Since I just saw "The Kings Speech" Friday evening and it won Best Picture yesterday, I definitely need to share my cool experience.
So Adam, Barbara, Sarah and I decided to go to a theater called Cinemex (one of the 2 big local chains) and the movie was playing in the Platino part of the theater at the time we wanted. It was such a great experience. Besides the movie which I did love, the reclining leather seats and a theater with only 42 seats and a bar and lots of other amenities was really great. I have been told, that these exist in the US as well, but here we paid what I would for a normal NYC movie ticket and got the royal treatment. Beer and Cosmos were had along with our popcorn. It was nice to stretch out and have lots of room. WARNING: Danger to falling asleep during the film if you get too comfie.
Has anyone ever gone to a movie like this?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Feria de Chapultepec & Valle de Bravo
Last Friday till Sunday was packed with good times. Friday was Colegios Peterson's Day at Feria de Chapultepec (think Coney Island vs Six Flags). All students, except grades 10 - 12 had no regular classes and their day began at the feria many with their families as well. My day began with physics lab 11. All 10 - 12 as well as some 6-9 students who were at school rode buses around 11:30 over. We had the whole place to ourselves for the day.
The rides were fun though some knocked you around a bit and I, of course, came away with a couple of bruises. The best thing was the Haunted House... really scary fun! I hung out with a number of the teachers and we enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was very sunny so we relaxed in the shade as well. My day at the park ended around 4pm meeting Ken Peterson at the gate along with Adam (see above), Barbara, Sarah and Mary from my campus and Erika from Tlalpan campus for our weekend away to Valle de Bravo. We would be staying at the Peterson's house there.
We hit traffic as we got closer to the valley so did not arrive till close to 20:00. We had a wonderful dinner and just relaxed and got some sleep.
Saturday, we got a chance to really see the house. After a wonderful breakfast, some went out kayaking (walking down to the lake from the house they have a dock) and some of us walked to a really nearby waterfall
and back up to the house. I then sat in the sunshine reading my latest book "The Hunger Games" which I really enjoyed. The others came back and after more time relaxing, we went out for a longer nature walk by a much larger waterfall; Velo de Novia
which was just stunning and the weather was beautiful. We walked/hiked along the path all the way down to the lake, but the drinks were out of reach in the middle of the lake there so back we went.
We had another wonderful meal with grilled veges and a specially marinated beef all in a tortilla along with salad and a bunch of other little bits. All the food was wonderfully prepared and there was plenty of it. A bit later, we took a trip into town to browse around a bit and saw some native dancers in the square in front of the church. Back to the house for a light meal and then some of us went out for a night on the town. This being Mexico, at 22:00 we were the first ones in the bar, but it soon filled up with others. We did some relaxing and people watching and hanging out. What a great night!!
Sunday after a wonderful slightly later breakfast (I just love pancakes!!) we headed out to the Art Market in town and I picked up a small basket woven with pine needles and a nice bedside lamp as well as few other little things. We all had fun and helped the local economy out. :) After another great meal of chicken with mole, rice, salad, etc We packed up to head back to the city. We were lucky with the traffic (or lack thereof) and made it back in about 2-1/2 hours.
The whole weekend was filled with wonderful weather, food and most important company.
If you want to see more photos: click here!
The rides were fun though some knocked you around a bit and I, of course, came away with a couple of bruises. The best thing was the Haunted House... really scary fun! I hung out with a number of the teachers and we enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was very sunny so we relaxed in the shade as well. My day at the park ended around 4pm meeting Ken Peterson at the gate along with Adam (see above), Barbara, Sarah and Mary from my campus and Erika from Tlalpan campus for our weekend away to Valle de Bravo. We would be staying at the Peterson's house there.
We hit traffic as we got closer to the valley so did not arrive till close to 20:00. We had a wonderful dinner and just relaxed and got some sleep.
Saturday, we got a chance to really see the house. After a wonderful breakfast, some went out kayaking (walking down to the lake from the house they have a dock) and some of us walked to a really nearby waterfall
and back up to the house. I then sat in the sunshine reading my latest book "The Hunger Games" which I really enjoyed. The others came back and after more time relaxing, we went out for a longer nature walk by a much larger waterfall; Velo de Novia
which was just stunning and the weather was beautiful. We walked/hiked along the path all the way down to the lake, but the drinks were out of reach in the middle of the lake there so back we went.
 |
| Too far without a bathing suit. |
Sunday after a wonderful slightly later breakfast (I just love pancakes!!) we headed out to the Art Market in town and I picked up a small basket woven with pine needles and a nice bedside lamp as well as few other little things. We all had fun and helped the local economy out. :) After another great meal of chicken with mole, rice, salad, etc We packed up to head back to the city. We were lucky with the traffic (or lack thereof) and made it back in about 2-1/2 hours.
