FEBRUARY 19, 2012: I did not go with the guys last night to Puebla to party because I wasn't feeling good. I opted to stay at the hotel because I felt so sore all over my body may be because of too much walking the previous days. I took two Tylenol tablets then went to sleep early like a baby. I noticed that Ricky had crept inside the room at about 0500H from partying at Puebla, Mexico which is about more or less one hour drive from Mexico City.
Today, I woke up at 0900H and I felt so refreshed and renewed. I opened my iPad2 and checked my emails as well as write some more interesting blogs about my recent travels. My boredom I think serves as the catalyst of my drive to write creatively making myself productive at the moment. Then at 0930H, I took a hot shower to vasodilate my veins and pooled some blood to my skin and muscles so that the lactic acid will be neutralized thereby relaxing me greatly.
Then at 1000H, I woke up Ricky (the poor guy appears soporific and beaten up) so that we can check out at the hotel and pick up the guys at the Marriott Hotel in Zona Rosa because we are all heading to Teotihuacan Pyramids, which I went last time for a quick visit, but now I am hoping I can explore it extensively, most especially the Pyramids of the Moon which I did not see last time. I only went to see the Pyramids of the Sun last December, when I last came here to visit, because I came there almost closing time.
After we picked up the guys (Robert and Joey) at Marriott at 1130H, Ricky drove us to Teotihuacan directly, taking the freeway going south of Mexico. It only took us about forty-five minutes to go there because there was no traffic.
We went to the souvenir shop first and listened to the guy, his name is Mario (typical Mexican name), who explained extensively about the different use and purposes of the Maguey plant (a cactus-like plant), which has a scientific name of "Agave salmiana", which are common in Teotihuacan because of the humid weather and desert-like surroundings which the plants like to thrive at most of the time.
He also explained to us how to extract "polque" which is a whitish thick sweet juice or sap from the heart of the mature Maguey plant, when fermented at the right time and teperature, is being used up in the making of tequila which is a staple alcoholic shot drink of the Mexican people during happy hours. He also demonstrated to us how to extract a fiber from it's spiny leaves and also remove a paperlike membrane from both surface of the wide matured elongated leaves.
Mario, also brought us to a demonstration table and had us sampled the "polque" they had just harvested yesterday. It tasted sweet, minty, and slightly alcoholic. I remember the "tuba" way back home extracted from the coconut flower, but the "polque" is milky and slushy compared to the orange and liquidy characteristics of the "tuba". It tastes deliciously awesome!
We also tried to sample the tequila they had made from the aged "polque", which was exclusively made, fermented, and manufactured by them. It was kickingly fiery and fruity at the same time so I chased it with wedged lime and naturally rocked salt which added a very palatably delicious after taste. I only took one shot of the tequila but it had kick me to a hilt leaving me a seared and burning in a good feeling throat that I started buzzing already.
Mario also explained to us the different kinds of obsidian stone. He even gave us samples of the stone and demonstrated us how sharp it was by cutting a stalk of the Maguey leaves. He also told us that the one with gold background when gotten wet are very rare so I asked him to give me a small chip sample which I kept in my wallet as a memento. He also explained some of the uses of the obsidian stone.
Then we headed at the spinning wheel which weaved the fibers of the maguey plant used to make clothes and throws. Then we went inside the store and browsed some of the sample colorful and intricate weaved fabrics made from the fibers of the maguey plant. It was very colorful and nice to look at.
We also browsed the souvenir shop and saw a wide array of things made from silver and obsidian stones as well as from blue "larimar" stones, commonly used to adorn most jewelries. They were pretty and nice to look at. I bought one pendant made of obsidian stone with gold streaks when reflected under sunlight. The two guys we're with bought two bottles of the special tequila that store had aged and made.
From the souvenir shop, Ricky then drove us to the entrance of the pyramids. We spotted a very convenient parking spot near the entrance so we parked our car there and then we ambled towards the great pyramid called the Pyramid of the Sun, located at the center of the valley of the pyramids.
There were a lot of people there today, may be because it was a Sunday. The stairs going up to the bigger pyramid, the Pyramid of the Sun, were full of people climbing up the steep stairs. They appeared like small ants climbing up the triangular structure pointing towards the sky. It was packed there today compared to the day when I went there last December.
Even the novelty and souvenir stalls at the entrance were packed with a wide array of people. It was crazy there at that time. We ambled towards the Pyramid of the Sun, which was about 400 meters from where we're standing. I pre-warned the guys that I am not going to go up there anymore because of my horrible experience I had last time. When we saw the line was very long at the base of the structure, the guys decided not to go up either.
We then stopped at the front platform in front of the bigger pyramid and took a lot of pictures, with different angles and poses, before we decided to go or head up to the next smaller pyramid, which is the famously known Pyramid of the Moon, found on the West side of the pyramid valley
The walk towards the Pyramid of the Moon was about two kilometers and on each side of the way were the ruins of the old Aztec civilization. It looks like little stalls with small rooms but they appeared already roofless in front of us. We also saw some of the remnants of their arts on the walls which was being preserved from the wear and tear of time and climate. We took a lot of pictures of all those mini- rooms from the ruined pyramids as well as the paintings in some of the rooms.
We continued our walk towards the Pyramid of the moon, and when we reached the front we decided to go up and took pictures from there. The climb was only limited until the pedestal and nothing more. It was a steep climb and we were catching our breath when we got on top. We were able to take a lot of pictures from there and stayed there for a little while appreciating the vastness and simple beauty of the place and wondered; "How did the ancient people survived there?"
We were also trying to feel how they were able to thrive in that place for we know that their cultures and practices was been overheard until the south in the Yucatan jungle. It was very interesting to be there and see it all in person, communing with the remnants of their past trying to put the puzzle together, but unluckily our questions were not answered well.
We also went to see the ruins of the Palace of Quetzcal, on the East side of the Pyramid of the Moon. It was noted that he has a lot of influence among the people of Teotihuacans because he was the high priest. And every words that came out from his mouth was being followed as if people were hypnotizingly demanded to do it.
After we're done at the Pyramid of the Moon, we ambled back towards the Pyramid of the Sun and checked if the line had abated. When we got there the line was still the same and it looks like it won't stop at all. The people at the steep stairs are still moving at a very slow pace and they appeared like a colony of ants trying to climb up the big pyramid for a much needed reward.
The two guys we are with were frustrated so we decided to check out the museum on the North side of the pyramid valley close to the Pyramid of the Sun. After checking the exhibits at the museum, the lines were still the same so the guys decided to go back to Mexico City because they were tired already. I myself was also tired. It was like 1630H that time when we surrendered walking and called it quits.
It was quite a slow day today despite of the crowded people at Teotihuacan. The heat of the afternoon sun pierced our skin and the humid weather added a toll on us while we were ambling around the valley of the pyramids. It was cool to commune with them invoking the spirits of the Gods from both great pyramids, the Pyramid of the sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. This is my second time there but it seems that I felt not being there before, because every thing is still new to me.
I am glad I was back there again today, to fully understand how these structures had evolved long time ago, and also learned a lot of the Aztec's cultures, customs, traditions, arts, and religion. Now, everything was very clear and enlightening to me and now I can feel that I am fond and more inclined to learn about the Aztec culture.
Searching about myself is one of my purpose in going here and I am glad I found some answers to some of my puzzling questions. Whatever questions I have, I will only keep it to myself. Happy reading guys!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Rest Day On My Fifth Day Sojourn
FEBRUARY 18, 2012: I went to sleep early last night and when I woke this morning at 0800H I felt so sore all over my body as if I'm craving for a much needed massage. My throat was also sore and dry spitting thick tenacious phelgm in yellow color.
I immediately popped two tablets of Tylenol 500 mg and went back for my blog which I probably left last night on the study table. I never had any recollection of what had happened last night.
I was planning to go back to Chapultepec Park today to browse the Chapultepec Lake and the Chapultepec Zoo but I really felt I will probably gave in if I'll keep pushing myself. So, I intended this day as a rest day instead.
My friend Ricky is still working today so I will be left alone again at the hotel. After finishing three blogs, I felt so bored so I decided to take a shower and dressed. It was already noon time so I decided to eat outside.
I walked towards Zona Rosa but I don't know why I made a right immediately at Calle Dinamarca and spotted the nearby McDonalds. Because I was starving I went in and ordered a meal of Big Mac with a medium diet Coke. I gobbled the meal and then continued to make one blog there.
I left the McDonald's and kept ambling Reforma Avenue when I spotted the new mall. I went inside the mall and started window shopping starting from the topmost floor going down the ground floor. I spiraled each floor trying to do it without even a fuss. I did not buy anything but I enjoyed window shopping.
I saw a Starbucks Coffee Cafe at the east corner of the mall, ordered a medium caramel macchiato, and found a corner table where to continue typing my blogs. I stayed there for three hours typing my blogs on my notebook and then just copy paste it later on my blog site. There was no WiFi at the cafe.
I spotted several interesting people at the cafe and actually have mingled with them. I can feel my awkwardness today may be because probably of my not feeling well. I don't know! Instead, I just continued blogging and letting my imagination flow through without any hesitation. I was just pumped up to write everything word-for-word.
When I was through with my blog I decided to watch a movie. It was only 1600H and I know Ricky will not be back at 2000H as what he told me this morning when he left.
I watch the "Journey Towards the Middle of The Earth: Part2" which starred Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock. I saw part one before and even read the entire book series so I decided to continue part two here in Mexico. The movie is in English (well, that's good) and was subtitled in Spanish. It was full of suspense and surprise that my body was pounding adrenaline and my heart was been racing to it's top workmanship. Hahaha.
After the movie, I was hungry again and decided to eat Asian. I was surprised they have P.F. Chang Resto here. I went inside the resto and ordered a lettuce wrap with garlic ground chicken and a kicking strong frozen strawberry margarita. The food was great!
After the dinner, I went back to the hotel. It was 1945H that time and I was already so tired for not doing nothing but just window shopping and watching a movie and also finishing up my blogs. I didn't know it was equally tiring than the previous days I have spent here. May be it was because I was already sore then I aggravated it again today. May be!
Today, was quite a long day and it was my rest day. Yet, I spend it quite productively by finishing up my blogs. Tomorrow, we will leave early in the morning for Guanajuato and I can't wait for more adventures despite of how fatigued I am.
Thank God.... for this day and at least I have spent it fruitfully without any problem. Amen to that!
I immediately popped two tablets of Tylenol 500 mg and went back for my blog which I probably left last night on the study table. I never had any recollection of what had happened last night.
I was planning to go back to Chapultepec Park today to browse the Chapultepec Lake and the Chapultepec Zoo but I really felt I will probably gave in if I'll keep pushing myself. So, I intended this day as a rest day instead.
My friend Ricky is still working today so I will be left alone again at the hotel. After finishing three blogs, I felt so bored so I decided to take a shower and dressed. It was already noon time so I decided to eat outside.
I walked towards Zona Rosa but I don't know why I made a right immediately at Calle Dinamarca and spotted the nearby McDonalds. Because I was starving I went in and ordered a meal of Big Mac with a medium diet Coke. I gobbled the meal and then continued to make one blog there.
I left the McDonald's and kept ambling Reforma Avenue when I spotted the new mall. I went inside the mall and started window shopping starting from the topmost floor going down the ground floor. I spiraled each floor trying to do it without even a fuss. I did not buy anything but I enjoyed window shopping.
I saw a Starbucks Coffee Cafe at the east corner of the mall, ordered a medium caramel macchiato, and found a corner table where to continue typing my blogs. I stayed there for three hours typing my blogs on my notebook and then just copy paste it later on my blog site. There was no WiFi at the cafe.
I spotted several interesting people at the cafe and actually have mingled with them. I can feel my awkwardness today may be because probably of my not feeling well. I don't know! Instead, I just continued blogging and letting my imagination flow through without any hesitation. I was just pumped up to write everything word-for-word.
When I was through with my blog I decided to watch a movie. It was only 1600H and I know Ricky will not be back at 2000H as what he told me this morning when he left.
I watch the "Journey Towards the Middle of The Earth: Part2" which starred Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock. I saw part one before and even read the entire book series so I decided to continue part two here in Mexico. The movie is in English (well, that's good) and was subtitled in Spanish. It was full of suspense and surprise that my body was pounding adrenaline and my heart was been racing to it's top workmanship. Hahaha.
After the movie, I was hungry again and decided to eat Asian. I was surprised they have P.F. Chang Resto here. I went inside the resto and ordered a lettuce wrap with garlic ground chicken and a kicking strong frozen strawberry margarita. The food was great!
After the dinner, I went back to the hotel. It was 1945H that time and I was already so tired for not doing nothing but just window shopping and watching a movie and also finishing up my blogs. I didn't know it was equally tiring than the previous days I have spent here. May be it was because I was already sore then I aggravated it again today. May be!
Today, was quite a long day and it was my rest day. Yet, I spend it quite productively by finishing up my blogs. Tomorrow, we will leave early in the morning for Guanajuato and I can't wait for more adventures despite of how fatigued I am.
Thank God.... for this day and at least I have spent it fruitfully without any problem. Amen to that!
Ricky's Simple Birthday Soiree
FEBRUARY 17, 2012: Well, after walking a lot for the whole day and had visited the Chapultepec Castle, ambled the beautiful Avenida de la Reforma, saw Mexico City's skyline in 360 degrees, as well a dined out at the tower's posh Miralto Restaurant it's time to take a nap at the hotel and wait for Ricky to come back after a day's work on his birthday.
He came back at 2000H and we decided to eat at the hotel's restaurant. We changed and then went down on the second floor, where the restaurant is located. There were no people there, only the two of us. I asked Ricky if he wanted to do Sing-a-long because the bar has one but he declined. I even told him that I can sing for him but he gladly declined it. Funny!
We sat at the corner table and ordered food. I know the waiter because I ate out there two days before for a lunch and Gabriel had introduced himself to me. I introduced the waiter to Ricky and "Voila!", they were chummy with each other spurting Spanish words like a lightning and was even laughing at each other. I also told Gabriel that it was Ricky's birthday today and he gladly took note of that.
I ordered the grilled white fish with vegetables roasted in olive oil and Ricky ordered a Northern Beef Acarrezza with quesadilla on the side. I was supposed to order it but I changed my mind because I didn't know what it is so I decided to order the grilled fish fillet. For drinks we both ordered a frozen lime margarita and we enjoyed sipping it together.
While waiting for the food we were telling stories about our day's activities and I told Ricky about my wonderful adventures at the castle, my lonely but interesting stroll at the avenue, my wonderful view and observation at the tower deck of Torre del Latino, and my forgettable dinner at the Miralto Resto. I also did not neglect telling him that I was almost duped by a taxi driver.
He was laughing at my experiences for that day especially the ones with the taxi driver. I was even laughing upon remembering it. He then told me that he was with the visitors at the Zocalo the whole day. They had visited the Catedral Metropolitana and had went up the bell tower, went to the Palacio Postal and the Palacio Nacional, and also toured the Templo Mayor. We all both have a long and tiring day.
When our food came, we started to gobble and enjoyed them sharing some more bits of stories about our day's adventures and wanderings. I ate my fish very slowly with much gusto trying to enjoy the fresh taste of the exactly grilled-right-fillet and the sweet-and-juicy roasted vegetables. The cream for the fish was very delicious and I can't help saying, "Hmmmm! Hmmmm!," every time I had a bite of my menu and Ricky was been balling and laughing at me because of my overrated reactions.
When we finished our hearty dinner, we ordered another frozen margaritas, lime for him and strawberry for me. We still kept telling stories of our adventures as well as good and funny jokes for us to laugh at. I volunteered to sing at the karaoke but he even halted me. He probably just don't want to be embarrassed in front of the restaurant crew. Hahaha.
