Eight Suitcases, Two Kids and A Dream

We are not sure what happened.  Lars called me to tell me the news.  It was sad and my first concern was how the kids were going to take it.  Turns out that Lars had made previous arrangements to donate her to the Slow Foods Market, where she would be part of the growing petting zoo on site.  She never did get to her new home but she is now in chicken heaven. We decided to tell the kids that Lulu was now in her new home.  And for those of you wondering....no, we did not make her into chicken enchiladas!

Click here for a trip down memory lane.

These water company workers are LITERALLY doing all they can to get the bottom of things.

Since mid-July I have been living in the middle of contruction zone. It has been an educating experience, as I get to see the process of restroration, which has included every emotion from amazement to sheer frustration. 

Thankfully, in the last two months, I have a habitable home to live in but habitable, does not mean finished.  The progress had trickled down to nothing and commenced back up again recently.  All seemed hopeful last week.  That was until I was left with no water on Friday night.  I find this out as I stand in my bathroom wearing nothing but a towel and a shower cap ( I dont wear shower caps but it conveys the scene better). Son of'a!!!

I called the architect first thing on Saturday morning and he assured me that nothing the workers had done could have caused the water problem in the house.  I wanted to believe him at this point, but I had been left without water on two previous occassions.  My other option was to speak to Japay (pronounced Ha-Pie...really). The local water company, whose name is an aconym for Junta de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de Yucatan.  They love their long names here.

Their nice rep at the counter assured me that the service had not been discontinued on their end but would send a technician the next day to check on water pressure and another technician in a week to see about the extremely high water bills I have been recieving lately.

Well, the next morning I had a knock on my door and it was two casually dressed Japay technicians informing me that they were looking into the water pressure.  About 5 mintues later, I began to hear some serious digging and loud banging going on outside my door.  So I walked out to discover they were digging into the street to see if the pipes were in working condition as they had established that the pressure was indeed very low.  I was mortified. I was pretty sure all the neighbors were going to hate me for causing this new speed bump at our doorstep.

It turns out that the pipes that supplied the house with city water, had all but rotted through and was causing the water pressure to slow down and in this case, now stop all together. This explains my high water bill!!!  The repair was made, the street is now patched up like new and now I have a new found respect for the water company, whose service up until now has been exceptional.  Now if I can get some of that cash back from the high water bills....Japay and I are bffs (best friends forever). Really.

A few weeks ago a friend and I ventured far from the tropical scenery we live in.  It was Mexico's Independence weekend, which meant there was  a nice four day holiday to enjoy.   So where to go? What to do?  We had visited Campeche a few times, the beaches of Isla Mujeres, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, so we were ready for something drastically different.

Chiapas was the answer! and boy...it didnt dissappoint.! What a place. We were in awe as we started going up the mountains, heading straight to San Cristobal de las casas.  Think mountain cabins with smoking chimneys, clouds, tall trees and a group of people that were beautifully dressed.  I couldnt get over it.

I am used to seeing the crisp white huipils (tunic dresses) , brightly embroidered and worn by the women in the Yucatan. THAT is beautiful too but I have to say that the ladies in Chiapas have IT down! Shiny satin tops with embroidery, hand woven belts wrapped high on their waists like kimono sashes, full skirts and some made of sheep's pelts. Sweaters or rebozos (shawls) kept them warm as well. 

I have to say, I have always been a fan of the textile work that comes out of that state. I already owned an embroidered bag from there and several unique jewelry pieces from there as well. So needless to say, I was in heaven when I hit the city's market and got to finally see the source. Too bad I didnt have like 100,000 pesos to spare or I would have been in serious trouble.

San Cristobal de las Casas has a small but beautifully preserved historical center with spanish tile roof homes, cobbled stones streets, gorgeous plazas, several artisan markets, plenty of unique churches and cathedrals, amazing views of the mountains as a backdrop and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to satisfy even the most demanding palate.  The people of the city are extremely kind and helpful I have to say.

Besides the gorgeous city, artisan haven and nice people, I do have to take a second to mention the food. Good Lord! those people have great food!  No distinguishable cuisine to speak of. Atleast not like the Yucatan, who is known for its very unique cuisine
 but Chiapas has coffees, cheeses, meats and canned goods down - AND cheap! I couldn't get over the breakfast we had one morning in one of the cafes. $40 pesos ( about $3.20 USD) got us the freshest locally grown coffee ever, home made pear marmalade, delicious and hot buns and a generous serving of chilaquiles topped with the tastiest and freshest cheese and cream.....now I'm hungry.

After a few days in the city, that I must return to one day, we headed back down the mountain to a more tropical surrounding where the famed Mayan city of Palenque is located.  We arrived at night and found an inexpensive, rustic and very bohemian cabin near the site.  When we woke up the next morning, we were able to appreciate the gorgeous setting we happened to find the night before.   It was a tropical paradise with waterfalls and giant land of the lost sized plants.  Seriously! 

That day we enjoyed the archeological site by climbing many of its tall pyramids and temples.  Palenque is now my favorite Mayan archeological site, with Uxmal now at second place.  The lush green jungle it is set in, just makes the place so magical.

