Wow How Did You Get So Tanned?

Often the comment when people see photos of me in Mexico. A blonde, fair skinned, blue eyed girl – could be mistaken for a lady of the island life.

Here is a photo of my friend Sam and I in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. We stayed in a 5 star resort for 1 night to live the life of luxury whilst travelling, for onmly $165 US a night!!! All inclusive.

 

This was an incredible trip. And this tan was a build up of 4 months of walking, playing, laying and sleeping in the sun – Mexico doesn’t really do Winter.

 

When was the best tan of your life?

 

* Note: I always wore sunscreen, coming from Australia I’m well aware of the damage UV sun rays can do to our delicate skin. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP on some sunscreen!

Footprints : Photo Blog

I love this image and it always brings back warm feelings for me.

 

Not only do I love my tattoo, which was new at the time, and the location I was, but I love footprints in the Sand!

 

 

I was walking the Beach in Peurto Escondito, Mexico. I noticed all my footprints in the sand behind me and had to stop and take a photo to remember the moment.

 

My favourite poem running through my head as I walked with tears rolling down my cheeks.

 

One night I had a dream–
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
“I don’t understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me.”
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
“When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.”

 

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

”You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,

”The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson

Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved

 

White Desert, Cuatro Cienegas

This stunning picture was taken with a little bit of camera trickery on my Canon Ixus. I love the colour swap mode and the effect is incredible.

 

The photo was taken in the dessert of white sands in Cuatro Cienegas, in the state of Coahuila,
Mexico. I loved this little weekend trip. We were so lucky to come here as well as the tour guide company had stopped but with a little negotiation and a few under the table pesos, we had a private guide for the pools and the white desert.

 

The White Sands of Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico

Handprints

Picture memory!

This is a photo from my time in Mexico. 5 friends, went into the dessert and frolicked about like idiots. Also has the time of their lives.

making a mark

Make your Mark when you travel. Enjoy your time and leave it stamped in your memory.

Visit Cuatro Cienegas, Coahuila, Mexico to experience the beauty and serenity of the dessert.

http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1159-cuatro-ciénegas-coahuila

LA = Lil Mexico

Now apparently to call a person of Mexican origin a Mexican in Los Angeles is deoroggatory or politically incorrect. News to me! And strange considering a huge part of the Los Angeles population is in fact, Mexican.

It has surprised me how much America, well this part of America, is reminding me of Mexico. I did live in Monterrey Mexico which is the most Americanized city of all those in Mexico, but still, the resemblance is astounding.

 

I’m staying in San Gabriel (yes that is a Spanish word) and seriously I could be in a suburb of Monterrey. El Pollo Loco, Tacos , Las Tunas drive. And you can speak Spanish in just about every shop you go to. I should have come here to learn my Spanish before going to Mexico. I even got to chat to the gardeners the other day.

So why, when a city has so much of a Spanish/ Mexican influence- do the Mexican people object to being called Mexicans? I would love someone to explain this to me. I know that some people may have been born here in the USA but have Mexican parents or origins, but should they not be proud of their heritage. I can also see that people may have a latino or hispanic appearance but actually be from El Salvador, Dominican Republic or Guatemala. But even when I asked my friend who lives in Juarez, Chihauau, Mexico about it, he said he doesn’t understand why they in most senses of the mexican nationality they are Mexican they still refuse to be called so?

 

I guess I can kinda understand it, as I am Australian but  people say I’m British as my parents are originally from the UK. You could say, I’m Australian with English blood yes, but if someone calls me English I wouldn’t call it an offence? And certainly not derogatory. Sigh.

 

So apparently Latino American is the correct term. I shall try my darndest to forget my Mexican connections and replace them with the Latino American mentatlity.

 

Hasta luego.

 

p.s. loving being able to buy great tortillas in store and get REAL tacos in the restaurants!!

Top 5 Countries I miss the MOST

There is a time for travel, and there is a time to work . The time now is work time.

Don’t get me wrong! I love living in Sydney and being here with friends and family and exploring my city. But there are also some countries that are in my heart that I miss terribly throughout the year and CANNOT WAIT to get back to.

1. INDIA

India has not just been a place I have visited. It is  a country that now rests in my heart. I can honestly say I think about it every day and I’m just so excited that I get to go back again in December this year. To taste the curries, to party in Goa and to laugh again with the wonderul, warm and kind people of the country.