After finishing our margaritas we ordered coffee and still can't stop telling stories. The dinner was excellent and on the dot. I am glad we did it there. I then stood up and hugged Ricky and greeted him "Happy Birthday!" After pecking each other on each cheeks and hugging tightly He thanked me for the nice but simple soiree.
After the dinner we went back to the room and Ricky invited me to party tonight because it was a Friday Night. "TGIF Baby!", he said. I told him that I was pretty much beat up and sore all over from the whole day's wandering and I just probably have to rest it up and call it quits.
He was supposed to meet his boss and their visitors at a bar in Zona Rosa because the visitors will be leaving Sunday morning and tomorrow will be their last day to enjoy and they will be going to the Guadalupe Shrine, Xochimilco, Frida Kahlo's Museum, and Teotihuacan Pyramids. That was a long streak of activities and I don't think they can do it. Good luck!
Ricky then changed and then left for the Friday night party and I chose to stay nursing my soreness and fatigue. I took two Tylenol pills then started to start blogging until I felt sleepy. I didn't even noticed what time I went to bed because I left my iPad2 charging and my blog hanging. Hahaha. I was pretty much stoned (in short drunk) by the two margaritas I drank that night.
When I woke up in the morning I was proof reading my blogs and I noticed it was chronicled in disarray and was very funny as if my thoughts were uncoordinated and was not there. I meticulously edited it and gladly posted it on my blog site.
Well, Ricky's birthday was been spent simply, with only him and me, and we had a blast laughing at our every adventures for that day. It didn't required any fancy gifts or posh restaurants but it was well spent memorably and remarkably. We even bribed Gabriel (the waiter) to prepare us a small slice of cake for Ricky to blow a candle and had a memorable picture for it. He told me it was his first birthday to blow a candle.
How was that? Isn't it very touching at all? I am glad I was there to have witnessed it. At least he was happy celebrating it and was grateful to have spent it with me.
He came back at 2000H and we decided to eat at the hotel's restaurant. We changed and then went down on the second floor, where the restaurant is located. There were no people there, only the two of us. I asked Ricky if he wanted to do Sing-a-long because the bar has one but he declined. I even told him that I can sing for him but he gladly declined it. Funny!
We sat at the corner table and ordered food. I know the waiter because I ate out there two days before for a lunch and Gabriel had introduced himself to me. I introduced the waiter to Ricky and "Voila!", they were chummy with each other spurting Spanish words like a lightning and was even laughing at each other. I also told Gabriel that it was Ricky's birthday today and he gladly took note of that.
I ordered the grilled white fish with vegetables roasted in olive oil and Ricky ordered a Northern Beef Acarrezza with quesadilla on the side. I was supposed to order it but I changed my mind because I didn't know what it is so I decided to order the grilled fish fillet. For drinks we both ordered a frozen lime margarita and we enjoyed sipping it together.
While waiting for the food we were telling stories about our day's activities and I told Ricky about my wonderful adventures at the castle, my lonely but interesting stroll at the avenue, my wonderful view and observation at the tower deck of Torre del Latino, and my forgettable dinner at the Miralto Resto. I also did not neglect telling him that I was almost duped by a taxi driver.
He was laughing at my experiences for that day especially the ones with the taxi driver. I was even laughing upon remembering it. He then told me that he was with the visitors at the Zocalo the whole day. They had visited the Catedral Metropolitana and had went up the bell tower, went to the Palacio Postal and the Palacio Nacional, and also toured the Templo Mayor. We all both have a long and tiring day.
When our food came, we started to gobble and enjoyed them sharing some more bits of stories about our day's adventures and wanderings. I ate my fish very slowly with much gusto trying to enjoy the fresh taste of the exactly grilled-right-fillet and the sweet-and-juicy roasted vegetables. The cream for the fish was very delicious and I can't help saying, "Hmmmm! Hmmmm!," every time I had a bite of my menu and Ricky was been balling and laughing at me because of my overrated reactions.
When we finished our hearty dinner, we ordered another frozen margaritas, lime for him and strawberry for me. We still kept telling stories of our adventures as well as good and funny jokes for us to laugh at. I volunteered to sing at the karaoke but he even halted me. He probably just don't want to be embarrassed in front of the restaurant crew. Hahaha.
After finishing our margaritas we ordered coffee and still can't stop telling stories. The dinner was excellent and on the dot. I am glad we did it there. I then stood up and hugged Ricky and greeted him "Happy Birthday!" After pecking each other on each cheeks and hugging tightly He thanked me for the nice but simple soiree.
After the dinner we went back to the room and Ricky invited me to party tonight because it was a Friday Night. "TGIF Baby!", he said. I told him that I was pretty much beat up and sore all over from the whole day's wandering and I just probably have to rest it up and call it quits.
He was supposed to meet his boss and their visitors at a bar in Zona Rosa because the visitors will be leaving Sunday morning and tomorrow will be their last day to enjoy and they will be going to the Guadalupe Shrine, Xochimilco, Frida Kahlo's Museum, and Teotihuacan Pyramids. That was a long streak of activities and I don't think they can do it. Good luck!
Ricky then changed and then left for the Friday night party and I chose to stay nursing my soreness and fatigue. I took two Tylenol pills then started to start blogging until I felt sleepy. I didn't even noticed what time I went to bed because I left my iPad2 charging and my blog hanging. Hahaha. I was pretty much stoned (in short drunk) by the two margaritas I drank that night.
When I woke up in the morning I was proof reading my blogs and I noticed it was chronicled in disarray and was very funny as if my thoughts were uncoordinated and was not there. I meticulously edited it and gladly posted it on my blog site.
Well, Ricky's birthday was been spent simply, with only him and me, and we had a blast laughing at our every adventures for that day. It didn't required any fancy gifts or posh restaurants but it was well spent memorably and remarkably. We even bribed Gabriel (the waiter) to prepare us a small slice of cake for Ricky to blow a candle and had a memorable picture for it. He told me it was his first birthday to blow a candle.
How was that? Isn't it very touching at all? I am glad I was there to have witnessed it. At least he was happy celebrating it and was grateful to have spent it with me.
On Top Of Torre Latino
FEBRUARY 17, 2012: From Zona Rosa, after ambling around the Paseo de la Reforma, I hired a taxi to bring me to Zocalo near the Palacio de las Bellas Artes. I instructed the driver in Spanish but may be he misunderstood me and had drove me farther towards the colonial place called Bellas Artes. He thought I was heading there.
When I noticed it was the wrong way, I attracted his attention. He was sorry about it so he turned around and drove towards Zocalo. The traffic was tail-to-tail and the humid heat of the afternoon sun can be felt in the air. While waiting for the traffic my driver has the time to skim his newspaper. I don't know if he's reading it but I noticed he's skimming his newspaper very quickly.
We finally got to the TransLatino Tower after 45 minutes then he charged me $50.00 for the trip and the turn around. I then disembarked in front of the Palacio de las Bellas Artes then walked towards the building and checked inside.
The courtyard was teeming with people of all walks of life, young and old, skinny and fat, handsome and ugly, rich and poor, etc. It was very crowded at the front yard so I decided to check the interior of the beautiful building.
The interior was very nice with black marbled walls and floors with white streaks. The dome on the ceiling appears plain and had not much paintings. The building has a hallow center and at the center the four storeys can be pretty much spotted well.
After checking the interior of the building, I then went out and ambled towards the TransLatino Tower. I kept taking pictures of both buildings. The traffic was now extremely crowded and the streets are teeming with diversified people of all walks of life.
I continued ambling towards the tower, then I spotted the building walled with white and blue porcelain tiles just across the tower. It was odd to look at from the distance. Intrigued, I went closer then saw how intricately plastered those tile individually on the wall. I then took several pictures and then made an about face and ambled towards the tower.
When I turned around, on my left side, I noticed there were a lot of people in front of the yard near the tower. Puzzled, I went inside the yard to check it out and I saw some glass cabinets with cute little dolls in various colorful and fancy dresses. The dolls appeared to look like the Baby Infant Jesus.
I looked around and saw a banner saying the theme of the exhibit. I was right that it was the exhibit of the Infant Jesus. I kept snapping my camera for pictures of the dolls individually and also each of the glass cabinets for my online albums.
After I was done at the exhibit, I then paid my ticket at the counter for the lift on top of the observation room. I paid $60.00 for the lift. The observation room was in the 47th floor of the building. From there all the view of the whole city can be seen.
Even the back drop of the two snow-capped volcanoes from the southern horizon can be vividly visualized. I took a lot of pictures of every corners of the observation deck. It was very awe-inspiring to have seen Mexico City in 360 degrees. I stayed there for thirty minutes.
From there, I spotted the Zocalo, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palacio Postal, The House of Tiles, the Plaza Tolsa and El Caballito, the Basilica de Guadalupe from the far West and the opulent district of Mexico City in the nearby northern section. I can also spot the Chapultepec Lake, Zoo, and Castle at the near East side. It was very exciting to have been there and enjoy the nice view.
After that, I went to the 41st floor, to eat at the Miralto Restaurant. I decided to eat light so I ordered a lime mojito, a shrimp bisque for appetizer, and a green salad with grilled salmon for the entree. The ambiance there was good. I can see some beautiful people dressed formally and also some couples having dinner dates.
When my shrimp bisque had arrived, I've noticed that my lone jumbo grilled shrimp perched on the side of the bowl as a garnish has still an intestine and a curly human hair. I called the attention of the waiter and he condescendingly apologized and took the bowl to be changed. I was surprised of his attitude and was about to leave but I held my cool.
After 10 minutes the new bowl was delivered and the shrimp was been laid alone on the porcelain saucer. I've doubled checked the food several times before I let go of the waiter. So far everything was good and the shrimp bisque was very delicious. (May be they added more cream. Hehehe.)
The salad came after that and I was frustrated because the salad serving was so little and the grilled salmon was rare and bland. It was just like eating a bland hospital food. There were no dressing on the green salad either.
The presentation appeared like a smiley wherein they added a dehydrated round-cut orange in the middle and a green oily dressing along the semi- circular ridge of the plate, that resembled as the beard. The salmon appeared like the big laughing mouth. It was well presented but the execution was poor. If I were the judge on my favorite show "Chopped" on the Food Network, I will axe the chef immediately with no further explanations.
Despite of this dilemma, I can't help eating them all, because I was starving big time. I complained to the waiter that the salad was not enough yet he was just smirking at me.
The mojito was good but they've crushed a lot of mint and only squeezed a little lime and poured a lot of tequila which made it a lot stronger. I can feel the heat of the tequila streaming down my throat. I can't complain anymore.
On the rate of 0 to 10, I have to grade Miralto as 4/10. Sorry, I wasn't satisfied. On top of that, I paid $410.00 (Mexican dollars) which is a whopping $33.15 USD. Poorly executed, huh!
After I paid my bill, I went down to use their rest room. To my horrible surprise, one of the faucets is not working and there was only one stall with a toilet bowl and when I used it, because I have to defecate, there wasn't even a switch to turn on the light. I couldn't wait to go up and complain because my tummy was already about to burst.
I closed the stall and it was totally dark inside. I turned on my cell phone to give me a little light and lined the bowl rim with toilet paper so that I can go. My God... it was a horrible experience at that posh restaurant. That's what they called posh? Well, if given another chance I won't dine there again.
After washing my hands, I went upstairs and took the elevator down. When I get out of the tower the streets were already teeming with people. I crossed the street again and ambled a little bit towards the front yard of the Bellas Artes then sat there and observed around, what the people were doing.
There were a lot of people every where in the yard talking at each other and doing their own stuff. Some were eating and the children are running and squirming around hyperactively. Some were just sitting there and listened to their MP3's and some are reading their books intently. A lot of activities around and I was amused of my observation. It was very entertaining!
At 1730H I decided to leave the yard and walked towards Alameda Park and called for a taxi there. I was lucky that a taxi had stopped in front of me alighting a couple people on the street.
I immediately went inside the taxi and told the driver to drop me off at the hotel. He drove me towards Reforma Avenue and made a right turn on Calle Hamburgo. He dropped me off at the corner and to my surprise he charged me $110.00. I told him that it was too much (in Spanish) and that the register only tipped at $26.00. I gave him $30.00 and he didn't even complained. He was probably shocked that I can speak Spanish fluently. Hahaha.
Well, that was the gist of my fourth day here in Mexico City, all doing it to myself. Starting my adventure at the Chapultepec Castle, then my awesome walk on Paseo de La Reforma (which made my legs and feet very sore), the viewing of the city in 360 degrees at the observation deck of the Torre de Latino, the stroll at the front yard of Palacio de las Bellas Artes, and the not so par dinner at the Miralto on the 41st floor of the tower as well as that horrible dark room experience at the Miralto restaurant's male restroom (it felt like I was doing shit in primitive times). Hahaha.
It was quite an exciting, interesting, refreshing, and entertaining experience for me and I was so fortunate to have done it on my own despite of some setbacks. I was almost duped by the taxi driver who drove me back at the hotel but good thing I've proved him wrong.
So much to learn from these experiences and I can't complain for more. I love this trip and I wish I could do more exploration on my own. Thank you God for a very worthwhile day.
When I noticed it was the wrong way, I attracted his attention. He was sorry about it so he turned around and drove towards Zocalo. The traffic was tail-to-tail and the humid heat of the afternoon sun can be felt in the air. While waiting for the traffic my driver has the time to skim his newspaper. I don't know if he's reading it but I noticed he's skimming his newspaper very quickly.
We finally got to the TransLatino Tower after 45 minutes then he charged me $50.00 for the trip and the turn around. I then disembarked in front of the Palacio de las Bellas Artes then walked towards the building and checked inside.
The courtyard was teeming with people of all walks of life, young and old, skinny and fat, handsome and ugly, rich and poor, etc. It was very crowded at the front yard so I decided to check the interior of the beautiful building.
The interior was very nice with black marbled walls and floors with white streaks. The dome on the ceiling appears plain and had not much paintings. The building has a hallow center and at the center the four storeys can be pretty much spotted well.
After checking the interior of the building, I then went out and ambled towards the TransLatino Tower. I kept taking pictures of both buildings. The traffic was now extremely crowded and the streets are teeming with diversified people of all walks of life.
I continued ambling towards the tower, then I spotted the building walled with white and blue porcelain tiles just across the tower. It was odd to look at from the distance. Intrigued, I went closer then saw how intricately plastered those tile individually on the wall. I then took several pictures and then made an about face and ambled towards the tower.
When I turned around, on my left side, I noticed there were a lot of people in front of the yard near the tower. Puzzled, I went inside the yard to check it out and I saw some glass cabinets with cute little dolls in various colorful and fancy dresses. The dolls appeared to look like the Baby Infant Jesus.
I looked around and saw a banner saying the theme of the exhibit. I was right that it was the exhibit of the Infant Jesus. I kept snapping my camera for pictures of the dolls individually and also each of the glass cabinets for my online albums.
After I was done at the exhibit, I then paid my ticket at the counter for the lift on top of the observation room. I paid $60.00 for the lift. The observation room was in the 47th floor of the building. From there all the view of the whole city can be seen.
Even the back drop of the two snow-capped volcanoes from the southern horizon can be vividly visualized. I took a lot of pictures of every corners of the observation deck. It was very awe-inspiring to have seen Mexico City in 360 degrees. I stayed there for thirty minutes.
From there, I spotted the Zocalo, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palacio Postal, The House of Tiles, the Plaza Tolsa and El Caballito, the Basilica de Guadalupe from the far West and the opulent district of Mexico City in the nearby northern section. I can also spot the Chapultepec Lake, Zoo, and Castle at the near East side. It was very exciting to have been there and enjoy the nice view.
