tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938599633701085192024-03-13T13:06:55.249-07:00Vanessa's year in Mexico CityVanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-81526025376821234242011-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:002011-09-16T14:16:03.264-07:00Celebrating Mexico's 201st Anniversary in Oakland, CA!It is fun to see my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar experience come full circle. I left for Mexico City on August 19th 2010 and soon after celebrated with Mexicans the bicentennial of their country's independence.<br />
<br />
Now, yesterday on September 15th (the eve of Mexican Independence Day) I spoke to the Oakland Rotary Club about my experiences living and studying in the beautiful country that is our southern neighbor.<br />
<br />
I also attended the San Francisco Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday (the second oldest club) and have plans to speak there on January 10th.Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-64165749192009532082011-08-11T12:46:00.000-07:002011-08-11T12:46:26.113-07:00Back in TX...Mid-Cities Rotary TourSince being back in the U.S., I have had the pleasure of visiting several Rotary Clubs in District 5790.<br />
Here are some photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sTG5w9fbLU/TkQG9RbTIfI/AAAAAAAABFQ/hOhAa8IqxbQ/s1600/IMG_4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sTG5w9fbLU/TkQG9RbTIfI/AAAAAAAABFQ/hOhAa8IqxbQ/s320/IMG_4054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Abilene Rotary Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FepfY0c93VI/TkQHDsmAROI/AAAAAAAABFU/j_C8WpCuaEM/s1600/IMG_4048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FepfY0c93VI/TkQHDsmAROI/AAAAAAAABFU/j_C8WpCuaEM/s320/IMG_4048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addressing West Abilene RC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxv6xRSsJOY/TkQHJjEfKZI/AAAAAAAABFY/XEu_sjYC13M/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxv6xRSsJOY/TkQHJjEfKZI/AAAAAAAABFY/XEu_sjYC13M/s320/IMG_4339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With father and husband at HEB Rotary Club (my sponsor)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKE9k8wbUU4/TkQHOOih3MI/AAAAAAAABFc/Ev3-QGpCz_M/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKE9k8wbUU4/TkQHOOih3MI/AAAAAAAABFc/Ev3-QGpCz_M/s320/IMG_4340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With PDG Paul Lucas at the HEB RC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szDMhYQqLK0/TkQHSFkkWQI/AAAAAAAABFg/hL2RpYKFQwE/s1600/IMG_4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szDMhYQqLK0/TkQHSFkkWQI/AAAAAAAABFg/hL2RpYKFQwE/s320/IMG_4348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arlington Noon Rotary Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLPfHOxC0kQ/TkQHWXPX_7I/AAAAAAAABFk/2DUtyvxpVNo/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLPfHOxC0kQ/TkQHWXPX_7I/AAAAAAAABFk/2DUtyvxpVNo/s320/IMG_4352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Outgoing Ambassadorial Scholars Veronica and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbRdkTNQiGE/TkQHatcbgwI/AAAAAAAABFo/wKGaHrjWefg/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbRdkTNQiGE/TkQHatcbgwI/AAAAAAAABFo/wKGaHrjWefg/s320/IMG_4354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland Village Rotary Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bv0blrVPOpc/TkQHfB5t4rI/AAAAAAAABFs/W4JXgjisbEQ/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bv0blrVPOpc/TkQHfB5t4rI/AAAAAAAABFs/W4JXgjisbEQ/s320/IMG_4356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HEB Pacesetters RC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-80784948962000011932011-06-22T20:38:00.000-07:002011-06-22T20:38:49.834-07:00Our last week in Mexico City!This year has been quite an adventure. This week, we are seeing all our friends before skipping town with our little Mexican cat. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wd6HQESdTvs/TgKzF8dwEsI/AAAAAAAAAyo/9MVsTnVSyUc/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wd6HQESdTvs/TgKzF8dwEsI/AAAAAAAAAyo/9MVsTnVSyUc/s320/IMG_4007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with ITAM pals, Veronica and Sandra</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KO_fsVJCKBI/TgKzOUQsY_I/AAAAAAAAAys/apMwBaHI2yc/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KO_fsVJCKBI/TgKzOUQsY_I/AAAAAAAAAys/apMwBaHI2yc/s320/IMG_4002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with friends Arturo and Mariana at the Hacienda de los Morales in Polanco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoniK1db-YM/TgKzYN7z3_I/AAAAAAAAAyw/SkKemp4Q2RM/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoniK1db-YM/TgKzYN7z3_I/AAAAAAAAAyw/SkKemp4Q2RM/s320/IMG_3978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch with Rochelle, Jen, Catrina and Emily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd2K4La6NB4/TgKzjmCxTfI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xZdvUJqbC8A/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd2K4La6NB4/TgKzjmCxTfI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xZdvUJqbC8A/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with Rotarians Maricarmen and Silvia at La Palmera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-58739636307208718642011-06-22T20:26:00.000-07:002011-06-22T20:26:58.367-07:00Where the Virgin of Guadalupe was first sightedRecently we visited the Basilica of the Virgin de Guadalupe. It is found in the north of the city, amid a bustling community. The new basilica is huge and very sterile...it resembles a train station. The old basilica just behind it, is beautiful with a museum inside with artwork and tributes to the Virgin. And, just behind that basilica, is the real treasure, the chapel that was built on the hill where the Virgin was first sighted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is some background on the Virgin de Guadalupe:<br />
<br />
<b>Our Lady of Guadalupe</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language" title="Spanish language">Spanish</a>: <span lang="es"><i>Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe</i></span>), also known as the <b>Virgin of Guadalupe</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language" title="Spanish language">Spanish</a>: <span lang="es"><i>Virgen de Guadalupe</i></span>; <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahuatl_language" title="Nahuatl language">Nahuatl</a>: <span lang="nah"><span class="Unicode"><i>Tonantzin Guadalupe</i></span></span>) is a celebrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church" title="Catholic Church">Catholic</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon" title="Icon">icon</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Virgin_Mary_%28Roman_Catholic%29" title="Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)">Virgin Mary</a>.<br />
According to tradition, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Diego" title="Juan Diego">Juan Diego</a>, a simple <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_in_Mexico" title="Indigenous peoples in Mexico">indigenous</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peasant" title="Peasant">peasant</a>, saw a vision of a young woman on December 9, 1531. While he was on the hill in the desert of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepeyac" title="Tepeyac">Tepeyac</a> near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City" title="Mexico City">Mexico City</a>, the lady told him to build a church exactly on the spot where they were standing. He told the local <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop" title="Bishop">bishop</a>, who asked for some proof. He went back and saw the vision again. He told the lady that the bishop wanted proof, and she said "Bring the roses behind you." When he looked behind, he saw a bunch of roses growing. He cut the roses, placed them in his poncho and returned to the bishop. When he arrived to the bishop, he said he had brought proof. When he opened his poncho, instead of roses there was a picture of the young lady in the vision. Today, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon" title="Icon">icon</a> is displayed in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe" title="Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe">Basilica of Guadalupe</a> nearby, one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe#cite_note-0"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup> The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico's most popular religious and cultural image, with the titles "Queen of Mexico",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe#cite_note-1"><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> "Empress of the Americas",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe#cite_note-2"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a></sup> and "Patroness of the Americas";<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe#cite_note-3"><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a></sup> both <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Hidalgo" title="Miguel Hidalgo">Miguel Hidalgo</a> (in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_War_of_Independence" title="Mexican War of Independence">Mexican War of Independence</a>) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emiliano_Zapata" title="Emiliano Zapata">Emiliano Zapata</a> (during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Revolution" title="Mexican Revolution">Mexican Revolution</a>) carried <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag" title="Flag">flags</a> bearing the Our Lady of Guadalupe, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalupe_Victoria" title="Guadalupe Victoria">Guadalupe Victoria</a>, the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Mexico" title="President of Mexico">Mexican president</a> changed his name in honor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon" title="Icon">icon</a>.<br />