Sunset in Goa

2. MEXICO

Mexico, tu eres en mi corazon. This is very wrong. haha This in literal translation says Mexico you are in my heart, but they don’t say it like that. Mexico is fun, vibrant, interesting, complicated and diverse. It’s rich in culture and extremly proud of it’s heritage. The people are fantastic and I really felt at home when I lived there. Quiero ir a Mexico pronto. I want to visit Mexico soon.

3. ENGLAND

England will always be my second home as my family lives there. I feel a strog sense of self when there and can really relate to the country. I love the history of the country as it is so much older than my baby country Australia. Whenever I hear a pommy accent, my heart instantly melts and I become nostalgic and longing. Ello ello ello!

4. GERMANY

Ich liebe Deutschland. I visited Germany in 2006 for the first time and subsequently reuturned twice more in the one year. I was lucky to have good friends spread out in many cities in Germany but I really found the people I met there to be so friendly. The food is amazing and I crave it constantly. It’s carb heaven! Prestzels, Knudle, Liebkuchen, Stollen, Magenbrot, Weiss wurst and the best breads you have ever tasted. Oh and of course, BEER!

5. USA

I know this may seem like a funny one to add as some people think that the USA is a lot like Australia, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Our cultures are completely different, as are the histories, the diversity of people and the food. I must admit, I don’t miss the kilos that I piled on there whilst eating the junk food. But I do miss the interesting and surprising places that I visited. USA is HUGE and there is so much more I need to see! Also, one of my favourite people in the world, my Cuz Bill lives there!

So my Top 5. I hope to get back to all of them this year.. but we have to wait and see!

HOLA MEXICO – Film Festival, Australia

 

HOLA MEXICO Film Festival, Australia ’09

Opens TODAY!

 

The Hola Mexico Film Festival opens November 18 in Sydney at the DENDY Newtown and Opera Quays. The festival will run from the 18th-29th November before kicking on to Canberra and the other major cities of Australia.

 

The Festival is a fine showcase of Mexican film making which celebrates the intriguing, enticing and amazing culture of Mexico. The wide variety of films gives patrons the chance to experience Mexico through comedy, drama,  animated and documentary style cinematic techniques.

 

I was first drawn to this event by the awesome graphics and colours on the poster which are so typically Mexican. Having studied in Mexico for 4 months earlier this year I am now captivated by anything that emits even the slightest bit of Mexico’s dynamic and vibrant culture.

 

Some of the films on show include Sin Nombre, Otra Pelicula de huevos y un Pollo (Another Egg Movie and a Chicken), and Oveja Negra (Black Sheep). I will be seeing Amor, Dolor y ViceVersa (Love, Pain and Viceversa) on thursday -  a tale of the search for love. I can’t wait.

 

So check out the schedules at http://www.holamexicoff.com/09-AU/sydney/index.html.

It’s also a fabulous website with great graphics and funky Mexican tunes!

 

The Film Festival will also be in CANBERRA, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE, PERTH AND MELBOURNE. So no matter where you are in Australia, try and get to one of the films for a night at the cinema with a twist!

 

Espero que disfruten del espectáculo!
 

*All films will be in Spanish with english subtitles.

Mexico is Pretty in Pink Taxis

I have just come across this post http://sify.com/news/Pink-taxis-for-women-now-on-Mexico-039-s-streets-news-Features-jkvpsofgbhh.html.

 

Puebla in Central Mexico now has Pink taxi’s with female taxi drivers for the comfort of women travelling in the city.

 

Women are reacting extremely positively to the latest trend in transport. “The people stop us on the street to congratulate us and the women ask us how they can request one of our units,` Lidia Hernandez, one of the cabbies with Pink Taxis, a company that says it’s the first of its kind in Mexico, told the Spanish news agency EFE.

 

Having lived in Mexico for 4 months, I can understand the need and desire for such a service. Women’s rights are not so openly discussed in Latin American countries as they are in Australia and other western countries. I feel as a woman here that I can speak freely and do what I choose to do as my government, colleagues, friends and family support me in that area. It is not always the case in Mexico. This service would allow women to feel more comfortable in their enivornment and in going about their daily activities.

 

There is also at times a protective attitude towards women and children, with families often feeling concerned when they are out on their own- especially at night. Some of the exchange students that I studied with experienced this when participating in a home stay as the host family would be concerned when they would travel alone.

 

I personally was not worried about travelling in Taxi’s or walking around the city alone when in Mexico but for some women it was a problem. I would not say that the streets were dangerous and every town was different, but to have the option would be great. If it makes people feel more comofortable and safe then it’s a great thing. A need has obviously been identified and this service is doing very well to satisfy the gap in the market.