After that, I went to the 41st floor, to eat at the Miralto Restaurant. I decided to eat light so I ordered a lime mojito, a shrimp bisque for appetizer, and a green salad with grilled salmon for the entree. The ambiance there was good. I can see some beautiful people dressed formally and also some couples having dinner dates.
When my shrimp bisque had arrived, I've noticed that my lone jumbo grilled shrimp perched on the side of the bowl as a garnish has still an intestine and a curly human hair. I called the attention of the waiter and he condescendingly apologized and took the bowl to be changed. I was surprised of his attitude and was about to leave but I held my cool.
After 10 minutes the new bowl was delivered and the shrimp was been laid alone on the porcelain saucer. I've doubled checked the food several times before I let go of the waiter. So far everything was good and the shrimp bisque was very delicious. (May be they added more cream. Hehehe.)
The salad came after that and I was frustrated because the salad serving was so little and the grilled salmon was rare and bland. It was just like eating a bland hospital food. There were no dressing on the green salad either.
The presentation appeared like a smiley wherein they added a dehydrated round-cut orange in the middle and a green oily dressing along the semi- circular ridge of the plate, that resembled as the beard. The salmon appeared like the big laughing mouth. It was well presented but the execution was poor. If I were the judge on my favorite show "Chopped" on the Food Network, I will axe the chef immediately with no further explanations.
Despite of this dilemma, I can't help eating them all, because I was starving big time. I complained to the waiter that the salad was not enough yet he was just smirking at me.
The mojito was good but they've crushed a lot of mint and only squeezed a little lime and poured a lot of tequila which made it a lot stronger. I can feel the heat of the tequila streaming down my throat. I can't complain anymore.
On the rate of 0 to 10, I have to grade Miralto as 4/10. Sorry, I wasn't satisfied. On top of that, I paid $410.00 (Mexican dollars) which is a whopping $33.15 USD. Poorly executed, huh!
After I paid my bill, I went down to use their rest room. To my horrible surprise, one of the faucets is not working and there was only one stall with a toilet bowl and when I used it, because I have to defecate, there wasn't even a switch to turn on the light. I couldn't wait to go up and complain because my tummy was already about to burst.
I closed the stall and it was totally dark inside. I turned on my cell phone to give me a little light and lined the bowl rim with toilet paper so that I can go. My God... it was a horrible experience at that posh restaurant. That's what they called posh? Well, if given another chance I won't dine there again.
After washing my hands, I went upstairs and took the elevator down. When I get out of the tower the streets were already teeming with people. I crossed the street again and ambled a little bit towards the front yard of the Bellas Artes then sat there and observed around, what the people were doing.
There were a lot of people every where in the yard talking at each other and doing their own stuff. Some were eating and the children are running and squirming around hyperactively. Some were just sitting there and listened to their MP3's and some are reading their books intently. A lot of activities around and I was amused of my observation. It was very entertaining!
At 1730H I decided to leave the yard and walked towards Alameda Park and called for a taxi there. I was lucky that a taxi had stopped in front of me alighting a couple people on the street.
I immediately went inside the taxi and told the driver to drop me off at the hotel. He drove me towards Reforma Avenue and made a right turn on Calle Hamburgo. He dropped me off at the corner and to my surprise he charged me $110.00. I told him that it was too much (in Spanish) and that the register only tipped at $26.00. I gave him $30.00 and he didn't even complained. He was probably shocked that I can speak Spanish fluently. Hahaha.
Well, that was the gist of my fourth day here in Mexico City, all doing it to myself. Starting my adventure at the Chapultepec Castle, then my awesome walk on Paseo de La Reforma (which made my legs and feet very sore), the viewing of the city in 360 degrees at the observation deck of the Torre de Latino, the stroll at the front yard of Palacio de las Bellas Artes, and the not so par dinner at the Miralto on the 41st floor of the tower as well as that horrible dark room experience at the Miralto restaurant's male restroom (it felt like I was doing shit in primitive times). Hahaha.
It was quite an exciting, interesting, refreshing, and entertaining experience for me and I was so fortunate to have done it on my own despite of some setbacks. I was almost duped by the taxi driver who drove me back at the hotel but good thing I've proved him wrong.
So much to learn from these experiences and I can't complain for more. I love this trip and I wish I could do more exploration on my own. Thank you God for a very worthwhile day.
Strolling Along Paseo de la Reforma
FEBRUARY 17, 2012: From the castle, I went down the hill not waiting for the tram to go up and picked me up. I just wanted to feel how it feels to go down the hill striding along with other tourists and revelers alike and feel the roughness of the cobbled stone pavements
Upon exiting the gate at the bottom of the hill, I ambled towards the forked-paved-road and took the one on the right side towards the Chapultepec Statue in the middle of the park.
The statue was carved in a white shiny limestone, depicting the people who defended the country during the revolution in the 1800's. The statue was titled as "A Los Defensores de la Patria" and was perched on the center of a huge stage intended may be for public performances.
At the back of the statue stood five tall marble pillars with ornately carved black stone eagles raising their wings upward with their heads looking up in the blue sky, like they're ready to go on flight, thereby appeared like clinging to the pillar. On top of the pillar perched a curled wave patterned in black marble. The whole stage appeared very nice and elegant to look at.
I then continued walking towards the west side of the park, after taking pictures of the enormous stage, continuing my walk towards the gate facing the La Reforma Avenue.
In front of the black gate gilded with gold at the tips were two panthers guarding the west entrance gate. Across, the street was a tall green glass building and on the opposite side was a shrine towering almost the same height of the building across.
On top of the shrine was a huge iron bell. As what I understood the shrine was intended for giving homage to the people who died during the revolution, as also depicted on the stage I just passed by.
I took the pictures of the two towers and then continued ambling towards the avenue going west.
Several blocks to the west direction, I can see the Fountain of Diana in a circular shape, with the water spouting stationary forming a huge circle of sprouting water in the middle of the street. The middle faucet was springing water in an archway direction towards the standing green stone statue, proudly standing at the center, looking like praying ladies from a distance. The fountain was so pretty to look at from where I stood across the street.
After that, I crossed the street then continued to walk towards West but I felt like buying the potato chips I saw at the corner, sold by a very amiable guy. I bought one and had requested the guy to sprinkle a little bit of salt, lime, and red chili powder on top of the chips. I never thought it will taste so magically delicious.
I continued walking while enjoying my little treat towards the direction of the famous La Independencia Monument, which was made as the symbol of independence for the Mexican people, which was just like three blocks away from where I am.
When I got to the monument, I was in awe to see it in person. In my previous travels I used to see it while I was in the car and in the Turibus which also appeared very pretty during those times. But honestly, when I was there that time and at that moment in person, the monument was even more prettier and grandiose to look at. I just can't stop staring at it craning my neck for minutes.
The traffic was very congested and it took me a hard time to cross the circular street so I waited and waited until I can get the chance to cross. It took me eight minutes to have that lucky opportunity. I sprinted across the street, like a rattled Schizophrenic, scared that I might get an accident but gladly I made it safe at the other end.
I stopped here and there at the base of the monument following the circular ledge around the street and took pictures of the statue in every angle. I looked like a paparazzi trying to amass tons of pictures for my subject for a living. Hehehe. Albeit, my subject was very famous already. Bwahahaha.
I then climbed on the second level from the base where I circled then continued to take pictures on every corners and angles. Then I moved a level more up and another level more up doing it in circular motion until I've reached the leveled pedestal.
At the pedestal, a cute guy had requested me to take him a several pictures instructing me to get him a picture with the gold angel perched on top of the pillar. I gladly took his camera and internally giggled within myself because I am so fond of his handsome face. He looks like Enrique Iglesias. I just wanted to pinch him on that rosy cheeks. Hehehe.
After I took his picture he asked me if I wanted to have mine taken, so he offered to take one picture of me from my camera as a gratitude. I gave him my camera and he shot me not one but three pictures. I was so thrilled!
He then returned me my camera then we talked each other for a while. I introduced myself to him and told him where I came from in straight Spanish and he told me also about himself.
He told me that he came from Sao Paolo, Brazil (I was stunned he talked Spanish fluently and not Portuguese to me.) and he was studying in Puebla as an architecture student. He went alone here in Mexico City just for a visit because he had never been in the city yet. He thanked me for taking him pictures and ditto. We shook each other's hands (I was trembling inside) and I bade my "Adios! and Hasta la vista!" greetings.
I then crossed the street after seeing to it that it was safe to cross, then I continued trekking the length of the main avenue until I have reached Zona Rosa. As I calculated it, I think I walked like eight kilometers from the castle until Zona Rosa. That was a workout! My feet were sore and numb.
From there I looked for a taxi to bring me to Palacio de Bellas Artes and Torre de Latino because I wanted to go up the tower's observation room and see the whole of Mexico City in 360 degrees. It was already 1600H at that time and the congested traffic of the streets of Mexico City was pretty evident from where I am.
The walk at La Reforma Avenue was a very polarizing walk because I got the chance to see and explore the streets of Mexico City on my own, mingling with the folks around and also spoke to them in good Spanish as well as making friends with the ones who approached me nicely.
I am glad I got the chance to do it on my own. I was proud of myself to have done it. It was my fourth day here already and I felt so at home here now.
Please keep reading for the continuation of my blog when I was at Torre de Latino. Thank you for the continued patronage.
P.S.
I would like also to say hi to my best friend in Paris (you know who you are). Hi buddy! I hope you are doing good. (Please say my hi also to your cute and lovable son, although I did not meet him yet in person.) My girl friend told me that you are religiously reading my blogs here so I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for following me. (Well, pardon me for the typos and the wrong grammar. I just don't have time to proof read it right now. I was just writing what's in my mind trying not to miss all my experiences, then will just intend to go back some time when I am not busy to correct 'em.) Thanks also for keeping my friend meaningful conversations to perk her up despite of what she is experiencing now. I honestly commend her for the courage she had brought up so far. I am also bleeding inside for her and I am doing a lot of fervent prayers and novenas for her. Again, I thank you for everything. By the way, you don't need to know about what happened in one of the clubs I went in Zona Rosa because those scenes should have happened in the bedroom. Hehehe. You know what I mean. I hope you have a good day and thanks for the sincere friendship you've bestowed me. Take care my friend. Au revoir! Je t'aime (as a buddy). Mwah!
Upon exiting the gate at the bottom of the hill, I ambled towards the forked-paved-road and took the one on the right side towards the Chapultepec Statue in the middle of the park.
The statue was carved in a white shiny limestone, depicting the people who defended the country during the revolution in the 1800's. The statue was titled as "A Los Defensores de la Patria" and was perched on the center of a huge stage intended may be for public performances.
At the back of the statue stood five tall marble pillars with ornately carved black stone eagles raising their wings upward with their heads looking up in the blue sky, like they're ready to go on flight, thereby appeared like clinging to the pillar. On top of the pillar perched a curled wave patterned in black marble. The whole stage appeared very nice and elegant to look at.
I then continued walking towards the west side of the park, after taking pictures of the enormous stage, continuing my walk towards the gate facing the La Reforma Avenue.
In front of the black gate gilded with gold at the tips were two panthers guarding the west entrance gate. Across, the street was a tall green glass building and on the opposite side was a shrine towering almost the same height of the building across.
On top of the shrine was a huge iron bell. As what I understood the shrine was intended for giving homage to the people who died during the revolution, as also depicted on the stage I just passed by.
I took the pictures of the two towers and then continued ambling towards the avenue going west.
Several blocks to the west direction, I can see the Fountain of Diana in a circular shape, with the water spouting stationary forming a huge circle of sprouting water in the middle of the street. The middle faucet was springing water in an archway direction towards the standing green stone statue, proudly standing at the center, looking like praying ladies from a distance. The fountain was so pretty to look at from where I stood across the street.
After that, I crossed the street then continued to walk towards West but I felt like buying the potato chips I saw at the corner, sold by a very amiable guy. I bought one and had requested the guy to sprinkle a little bit of salt, lime, and red chili powder on top of the chips. I never thought it will taste so magically delicious.
I continued walking while enjoying my little treat towards the direction of the famous La Independencia Monument, which was made as the symbol of independence for the Mexican people, which was just like three blocks away from where I am.
When I got to the monument, I was in awe to see it in person. In my previous travels I used to see it while I was in the car and in the Turibus which also appeared very pretty during those times. But honestly, when I was there that time and at that moment in person, the monument was even more prettier and grandiose to look at. I just can't stop staring at it craning my neck for minutes.
The traffic was very congested and it took me a hard time to cross the circular street so I waited and waited until I can get the chance to cross. It took me eight minutes to have that lucky opportunity. I sprinted across the street, like a rattled Schizophrenic, scared that I might get an accident but gladly I made it safe at the other end.
I stopped here and there at the base of the monument following the circular ledge around the street and took pictures of the statue in every angle. I looked like a paparazzi trying to amass tons of pictures for my subject for a living. Hehehe. Albeit, my subject was very famous already. Bwahahaha.
I then climbed on the second level from the base where I circled then continued to take pictures on every corners and angles. Then I moved a level more up and another level more up doing it in circular motion until I've reached the leveled pedestal.
At the pedestal, a cute guy had requested me to take him a several pictures instructing me to get him a picture with the gold angel perched on top of the pillar. I gladly took his camera and internally giggled within myself because I am so fond of his handsome face. He looks like Enrique Iglesias. I just wanted to pinch him on that rosy cheeks. Hehehe.
After I took his picture he asked me if I wanted to have mine taken, so he offered to take one picture of me from my camera as a gratitude. I gave him my camera and he shot me not one but three pictures. I was so thrilled!
He then returned me my camera then we talked each other for a while. I introduced myself to him and told him where I came from in straight Spanish and he told me also about himself.
He told me that he came from Sao Paolo, Brazil (I was stunned he talked Spanish fluently and not Portuguese to me.) and he was studying in Puebla as an architecture student. He went alone here in Mexico City just for a visit because he had never been in the city yet. He thanked me for taking him pictures and ditto. We shook each other's hands (I was trembling inside) and I bade my "Adios! and Hasta la vista!" greetings.
I then crossed the street after seeing to it that it was safe to cross, then I continued trekking the length of the main avenue until I have reached Zona Rosa. As I calculated it, I think I walked like eight kilometers from the castle until Zona Rosa. That was a workout! My feet were sore and numb.
From there I looked for a taxi to bring me to Palacio de Bellas Artes and Torre de Latino because I wanted to go up the tower's observation room and see the whole of Mexico City in 360 degrees. It was already 1600H at that time and the congested traffic of the streets of Mexico City was pretty evident from where I am.
The walk at La Reforma Avenue was a very polarizing walk because I got the chance to see and explore the streets of Mexico City on my own, mingling with the folks around and also spoke to them in good Spanish as well as making friends with the ones who approached me nicely.
I am glad I got the chance to do it on my own. I was proud of myself to have done it. It was my fourth day here already and I felt so at home here now.
Please keep reading for the continuation of my blog when I was at Torre de Latino. Thank you for the continued patronage.
P.S.
I would like also to say hi to my best friend in Paris (you know who you are). Hi buddy! I hope you are doing good. (Please say my hi also to your cute and lovable son, although I did not meet him yet in person.) My girl friend told me that you are religiously reading my blogs here so I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for following me. (Well, pardon me for the typos and the wrong grammar. I just don't have time to proof read it right now. I was just writing what's in my mind trying not to miss all my experiences, then will just intend to go back some time when I am not busy to correct 'em.) Thanks also for keeping my friend meaningful conversations to perk her up despite of what she is experiencing now. I honestly commend her for the courage she had brought up so far. I am also bleeding inside for her and I am doing a lot of fervent prayers and novenas for her. Again, I thank you for everything. By the way, you don't need to know about what happened in one of the clubs I went in Zona Rosa because those scenes should have happened in the bedroom. Hehehe. You know what I mean. I hope you have a good day and thanks for the sincere friendship you've bestowed me. Take care my friend. Au revoir! Je t'aime (as a buddy). Mwah!
