If Life Gives You Limes...

So as the saying goes, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, here in Mexico I've tweaked that saying a bit. "If life gives you limes, make agua de limón (limeade)."

Well, life certainly handed me a bucketful of limes today. They were very "tart." But, you know what? Sugar always makes things better. Sugar comes in the form of friends who listen to you at 5:00 in the morning. Sugar can be a terrific mom who consoles you over the internet. Sugar is someone who gives you hugs and tells you that you are beautiful. Sugar can be advice from a wise and witty señora. Sugar is a friend who knows your favorite Mexican candy. Yes, there is lots of sugar to be had. And, I intend to make a serious batch of limeade with it.

So, thanks to all of you who sent sugar my way this weekend. You don't know what a difference it made :-) Really. And, if any of my readers want to send me some more sugar, it would be very much appreciated.

I leave you with a delicious limeade recipe. I really hope you enjoy it!

Abrazos, NicoleRead More!

Fulbright Conference and Carnaval

Last week, all of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico met here in Mexico City for a 3-day Fulbright midterm conference.

There were a total of 31 ETAs who attended the conference, and each of us was required to give a 10-minute presentation about our activities at our respective school sites.The presentations were very interesting, especially given the current political situation in Venezuela with Hugo Chávez. The Venezuelan grantees informed us that they experience frequent power outages, have a hard time finding sugar, and come across violence in large cities like Caracas. These presentations really made me realize how lucky I am to be here in México lindo.

As part of the conference, we went on a tour of the always beautiful Castillo de Chapultepec. The views of the city from the castle are fantastic. We also got to explore the very large Museo de Antropología. Alexis and I enjoyed checking out the giant Olmec heads (like the one from Legends of the Hidden Temple…remember that show?) and the Aztec calendar made of stone. I just want to send a shout out to Alexis and Will for being awesome Hotel Geneve roommates. Thanks guys, I had a blast. And man, do I really miss those fluffy white pillows.

On Thursday, after the conference Renee and I scoped out the “Chocolate Experience” Exposition at the World Trade Center. Oh baby, was that fantastic! We got to sample some Mexican hot chocolate, eat some real cacao beans, watch a cooking demonstration, and nibble on some chocolate-covered coffee beans. It certainly gave us our chocolate fix.

On Friday night, Roberto and I headed to the port of Veracruz for Carnaval. The trip took us 7 hours due to the flooding on the highway between Puebla and Veracruz, but needless to say, we arrived safely. And I’m really sorry for all of you who are enduring the snow back home, but can I just say it was so awesome being at the beach in February. I mean coming from Pittsburgh, the words beach and February just don’t go together in the same sentence. It’s more like February and snow. But, wow! Yes, I certainly relished in that salty ocean breeze.

Once in Veracruz, we met up with Roberto’s entire family (sisters, cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles). For lunch we went to this fun little place past Boca del Río. The restaurant was under a giant palapa (straw hut), and it had a beautiful view of the water. Of course, we ate delicious seafood. How about a fish fillet stuffed with seafood? Can you say yum?

After lunch, we enjoyed playing with the animals located on the “farm” near restaurant.

We also entertained ourselves by climbing this awesome tree…

…again and again.

On Saturday night, we all went to the Carnaval parade that runs down the main road of Miguel Alemán. There was lots of music, dancing, lights, and extravagant costumes.

On Sunday morning, Roberto and I went to the famous El Gran Café de la Parroquia for breakfast. Even though neither of us really likes coffee, we both ordered the classic lechero (coffee with milk). The waiter brought each of us a glass filled with a small amount of coffee. And then, right at the table, he poured a stream of hot milk from a large pitcher into the glass to create a foamy and delicious drink.

Following breakfast, we explored the downtown area. I was so excited when I saw the display of yummy Manila mangoes for sale. In my opinion, you can never have too many mangoes, especially Manila mangoes :-)

We also visited the Museo Histórico Naval (Museum of Naval History). It was really cool to see the abundance of artifacts from this area. I kind of felt like I was in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

We also checked out the Portales where they sell lots of souvenirs and artesanías. I loved strolling around the plaza listening to the sound of the tropical marimba (click to listen) playing in the background. A definite highlight of the trip was getting my very own Tiburones Rojos soccer jersey. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and we were returning to DF. As always, thanks for reading!

Abrazos, Nicole

Click for more pictures! (Conference)

Click for more pictures! (Carnaval)

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14 Cosas Que Me Encantan De Ti

Me encanta que…

1. …me traes flores bonitas.

2. …me ayudas mejorar mi español aunque todavía tengo dificultades con la pronunciación de la 'r.'

3. …encuentras diversión en cada cosa.

4. …me cuidas cuando estoy enferma.

5. …sigues queriéndome a pesar de nuestras diferencias culturales.

6. …eres un chef excelente.

7. …piensas que soy bonita incluso si no llevo maquillaje.

8. …me haces reír y sonreír.

9. …eres inteligente y trabajador.

10. …mejoras todo con tus abrazos y besos.

11. …me entiendes, me respetas, y me haces sentir cómoda.

12. …me invitas a ser parte de tu familia.

13. …me perdonas cuando hago errores.

14. …haces especial cada momento.

Por eso y muchas otras razones, TE ADORO!

Feliz Día de San Valentín!

Besos de tu Blancanieves

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And I'm Back...

I was debating about whether or not to make this one long post or various little posts, and I decided to just go for it and write the whole thing. So, if you’re ready here goes.