<br />
source: wikipedia <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ProzDXimeP4/TgKwsELaGoI/AAAAAAAAAyU/G48d-GNGIqQ/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ProzDXimeP4/TgKwsELaGoI/AAAAAAAAAyU/G48d-GNGIqQ/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa1l4vtUOB0/TgKwzbm7VPI/AAAAAAAAAyY/T_sj-EaowSE/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa1l4vtUOB0/TgKwzbm7VPI/AAAAAAAAAyY/T_sj-EaowSE/s320/IMG_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4Fa02CFAU8/TgKw9oOga9I/AAAAAAAAAyc/9cKAVHfEN60/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4Fa02CFAU8/TgKw9oOga9I/AAAAAAAAAyc/9cKAVHfEN60/s320/IMG_3911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMYgDr5dQxo/TgKxHSMY_cI/AAAAAAAAAyg/Qo8lUd9JGaU/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMYgDr5dQxo/TgKxHSMY_cI/AAAAAAAAAyg/Qo8lUd9JGaU/s320/IMG_3912.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doors to the chapel built where the indigenous man saw the Virgin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4APssVDDs/TgKxP2nHfYI/AAAAAAAAAyk/BZK8NcCvPsU/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4APssVDDs/TgKxP2nHfYI/AAAAAAAAAyk/BZK8NcCvPsU/s320/IMG_3915.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-49493257242554900082011-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:002011-06-22T20:13:18.084-07:00The Amazing Pyramids to the Sun and Moon (Teotihuacan, Mex)We finally made the 2 hour trek north to the gorgeous indigenous pyramids of Teotihuacan in the State of Mexico. These pyramids (along with the city below them) were built in @ 100 BCE to honor the Gods of the Sun and the Moon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpjIIp8A1kI/TgKuPdqK9SI/AAAAAAAAAyE/doNkRM98y0A/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpjIIp8A1kI/TgKuPdqK9SI/AAAAAAAAAyE/doNkRM98y0A/s320/IMG_3890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid of the Sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfDc3CTxzI/TgKuYoTuKaI/AAAAAAAAAyI/V_W1SyYBKVg/s1600/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfDc3CTxzI/TgKuYoTuKaI/AAAAAAAAAyI/V_W1SyYBKVg/s320/IMG_3891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy on top of the Pyramid of the Sun with view of the Pyramid of the Moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwqRI2S7Zos/TgKuhcd8xFI/AAAAAAAAAyM/DdLwN1-wAe4/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwqRI2S7Zos/TgKuhcd8xFI/AAAAAAAAAyM/DdLwN1-wAe4/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeu7s8IyVb8/TgKurixZfXI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/pP61J0IwcJw/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeu7s8IyVb8/TgKurixZfXI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/pP61J0IwcJw/s320/IMG_3897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-6550942165480834612011-06-05T09:27:00.000-07:002011-06-05T09:27:14.365-07:00Day trip to nearby CuernavacaA day trip to nearby Cuernavaca. Apparently there are more than 20 Spanish language schools here. Nice day trip, 1 hour south of Mexico City in the state of Morelos. Beautiful rolling hills.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6XSIehQog/TeujQBoPrfI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8B7uU9U5_HM/s1600/IMG_3764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FV6XSIehQog/TeujQBoPrfI/AAAAAAAAAx0/8B7uU9U5_HM/s320/IMG_3764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin Borda</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpSZpmXx0rY/TeujV0HWYwI/AAAAAAAAAx4/jOqbgAhpSG4/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpSZpmXx0rY/TeujV0HWYwI/AAAAAAAAAx4/jOqbgAhpSG4/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hacienda/Museo Robert Brady (gorgeous!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M0wLeyPEAI/TeujfuD-zPI/AAAAAAAAAx8/0HgI8ELqL3k/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M0wLeyPEAI/TeujfuD-zPI/AAAAAAAAAx8/0HgI8ELqL3k/s320/IMG_3768.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2jbSZ333NM/TeujlESlmlI/AAAAAAAAAyA/8PRqolWxX1E/s1600/IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2jbSZ333NM/TeujlESlmlI/AAAAAAAAAyA/8PRqolWxX1E/s320/IMG_3773.