Chepultepec Castle: Rich In History Itself
FEBRUARY 17, 2012: Today, I will be roaming around Mexico City on foot. I will be alone because my friend Ricky has to meet some visitors at their office. It was his birthday today. Poor guy he is working on his birthday. We just planned to have a hearty dinner tonight when he gets back.
I am excited right now because I will be going to Chapultepec Castle, on my own. Last night I've read extensively about it in Wikipedia. The castle was built in 1775 under the order of Viceroy Bernardo Galvez. Chapultepec stems from the Nahuatl word "chapoltepec" which means "at the grasshopper's hill." It had served a lot of purposes including that of the Imperial residence, a Military Academy, Presidential home, observatory, and presently, the Museo Nacional de Historia.
I left the hotel at around 1105H then hired a taxi to drop me at the entrance of Chapultepec Castle. The traffic was bad at that time so I have to just wait and relax, anyway I'm on my own today and nobody will bother me. When we got to the gate of the park I then paid the driver my dues. I only paid $35.00 (Mexican dollars)which is not bad.
I ambled a little bit inside the park until I came to the foot of the hill. I then bought a $13.00 ticket for the tram to drive the patrons up to the castle's gate. I was battling if I will leave my backpack at the locker room at the structure near the tram parking but I decided to just bring it because I have my passport and money inside. The drive uphill was not bad and I noticed the foliage were intricately and meticulously trimmed and manicured. The the cobbled stone road was very clean not seeing a single trash or dried leaves.
When we got to the gate, I paid the entrance amounting to $57.00 and started to feast my eyes with what the castle has to offer. My first stop was the garage (What a start huh!) with three vintage cars dated from the 1700s and 1800s. There was even a carriage that looks like Cinderella's. There were also pictures of Emperor Maximillan and Empress Carlota at the entrance.
After seeing all those unique cars and carriage at the garage I then continued walking towards the north side. I was then led to a long hallway going to the northside. The hallway has a beautiful ceiling with chandeliers lined across the span and there were crystal cabinets lined along on both sides bearing a lot of jewelries of Empress Carlota and Emperor Maximillin. There were also cabinets with a wide aray of Presidential seals used by the previous presidents of Mexico who resides here before and also pins and patches of different kinds.
The first room presented was Emperor Maximillan's office with vintage wood tables and carved chairs mde of mahogany and also other office gadgets dated back in the 1700's during the imperial legacy. The door was cordoned so I just have to see the room before the rope. It was still being appreciated from there.
I also took pictures of each room being showcased and I will post them at Facebook once I have enough time. I was suppose to post it today but Ricky did not bring the USB cable of his camera. So, have a little patience please. Don't worry I will post them, I promise.
I then went to the second room showcase which is the playroom. The playroom only presented the card or domino table made of ivory. There were pictures also depicting the Royals playing racquetball and dodge ball.
I continued to the next room which is the dining room which has a big table made from cedar tree in the middle and all the expensive silver cutleries and porcelain plates and maroon silk table napkins meticulously stacked in each front of the chairs. The carvings on the table and the chairs are very intricate and elegant. The huge and heavy chandelier at the middle of the room bursting with intricately carved teardrop clear Venetian crystals appears majestic high up the ceiling. The fireplace at the other end of the room was also huge and looks vintage. There were antique figurines adorned around the room but I can't take pictures of them because the room is being cordoned but the room was very lovely to look at from the cordoned door.
The next room was an ante-dining room. I think this is the room where the Royals received their guests for hors dourves and pre-conversations. There were intricately painted English tea cups, clear crystal cake holders, porcelain and silver pastry trays, and ceramic cookie plates on the table and some intricately painted paintings on the walls.
The next room was the smoking room which showcased several big ceramic and porcelain jars intricately painted with a Victorian era paintings as well as French fleur-de-lis symbols which may be used to dump the ashes from the cigars or cigarettes and a lot of variety of delicate crystal hookahs of varying sizes and colors on the table. There were also some boxes cigars and wooden cigar pipes being exhibited on the cabinets.
I also perused the room of Empress Carlota and Emperor Maximillian and both rooms exude the ambiance of opulence. The expensive aqua green and gold wall papers being plastered on the wall was a very intricate tapestry. The trimmings of each corners were very beautiful. I also loved some of the carved cabinets and well puffed upholstered chairs made of very expensive Indian cloth. The wooden bed with a very shiny and shimmering in white stripes as well as delicately embroidered silk sheets was so inviting. I just wanted to feel how soft it was but again the room was been cordoned well.
Ambling outside that room, I can see the terrace which overlooked the city of Mexico in front of the Reforma Avenue. I can see the famous Fountain of Diana and one block from it was the patriotic symbol of the country, the La Independecia Monument, which I planned to see after I'm done here at the castle.
The terrace spanned the north side of the castle in a rectangular shape and each post of the terrace has an intricately carved corral urn with a fuchsia flowery plant all now i full bloom. They looked like guards watching the expanse of the terrace. Very geometric to look at because of the linear arrangement.
I continued to trek the northside until I got to the gate and came out to the front courtyard. As I continued walking towards the door, a small fountain in front of the north entrance caught my attention. The faucets of the fountain arranged in a circular pattern was spouting water towards a central figure which I could not visualize from a far. I was so intrigue what it is so I kept ambling closer towards the fountain to really visualize it. To my surprise I smiled because it was a bronze grasshopper statue. Hahaha. But it was so cute that I can't stop snapping pictures of it, like a celebrity, in all angles.
Few meters away, at the back of the fountain was a semicircular terrace adorned with life like soldiers holding guns at each post. There were eight of them standing proudly in different directions guarding the front side of the castle. They appear so real and very nice to look at from where I am standing where the early morning sunshine slhouette their shadows beautifully. I walked closer and took pictures of them. From there the view of the Reforma Avenue was very evident and the traffic could be visualize from there at this time of the day.
I walked towards the front entrance leading me to a stair going to the second floor. The entrance was also huge. On the ceiling perched a very large and beautiful chandelier full of clear sparkling crystals. It was pretty to look at. Going up the stairs I can see the colorful crystal windows in homologous color of yellow and green adorned with smoked glasses painted with the grasshopper sign, the official sign of Chapultepec.
When I reached the second floor I can see that the floors are made of white and black Mexican marbles plastered like a chess board fashion. I can't help myself hopping in each tile trying to step only on a white colored tile. I probably looked funny.
The second floor was lined with rooms along the sides of the castle and a beautiful well-manicured garden at the middle. The rooms form a squared C-shaped structure along the sides of the castle and there was a guard tower at the center of the beautiful and colorful nicely trimmed and well landscaped garden.
I continued to checked out each room which also showed some of the important and prominent people of the country long time ago. At the back of the rooms were intricately painted windows of goddesses in different kind of hues which were very pretty and colorful to look at and I just can't stop snapping pictures everywhere I face.
After meticulously checking each room I went down to the center building and checked some of the mini museums set-up by the Nacional History Museum staff. These museums depicted the history of Mexico and also includes some of the vntage pictures during the different wars Mexico had fought, various newspapers from then to now, famous paintings of different famous Mexican artists, fashion garbs and instruments worn by famous and prominent Mexican people then and now, and different inventions of famous Mexican inventors past and present.
My tour was culminated with a tour at the southside garden wherein I can see a circular garden with different shrubberies. No flowers but only small plants and cacti, in different hues. At the center of the circular garden was a statue of Mother Mary sitting and bowing guarded by four Indian guards. The statue was made of a special obsidian stone from the mouth of Popocatapatl. It was huge and very nice to look at. I ogled at it with sincere interest.
I then continued to take pictures of the whole garden then roamed around at it's every nooks and crannies trying to check out the plants and cacti individually being planted there and the sculptures being exhibited there. I then poignantly decided to finish my three hours tour there.
I then came out to the main courtyard and decided to snap one last picture of the castle. When I came out of the gate it seems that the tram was not there yet so I decided to walk down the hill because I could not afford not seeing the cobbled stone pavements and the intricately lined pots with purple shrubberies adding to the cold and gloomy temperature of the shady road.
This visit to the castle reminds me of my visit to Versailles Castle in France. Although Versailles is bigger and more beautiful Chapultepec could not be left out. The opulence of the Maximillan Empire can be felt around the castle itself. There was no indication that the castle was been held as a Miltary Academy except for some of the fortifications found outside the courtyards and the military statues posted at the terraces.
I continued ambling down and saw the vendors outside the end of the road with their stalls bursting with souvenirs and mementos luring tourists like me to buy some for friends back home.
I am glad I did this visit at the castle alone without the help of my friend Ricky. At least I get to use my Spanish and also mingled with the people around me. It was a breath of fresh air to have done it all on my on. I felt I'm in charge of myself even in a strange place. Yay!
Please continue to read on for my other blog about some more activities I did for today. Thank you very much.
I am excited right now because I will be going to Chapultepec Castle, on my own. Last night I've read extensively about it in Wikipedia. The castle was built in 1775 under the order of Viceroy Bernardo Galvez. Chapultepec stems from the Nahuatl word "chapoltepec" which means "at the grasshopper's hill." It had served a lot of purposes including that of the Imperial residence, a Military Academy, Presidential home, observatory, and presently, the Museo Nacional de Historia.
I left the hotel at around 1105H then hired a taxi to drop me at the entrance of Chapultepec Castle. The traffic was bad at that time so I have to just wait and relax, anyway I'm on my own today and nobody will bother me. When we got to the gate of the park I then paid the driver my dues. I only paid $35.00 (Mexican dollars)which is not bad.
I ambled a little bit inside the park until I came to the foot of the hill. I then bought a $13.00 ticket for the tram to drive the patrons up to the castle's gate. I was battling if I will leave my backpack at the locker room at the structure near the tram parking but I decided to just bring it because I have my passport and money inside. The drive uphill was not bad and I noticed the foliage were intricately and meticulously trimmed and manicured. The the cobbled stone road was very clean not seeing a single trash or dried leaves.
When we got to the gate, I paid the entrance amounting to $57.00 and started to feast my eyes with what the castle has to offer. My first stop was the garage (What a start huh!) with three vintage cars dated from the 1700s and 1800s. There was even a carriage that looks like Cinderella's. There were also pictures of Emperor Maximillan and Empress Carlota at the entrance.
After seeing all those unique cars and carriage at the garage I then continued walking towards the north side. I was then led to a long hallway going to the northside. The hallway has a beautiful ceiling with chandeliers lined across the span and there were crystal cabinets lined along on both sides bearing a lot of jewelries of Empress Carlota and Emperor Maximillin. There were also cabinets with a wide aray of Presidential seals used by the previous presidents of Mexico who resides here before and also pins and patches of different kinds.
The first room presented was Emperor Maximillan's office with vintage wood tables and carved chairs mde of mahogany and also other office gadgets dated back in the 1700's during the imperial legacy. The door was cordoned so I just have to see the room before the rope. It was still being appreciated from there.
I also took pictures of each room being showcased and I will post them at Facebook once I have enough time. I was suppose to post it today but Ricky did not bring the USB cable of his camera. So, have a little patience please. Don't worry I will post them, I promise.
I then went to the second room showcase which is the playroom. The playroom only presented the card or domino table made of ivory. There were pictures also depicting the Royals playing racquetball and dodge ball.
I continued to the next room which is the dining room which has a big table made from cedar tree in the middle and all the expensive silver cutleries and porcelain plates and maroon silk table napkins meticulously stacked in each front of the chairs. The carvings on the table and the chairs are very intricate and elegant. The huge and heavy chandelier at the middle of the room bursting with intricately carved teardrop clear Venetian crystals appears majestic high up the ceiling. The fireplace at the other end of the room was also huge and looks vintage. There were antique figurines adorned around the room but I can't take pictures of them because the room is being cordoned but the room was very lovely to look at from the cordoned door.
The next room was an ante-dining room. I think this is the room where the Royals received their guests for hors dourves and pre-conversations. There were intricately painted English tea cups, clear crystal cake holders, porcelain and silver pastry trays, and ceramic cookie plates on the table and some intricately painted paintings on the walls.
The next room was the smoking room which showcased several big ceramic and porcelain jars intricately painted with a Victorian era paintings as well as French fleur-de-lis symbols which may be used to dump the ashes from the cigars or cigarettes and a lot of variety of delicate crystal hookahs of varying sizes and colors on the table. There were also some boxes cigars and wooden cigar pipes being exhibited on the cabinets.
I also perused the room of Empress Carlota and Emperor Maximillian and both rooms exude the ambiance of opulence. The expensive aqua green and gold wall papers being plastered on the wall was a very intricate tapestry. The trimmings of each corners were very beautiful. I also loved some of the carved cabinets and well puffed upholstered chairs made of very expensive Indian cloth. The wooden bed with a very shiny and shimmering in white stripes as well as delicately embroidered silk sheets was so inviting. I just wanted to feel how soft it was but again the room was been cordoned well.
Ambling outside that room, I can see the terrace which overlooked the city of Mexico in front of the Reforma Avenue. I can see the famous Fountain of Diana and one block from it was the patriotic symbol of the country, the La Independecia Monument, which I planned to see after I'm done here at the castle.
The terrace spanned the north side of the castle in a rectangular shape and each post of the terrace has an intricately carved corral urn with a fuchsia flowery plant all now i full bloom. They looked like guards watching the expanse of the terrace. Very geometric to look at because of the linear arrangement.
I continued to trek the northside until I got to the gate and came out to the front courtyard. As I continued walking towards the door, a small fountain in front of the north entrance caught my attention. The faucets of the fountain arranged in a circular pattern was spouting water towards a central figure which I could not visualize from a far. I was so intrigue what it is so I kept ambling closer towards the fountain to really visualize it. To my surprise I smiled because it was a bronze grasshopper statue. Hahaha. But it was so cute that I can't stop snapping pictures of it, like a celebrity, in all angles.
Few meters away, at the back of the fountain was a semicircular terrace adorned with life like soldiers holding guns at each post. There were eight of them standing proudly in different directions guarding the front side of the castle. They appear so real and very nice to look at from where I am standing where the early morning sunshine slhouette their shadows beautifully. I walked closer and took pictures of them. From there the view of the Reforma Avenue was very evident and the traffic could be visualize from there at this time of the day.
I walked towards the front entrance leading me to a stair going to the second floor. The entrance was also huge. On the ceiling perched a very large and beautiful chandelier full of clear sparkling crystals. It was pretty to look at. Going up the stairs I can see the colorful crystal windows in homologous color of yellow and green adorned with smoked glasses painted with the grasshopper sign, the official sign of Chapultepec.
When I reached the second floor I can see that the floors are made of white and black Mexican marbles plastered like a chess board fashion. I can't help myself hopping in each tile trying to step only on a white colored tile. I probably looked funny.
The second floor was lined with rooms along the sides of the castle and a beautiful well-manicured garden at the middle. The rooms form a squared C-shaped structure along the sides of the castle and there was a guard tower at the center of the beautiful and colorful nicely trimmed and well landscaped garden.
I continued to checked out each room which also showed some of the important and prominent people of the country long time ago. At the back of the rooms were intricately painted windows of goddesses in different kind of hues which were very pretty and colorful to look at and I just can't stop snapping pictures everywhere I face.
After meticulously checking each room I went down to the center building and checked some of the mini museums set-up by the Nacional History Museum staff. These museums depicted the history of Mexico and also includes some of the vntage pictures during the different wars Mexico had fought, various newspapers from then to now, famous paintings of different famous Mexican artists, fashion garbs and instruments worn by famous and prominent Mexican people then and now, and different inventions of famous Mexican inventors past and present.