First, Christmas started to kick into full gear when we had the posada at my school. A posada is a Christmas celebration that is held between December 16-24. The celebration represents Mary and Joseph’s journey from inn to inn and is usually complete with food, ponche (hot apple cider-like drink), and a star-shaped piñata! Cammie, Andy, and Will along with several students put on a great Christmas caroling performance, too.

Next, Roberto invited me out to lunch to celebrate the birthday of his fellow coworker and wonderful friend, Olga. We ate delicious food at a Yucatecan restaurant and a Pedro Infante “voice-alike” sang Las Mañanitas for Olga. ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Olga!

Next, I headed to Poza Rica with Roberto and spent a weekend there. Although, there was no snow on the ground it felt a lot like Christmas with all the beautiful decorations and sparkly lights.

During my stay, Roberto, his sisters, and I ate at this enchilada place near the airport. Rumor has it that if you eat 6 enchiladas your meal is free. Let me tell you that those were some of the biggest enchiladas I have ever eaten. They got bigger and fatter with each plate that we ordered, and I only made it up to 3.

After we ate, we went to this scenic lookout high atop a mountain. I felt like I had been transported to Rio de Janeiro with the Jesus statue towering above us.

The views of the tropical landscape were simply incredible and the sunset was a myriad of colors.

When I came back to DF, I headed straight to the airport to meet my family! Yay! I was so excited when I saw them come through the frosted glass doors at the Benito Juarez International Airport. During their first afternoon here, my family got to meet the infamous Señora Nena. That was quite an experience! The “Nenster” was going on about everything in Spanish, and my family was trying to keep up with me translating from the other room while I packed my suitcase. Phew! That night we enjoyed a delicious meal of fresh squeezed tangerine juice and tacos.

The next morning we hopped on a bus and headed south to Oaxaca City. During our stay in Oaxaca we visited the Zapotec pyramids of Monte Albán. This pyramid site is such a lovely place because it is nestled in the rolling mountains of Oaxaca and you can see for miles and miles.

The pyramids are beautifully constructed and the stonework is so crisp and clean. Of course, we climbed the big pyramid and took pictures at the top to prove our hike.

We also visited a little pueblo in Oaxaca called San Bartolo Coyotepec where barro negro (black pottery) is made. This artesanía (craft) is native to Oaxaca and there is much craftsmanship involved in making each piece. In another pueblo called Cuilapan we saw an old monastery from the 16th century.

Finally, we visited the small town of Arrazola where the alebrijes (colorful wooden animals) are made. We had the opportunity to observe how these little guys are made and the handiwork is truly impressive.

On Christmas Eve, we happened upon a “Nativity Scene” parade in the zócalo. On each float, there was a live Nativity complete with angels and the Three Wisemen.

On Christmas Day, we headed to my “hometown” of Puebla. Although most businesses were closed on the 25th, we still enjoyed the festivities going on in the zócalo.

The next day we visited the neighboring town of Cholula where the world’s largest (by volume) Pre-Columbian pyramid is located. The pyramid is encircled by the famous volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. The views are fantastic.

High atop the pyramid of Cholula (which looks like a hill) sits the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The brightly colored church is beautifully adorned with gold leaf decoration.

After our time in Puebla, we headed back to home base: Mexico City. During our first days in DF, we visited the Palacio Nacional, which houses the famous murals of Diego Rivera. We also made a trip to Xochimilco and enjoyed a ride on one of the colorful trajineras. We munched on a fantastic lunch of tacos de carnitas…everything was bought fresh from the market.

We also checked out Mexico City’s zócalo and saw the very famous, but sinking cathedral and the Aztec dancers. We made a stop over at Parque México, too just to see the pretty poinsettias.

Finally, we visited Parque Chapultepec, the elaborate Palacio de Correos (Post Office building), and the always spectacular Palacio de Bellas Artes. I know everyone’s feet were tired by the end of the trip, but props to my family for being a real group of troopers. In addition, I’d like to thank my Mom for taking so many beautiful pictures during our trip.

Our trip ended all too quickly and before I knew it my family was on a plane headed back to snowy Pittsburgh. I hopped on bus and went back to Poza Rica to celebrate New Year’s with Roberto and his family.

A New Year’s tradition that is common in the state of Veracruz is to burn a stuffed “old man.” This is their way to say farewell to the old year and to welcome in the New Year. Our old man was stuffed with fireworks and he put on quite a show. We ate lots of yummy food and karaoked late into the night.

When we returned to Mexico City, it was back to work and school. Señora Nena took a short trip to Guadalajara to visit her sister, and Roberto and I were left to watch over the house. Unfortunately, while she was gone, the kitchen sink started leaking and there was water all over the floor. What to do?? We temporarily repaired the leak with this stuff called PlastiLoco. I know my Dad would be so proud of us :-) Roberto and I also went back to the Palacio Nacional to check out the murals.

In addition, we visited the gardens behind the Palacio. There is a giant cactus garden to one side of the building, and there are several cats who are permanent residents there. There was a “gato extremo” (extreme cat) sleeping in the cactus garden. Talk about brave!
Well, I think that about catches us up on things. I’m so happy to be back in the swing of things and let’s hope that I have no more computer troubles from here on out. By the way, Happy Groundhog’s Day to all! I heard that good ol’ Phil saw his shadow and that means six more weeks of winter, but I know you guys can hang in there. Spring is so close!

1. Click for more pictures! (IPN Posada)

2. Click for more pictures! (Olga's Birthday)

3. Click for more pictures! (Christmas-Poza Rica)

4. Click for more pictures! (Christmas-Family)

5. Click for more pictures! (New Year's-Poza Rica)

6. Click for more pictures! (Miscellaneous)

Abrazos, NicoleRead More!