The whole weekend was filled with wonderful weather, food and most important company.
 |
| Ken, Nancy, Mary, Me, Erika, Sarah and Adam |
Monday, February 7, 2011
Superbowl Sunday in Mexico
Yesterday was a fun afternoon spent with 4 others who stayed around for the long weekend. We were hosted at a house with a Canadian feed so we could see the game and the commercials. The afternoon/evening were filled with margaritas, Rachel Ray's Lucky 7 Layer Dip (made by me), pico made by my roommate, chips, empanadas, coleslaw, pulled pork sandwiches (I had peanut butter :) and chocolate chip cookies. Did I mention the margaritas. :) I also started my Couch to 5k running program in the morning... good work against the calories of the evening.
On the lucky side we had off today for Constitution Day. YAH!! Though closing in on the end of a grading period (Bimesters - here) and having to write exams (one at the end of each of the 5 Bimesters), I have spent the day working.
Some highlights from earlier in the week:
Work, work and more work, until... Thu and Fri out eve to celebrate birthdays. Thu we went out not too far from where I live and had tacos for dinner. Fri night went into town right after work. The menu at the place was lots of small plates. After lots of food and some drink the whole night only cost about 300 pesos each... less than $30. So cool!
On the lucky side we had off today for Constitution Day. YAH!! Though closing in on the end of a grading period (Bimesters - here) and having to write exams (one at the end of each of the 5 Bimesters), I have spent the day working.
Some highlights from earlier in the week:
Work, work and more work, until... Thu and Fri out eve to celebrate birthdays. Thu we went out not too far from where I live and had tacos for dinner. Fri night went into town right after work. The menu at the place was lots of small plates. After lots of food and some drink the whole night only cost about 300 pesos each... less than $30. So cool!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Hola a la ciudad de México!
Last Sunday (23rd Jan), I arrived in Mexico City after a pretty uneventful early morning flight. Happy to get through passport & customs without any problem as I did not know my complete new address and I had a bunch of luggage. I was picked up at the airport and driven across the city to Cualjimalpa... this place really is HUGE... to my apartment. [Sorry, no photos yet... coming soon.]
My roommate, Adam, was out watching football so I looked around. The apartment is really nice. Stats: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a quite large living room, dining area and entry hall, kitchen with gas stove and even laundry :) [This makes me happier than you can imagine.] There is also plenty of closet space as well. Outside there is a gate and guard and it is about a 2 minute walk from the school. It is a bit far from the more happening parts of the city, but you can get there with a very cheap bus (5 pesos) or a pretty cheap taxi (150-200 pesos) depending on where exactly you want to go. [In case you were wondering it is about 12 pesos to $1 right now.]
The school director Jutty came over a bit later and I went for some lunch with Jutty and another teacher and her older kids. They had gone to a concert in the afternoon. We had a nice lunch and we went to the Superama (Isn't that a cool name for a supermarket) for some food to start out. Afterwards, I came back and unpacked my bags. I met my roommate later and went to get some sleep since I needed to be at work the next morning... around 07:15. YIKES that is early.
The first day was filled with meeting new people and getting a lot of information about curriculum and my schedule and the like... all preparing me to teach on TUESDAY. And of course Tuesday is my heaviest teaching day of the week so it really was into the fire. The day went well and I met all of my students and classes. It was a long day and I expect it will be just as long tomorrow too. My classes are all good and the other teachers very friendly and nice. I am still not quite as on top of my planning as I like to be, but am trying to be patient with myself. This week is a bit better. I even managed a lab activity with one of my grade 8 classes on Thursday and am fully booked for labs this week.
My 1st weekend here was filled with fun. Another woman who lived downstairs had her father visiting so lots of stuff was planned. Friday night we had some dinner and went out to a place called Garibaldi which is a big square where lots of mariachi music groups come to play.
We stayed out late enough to need some late night food. Quesadillas and tacos... YUM!! and sooooo cheap. Got home way way way too late, but still managed to get up and meet Vanessa for lunch in town the next day.
Saturday was my day to conquer public transport here... don't think Zurich or even NYC. Buses do have routes, but no real schedules and you can often just hop on or off at any corner or crossroads. They cost 5 pesos for longer distances and 3-4 for shorter. Then there is the Metro which is 3 pesos each ride. I did manage to get on the pink line instead of the brown since they have the same end stop, but I figured it out and only managed to be 30 min late (which is considered on time in Mexico ;) We went for some lunch in a nice neighborhood called Condesa. While sitting out on the sidewalk to eat in the sunshine (Yes it is sunny and in the low 70s during the day, it does get down to the 40s at night... and there is no heat so it is kinda cold.) we had the opportunity to buy handmade soaps and honey and a myriad of other goods. We only got the 1st 2 as after lunch we were headed to an artist market at San Angel. I picked up a cool nightlight for my bathroom and some small baskets as well. After heading back to Vanessa's for a cup of tea she came with me to show me which bus to take home... no it is not the same route as the one there. Got home without any problems and feel much better about my ability to take a bus as long as I have some clue where I am going to. The city is super huge and will take a while to find my way around.
Sunday, I got up early to join Adam, Barbara (the ES principal), Emily and her dad and Tatiana for a day to the Pyramids of the Moon and Sun and the Basilica de Guadelupe. It was another day filled with walking and they are so close to the city.