 

I can also see the pitfalls of such a service and the negative effects it can have on the push for equality. Some might see it as dividing society and bringing to light some gender stereotypes. But the simple fact of the matter is that some places do have large differences between the genders and for the comfort of women and children within the society, a service such as this could be highly beneficial.

 

I would be happy to see pink Taxi’s bustling around Sydney. It would be fun! Girls night out, grab a  pink cab! But perhaps the debate and divisions it would cause would far outweigh the benefits and novelty.

 

Felicidades Mexico!! Well done! I hope that this initiative helps the women of Mexico feel happier, more comfortable and safer within their communities.

Updating on Study abroad in Mexico – March

Where I’m at!
 
So Here I am, Saturday morning in the CE TEC (computer building) so basically I’m at home. I have a lot of work to organise before I go away next Friday for 17 days. When I’m away I hope to do a few little updates on my facebook blog every 2 days, then I won’t have to sit down like this and rack my brains for the amazing activities. The upcoming Spring break is scary. It means that when we come back we start preparing for finals and that we only have 6 short weeks left.. well I do. I can’t believe how fast it’s going. At the same time – Things that happened 2 months ago, feels like 6 months ago, so much has happened here! It’s incredible. 
 
School is going well. The work is pretty basic, just consistent. I have to do a presentation nearly every week for advertising, and we seem to have exam periods every 3 weeks. I’m sitting on about 96% for 2 of my subjects though- UNTHINKABLE IN AUSTRALIA! hahaha. This week I will also be starting the first ever 85Broads chapter here in Mexico. It’s a lot of work but this amazing club needs to be here. Tec De Monterrey has great facilities and resources for the students and this group can really benefit the women here. Exciting, a lot of work – but ya’ll no me¿ I love it.
 
Oh and I got a job hahahah SURPRISE SURPRISE. I have been helping on a Facebook group as a promoter of fiestas/parties in and around Monterrey and this weekend I helped a mate organise a CATAMARAN PARTY- will report back next week! So the local club has asked me to work as a promoter. Basically, go there, party and get 2 x1 drinks always. More friends I go with, the more fun I have, the more money I get. Life is hard I tell ya
In general, really happy here. A few hours of grumpyness here or there when maybe my coffee takes too long or I have to deal with IMMIGRATION AGAIN, but otherwise Mexico is living the dream!

March in Mexico – General Highlights

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS OF MONTERREY

• Catamaran party – Ummm so cool! See the pics! 60 people on a boat on a  lake surrounded by mountins, drinking, dj, sunset – oh and it was $27 Aussie HAHAHA muy barato! So cheap!

 

• Jackie James, Adair’s best Aussie mate, coming to visit in Monterrey- loca chica! Crazy times were had – including a night at a concert, meeting some new Mexican friends and drinking until sunrise before heading to IHOP for breakfast!

 

• Beth, my American friend from Texas who I met at Australian Unigames, coming to stay with me for 5 days and me feeling obliged to show her ALL that Mexico has to offer- and we did!! Thanks for helping me see my city babe!

 

• Our friend being pulled over by the police for his headlights being dodgy, him having an attitude problem, his car getting towed and then my friend from class rocking up randomly cos he saw a blonde girl on the side of the highway- go figure!

 

• Hanging out with my New Mexican friend in his brothers recording studio- and perhaps helping the band to promote themselves.
• …..  yes there is a theme here, most things happen at parties!

 

• Being asked if we were Canadian or American by 2 sweet girls having a bet at the movies

 

• Walking home from the cinema and seeing a sleeping man on the street, dogs barking and being shouted at from cars- REMINDER We live in Mexico!

 

• nearly forgot….. BACKSTREET BOYS!!! I went to see my childhood hearthrobs- who I am again in love with as they crooned away to all my old faves- well actually I would have liked a few more but hey- Nick is crazy, AJ got fat and bald, Brian is now like a country singer and Howie got hot! go figure!

 

• BEACH PARTY -my Aussie boys, drew, Paul and Simon, yet again decided to throw an EPIC PARTY!! Firebreathers, red and green lights over the entire apartment complex, a dj, mini pools all over the terrace, THE HOT DOG MAN (see pics below) and probably well over 400 people- more I’m guessing,. And the most disgraceful mess in the morning WOO WOO! Good work boys!

 

• Watching my friends in their band, Mexicans, RADIO ANDRES! So great. And they came and performed in my school. I really like their music and want to help them with PR….. haha always working.