Here I am a few weeks after our  trip and I cannot get over Chiapas.  I loved it so much that I wouldnt hesitate to call it home someday, if the right circumstances presented themselves.  Truly magical......




 

Go with the flow of the universe is what I tell myself a lot these days. Some might say I seem a bit unfocused as I jump from one endeavor to the next and have house hopped for the past 5 months due to personal circumstances. I have to say that I have been through quite an emotional roller coaster recently  that I am pretty proud of myself for landing on my feet and landing here with a smile. In the end, my focus is happiness. But what does that mean to me these days? I've had to really think about that.

I've always heard about this 'happines comes from within' thing and I understand that today more than ever.  I can't expect to have a balanced and fullfilling relationship when I am not happy with myself. I can't expect someone else to make me happy either.  That is quite a job for someone to take on and an unfair one to hand to someone!

I also can't expect to find fullfillment in a career, if I dont know what makes me happy. Again, that comes from within. In that aspect, I feel like I have found my calling in various professions and I enjoy them all equally. I love my tourism company and the gratification I get from organizing a memorable trip for someone. I also love the process of creation from beginning to end, whether that means creating a piece of jewelry or a chair. At this point, I will be grateful and happy to make a living at any of these things.

In the past I was always so regimented about setting goals and the steps I would have to take towards achieving them, In the process I have found that sometimes you can tend to try to force something that simply is not for you or is not for you at that particular point in time. I am currently trying to wrap my head around the fact that if you know what the true goal is and what your heart most desires, the universe will give it to you. One way or another AND when it needs to happen. Simply go with the flow, I say and most of all.....remember that life is a journey and not a destination! And what a wonderful journey it is!

"Life is a journey, not a destination." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

My tour company, MexicaChica Getaways,  has taken a variety of  interesting turns this past year. I've learned a lot and I continue to explore the many ways I can help my business grow. In the process I am convinced that I have created the best job for myself. I just adore what I do. The bulk of it includes online marketing and partnership building.   It involves creativity but in a different kinda way .

In the meantime, I have yearned for the kind of creativity I was used to. I worked as a jewelry designer in Dallas for over a decade.  I really enjoyed playing with colors, proportions and the process of creation from idea to final product. I loved creating but was underwhelmed with the pay and promotional opportunities. Fast forward to today. I live a beautiful city full of opportunities for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit. That would be me!

I started taking on side projects soon after I designed a set of outdoor sofas I needed for my tours guests to enjoy during our workshop breaks. The results were stunning. I had a set of unique sofas that fit the space beautifully and was far less expesive than buying them from a store.

As a result, friends came to me to do the same for them. I quickly began to build a nice contact list of carpenters, welders, glass cutters, artists etc.  This makes it possible so that I can make pretty much anything from a picture and customize it to fit my client's needs and tastes. It is a fun and rewarding process since my clients get a custom piece for their home at an affordable price.

I now go by the name of Merida Decor Diva! Sassy, huh?

I started a websitet to catalog my latest projects and services. Please take a look and feel free to share my link with your friends!

Merida Decor Diva

UPDATE! Our May 8th class is fully booked. As a result of the amazing response we have had to our class, we have opened up a second date. Sunday May 15th.


My good friend Yury loves to cook ....and I love to eat! Best of all, I have been exposed to some amazing dishes from this girl. I couldn't help but want to share her talents with anyone willing to have some fun on a Sunday morning.  It looks like we are finally on our way to doing just that.

I am proudly partnering with her to offer a great Peruvian cooking class to all of you yearning  some awesome flavors and a good time.  She is an accomplished cook and an expert in Peruvian cuisine. She is perfectly fluent in both Spanish and English and her spacious kitchen is air conditioned. So there are no excuses! If you are ready to learn something new and love to eat, this class is for you!

The details are below. I hope you decide to join us! Please do share this with any Merida friends. We both appreciate it!


MexicaChica Getaways has partnered with Yury Di’Pascuale to offer a one day Peruvian cooking workshop in her home on Sunday May 8th and 15th, starting a 9:30am.

Yury is an award winning cook, best known for her delicious Peruvian sauces sold at Merida’s slow food market each Saturday.   Yury’s passion for food is quickly evident and her enthusiasm for great cooking is contagious.  She welcomes you to her beautiful kitchen to prepare some of Peru’s most celebrated dishes.

We will be preparing and enjoying:

Appetizer:
Authentic Peruvian Ceviche

Entrée:
Peruvian Escabeche de Pollo with Tacu Tacu Rice

Dessert:
Mazamorra de Uva

Beverage:
Jugo de Maracuya (if available) or Jugo de Mango

Snack : Coffee and Banana Bread

Almost unknown until recently, Peruvian Cuisine is steadily conquering the palates of people worldwide. The wild choice of fresh ingredients and the gentle blend of immigrant traditions -such as Spanish, African, Chinese, or Japanese- have created one of the World's most unique and delicious cuisines. We hope you join us on this delicious journey.

Class Length: 3 hrs Cooking, 1 hr Lunch
Class Cost: $550 pesos Includes all ingredients, a MexicaChica apron and lunch.

Class is open to both men and women. Space is limited.