My tour was culminated with a tour at the southside garden wherein I can see a circular garden with different shrubberies. No flowers but only small plants and cacti, in different hues. At the center of the circular garden was a statue of Mother Mary sitting and bowing guarded by four Indian guards. The statue was made of a special obsidian stone from the mouth of Popocatapatl. It was huge and very nice to look at. I ogled at it with sincere interest.
I then continued to take pictures of the whole garden then roamed around at it's every nooks and crannies trying to check out the plants and cacti individually being planted there and the sculptures being exhibited there. I then poignantly decided to finish my three hours tour there.
I then came out to the main courtyard and decided to snap one last picture of the castle. When I came out of the gate it seems that the tram was not there yet so I decided to walk down the hill because I could not afford not seeing the cobbled stone pavements and the intricately lined pots with purple shrubberies adding to the cold and gloomy temperature of the shady road.
This visit to the castle reminds me of my visit to Versailles Castle in France. Although Versailles is bigger and more beautiful Chapultepec could not be left out. The opulence of the Maximillan Empire can be felt around the castle itself. There was no indication that the castle was been held as a Miltary Academy except for some of the fortifications found outside the courtyards and the military statues posted at the terraces.
I continued ambling down and saw the vendors outside the end of the road with their stalls bursting with souvenirs and mementos luring tourists like me to buy some for friends back home.
I am glad I did this visit at the castle alone without the help of my friend Ricky. At least I get to use my Spanish and also mingled with the people around me. It was a breath of fresh air to have done it all on my on. I felt I'm in charge of myself even in a strange place. Yay!
Please continue to read on for my other blog about some more activities I did for today. Thank you very much.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tlaxcala: Home Of The Pyramids
FEBRUARY 16, 2012: Today, we woke up early in the morning because we needed to check out early at the Hotel Geneva in Zona Rosa and drop off our luggages at Hotel Ejecutivo near Reforma. Today, we also impulsively planned to go to Tlaxcala to see the three known pyramids of the valley.
We planned this day to go there because Ricky will have to report at his office at 1530H. The drive to Tlaxcala from Mexico City was about less than one hour and sometimes will be more if there is traffic. There were some sporadic occurences of the congested traffic along the way but we made it to Tlaxcala at 1005H.
There were three great pyramids situated in Tlaxcala. There was the great pyramid Cholula, located near Puebla and south of Tlaxcala; the Xochitecatl, which is considered as the ceremonial place; and the Cacaxtla, which was the home of the opulent Indian people in Mexico as based on the paintings and the remnants of their lifestyles found at the ruins.
Since we don't have much time, we decided to at least visit two of the pyramids and we have two-hours-and-a-half to do that. The first pyramid we went was the Xochitecatl located near the town of San Rafael. The road going to the hill was a spiral drive and the whole beauty of the valley of Tlaxcala can be appreciated from ascending the top of the hill.
The scenery of the Popocatepatl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes back dropping the whole valley was jaw dropping and awe-inspiring. I just can't stop snapping my camera to record a vivid picture for my online blog. There were three distinct pyramids that can be found in Xochitecatl namely the Pyramid of the Flowers, the Pyramid of the Serpent, and the Spiral Pyramid.
We went to the first pyramid, which is the smallest among the three located in the west side of the vast area. The Spiral Pyramid is small and was said to be the tip of an inactive volcano. There were no stairs found around it but the spiraling fashion of its ledge served as the stairs. There were iron rods welded as stairs made for the tourist at the south side so we took that one in going to the top.
Perched on the top of the small pyramid is a swaying tree and a white cross. The view from there was awe-inspiring because it highlighted the beautiful scenery of the Tlaxcala valley as seen at the base of the Popocatepatl volcano which appeared snow capped at this time of the year. The area on top of a pyramid is just small enough for us to roam around and appreciate the beautiful scenery below in 360 degrees.
After snapping pictures, we then descended and continued to amble towards the big pyramid on the east side or the opposite site. At the base of the big pyramid is a large field dubbed as the Platform of the Volcanoes, where you can find big obsidian basins and a small well as well as the vast playground. It was believed that the Indians play on this platform all the time after the rituals or ceremony.
We then climbed the stairs of the great pyramid, comprising of 70 steps, also known as the Pyramid of Flowers. History says that this pyramid is a ceremonial platform and they dug up lots of artifacts composed of women figurines, adorned with precious jewelries and stones, as well as lava busts of babies with intricate garbs.
The platform on top was large enough for us to roam around and appreciate the 360 degrees of valley scenery below. There was also a stonehenge structure on top and was cordoned. From there we can see the Cacaxtla Pyramid from a distance.
After were tired roaming at the top we then descended and checked out the third pyramid also called as the Serpent Pyramid, because of the snake artifacts being dug up there. History has told that this place was the workstation or the area where old Indians settlers does their crafts and potteries inside wherein most of these creations were also dug up.
Since our time was limited, we then left Xocitecatl. We then transferred to the nearby pyramid called Cacaxtla. At first, I was adamant to check it out because from a distance the pyramid was just covered and appeared like there is nothing to see there because of it's grandstand-like appearance. Hehehe.
Ricky was very persuasive and had convinced me to check it out. Well, to my surprise the platforms on top of the pyramid was rich in arts, history, and culture. It was like an organized city with plaza, cells or jails, opulent rooms, stage, gardens, patios, and beautiful colorful murals made by the previous inhabitants from the pre-Colombian era.
After we finished browsing the pyramid it was almost 1300H and it was time for us to go back to Mexico City because Ricky had to report to his office job for four hours as requested by his boss. We arrived in Mexico City at 1500H and then Ricky dropped me off at the new hotel for check-in then he took off.
Well, this trip was a little bit meaningful, educational, and spiritual for me. Meaningful because I got to connect myself with the culture of the Aztec Indians which is also inspiring; educational because I have learned a lot about their heydays, existence, history, arts, and culture; and spiritual because connecting with them requires understanding of the inner soul in order to conform with their practices, customs, and beliefs from the ancient times.
Too bad we can't go to Cholula, which is the greatest among the pyramids, because of time constraints but Ricky had promised me to go there this Saturday with his boss' friends who also are planning to go to Cholula this weekend. This unplanned and unexpected travel to the pyramids of Tlaxcala has brought me a realization that the Indians have a lot of rich culture which must be preserved rather than letting them go to waste.
Alas, what a progressive day it is. I can't thank my friend Ricky enough but my heart is always appreciative and grateful of what he has done for me so far to achieve the goals of my travels here in Mexico. Merci mon ami! Je t'aime beaucoup!
We planned this day to go there because Ricky will have to report at his office at 1530H. The drive to Tlaxcala from Mexico City was about less than one hour and sometimes will be more if there is traffic. There were some sporadic occurences of the congested traffic along the way but we made it to Tlaxcala at 1005H.
There were three great pyramids situated in Tlaxcala. There was the great pyramid Cholula, located near Puebla and south of Tlaxcala; the Xochitecatl, which is considered as the ceremonial place; and the Cacaxtla, which was the home of the opulent Indian people in Mexico as based on the paintings and the remnants of their lifestyles found at the ruins.
Since we don't have much time, we decided to at least visit two of the pyramids and we have two-hours-and-a-half to do that. The first pyramid we went was the Xochitecatl located near the town of San Rafael. The road going to the hill was a spiral drive and the whole beauty of the valley of Tlaxcala can be appreciated from ascending the top of the hill.
The scenery of the Popocatepatl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes back dropping the whole valley was jaw dropping and awe-inspiring. I just can't stop snapping my camera to record a vivid picture for my online blog. There were three distinct pyramids that can be found in Xochitecatl namely the Pyramid of the Flowers, the Pyramid of the Serpent, and the Spiral Pyramid.
We went to the first pyramid, which is the smallest among the three located in the west side of the vast area. The Spiral Pyramid is small and was said to be the tip of an inactive volcano. There were no stairs found around it but the spiraling fashion of its ledge served as the stairs. There were iron rods welded as stairs made for the tourist at the south side so we took that one in going to the top.
Perched on the top of the small pyramid is a swaying tree and a white cross. The view from there was awe-inspiring because it highlighted the beautiful scenery of the Tlaxcala valley as seen at the base of the Popocatepatl volcano which appeared snow capped at this time of the year. The area on top of a pyramid is just small enough for us to roam around and appreciate the beautiful scenery below in 360 degrees.
After snapping pictures, we then descended and continued to amble towards the big pyramid on the east side or the opposite site. At the base of the big pyramid is a large field dubbed as the Platform of the Volcanoes, where you can find big obsidian basins and a small well as well as the vast playground. It was believed that the Indians play on this platform all the time after the rituals or ceremony.
We then climbed the stairs of the great pyramid, comprising of 70 steps, also known as the Pyramid of Flowers. History says that this pyramid is a ceremonial platform and they dug up lots of artifacts composed of women figurines, adorned with precious jewelries and stones, as well as lava busts of babies with intricate garbs.
The platform on top was large enough for us to roam around and appreciate the 360 degrees of valley scenery below. There was also a stonehenge structure on top and was cordoned. From there we can see the Cacaxtla Pyramid from a distance.
After were tired roaming at the top we then descended and checked out the third pyramid also called as the Serpent Pyramid, because of the snake artifacts being dug up there. History has told that this place was the workstation or the area where old Indians settlers does their crafts and potteries inside wherein most of these creations were also dug up.
Since our time was limited, we then left Xocitecatl. We then transferred to the nearby pyramid called Cacaxtla. At first, I was adamant to check it out because from a distance the pyramid was just covered and appeared like there is nothing to see there because of it's grandstand-like appearance. Hehehe.
Ricky was very persuasive and had convinced me to check it out. Well, to my surprise the platforms on top of the pyramid was rich in arts, history, and culture. It was like an organized city with plaza, cells or jails, opulent rooms, stage, gardens, patios, and beautiful colorful murals made by the previous inhabitants from the pre-Colombian era.
After we finished browsing the pyramid it was almost 1300H and it was time for us to go back to Mexico City because Ricky had to report to his office job for four hours as requested by his boss. We arrived in Mexico City at 1500H and then Ricky dropped me off at the new hotel for check-in then he took off.
Well, this trip was a little bit meaningful, educational, and spiritual for me. Meaningful because I got to connect myself with the culture of the Aztec Indians which is also inspiring; educational because I have learned a lot about their heydays, existence, history, arts, and culture; and spiritual because connecting with them requires understanding of the inner soul in order to conform with their practices, customs, and beliefs from the ancient times.
Too bad we can't go to Cholula, which is the greatest among the pyramids, because of time constraints but Ricky had promised me to go there this Saturday with his boss' friends who also are planning to go to Cholula this weekend. This unplanned and unexpected travel to the pyramids of Tlaxcala has brought me a realization that the Indians have a lot of rich culture which must be preserved rather than letting them go to waste.
Alas, what a progressive day it is. I can't thank my friend Ricky enough but my heart is always appreciative and grateful of what he has done for me so far to achieve the goals of my travels here in Mexico. Merci mon ami! Je t'aime beaucoup!
Xochimilco: A Flower Bed Of Mexico
FEBRUARY 15, 2012: From Coyoacan, after an hour tour at the Blue House, at the Frida Kahlo's Museum, we decided to go to Xochimilco since we still have some ample time to go there. Xochimilco is just adjacent to Coyoacan but we have to turn around in order to hit the freeway which was very congested during that time at 1430H.
Well, we were not wrong with our premonition because the traffic was indeed neck-to-neck and was a rat race. Ricky turned around and took the side streets yet we have no luck because the traffic was really congested and crowded. We decided to go back to the freeway and run it's course even though the traffic was bad.
After an hour-and-a-half of enduring the ever unforgettable and nagging traffic in my life we arrived at Xochimilco looking harrassed because of the stress brought by the traffic to us yet we were so ecstatic to start our experience at the calm and quiet river.
Parking was also not visible at the main entrance so Ricky decided to go to the back entrance on the other side of the town and there we found a parking but the area has not that much tourist anymore because it was already like 1615H and almost closing time. We never had the chance to roam the plaza of Xochimilco and visited the famous church of the town because we can't find any available parking near there.
I saw some colorful gondola-like-boats lined along the side of the sleeping river. There was not one line but four lines of floating wooden flat boats, like a rectangular-platform-canoe along the sides of the river. They called these boats "trajineras". It was very colorful to look at from up the dike where we are standing and I can't help to snap several pictures to post it online.
There was a guy on his early fifties with a thick moustache perched above his upper lip who persistently offered his services to row a trajinera for us for an affordable $125.00 (Mexican dollars) for one hour. Ricky transactioned it with the guy for he is the only one who can understand and talk Spanish fluently and from there we started our memorable river adventure.
The boat was made of a rectangular wood, flattened, and looked like a canoe-like-raft almost the size of a three king size beds. It was hallow at the center with a height of two feet and somewhat inclined on both ends. It also looked like a rectangular gondolas reminiscent of the ones in Venice, Italy. There was a rectangular gazebo-like-cover in the middle of the raft enough to accomodate three benches on each side with maybe five people being accommodated in each bench. The boat was painted with bright hues of yellow, red, and orange making it attractive from a distance.
The center has an elongated table which spans the whole length of the three benches of both sides made for eating, drinking, and conversations. On the front side of the boat was an arch adorned beautifully with artificial flowers in bright colors while the rower stands at the opposite end holding a long pole trying to hit the bed of the river in order to pull and steer the boat at a forward straight direction.
The guy's name was Efren and he introduced himself to us first then started to row the boat going down south the river. While rowing he was talking to us about the rich history of the river and why there were a lot of nurseries at the side of the river called the "chimechecas".
He told us that long time ago when the Aztecs were still inhabiting the delta, the river was the center of trade and commerce. All the best goods and products from the different parts of Mexico were been brought there and sold or bartered for another goods. Commerce had commenced from there through viva voce from the people who made trade there. Then the word of the mouth had spread Xochimilco as the center of commerce in ancient times in the entire country.
He also told us that because of the rich and fertile soil of the delta that had drained all the nutrients and minerals from the surrounding mountains and the nearby Popocatepatl volcano from the north making Xochimilco conducive to growing a wide array of floras and palmettos. Later on people had adapted to cultivate the rich soil and plant various flowers, vegetables, and trees for business. That's why up to now there were several nurseries being spotted all along the length of the river. Ricky had also told me that Xochimilco supplies almost 70% of the flowers in the whole Mexico.
There were small tug boats with vendors selling mementos, clothes, flowers, vegetables, fruits, Mexican staple foods, etc. There were also mariachi's lining the sides of the river and some were on the tug boats trying to ask or beg for raft's customers to hire them to sing traditional Mexican songs. It was a very fun experience. The river appeared quite polluted and latent, not flowing at all either.
The ride lasted for one hour and it was very relaxing. I was just snapping pictures and was listening to our rower's very explicit explanations about the river's rich history. It was quite very informative to know right there and then. We ate corn-on-a-cob slobbered with mayonnaise and drizzled with chili powder and a little salt and had enjoyed the rowdy and bouncy music of the singing mariachi's on the other three boats joined together nearby, filled with tourists and travelers eagerly eating and listening to their interesting music. The conjoined three "trajineras" monopolized the entire dimension of the river.
I can still remember my previous river ride at the Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines which was exactly the same as this. It was also reminiscent of my travels in San Antonio, TX doing the "River Boat Ride" on the manmade canals of the city. Xochimilco is a very interesting place in Mexico full of bright and colorful "trajineras" and rich in history and culture.