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downtown Cuernavaca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-39128030031458483742011-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:26:52.585-07:00Visit to the Polanco Rotary Club in the historic Hacienda de los MoralesI had a very nice visit with the Polanco Rotary Club May 4, 2011. They gave me and my friend, Fiana, (who was visiting from NYC) a warm welcome. The club meets at the beautiful and historic Hacienda de los Morales in Polanco.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEv-UivC7P4/TdnTsycW7hI/AAAAAAAAAxg/hp5fW0w_-3c/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEv-UivC7P4/TdnTsycW7hI/AAAAAAAAAxg/hp5fW0w_-3c/s320/IMG_3623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ZO0zt2iI4/TdnTystqT6I/AAAAAAAAAxo/q9jQP154YF0/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ZO0zt2iI4/TdnTystqT6I/AAAAAAAAAxo/q9jQP154YF0/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-6988569837612995872011-05-22T20:21:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:21:51.368-07:00Oaxaca - my new favorite place in MexicoDuring Semana Santa - the week before Easter Sunday - Jeremy and I traveled to the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico. We spent a few days enjoying the beautiful bays of Huatulco and then took a 12-seater plane (30-min ride across the mountains) around the small and picturesque town of Oaxaca and its nearby indigenous villages. I highly recommend visiting Oaxaca City, the nearby Zapotec ruins, and the local villages with their age-old traditional crafts, including artisan mezcal production, black pottery, alebrijes (carved and painted wooden animals), rugs with natural dyes, textiles, among others.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTk9wmzRdns/TdnISeBy_NI/AAAAAAAAAuw/5Fa_oyDjDMI/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTk9wmzRdns/TdnISeBy_NI/AAAAAAAAAuw/5Fa_oyDjDMI/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Tangolunga Bay in Huatulco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAL-ogik0FM/TdnIojNKcDI/AAAAAAAAAvA/o76W2D3fuLE/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAL-ogik0FM/TdnIojNKcDI/AAAAAAAAAvA/o76W2D3fuLE/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach time with our San Fran friends Terry and Alison</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAWBLip00aI/TdnI-s_UsnI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Thh_WveSY_A/s1600/IMG_3463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAWBLip00aI/TdnI-s_UsnI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Thh_WveSY_A/s320/IMG_3463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbN3DgQoKnM/TdnJckWt1DI/AAAAAAAAAvk/fBxxAe8XVJM/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbN3DgQoKnM/TdnJckWt1DI/AAAAAAAAAvk/fBxxAe8XVJM/s320/IMG_3470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaxaca City</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n9GqsKiSag/TdnJ5SZeYSI/AAAAAAAAAv4/hDegzsUGmCw/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9n9GqsKiSag/TdnJ5SZeYSI/AAAAAAAAAv4/hDegzsUGmCw/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex Convent of Santo Domingo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cliIWO4Wz7A/TdnKL8I8p-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/0J8rfwPZ9nY/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cliIWO4Wz7A/TdnKL8I8p-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/0J8rfwPZ9nY/s320/IMG_3518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLv1op26QR4/TdnKZqOE5MI/AAAAAAAAAwU/A9rdiywgOWw/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLv1op26QR4/TdnKZqOE5MI/AAAAAAAAAwU/A9rdiywgOWw/s320/IMG_3514.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the traditional way of making Mezcal from agave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0pQHg_FnkM/TdnKim3GAWI/AAAAAAAAAwg/CwS4fiOY2vA/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0pQHg_FnkM/TdnKim3GAWI/AAAAAAAAAwg/CwS4fiOY2vA/s320/IMG_3524.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using natural dyes for the rugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG57zwYHHbk/TdnKpBYzGjI/AAAAAAAAAwo/J4aMmcD8Fyo/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG57zwYHHbk/TdnKpBYzGjI/AAAAAAAAAwo/J4aMmcD8Fyo/s320/IMG_3526.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xN1lXrCKiE/TdnKvexF-vI/AAAAAAAAAws/Rx-Hk1dpV78/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xN1lXrCKiE/TdnKvexF-vI/AAAAAAAAAws/Rx-Hk1dpV78/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitla</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kWQM6dnkSk/TdnK16ln6mI/AAAAAAAAAww/scyIlGeeRSw/s1600/IMG_3532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kWQM6dnkSk/TdnK16ln6mI/AAAAAAAAAww/scyIlGeeRSw/s320/IMG_3532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient ruin at Mitla.