To book your spot, please email us at claudette@mexicachica.com.
Cash or Credit Card payments are accepted thru Paypal.

Directions to Yury’s Kitchen:
The house is between the City Center and the Altabrisa exit on the periferico. Take the periferico from the City Center and exit at the Altabrisa/Cholul exit. Make a U-turn under the overpass and come back onto the periferico as if you were going back to the City Center. You will see the signs above the road that say Celestun- Campeche- Progresso, and a line of trees on the right hand side. The trees will end and there is a little dirt road. Exit right BEFORE you get to exit 13. You will see the Restaurant El Truck on your right hand side(we are located on the street right behind the restaurant). Turn right on calle 8 at the corner of El Truck and then make the first right onto calle 9a. It is the second house on your right.


Calle 9a #294 between Calle 2a and 8, Santa Gertrudis Copo, kilometer 27.5.
Yury’s Cell 999-947-2559


Pick up location In Centro:
Transportation, at no additional cost, is provided from el remate de Montejo. We will be in front of the Hotel Casa San Angel at the base of Montejo Avenue. (This is the area where Noche Mexicana is held each Saturday night.) Transportation departs no later than 9:00am.

Please let us know during your reservation if you are arriving on your own or if you will be meeting us at our pick up location.

There are many things I love about the new city I now call home but I have to say that the thing I love most is its natural wonders. More specifically, its cenotes in the country side.  There are thousands of these all over the peninsula and I if I could...I'd want to visit them all.  These underground river systems are unique to this part of the world and they are a wonderful treat on a hot Yucatecan day.

We have been enjoying spring like weather for months now, but in the last week we have hit 100 degree weather a few times.  This was excuse enough to pack up the cooler and head out of town with our good friends.

My good buddy Erica, of Erica's living in Mexico fame, came over early with the whole family to prepare a delicious and hearty breakfast for all before leaving town.  We soon found ourselves on the next bus to Cuzama. The second class bus station on C50 and C67 will get you there in an hour and a half for only $17 pesos. Not bad, huh?

The circus madness started when we set foot in the town plaza and found ourselves surrounded by pushy motor taxi drivers.  I dont want to dwell on this but I have to warn ya'll. Be clear about pricing and ALL it involves BEFORE getting on one. Its funny how they change pricing as you are on one and once again when you arrive. Dont say I didnt warn you.

The motor taxis take you 5 kilometers out of town to where the original Cuzama hacienda was and now serves as the starting point for the tour.  The old henequen tracks that were once used to transport the plant from the fields to the machine houses are used today to transport people to all three beautiful cenotes on the property.

$250 pesos gets you on one of these donkey pulled truks and takes you on your 3 hour adventure.  I guess you can pay more if you want to stay longer.

Once we arrived to our first cenote, we did not want to leave but we couldn't come all this way and not see another! 

We explored two of three cenotes only because we were told the entrance to the last one is quite precarious and unsafe for small children.  That was warning enough for us.   Getting into the second one with the kiddos should have been filmed.  To get the adults lined up and ready to pass a kid, involved me jumping into the water from a platform.  Ha! Fun from beginning to end.

We finished off our adventure with the best picnic ever.  There was plenty to eat and even my picky little eaters had a belly full.  We even had the perfect checkered blanket for it!  It was a wonderful, wondeful day at the Cuzama cenotes.

Okay...so I take the award for the worst blogger of the year. I admit it. I have been missing in action for months now. In my defense, life has taken some really unexpeted twists and turns so my priorities shifted for a bit there. I am realizing that despite everything life is throwing at me these days, blogging is something I enjoy and somehow it helps others, especially those out there thinking of making the move to my little part of the world.

One thing I do want to share with you all is  the fantabulous birthday party we had for my little man at his school this past February.  Somehow, his daddy and I managed to put something together that resemmbled a party.  It was quite funny actually.

Lars and I are not that on top of it ,so we requested the Friday on the week of his birthday, just a few weeks before we wanted to celebrate it. That Friday was taken! So we had to keep quiet about his birthday until two weeks later, when a Friday was open for us to celebrate. This is no biggie if your only 6 years old and you still dont get the concpet of the calendar and time . That means we have maybe another year to get our act together!

Paulo wanted a Bakugan birthday. Its a Japanese anime inspired show popular with the kiddos these days. This is fine and dandy until you try to find all your party supplies with this one theme in mind. This is not as easy task in Merida.

The results were quite hilarious. We ended up giving out invitations with a sweet little angel on it. The pinata was a Sponge bob and the candy bags were Ben 10. The only thing Bakugan was the cake....but it was a pretty awesome cake!!! I might add.

Seriously! I need to get my sh** together!!!!!

I'm just glad to be back.

Just in case you are reading my  blog thinking to yourself  " I could sure use a vacation in paradise right now",  I am including a link to my latest exciting all women tours.  I've built two new getaways on the stunning beaches in Tulum.

One is a relaxing 7 day spa vacation where its all about getting pampered in paradise, while the other is a more active fitness tour meant to jump start you onto your weight loss goals.  Both are held on the Mayan riviera beaches and done MexicaChica style.

Learn more about them here!