After one hour, Efren turned around and guided the boat to where it was been parked before. When our boat had parked, we bade goodbye to Efren, thanked him for the interesting ride and educational explanations of the place's history, and tipped him abudantly. We then went to our parked car and decided to beat the traffic in going back to our hotel in Zona Rosa. Our day was full of unplanned experiences yet a very unforgettable and memorable one.
I am glad Ricky brought me to Xochimilco and experienced another breathtaking river adventure with a Mexican twist. The colorful rafts or "trajineras" were very pretty to look at and the relaxing ride was enough to have eased up our stress from the traffic earlier that day. The traffic didn't even hinder our plans to explore the place and honestly we had a one-hell-of-a-fun ride as well as a worth remembering and notable river experience of our lives.
Well, we were not wrong with our premonition because the traffic was indeed neck-to-neck and was a rat race. Ricky turned around and took the side streets yet we have no luck because the traffic was really congested and crowded. We decided to go back to the freeway and run it's course even though the traffic was bad.
After an hour-and-a-half of enduring the ever unforgettable and nagging traffic in my life we arrived at Xochimilco looking harrassed because of the stress brought by the traffic to us yet we were so ecstatic to start our experience at the calm and quiet river.
Parking was also not visible at the main entrance so Ricky decided to go to the back entrance on the other side of the town and there we found a parking but the area has not that much tourist anymore because it was already like 1615H and almost closing time. We never had the chance to roam the plaza of Xochimilco and visited the famous church of the town because we can't find any available parking near there.
I saw some colorful gondola-like-boats lined along the side of the sleeping river. There was not one line but four lines of floating wooden flat boats, like a rectangular-platform-canoe along the sides of the river. They called these boats "trajineras". It was very colorful to look at from up the dike where we are standing and I can't help to snap several pictures to post it online.
There was a guy on his early fifties with a thick moustache perched above his upper lip who persistently offered his services to row a trajinera for us for an affordable $125.00 (Mexican dollars) for one hour. Ricky transactioned it with the guy for he is the only one who can understand and talk Spanish fluently and from there we started our memorable river adventure.
The boat was made of a rectangular wood, flattened, and looked like a canoe-like-raft almost the size of a three king size beds. It was hallow at the center with a height of two feet and somewhat inclined on both ends. It also looked like a rectangular gondolas reminiscent of the ones in Venice, Italy. There was a rectangular gazebo-like-cover in the middle of the raft enough to accomodate three benches on each side with maybe five people being accommodated in each bench. The boat was painted with bright hues of yellow, red, and orange making it attractive from a distance.
The center has an elongated table which spans the whole length of the three benches of both sides made for eating, drinking, and conversations. On the front side of the boat was an arch adorned beautifully with artificial flowers in bright colors while the rower stands at the opposite end holding a long pole trying to hit the bed of the river in order to pull and steer the boat at a forward straight direction.
The guy's name was Efren and he introduced himself to us first then started to row the boat going down south the river. While rowing he was talking to us about the rich history of the river and why there were a lot of nurseries at the side of the river called the "chimechecas".
He told us that long time ago when the Aztecs were still inhabiting the delta, the river was the center of trade and commerce. All the best goods and products from the different parts of Mexico were been brought there and sold or bartered for another goods. Commerce had commenced from there through viva voce from the people who made trade there. Then the word of the mouth had spread Xochimilco as the center of commerce in ancient times in the entire country.
He also told us that because of the rich and fertile soil of the delta that had drained all the nutrients and minerals from the surrounding mountains and the nearby Popocatepatl volcano from the north making Xochimilco conducive to growing a wide array of floras and palmettos. Later on people had adapted to cultivate the rich soil and plant various flowers, vegetables, and trees for business. That's why up to now there were several nurseries being spotted all along the length of the river. Ricky had also told me that Xochimilco supplies almost 70% of the flowers in the whole Mexico.
There were small tug boats with vendors selling mementos, clothes, flowers, vegetables, fruits, Mexican staple foods, etc. There were also mariachi's lining the sides of the river and some were on the tug boats trying to ask or beg for raft's customers to hire them to sing traditional Mexican songs. It was a very fun experience. The river appeared quite polluted and latent, not flowing at all either.
The ride lasted for one hour and it was very relaxing. I was just snapping pictures and was listening to our rower's very explicit explanations about the river's rich history. It was quite very informative to know right there and then. We ate corn-on-a-cob slobbered with mayonnaise and drizzled with chili powder and a little salt and had enjoyed the rowdy and bouncy music of the singing mariachi's on the other three boats joined together nearby, filled with tourists and travelers eagerly eating and listening to their interesting music. The conjoined three "trajineras" monopolized the entire dimension of the river.
I can still remember my previous river ride at the Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines which was exactly the same as this. It was also reminiscent of my travels in San Antonio, TX doing the "River Boat Ride" on the manmade canals of the city. Xochimilco is a very interesting place in Mexico full of bright and colorful "trajineras" and rich in history and culture.
After one hour, Efren turned around and guided the boat to where it was been parked before. When our boat had parked, we bade goodbye to Efren, thanked him for the interesting ride and educational explanations of the place's history, and tipped him abudantly. We then went to our parked car and decided to beat the traffic in going back to our hotel in Zona Rosa. Our day was full of unplanned experiences yet a very unforgettable and memorable one.
I am glad Ricky brought me to Xochimilco and experienced another breathtaking river adventure with a Mexican twist. The colorful rafts or "trajineras" were very pretty to look at and the relaxing ride was enough to have eased up our stress from the traffic earlier that day. The traffic didn't even hinder our plans to explore the place and honestly we had a one-hell-of-a-fun ride as well as a worth remembering and notable river experience of our lives.
At The Blue House Called The Frida Kahlo Museum
FEBRUARY 15, 2012: After roaming around the nearby vicinity and beautiful places of Coyoacan, from the Mercado where we exited after I bought my much needed back pack we decided to go directly to the museum. We went out at Calle Londres then ambled a little down south, like six more blocks as what we have instructed at the store where we asked for directions.
The guy who gave us the direction told us that we can't miss the museum because it is the only blue house at the corner of Calle Londres and Calle de Allende. Upon hearing from him that we have to walk for six blocks I was shocked because that was very far. My mistake though, because their one block is not that big though, like maybe 50 meters. So imagine if we walked six blocks that's a whopping 300 meters, almost like a running track oval.
Oh well, it was not bad though because we were eating our sliced fruits and mixed nuts, that we bought from the Mercado, while we were ambling down south. It was funny though because I was snapping pictures at the fruits then the lady had bribed me that she will let me take the pictures as long as I will buy some of the prepared sliced fruits she had made for sale.
Well, I succumbed to the offer and Ricky was been laughing at me because he knows that the lady was just joking. So that's the story of our eating-the-sliced-fruits-while-walking towards the blue house, the Frida Kahlo's museum.
We didn't go to the museum first because we were busy taking pictures of the blue building outside the streets and the signs flashing the museum's name. We were like small kids who had found the hidden eggs on Easter Sunday. We were really funny to look at making faces at the pictures and gesturing the okay sign. Hahaha.
After that, we went in the information office and inquired about the entrance fee. We paid $50.00 for each person then I added another $60.00 (Mexican dollars) for the permit to take pictures inside the museum.
It was odd though, to look at the building hued in blue because the color looks soporific to look at. Whatever their intentions were I am really puzzled of the reason why. The building was just like the whole of the block with an immensely vast central garden, the main house, the offices inside, a small theater, and an enormous cafeteria.
At the main house were exposed some of Frida's famous works, paintings, and pictures dated from her childhood years. She has also pictures when she and Diego Rivera were a dating couple and some of their works were also magnificently displayed inside. There were also rooms for intricate potteries designed by Frida and some collections she made when she was still living at the house. All of these were well preserved in that museum.
At the center of the rectangular building was an open lush garden where we saw some of Frida's life stories told in a biographical order. And on the northeast side was the small theater was located where they showed Frida's life and works. There were also more exhibits being shown in that building.
Across the theater was a double storey building where we can see the cafeteria at the first floor. There were yellow chairs and silver tables lined outside the garden in front of the cafeteria. The color was odd to look at which looked unmatched with the blue hue of the whole building.
The tour lasted for one hour because I meticulously checked each individual works that Frida had made and also some of the biographies posted in the middle garden. It was very interesting and also very educational for me to browse. I never saw the movie which starred Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo, which was also nominated in the Oscar's, but never won any prize.
After we meticulously browsed the innards of the museum we decided to call it quits and headed to the parking lot near the plaza in Coyoacan and drove to Xochimilco since it was 1405H. Ricky told me that it will be traffic during that time in going to Xochimilco. He told me that he will try his very best to get there before the place closes at 1700H.
Well, the tour at the blue house was very exciting, educational, and interesting. It was well publicized online in an overrated manner. I don't know, I probably made a very high expectations from the online comments but for me it was just okay. I was well informed by the history of the pictures through their labels on the wall but it wasn't that really appealing to me because most of the pictures or art works can be actually drawn by an elementary pupil. That's my opinion though... sorry.
But all in all, it was pretty much informative and interestingly educational. That's all I can say. Have a nice day guys. Au revoir!
The guy who gave us the direction told us that we can't miss the museum because it is the only blue house at the corner of Calle Londres and Calle de Allende. Upon hearing from him that we have to walk for six blocks I was shocked because that was very far. My mistake though, because their one block is not that big though, like maybe 50 meters. So imagine if we walked six blocks that's a whopping 300 meters, almost like a running track oval.
Oh well, it was not bad though because we were eating our sliced fruits and mixed nuts, that we bought from the Mercado, while we were ambling down south. It was funny though because I was snapping pictures at the fruits then the lady had bribed me that she will let me take the pictures as long as I will buy some of the prepared sliced fruits she had made for sale.
Well, I succumbed to the offer and Ricky was been laughing at me because he knows that the lady was just joking. So that's the story of our eating-the-sliced-fruits-while-walking towards the blue house, the Frida Kahlo's museum.
We didn't go to the museum first because we were busy taking pictures of the blue building outside the streets and the signs flashing the museum's name. We were like small kids who had found the hidden eggs on Easter Sunday. We were really funny to look at making faces at the pictures and gesturing the okay sign. Hahaha.
After that, we went in the information office and inquired about the entrance fee. We paid $50.00 for each person then I added another $60.00 (Mexican dollars) for the permit to take pictures inside the museum.
It was odd though, to look at the building hued in blue because the color looks soporific to look at. Whatever their intentions were I am really puzzled of the reason why. The building was just like the whole of the block with an immensely vast central garden, the main house, the offices inside, a small theater, and an enormous cafeteria.
At the main house were exposed some of Frida's famous works, paintings, and pictures dated from her childhood years. She has also pictures when she and Diego Rivera were a dating couple and some of their works were also magnificently displayed inside. There were also rooms for intricate potteries designed by Frida and some collections she made when she was still living at the house. All of these were well preserved in that museum.
At the center of the rectangular building was an open lush garden where we saw some of Frida's life stories told in a biographical order. And on the northeast side was the small theater was located where they showed Frida's life and works. There were also more exhibits being shown in that building.
Across the theater was a double storey building where we can see the cafeteria at the first floor. There were yellow chairs and silver tables lined outside the garden in front of the cafeteria. The color was odd to look at which looked unmatched with the blue hue of the whole building.
The tour lasted for one hour because I meticulously checked each individual works that Frida had made and also some of the biographies posted in the middle garden. It was very interesting and also very educational for me to browse. I never saw the movie which starred Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo, which was also nominated in the Oscar's, but never won any prize.
After we meticulously browsed the innards of the museum we decided to call it quits and headed to the parking lot near the plaza in Coyoacan and drove to Xochimilco since it was 1405H. Ricky told me that it will be traffic during that time in going to Xochimilco. He told me that he will try his very best to get there before the place closes at 1700H.
Well, the tour at the blue house was very exciting, educational, and interesting. It was well publicized online in an overrated manner. I don't know, I probably made a very high expectations from the online comments but for me it was just okay. I was well informed by the history of the pictures through their labels on the wall but it wasn't that really appealing to me because most of the pictures or art works can be actually drawn by an elementary pupil. That's my opinion though... sorry.
But all in all, it was pretty much informative and interestingly educational. That's all I can say. Have a nice day guys. Au revoir!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Coyoacan: A Very Rustic Quiet Town
FEBRUARY 15, 2012: We woke up late today and after having a nice breakfast at the Hotel Geneve we decided to go to Frida Kahlo's museum near Coyoacan. We left the hotel at 1100H after looking for a pouched back pack I needed to use for my necessary things while roaming around. We did not found any at Zona Rosa.
We left Zona Rosa and drove north near the airport towards the place where the museum was located. The traffic was very bad and congested at that time and my friend was very tense in driving at a very congested traffic because of the pressure of time. I just kept him sane by telling him interesting stories so that he won't get bored while driving.
When we got to Coyoacan where the museum was situated we decided to roam the rustic town for a while because we still have some ample time to meander the small and amiable place. Then after that we will go directly to the blue house at the corner of Calle Londres and Calle Allende.
When we're at Coyoacan where Frida Kahlo's museum was located I felt like the place was very quiet and has a rustic aura to me. The little church at the plaza called the Immaculate Concepcion Church was very beautiful with the interior rich in intricate scuptures and antique paintings I never saw before. The altar was meticulously and intricately carved and was very beautiful. I giddily snapped some pictures for my online albums.
We also roamed around the lush green plaza and had took pictures around it. The fountain was very unique because the water was arching high enough in to the two bronze wolf dogs fighting between the arch at the middle of the huge fountain. It looked unique and pretty to look at. The gazebo at the other end of the plaza was very unique and there were students sitting, screaming, and playing in it.
The restaurant establishments across the plaza were teeming with customers sipping coffee at this very hour of the cool afternoon. There were few of them lining around the plaza trying to contribute to the nice view of this very unique and quiet place. It was very interesting to look at.
We also roamed around the church yard across the street and had browsed the innards of the church with interesting enthusiasm. There was also a colorful red and yellow tram at the corner of the street and was been told that Frida used to ride the tram to wander around the quiet town no wonder why the tram was named the Frida Tram.
The church yard was teeming with student teenagers walking, talking, laughing, dating, screaming with friends, etc. They were the students from the nearby De La Salle High School near the church yard. The yard was also adorned with beautiful, manicured, and flowery gardens as well as interestingly intricate sculpture scattered on all corners of the church yard.
We ambled further down south and visited the Coyoacan Mercado. We browsed the clothing section and looked for the embroidered back pack that I wanted. I saw a very colorful back pack that I liked so I bought it right away. We ambled further inside the mercado and checked out the fruit section, the dry section, and the food court.
We also ate some sliced fresh fruits drizzled with salt and chili pepper. We also ate a Camaroon Cockteles at the corner seafood restaurant and sipped a hot chocolate at the famous Cacao Cafe at other end of the market. We also bought some fried mixed nuts of cashew, peanuts, pine nuts, and macadamias in plain and spicy flavors where we ate it with gusto while looking for the museum. Then we headed to the museum five blocks going south from the market.
When we got to the corner of Calle Allende and Calle Londres we spotted a blue building trimmed with red hue on the edge and the sign of the museum can be spotted across the street. The blue house was rectangular in shape and almost covered the whole block of the street. We were so happy we spotted it without any problems at all.
We crossed the street and inquired how much the entrance was and then we paid the ticket to go inside and started to browse the whole place with unquestioning delight taking pictures of the exhibits and spending our time without any haste because we own it there.
Our day at Coyoacan was spent wisely enjoying the rustic ambiance of the quiet place. No wonder why Frida loves this place a lot. It was nice to have enjoyed and spent some time with someone I like at a place where time is not considered as an enemy because time here is not very important. It was a nice feeling to have done it there!