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKsdBOoiboA/TdnK8EXbVkI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TLB1d4KjUls/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lKsdBOoiboA/TdnK8EXbVkI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TLB1d4KjUls/s320/IMG_3549.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2,000 cypress tree in Tule</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDNniSo1-bs/TdnLCOb222I/AAAAAAAAAxE/kUdz58U2MNA/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDNniSo1-bs/TdnLCOb222I/AAAAAAAAAxE/kUdz58U2MNA/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">handmade wooden carvings - "alebrijes"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znrjv4Y-Xaw/TdnLJqaIdnI/AAAAAAAAAxM/fit5cV9ftrg/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znrjv4Y-Xaw/TdnLJqaIdnI/AAAAAAAAAxM/fit5cV9ftrg/s320/IMG_3556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clXnnl7gTuE/TdnLRaSNH_I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/dOF11-BC4rg/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clXnnl7gTuE/TdnLRaSNH_I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/dOF11-BC4rg/s320/IMG_3560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">woman making handbags</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9aQzeTC7ww/TdnLXDmzEiI/AAAAAAAAAxU/tRtTp9-b9_0/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9aQzeTC7ww/TdnLXDmzEiI/AAAAAAAAAxU/tRtTp9-b9_0/s320/IMG_3567.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black pottery made famous by Dona Rosa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97CogQbD55g/TdnLcutowWI/AAAAAAAAAxY/r_APtgrYhCs/s1600/IMG_3576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97CogQbD55g/TdnLcutowWI/AAAAAAAAAxY/r_APtgrYhCs/s320/IMG_3576.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monte Alban, perched on top of the hill, overlooking Oaxaca City</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpoK1-VHtJo/TdnLj0VAliI/AAAAAAAAAxc/7w_g0VfKr9k/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpoK1-VHtJo/TdnLj0VAliI/AAAAAAAAAxc/7w_g0VfKr9k/s320/IMG_3583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-1115851956934707372011-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:002011-04-06T17:27:17.511-07:00Why is Toluca so important?Yesterday, I traveled 1 hour north of Mexico City to the city of Toluca, which is the capital of the State of Mexico and the seat of the state government. Toluca is a hot spot at the moment as prospective 2012 presidential candidates prepare to announce their campaigns. One such candidate is the darling of the PRI (the oldest political party in Mexico) and governor of the State of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto.<br />
<br />
I accompanyed Rotarian Maricarmen to a luncheon and health workshop in a small pueblo (town) in Toluca, home to may Otomi indigenous people. I learned some key Otomi phrases:<br />
<br />
Tonda Pa (Buenas Tardes / Good day)<br />
<br />
Tzengua (Hasta Luego / Goodbye)<br />
<br />
Mago (Ya me voy / I'm leaving)<br />
<br />
The lunch was officially Mexican: we ate chicken with mole (delicious) with rice and beans...and it would not have been complete without an after-lunch drink of tequila! (I had mine with Squirt, a grapefruit flavored soda..commonly served on ice with lime and salt...known as a Paloma).<br />
<br />
On our way back, we drove through downtown Toluca and then stopped in La Marquesa, a fun area of rows and rows of little restaurants serving local delicacies of ant eggs and trout..all along the highway. I am told that this is a very popular stop on the weekends. It is very colorful with bright pink and yellow tablecloths and signs in bold green and blue and purple.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlT4vMLaqes/TZ0DhpJWnFI/AAAAAAAAArk/ugFGsuoS7z8/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlT4vMLaqes/TZ0DhpJWnFI/AAAAAAAAArk/ugFGsuoS7z8/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local delegation members and Rotarians</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2bCfB4YM2Q/TZ0Do4Z_YDI/AAAAAAAAAro/RRBrTWRnD_c/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2bCfB4YM2Q/TZ0Do4Z_YDI/AAAAAAAAAro/RRBrTWRnD_c/s320/IMG_3327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Paloma makes the event truly Mexicana!