I shouldn't really make this a habit...

...only blogging once a month, that is.

April and May have been a blur, but now that I've managed to make it through the first trimester (yes! I am pregnant!), I promise to be better at posting! I need to get organized and back into my routine.

So I hope, dear reader, that you understand my absence. I'll be back though.

Here is the latest Estrellas del Bicentenario video featuring Yucatan.

Almost a month later...

I know, I know...I've been gone for a while. Although I do have good reason, which shall be disclosed in due time (or I could just attribute it to sheer laziness...)

As I prepare for my slow return to the blogging world - here is the latest video of the Estrellas del Bicentenario, featuring the state of Veracruz.



More to come, stay tuned

Nothing to do with Mexico, but...

I was totally going to blog about this last night, but was too tired/lazy to turn on my computer.  Sunday nights for my gordo and I usually involve couch potato-ing. This is, of course, accompanied not only by the TV, but by the laptop as well. Must.Always.Multitask.

Anyway, with one hand on the remote and the other on the mouse, RS finds the most random websites that incite carcajadas {shrieks} of laughter. So I wanted to share this one with you.

Upside Down Dogs

Enjoy. More to come on the fabulous Sunday [March 28] we had yesterday that warranted being couch potatoes...

Homesick, Nostalgia, and (maybe) Remorse...all in one.

As I was writing my previous post, I started thinking about what the Philippines is doing to promote its natural beauty, not only to Filipinos, but to tourists from around the world.


I'm so interested in these Mexican bicentennial videos partly because I am new to Mexico and the process of discovery is so intriguing. It's never really occurred to me to look for videos of the Philippines. Having grown up there, (1) I thought I already knew what it had to offer, and (2) I didn't need a tourism video to convince me of its splendor.


But that is not entirely true. Even after 18 years in Manila, I've barely traveled past Luzon island (OK, I've been to Palawan and the famed Boracay, but can you believe never to Cebu!?). It's kinda embarrassing to admit this actually. When you live somewhere, you always think you'll have time to visit what is close by. So growing up we always held off touring the islands in exchange for more faraway exotic (to us) places. Now that I live on the other side of the Pacific, I regret not having experienced more of the 7,107 islands. 'Cause who knows when I'll be back to do so...


So anyway, here are the videos. The first one is a compilation of short clips that were probably shown during TV commercial breaks around the world; and the second one is a lengthier, more complete and narrated version.








Maybe it will convince you one day to visit (if you haven't already) these exotic islands that will always be home. To me.

Now I Want A Leopard!

The last three bicentenario videos featuring - Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, and Sinaloa - not only cover the indescribable natural beauty Mexico has to offer, but each has their own 'mascots', if you will. The first appearances were of the mountain lion and wolf, then the deer and eagle, followed by the black stallion. My favorites were the lion and horse - until today. Now I want a leopard, as seen in the fourth installment of the series all about the beautiful state of Oaxaca (pronounced Wa-ha-ca). I wouldn't mind the parrot either. Check it out:





The other animals I was sure you would find in Mexico, but I have to admit, I did doubt the leopard. But after some (internet) research and talking to my gordo, yes there are leopards in Oaxaca.


I have yet to go to Oaxaca (ahem! gordo!)...but all I've heard are amazing stories about the culture and history and the incredible beaches. Not to mention the ravings about the extensive Oaxacan cuisine - mole, chapulines, chocolate- and who can forget mezcal? I found a cool website about visiting Oaxaca here.


I would assume there has been a surge in national pride as these videos are being aired, I mean, who wouldn't be proud of seeing amazing footage of their country? These short clips are fantastic for tourists too. If you are thinking about coming to Mexico, wouldn't seeing any of these videos help in making a decision of where to go and what to do? It would defintely make for a more authentic experience.


Sans the local "pet" by your side.

Mexican Morning Madness

This morning, of all mornings, I WISH I had my camera with me. I should know by now that anything and everything can happen in Mexico City at any given time. So my fault folks...


With the absence of functioning red, yellow, and green lights since early yesterday evening - the Mexican driver has been possessed. Rutas driving on sidewalks, cars on the opposite side of the road, and of course, relentless honking.


What is normally a 5 minute drive to work would have been an hour no doubt, so we decided to walk the 6 block stretch. On my way back, I saw the obvious reason as to why nothing is resolved:


Two police officers in the midst of the honking chaos, eating their morning tacos. God forbid they have to actually work and direct traffic!!!


SIGH...