We left Zona Rosa and drove north near the airport towards the place where the museum was located. The traffic was very bad and congested at that time and my friend was very tense in driving at a very congested traffic because of the pressure of time. I just kept him sane by telling him interesting stories so that he won't get bored while driving.
When we got to Coyoacan where the museum was situated we decided to roam the rustic town for a while because we still have some ample time to meander the small and amiable place. Then after that we will go directly to the blue house at the corner of Calle Londres and Calle Allende.
When we're at Coyoacan where Frida Kahlo's museum was located I felt like the place was very quiet and has a rustic aura to me. The little church at the plaza called the Immaculate Concepcion Church was very beautiful with the interior rich in intricate scuptures and antique paintings I never saw before. The altar was meticulously and intricately carved and was very beautiful. I giddily snapped some pictures for my online albums.
We also roamed around the lush green plaza and had took pictures around it. The fountain was very unique because the water was arching high enough in to the two bronze wolf dogs fighting between the arch at the middle of the huge fountain. It looked unique and pretty to look at. The gazebo at the other end of the plaza was very unique and there were students sitting, screaming, and playing in it.
The restaurant establishments across the plaza were teeming with customers sipping coffee at this very hour of the cool afternoon. There were few of them lining around the plaza trying to contribute to the nice view of this very unique and quiet place. It was very interesting to look at.
We also roamed around the church yard across the street and had browsed the innards of the church with interesting enthusiasm. There was also a colorful red and yellow tram at the corner of the street and was been told that Frida used to ride the tram to wander around the quiet town no wonder why the tram was named the Frida Tram.
The church yard was teeming with student teenagers walking, talking, laughing, dating, screaming with friends, etc. They were the students from the nearby De La Salle High School near the church yard. The yard was also adorned with beautiful, manicured, and flowery gardens as well as interestingly intricate sculpture scattered on all corners of the church yard.
We ambled further down south and visited the Coyoacan Mercado. We browsed the clothing section and looked for the embroidered back pack that I wanted. I saw a very colorful back pack that I liked so I bought it right away. We ambled further inside the mercado and checked out the fruit section, the dry section, and the food court.
We also ate some sliced fresh fruits drizzled with salt and chili pepper. We also ate a Camaroon Cockteles at the corner seafood restaurant and sipped a hot chocolate at the famous Cacao Cafe at other end of the market. We also bought some fried mixed nuts of cashew, peanuts, pine nuts, and macadamias in plain and spicy flavors where we ate it with gusto while looking for the museum. Then we headed to the museum five blocks going south from the market.
When we got to the corner of Calle Allende and Calle Londres we spotted a blue building trimmed with red hue on the edge and the sign of the museum can be spotted across the street. The blue house was rectangular in shape and almost covered the whole block of the street. We were so happy we spotted it without any problems at all.
We crossed the street and inquired how much the entrance was and then we paid the ticket to go inside and started to browse the whole place with unquestioning delight taking pictures of the exhibits and spending our time without any haste because we own it there.
Our day at Coyoacan was spent wisely enjoying the rustic ambiance of the quiet place. No wonder why Frida loves this place a lot. It was nice to have enjoyed and spent some time with someone I like at a place where time is not considered as an enemy because time here is not very important. It was a nice feeling to have done it there!
Zona Rosa: A Notoriously Wild Place In Mexico City
FEBRUARY 14, 2012: I arrived at Mexico City at 2015H very tired from my almost whole day flight which started i Los Angeles, CA then had a lay over at Houston, TX and had waited there for almost like two-and-a-half hours till I left for Mexico City at 1745H.
The three hours flight from Houston,TX was uneventful and very smooth despite of the gloomy weather when I left The George Bush International Airport in Houston, TX. It was strange though because the plane had served sandwiches to the passengers unlike my previous flights last December which doesn't even served nothing.
When I arrived at Mexico City it was already night time and I can see the whole city brightly lighted from above the skies. I can even see the congestion of the traffic every where. The urban surroundings was pretty imminent and I can see how large the metropolis from my position at the plane.
Upon disembarking the plane we were led t the immigration area to be sorted out whether we can be illegible to be accepted in the country. I passed the scrutiny then I collected my luggages from the carousel and had change $1000.00 to Mexican dollars for my expenses when I will be roaming around.
I passed by the Duty Free store first and browsed the perfumery department to check if how much a Versace cologne cost. I ended up buying two cologne, the Vesace Versus in a blue and silver colored cover box and the Versace Versense in an apple green and silver colored box. I will keep the Versus and give the Versense to Riky fr his birthday on February 17.
After I paid the two colognes I went out of the immigration area and look for my lift. I spotted him right away, holding white roses on his hands, upon I wen out of the door but he did not recognized me not until I waved at him He said he did not recognized me because of my permed hair. I was balling inside of me because I know he will do that. Hehehe.
He gave me the roses and greeted me "Happy Valentine". We walked out from there and exited the airport going towards his parked car. From there we headed to Zona Rosa to check in at the hotel and rest a little bit because we were planning to catch up the party for the Valentine's Day celebration.
After our brief and quick nap we changed and walked around Zona Rosa to eat. We decided to eat at the taco restaurant and I ended up ordering a chicken flautas and Ricky ordered beef and cheese puspusas. The food was very good and I was soo stuffed.
After the dinner we started bar hopping and drinking or sipping drinks. We also took pictures around Zona Rosa. We went to this gay bar with a dark room and I was shocked about what I've observed there. It was very horrible and I can't forget that scene. My friend was laughing at me because I can't get over it.
We also went to a bar with Go-go boys dancing. And we sipped mojito there enjoying the site of muscled men gyrating and stripping on the stage as well as interacting with the customers and patrons. My friend ordered me a slim goodlooking guy and paid him to dance with me in private at the private rooms. It was a very excited and interesting experience. Hehehe.
The night was already getting late and we noiced it was already 0300H and it was drizzling outside. We decided to go home and call it a night.
Well, despite of what had happened today, I still had celebrated the Valentine's Day with a Big Bang. It ws worth it and I can complain no more. It was really a good feeling to have celebrated my Valentine's Day in a different place with a person who really inspires me.
The three hours flight from Houston,TX was uneventful and very smooth despite of the gloomy weather when I left The George Bush International Airport in Houston, TX. It was strange though because the plane had served sandwiches to the passengers unlike my previous flights last December which doesn't even served nothing.
When I arrived at Mexico City it was already night time and I can see the whole city brightly lighted from above the skies. I can even see the congestion of the traffic every where. The urban surroundings was pretty imminent and I can see how large the metropolis from my position at the plane.
Upon disembarking the plane we were led t the immigration area to be sorted out whether we can be illegible to be accepted in the country. I passed the scrutiny then I collected my luggages from the carousel and had change $1000.00 to Mexican dollars for my expenses when I will be roaming around.
I passed by the Duty Free store first and browsed the perfumery department to check if how much a Versace cologne cost. I ended up buying two cologne, the Vesace Versus in a blue and silver colored cover box and the Versace Versense in an apple green and silver colored box. I will keep the Versus and give the Versense to Riky fr his birthday on February 17.
After I paid the two colognes I went out of the immigration area and look for my lift. I spotted him right away, holding white roses on his hands, upon I wen out of the door but he did not recognized me not until I waved at him He said he did not recognized me because of my permed hair. I was balling inside of me because I know he will do that. Hehehe.
He gave me the roses and greeted me "Happy Valentine". We walked out from there and exited the airport going towards his parked car. From there we headed to Zona Rosa to check in at the hotel and rest a little bit because we were planning to catch up the party for the Valentine's Day celebration.
After our brief and quick nap we changed and walked around Zona Rosa to eat. We decided to eat at the taco restaurant and I ended up ordering a chicken flautas and Ricky ordered beef and cheese puspusas. The food was very good and I was soo stuffed.
After the dinner we started bar hopping and drinking or sipping drinks. We also took pictures around Zona Rosa. We went to this gay bar with a dark room and I was shocked about what I've observed there. It was very horrible and I can't forget that scene. My friend was laughing at me because I can't get over it.
We also went to a bar with Go-go boys dancing. And we sipped mojito there enjoying the site of muscled men gyrating and stripping on the stage as well as interacting with the customers and patrons. My friend ordered me a slim goodlooking guy and paid him to dance with me in private at the private rooms. It was a very excited and interesting experience. Hehehe.
The night was already getting late and we noiced it was already 0300H and it was drizzling outside. We decided to go home and call it a night.
Well, despite of what had happened today, I still had celebrated the Valentine's Day with a Big Bang. It ws worth it and I can complain no more. It was really a good feeling to have celebrated my Valentine's Day in a different place with a person who really inspires me.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Not So Good Valentine's Day
I was so pumped up for my first day trip to Mexico City because it's Valentine's Day. My excitement was been hindered because I was bumped on another flight and had lost six hours of very meaningful time because I came 40 minutes late at the airport plus they've charged me $150.00 for rescheduling fee.
When I was inside the airport after a very rigid security check I opened my email at 0845H and there I saw the email from Continental Airlines telling me that the diect flight to Mexico City supposedly leaving at 0830H will be delayed and was scheduled to leave the aorport at 0913H because of some technical problem.
I mean it was 0845H when I opened my email and technically the airplane was still there waiting for the delayed scheduled time. I was so furious upon knowing the whole situation through my email and I told myself to complain.
I stood up from the corner I was sitting near the Gate 62 where I will be boarding in one hour and walked all the way across the buildig where United Airlines offices were and looked for the appropriate supervior to ar my complaints.
I spoke to this Caucasian guy who appears like a senior citizen and told him about my situation. I explaned extensively about my concern and he listened to me inently ranting my own dilemma. I told him that I have lost six hours of time from this flight. Instead of arriving in Mexico City supposedly at 1450H; I lost that precious that supposedly intended for a romantic date in Xochimilco. That would make my Valentine's Day memorable.
Yet, I will have to endure six hours at the plane and airport for my lay over and my Valentine's Day will go to waste. I was so mad and upset of what had happened. I planned out everything to be smoothly going but well what could I do, this was my luck today. I'm still thankful for the safe flight.
The supervisor had nothing to say but he told me if I need to complain he instructed me to go to the United Airlines website and file a complaint there. Since my mind is reeling right now and furious, I could not think of what to do. I said to myself to just do it someime when I am not busy. Right now, I just have to focus on my short vacaion and enjoy every moment of and not be ruined by what had happened today.
My Valentine Day had gone to waste but I know it's not yet the end of the world because I'll still arrive in Mexico City at 2015H and still have more time to celebrate with my friend. Hope it will be a good one. The one thing I'm so remorseful of is the lost time I incurred because of the re-routing of the flight.
Oh well.... just have to swallow it and I'll have to say what will happen when I complained on the website. I know God has a lot of plans for me and all I can do is be thankful for whatever I have but this one should never pass because I feel I have the right to complain for what the airline had done to me. Hope I will get some restitution reward for it but I think my chances are small but I'm still hopeful.
I am writing this blog in Houston Airport through a WiFi on my iPad2 because I feel it is therapeutic for me to air my scarred feeligs here. And mind you.... it helpes me. Hope the next leg of my flight will be a good one and I can't wait to bask myself with more fun and unfaltering and unforgettable experiences in Mexico City. That remains to be seen though.....
When I was inside the airport after a very rigid security check I opened my email at 0845H and there I saw the email from Continental Airlines telling me that the diect flight to Mexico City supposedly leaving at 0830H will be delayed and was scheduled to leave the aorport at 0913H because of some technical problem.
I mean it was 0845H when I opened my email and technically the airplane was still there waiting for the delayed scheduled time. I was so furious upon knowing the whole situation through my email and I told myself to complain.
I stood up from the corner I was sitting near the Gate 62 where I will be boarding in one hour and walked all the way across the buildig where United Airlines offices were and looked for the appropriate supervior to ar my complaints.
I spoke to this Caucasian guy who appears like a senior citizen and told him about my situation. I explaned extensively about my concern and he listened to me inently ranting my own dilemma. I told him that I have lost six hours of time from this flight. Instead of arriving in Mexico City supposedly at 1450H; I lost that precious that supposedly intended for a romantic date in Xochimilco. That would make my Valentine's Day memorable.
Yet, I will have to endure six hours at the plane and airport for my lay over and my Valentine's Day will go to waste. I was so mad and upset of what had happened. I planned out everything to be smoothly going but well what could I do, this was my luck today. I'm still thankful for the safe flight.
The supervisor had nothing to say but he told me if I need to complain he instructed me to go to the United Airlines website and file a complaint there. Since my mind is reeling right now and furious, I could not think of what to do. I said to myself to just do it someime when I am not busy. Right now, I just have to focus on my short vacaion and enjoy every moment of and not be ruined by what had happened today.
My Valentine Day had gone to waste but I know it's not yet the end of the world because I'll still arrive in Mexico City at 2015H and still have more time to celebrate with my friend. Hope it will be a good one. The one thing I'm so remorseful of is the lost time I incurred because of the re-routing of the flight.
Oh well.... just have to swallow it and I'll have to say what will happen when I complained on the website. I know God has a lot of plans for me and all I can do is be thankful for whatever I have but this one should never pass because I feel I have the right to complain for what the airline had done to me. Hope I will get some restitution reward for it but I think my chances are small but I'm still hopeful.
I am writing this blog in Houston Airport through a WiFi on my iPad2 because I feel it is therapeutic for me to air my scarred feeligs here. And mind you.... it helpes me. Hope the next leg of my flight will be a good one and I can't wait to bask myself with more fun and unfaltering and unforgettable experiences in Mexico City. That remains to be seen though.....
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Jitters For My Impending Mexican Trip
In two days, on Valentine's Day, I will embark again for the second time to Mexico City and the nearby states like Guanajuato, Puebla, and San Miguel de Allende. I am so excited!
After working back-to-back for four consecutive weekends, I think I am ready for another journey to this Latin country whom I always cherished despite of my friends pessimistic rantings of it's notorious image and negative effect on any foreigner who traveled there.
But they have no clue about the classic beauty and the religious impact it effected me during my first trip there. I was so drawn to it's surroundings and social structures as well as it's entire tourism effects on me as a traveler. Mexico had proved me wrong of my previous repercussions albeit it made me fall in love of the people's hospitality and the beautiful surroundings as well as the cheapness of the budget each activities you will do there.
This time, I had kept my previous tour guide, which I befriended for his excellent services last time and he is willing to show me around more in other locality nearby Mexico City.
He told me about the nearby towns like Guanjuato, Leon, Moriles, and San Miguel de Allende. I hope my time will permit me to go to all these suggested places and enjoy what they will offer me when I am there.
I am also praying that my safety will be of utmost importance and that every thing will be out of harm's way. I hope there will be no major accidents or bad situations that will happen there. I hope I will get to see more beautiful and pristine places as well as more unique and vintage churches to visit as well as more hospitable and likable friends to gain. I also hope to learn more Spanish words so that it will be easier for me to mingle there.
My Spanish is not that bad but I still strugle to comprehend when the other person is talking to me rapidly. I am lost if that happens. But still I can understand it but not be able to communicate fluently.
So far, my luggage is not yet prepared but I know what to bring and I have Monday to pack for the last time and prepare for what to bring. I always struggle in regards to packing things because I am a person who doesn't believe in carrying light. Hahaha.
I remember my previous travels in Europe I always bring two huge luggages for a three week sojourn not realizing that I have to always carry or pull those luggages for every transfer from place to place. I always have to struggle with them. It was still vivid in my mind how I struggled to wrestle with them during those transfers. And I have learn my lessons.
Now, I will be gone for eight exciting days so I planned to just bring one luggage and to carry light. I have learned my lessons from my past mistakes so I won't repeat history again. Hehehe.
