I will of course admit the dance IS sexy. But in a studio surrounded by giggling ladies all looking for a different, fun work-out experience, it loses all vulgarity.

Instead it becomes a powerful method of channeling your all your energy to make you feel confident and in touch with your body and its flow. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it. Check out their website for all the necessary information plus cool info about it all:

Yoni Shakti
www.yonishakti.com


*All images belong to Yoni Shakti*