To see the rest of my photos: click here. At the end of the day, it was time to do some prep work for the week and some grading. Trying to keep on top of that monster from the start.
And that is my first week here in Mexico City. If anyone wants to come by... just let me know. :)
 |
| I am at the blue dot! |
My roommate, Adam, was out watching football so I looked around. The apartment is really nice. Stats: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a quite large living room, dining area and entry hall, kitchen with gas stove and even laundry :) [This makes me happier than you can imagine.] There is also plenty of closet space as well. Outside there is a gate and guard and it is about a 2 minute walk from the school. It is a bit far from the more happening parts of the city, but you can get there with a very cheap bus (5 pesos) or a pretty cheap taxi (150-200 pesos) depending on where exactly you want to go. [In case you were wondering it is about 12 pesos to $1 right now.]
The school director Jutty came over a bit later and I went for some lunch with Jutty and another teacher and her older kids. They had gone to a concert in the afternoon. We had a nice lunch and we went to the Superama (Isn't that a cool name for a supermarket) for some food to start out. Afterwards, I came back and unpacked my bags. I met my roommate later and went to get some sleep since I needed to be at work the next morning... around 07:15. YIKES that is early.
The first day was filled with meeting new people and getting a lot of information about curriculum and my schedule and the like... all preparing me to teach on TUESDAY. And of course Tuesday is my heaviest teaching day of the week so it really was into the fire. The day went well and I met all of my students and classes. It was a long day and I expect it will be just as long tomorrow too. My classes are all good and the other teachers very friendly and nice. I am still not quite as on top of my planning as I like to be, but am trying to be patient with myself. This week is a bit better. I even managed a lab activity with one of my grade 8 classes on Thursday and am fully booked for labs this week.
My 1st weekend here was filled with fun. Another woman who lived downstairs had her father visiting so lots of stuff was planned. Friday night we had some dinner and went out to a place called Garibaldi which is a big square where lots of mariachi music groups come to play.
We stayed out late enough to need some late night food. Quesadillas and tacos... YUM!! and sooooo cheap. Got home way way way too late, but still managed to get up and meet Vanessa for lunch in town the next day.
Saturday was my day to conquer public transport here... don't think Zurich or even NYC. Buses do have routes, but no real schedules and you can often just hop on or off at any corner or crossroads. They cost 5 pesos for longer distances and 3-4 for shorter. Then there is the Metro which is 3 pesos each ride. I did manage to get on the pink line instead of the brown since they have the same end stop, but I figured it out and only managed to be 30 min late (which is considered on time in Mexico ;) We went for some lunch in a nice neighborhood called Condesa. While sitting out on the sidewalk to eat in the sunshine (Yes it is sunny and in the low 70s during the day, it does get down to the 40s at night... and there is no heat so it is kinda cold.) we had the opportunity to buy handmade soaps and honey and a myriad of other goods. We only got the 1st 2 as after lunch we were headed to an artist market at San Angel. I picked up a cool nightlight for my bathroom and some small baskets as well. After heading back to Vanessa's for a cup of tea she came with me to show me which bus to take home... no it is not the same route as the one there. Got home without any problems and feel much better about my ability to take a bus as long as I have some clue where I am going to. The city is super huge and will take a while to find my way around.
Sunday, I got up early to join Adam, Barbara (the ES principal), Emily and her dad and Tatiana for a day to the Pyramids of the Moon and Sun and the Basilica de Guadelupe. It was another day filled with walking and they are so close to the city.
 |
| Pyramid of the Sun (about 65m high) |
And that is my first week here in Mexico City. If anyone wants to come by... just let me know. :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Crossroads
There are times in life when you are at crossroads and need to decide what path to take. It can be difficult to decide so you use lots of different tools. I have used pro vs con lists, yoga and meditations, talking to friends and family. You hope to make the best decision you can, but can never be sure if it is 100% the correct one.
Well I made my decision and will share it with you all soon.
Well I made my decision and will share it with you all soon.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ambassador Crochet: Etimo Crochet Hook Giveaway
One of my favorite yarn craft blog is doing a giveaway. I love her patterns and she inspires me creatively so check it out.
Ambassador Crochet: Etimo Crochet Hook Giveaway: "Here's a great chance to win a couple of extra entries into my giveaway. For those that haven't heard, I'm giving away an Etimo croche..."
Ambassador Crochet: Etimo Crochet Hook Giveaway: "Here's a great chance to win a couple of extra entries into my giveaway. For those that haven't heard, I'm giving away an Etimo croche..."
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Back in the USA
So I am back in the US for an extended stay. My family and friends are lobbying hard for where I will spend this time. My one brother wants me to stay west coast with him, while the remaineder are lobbying for east coast... preferrably somewhere in the northeast. I love feeling so loved. :) As for me, I am not 100% sure what I want to do with this time yet so while I am still recovering from being ill, I will contemplate the worlds of secondary education, teaching yoga and maybe even being creative for a while and doing some design work with yarn.
In the meantime, Happy Holidays to all my friends wherever in the world they may be. xoxo
In the meantime, Happy Holidays to all my friends wherever in the world they may be. xoxo
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