This second transfer gives me jitters because I will leave on Valentine's Day and I am not expecting to meet somebody there but my mind wish that I could. Well, we will see about that. I still have my second thoughts.
My tour guide was kind of effected me last time that's why I did this second trip for a re-confirmation if my feelings were still the same. I am a person who doesn't believe in first time never dies statements so I have to proved to myself that it is true the second or third time around. That's where I can assure myself that it was a pure and honest intention not just an impulsive first time.
I hope my gut feelings is wrong so I made a million time thinking over sessions whether I would like to pursue this trip or not. Hence, the jitters is pretty imminent. Can't blame myself for that.
Let's hope for the best and let nature set it's course. I am just hopeful that this trip will be fruitful and productive when it comes to entertainment and travel. Matters of the heart? Well, that will remains to be seen. Good luck to me.....
After working back-to-back for four consecutive weekends, I think I am ready for another journey to this Latin country whom I always cherished despite of my friends pessimistic rantings of it's notorious image and negative effect on any foreigner who traveled there.
But they have no clue about the classic beauty and the religious impact it effected me during my first trip there. I was so drawn to it's surroundings and social structures as well as it's entire tourism effects on me as a traveler. Mexico had proved me wrong of my previous repercussions albeit it made me fall in love of the people's hospitality and the beautiful surroundings as well as the cheapness of the budget each activities you will do there.
This time, I had kept my previous tour guide, which I befriended for his excellent services last time and he is willing to show me around more in other locality nearby Mexico City.
He told me about the nearby towns like Guanjuato, Leon, Moriles, and San Miguel de Allende. I hope my time will permit me to go to all these suggested places and enjoy what they will offer me when I am there.
I am also praying that my safety will be of utmost importance and that every thing will be out of harm's way. I hope there will be no major accidents or bad situations that will happen there. I hope I will get to see more beautiful and pristine places as well as more unique and vintage churches to visit as well as more hospitable and likable friends to gain. I also hope to learn more Spanish words so that it will be easier for me to mingle there.
My Spanish is not that bad but I still strugle to comprehend when the other person is talking to me rapidly. I am lost if that happens. But still I can understand it but not be able to communicate fluently.
So far, my luggage is not yet prepared but I know what to bring and I have Monday to pack for the last time and prepare for what to bring. I always struggle in regards to packing things because I am a person who doesn't believe in carrying light. Hahaha.
I remember my previous travels in Europe I always bring two huge luggages for a three week sojourn not realizing that I have to always carry or pull those luggages for every transfer from place to place. I always have to struggle with them. It was still vivid in my mind how I struggled to wrestle with them during those transfers. And I have learn my lessons.
Now, I will be gone for eight exciting days so I planned to just bring one luggage and to carry light. I have learned my lessons from my past mistakes so I won't repeat history again. Hehehe.
This second transfer gives me jitters because I will leave on Valentine's Day and I am not expecting to meet somebody there but my mind wish that I could. Well, we will see about that. I still have my second thoughts.
My tour guide was kind of effected me last time that's why I did this second trip for a re-confirmation if my feelings were still the same. I am a person who doesn't believe in first time never dies statements so I have to proved to myself that it is true the second or third time around. That's where I can assure myself that it was a pure and honest intention not just an impulsive first time.
I hope my gut feelings is wrong so I made a million time thinking over sessions whether I would like to pursue this trip or not. Hence, the jitters is pretty imminent. Can't blame myself for that.
Let's hope for the best and let nature set it's course. I am just hopeful that this trip will be fruitful and productive when it comes to entertainment and travel. Matters of the heart? Well, that will remains to be seen. Good luck to me.....
Remembering Whitney Houston
Today, I was so beat up and I slept eight hours. Rarely, I do that. My body used to sleep four to five hours and seldom go over than that. I was just so tired may be.
Well, having worked back-to-back for four consecutive weekends in preparation for my impending trip to Mexico City (which is my second time visit) , I succumbed myself to work four days a week (from Thursday to Sunday) for four weeks to compesate for my lost days and at the same time have me permitted by my manager to go without even causing any problem with the staffing schedule. And voila! I did it.
The result is I my body was compensating for the fatigue and able to adapt it self by getting more time to rest. I can't blame my body to do just like that.
I woke up so tired this afternoon and it was always a puzzle to me that I have to always get up at 1500H even though how much I still wanted to get more sleep. My eyes just doesn't want to shut. So, I just lie down there on my bed and watch my favorite Food Network show, "The Worst Cook In America." and "The Cupcake War" as well as "Chopped."
In the middle of my TV entertainment my sister (from Hongkong) called and bugged my rest time. She calle dme to gossip as well as to say hi to me and we talked about childhood experiences. I also talked to my cousin Val who apparently is with her for an Asian vacation.
After the long chat, something flashed on my cell phone for the hour top of the news sent to me by my subscription from New York Post saying, "Whitney Houston died at 48 years old." I was shocked upon seeing the little headline news.
Intrigued, I immediately opened my computer and checked it on Yahoo news board and it was confirmed that the pop diva was found dead at 1555H at her room in Beverly Hilton, a day before the Grammy Awards Night will kick in.
It was so sad and poignant though that she passed away before her most favorite day of all the days.... the Grammys, where she was been recognized several times as the most awarded pop diva.
Despite of her adversities in her personal life and career in the past, I recollected her life at the back of my mind. I still remember some of her beautiful songs like "The Greatest Love of All" (which is my favorite), "I Have Nothing", and "I Will Always Love You". Those are the songs that had catapulted her on the pop chart.
With her passing, the whole world lost one of the purest voice in the pop industry. I will remember Whitney for her impressive rendition of those songs rather than her sordid struggle with her personal life and battle with drugs.
I will surely, missed her and her beautiful angelic voice that spit fire every time she opened her mouth and utter words of beautiful melodies. I will always treasure her classic songs and my time listening, singing, and dancing with it. I will remember her all the time whenever I will hear those lovely songs.
Rest in peace, Whitney. You will be always in my heart. Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice to the whole world. Bye!
Well, having worked back-to-back for four consecutive weekends in preparation for my impending trip to Mexico City (which is my second time visit) , I succumbed myself to work four days a week (from Thursday to Sunday) for four weeks to compesate for my lost days and at the same time have me permitted by my manager to go without even causing any problem with the staffing schedule. And voila! I did it.
The result is I my body was compensating for the fatigue and able to adapt it self by getting more time to rest. I can't blame my body to do just like that.
I woke up so tired this afternoon and it was always a puzzle to me that I have to always get up at 1500H even though how much I still wanted to get more sleep. My eyes just doesn't want to shut. So, I just lie down there on my bed and watch my favorite Food Network show, "The Worst Cook In America." and "The Cupcake War" as well as "Chopped."
In the middle of my TV entertainment my sister (from Hongkong) called and bugged my rest time. She calle dme to gossip as well as to say hi to me and we talked about childhood experiences. I also talked to my cousin Val who apparently is with her for an Asian vacation.
After the long chat, something flashed on my cell phone for the hour top of the news sent to me by my subscription from New York Post saying, "Whitney Houston died at 48 years old." I was shocked upon seeing the little headline news.
Intrigued, I immediately opened my computer and checked it on Yahoo news board and it was confirmed that the pop diva was found dead at 1555H at her room in Beverly Hilton, a day before the Grammy Awards Night will kick in.
It was so sad and poignant though that she passed away before her most favorite day of all the days.... the Grammys, where she was been recognized several times as the most awarded pop diva.
Despite of her adversities in her personal life and career in the past, I recollected her life at the back of my mind. I still remember some of her beautiful songs like "The Greatest Love of All" (which is my favorite), "I Have Nothing", and "I Will Always Love You". Those are the songs that had catapulted her on the pop chart.
With her passing, the whole world lost one of the purest voice in the pop industry. I will remember Whitney for her impressive rendition of those songs rather than her sordid struggle with her personal life and battle with drugs.
I will surely, missed her and her beautiful angelic voice that spit fire every time she opened her mouth and utter words of beautiful melodies. I will always treasure her classic songs and my time listening, singing, and dancing with it. I will remember her all the time whenever I will hear those lovely songs.
Rest in peace, Whitney. You will be always in my heart. Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice to the whole world. Bye!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Reuniting With An Old High School Friend
Well, I am glad I have reconnected with a former high school classmate who apparently is doing a fellowship study in Japan. This guy amazes me a lot, even when we were in high school.
It all started when I asked him to be featured as an emulating person in the "Personality Section" of my self-moderated Facebook group wall called "Passi City Bulletin" which I dedicatedly presented to my fellow hometowners in Passi City.
I am also glad that he did not declined my request then messaged me his curriculum vitaes to me where I can get some information to be included in the bio-article. It was just so easy for me to formulate the article because of the rigid organization of his achievements from past to present.
I also had time to see his writings (travel blogs)on his Facebook wall and at the same time browsed his pictures and albums. I was so impressed of what he had accomplished and now he is a doctor of philosophy. Good job my friend!
Well, there's no doubt about it because inherently I've known him to be very intelligent and studious when we were in high school. He was very persistent and diligent in his studies. He is one of the smartest student in my high school class. And he was also very humble as a person.
Reuniting with him online was a breath of fresh air because I never thought we could be meeting online. I can sense his sincerety and eagerness to tell me his stories. I was very happy to have reconnected with him after our last meeting when we were still studying at West Visayas State University.
My memories about him was dated during our Freshman years was when we were having a class at the bleachers near the high school grounds during our Physical Education class with Mr. Muyco and he was always nodding and saying "oh yeah, oh yeah" when the teacher explains something.
I also remember how smart he was during our science classes, no wonder he ended up majoring Science for his Education Course. He is also very adept in Math and Social Studies. A cunning person with a sharp memory.
He was a very consistent honor student until our sophomore years. I also remember during our second year when Miss Salaya requires us a book report and he was very jittery about it. He finished reading a big novel and able to discuss it in front of our teacher yet he was given a hard time by Miss Salaya. I saw his face with a sigh of relief after he got out of the room
Then the following year during our Junior years he did not re-enroll. I ended up looking for him but we didn't know where he went. Nobody knows where he re-enrolled.
There were rumors that he had gotten a girl pregnant and that his parents had to have him stop going to school and some said he got sick big time requiring him to have rest for several months.
There were also rumors that his family has to move to another place because they're not lucky where they used tolive and also some says that his parents could not afford sending him to school because there were many of them in the family.
Whatever reasons why he was no show during our junior years we didn't really know what it is. Then all the questions were answered after two years when I bumped on him at West Visayas State University when I enrolled there for my Nursing Education. We actually saw and talked each other all the time during our ROTC class.
He had explained to me that he had finished his high school at Iloilo National High School and had graduated as the class salutatorian. I was so happy that we were reunited again for the first time as students in the same university although we took different courses. We always bumped each other at the library if not at the science building.
After college graduation we never saw each other again not until I saw his profile at Facebook and invited him as my friend. Then there we bumped each other again for the second time.
Time really flies by and we never knew what happened to us after several years but I was so happy that he had accomplished a lot in his life. He was happily married and has four beautiful kids. He had also finished his Ph.D. with high honors and he had been traveling around the world through his own efforts of acquiring scholarship grants to foster his high level education.
So far so good my friend. I am very proud of your exemplary achievements. I salute you of your tenacity to find means in fostering your graduate studies through scholarship grants to put yourself in a higher echelon of educational learning. Without your persistence, diligence, and dedication all of these could not be realized.
Now, that I am reconnecting with you, hope we could be more close and chatty just like we were in the past. I mean our status in life are improving yet I know we were still the same as a person refusing to leave our childish ways sometimes. You know what I mean.
You were admiring me before and now I am admiring you. You are an inspiration to all of us and we are not seeing you as the former "Itik" I have known but as a successful and professional Dr. Handa right now. You always keep yourself grounded and I am delighted that you did not change.
Thanks for accepting my friendship again and hope we can have a longer chat sometime. Hope you more success along the way and keep doing what you wanted to achieve more in life. Defy old age and reap more honors for your future advantage. Good luck!
It all started when I asked him to be featured as an emulating person in the "Personality Section" of my self-moderated Facebook group wall called "Passi City Bulletin" which I dedicatedly presented to my fellow hometowners in Passi City.
I am also glad that he did not declined my request then messaged me his curriculum vitaes to me where I can get some information to be included in the bio-article. It was just so easy for me to formulate the article because of the rigid organization of his achievements from past to present.
I also had time to see his writings (travel blogs)on his Facebook wall and at the same time browsed his pictures and albums. I was so impressed of what he had accomplished and now he is a doctor of philosophy. Good job my friend!
Well, there's no doubt about it because inherently I've known him to be very intelligent and studious when we were in high school. He was very persistent and diligent in his studies. He is one of the smartest student in my high school class. And he was also very humble as a person.
Reuniting with him online was a breath of fresh air because I never thought we could be meeting online. I can sense his sincerety and eagerness to tell me his stories. I was very happy to have reconnected with him after our last meeting when we were still studying at West Visayas State University.
My memories about him was dated during our Freshman years was when we were having a class at the bleachers near the high school grounds during our Physical Education class with Mr. Muyco and he was always nodding and saying "oh yeah, oh yeah" when the teacher explains something.
I also remember how smart he was during our science classes, no wonder he ended up majoring Science for his Education Course. He is also very adept in Math and Social Studies. A cunning person with a sharp memory.
He was a very consistent honor student until our sophomore years. I also remember during our second year when Miss Salaya requires us a book report and he was very jittery about it. He finished reading a big novel and able to discuss it in front of our teacher yet he was given a hard time by Miss Salaya. I saw his face with a sigh of relief after he got out of the room
Then the following year during our Junior years he did not re-enroll. I ended up looking for him but we didn't know where he went. Nobody knows where he re-enrolled.
There were rumors that he had gotten a girl pregnant and that his parents had to have him stop going to school and some said he got sick big time requiring him to have rest for several months.
There were also rumors that his family has to move to another place because they're not lucky where they used tolive and also some says that his parents could not afford sending him to school because there were many of them in the family.
Whatever reasons why he was no show during our junior years we didn't really know what it is. Then all the questions were answered after two years when I bumped on him at West Visayas State University when I enrolled there for my Nursing Education. We actually saw and talked each other all the time during our ROTC class.
He had explained to me that he had finished his high school at Iloilo National High School and had graduated as the class salutatorian. I was so happy that we were reunited again for the first time as students in the same university although we took different courses. We always bumped each other at the library if not at the science building.
After college graduation we never saw each other again not until I saw his profile at Facebook and invited him as my friend. Then there we bumped each other again for the second time.
Time really flies by and we never knew what happened to us after several years but I was so happy that he had accomplished a lot in his life. He was happily married and has four beautiful kids. He had also finished his Ph.D. with high honors and he had been traveling around the world through his own efforts of acquiring scholarship grants to foster his high level education.
So far so good my friend. I am very proud of your exemplary achievements. I salute you of your tenacity to find means in fostering your graduate studies through scholarship grants to put yourself in a higher echelon of educational learning. Without your persistence, diligence, and dedication all of these could not be realized.
Now, that I am reconnecting with you, hope we could be more close and chatty just like we were in the past. I mean our status in life are improving yet I know we were still the same as a person refusing to leave our childish ways sometimes. You know what I mean.
You were admiring me before and now I am admiring you. You are an inspiration to all of us and we are not seeing you as the former "Itik" I have known but as a successful and professional Dr. Handa right now. You always keep yourself grounded and I am delighted that you did not change.
Thanks for accepting my friendship again and hope we can have a longer chat sometime. Hope you more success along the way and keep doing what you wanted to achieve more in life. Defy old age and reap more honors for your future advantage. Good luck!
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