Back to Acapulco-ish (Pie de la Cuesta)

What better way to spend our last weekend than to go back to the west coast of Mexico. We enjoyed the sun and surf again, but mostly the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Relaxing in hammocks, drinking "coco locos" and watching the sun set over the ocean was the only way we could bid farewell to our home for the last year.

It is times like these I am sad our year's journey is over.

Pueblo Magico 6.13-6.14.09

We went back to Tepoztlan this weekend to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this town when it is NOT Carnaval. We spent Saturday lounging around, browsing some tianguis, eating and drinking amazing food and micheladas, toured the history of the town only to find out the entrance to the main church has a mural in front (see pics) made of 60 kinds of seeds and changed every year in September (impressive), and I completely beat Jake at cards, although no surprise there :) (she cheated).

We were early risers this morning, much earlier than most of the town (thanks to cannons going off) and after a sweet treat for breakfast and amazingly strong coffee, Jake and I set off on a hike to the Piramide de Tepozteco, which in itself a pyramid 10 meters (just under 33 feet) tall, but to get to it we hiked 2 km (1.2 miles-ish) and 400 meters up (1,312 feet!)!!! Yah, talk about getting your workout in the morning. It was a gorgeous hike, and so nice to be surrounded by nature again, versus 30 million people and just as many horns honking here in the city. The pyramid was built in the 1400s to honor the god of the harvest, Tepoztecatl. Imagine that walk every day to work...

Surfing, o dicen en espanol, Surfing

We went to Puerto Escondido on Mexico's west coast to Playa Zicatela, world famous for its surfing. We spent Thursday through Sunday (today) there as a much needed mental health weekend. Its funny, I often go places and think "I could live here" but this time I think I mean it. I guess time will tell....

We surfed with Jaime (pronounced Hi-May) for two days, and a total of about 5 hours. Talk about a rush, WOW!It took a couple times to get the hang of it, but I did, we both did! It was quite a workout but one I didnt want to end. We had so much fun. I think I swallowed more saltwater than one should, but oh well. Sometimes the waves beat you up a little bit. I had no idea the Pacific Ocean could be so warm, but it was. We heard it ranged around 90, which I know may sound too hot for some of you, but it was truly perfect!

Other than surfing, swimming and sunbathing, we didnt do a whole lot. We stayed in a terrific hotel where we had a gorgeous view of the ocean and private hammocks to enjoy it in. We saw huge lizards, some fish, and even a scorpion, the weather was hot and the breeze was perfectly cool. What an adventure we are having...

Cuernavaca 5.16-5.17.09

Visitamos Cuernavaca.

Valle de Bravo

A short drive from the city, the only place I know where a retention pond has become a water-lover's delight! Valle de Bravo is located about 2 hours outside of Mexico City, so we spent Saturday there, just as a fun way to get away. We found someone to take us on their boat for about an hour, and it was great to be on the water again. We found a restaurant that was on floating docks, so we were literally on the water. It was a beautiful view. Being in the city has it perks, but I miss being by the water, even if it is a 'retention' lake. The people are friendly, the breeze acroos the water was refreshing...what a great way to spend a weekend with our friends....

La Casa Azul 4.18.09

Frida Kahlo is a famous Mexican artist who had a long affair, and marriage to famous painter and architect Diego Rivera. She was born in Coyoacan (place of the coyotes) in the 'blue house' in 1907. Her father built it 3 years before she was born and she later lived in it with her husband Diego Rivera.

The museum olds many paintings by her, as well as her personal letters, clothing, photos, etc. It wasn't until she died that her paintings gained fame, as she only participated in one art showing while she was alive.

We strolled through the town along the cobblestone streets, found the Jardin de Frida Kahlo, and awed at the beautiful architecture of local homes and churches. The city is so expansive that it swallows up these small towns, but somehow when we escape to them, it is like we escape to Mexico's history. It is an escape within the city from the city.

Dos Presidentes

On Tuesday, when I went to work, I had no idea that I would be so happy to see my principal walk unannounced into my classroom. I was invited to see the welcoming ceremony by President Calderon (Mexican president) to President Obama on Thursday! It was amazing! I brought my students to witness this event and feel so lucky. He was close, only a few feet away and it was inspiring to hear the two presidents come together in a united front. Who would have thought I would ever get the chance to see President Obama speak in Mexico?!?!