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywBX-pyibMk/TZ0DxrkmH4I/AAAAAAAAArs/fQP8mAs_zdQ/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywBX-pyibMk/TZ0DxrkmH4I/AAAAAAAAArs/fQP8mAs_zdQ/s320/IMG_3329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">town center of little pueblo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayAwbWvY0fA/TZ0D5NmPR3I/AAAAAAAAArw/MyQZEdLHMh8/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayAwbWvY0fA/TZ0D5NmPR3I/AAAAAAAAArw/MyQZEdLHMh8/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself with Rotarian Maricarmen in downtown Toluca</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQFUNcSdRU/TZ0EBY80iLI/AAAAAAAAAr0/WrF6KgkrN48/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQFUNcSdRU/TZ0EBY80iLI/AAAAAAAAAr0/WrF6KgkrN48/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant in La Marquesa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t680jnJE5hU/TZ0EISqAlBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/b3rCWpY3etI/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t680jnJE5hU/TZ0EISqAlBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/b3rCWpY3etI/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Marquesa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-8290417803112980992011-04-06T17:12:00.000-07:002011-04-06T17:12:44.696-07:00Celebrating Intl Women's Day in MarchOn March 30th, I joined 50 others to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8th) and honor six amazing Mexican women. The very elegant breakfast event, held outside on the second floor terrace of the Club France, was hosted by the Jardines de Pedregal Rotary Club (the one women-only rotary club in Mexico, all other clubs are integrated but mainly consist of male members who occasionally bring their wives along.)<br />
<br />
The event honored six extraordinary women Silvia Pinal, actress, Yoloxochitl Bustamante, director of the National Polytechnic Institute, Marta Chapa, Gloria Guevara Manzo, Tourism Secretary, Gaby Vargas, Entrepreneur, and Beatriz Pages Rebollar, journalist and director of the magazine, Siempre, and Isabel Miranda de Wallace.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-1ppFPhuLc/TZz_ymYhHiI/AAAAAAAAArY/tm3MhzJGI-o/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-1ppFPhuLc/TZz_ymYhHiI/AAAAAAAAArY/tm3MhzJGI-o/s320/IMG_3268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoloxochitl Bustamante, director of the National Polytechnic Institute accepting her award</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLQNsJ7ePG0/TZz_6j92x6I/AAAAAAAAArc/8e3U3O5bW20/s1600/IMG_3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLQNsJ7ePG0/TZz_6j92x6I/AAAAAAAAArc/8e3U3O5bW20/s320/IMG_3273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Award Honorees with Rotarians Maricarmen and Silvia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hdp1ZduzE8/TZ0ABeNGF_I/AAAAAAAAArg/e9OliWwxMs8/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hdp1ZduzE8/TZ0ABeNGF_I/AAAAAAAAArg/e9OliWwxMs8/s320/IMG_3277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself with Honoree Beatriz Pages, and fellow Ambassadorial Scholar Rebecca Watts (NC)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-1452810911214348292011-04-04T15:26:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:26:59.080-07:00Shakira Concert!Here are some pics from the Shakira concert April 3rd. sorry we sat so far back, we have none of Shakira herself. But wow can she belly dance! must be those middle eastern roots!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RFBIcRCNH8/TZpD1A4DY4I/AAAAAAAAArE/ELhlwjwdbw0/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RFBIcRCNH8/TZpD1A4DY4I/AAAAAAAAArE/ELhlwjwdbw0/s320/IMG_3304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading campaign "Leer" (to read)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHoE3794fts/TZpD7KbP2mI/AAAAAAAAArI/96CIC4Yfb8I/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHoE3794fts/TZpD7KbP2mI/AAAAAAAAArI/96CIC4Yfb8I/s320/IMG_3306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art installation outside of concert venue</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUmpSnQDS0w/TZpEA5GghiI/AAAAAAAAArM/NvGxf3fLBHc/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUmpSnQDS0w/TZpEA5GghiI/AAAAAAAAArM/NvGxf3fLBHc/s320/IMG_3310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoVdx6LSh-g/TZpEGIi1nkI/AAAAAAAAArQ/_yt4F5s2lrQ/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoVdx6LSh-g/TZpEGIi1nkI/AAAAAAAAArQ/_yt4F5s2lrQ/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtehpVdJhE4/TZpE8HObq_I/AAAAAAAAArU/vRBGXosB3Xc/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtehpVdJhE4/TZpE8HObq_I/AAAAAAAAArU/vRBGXosB3Xc/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy winning the male Shakira dancing contest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-35431988146954363392011-04-02T18:18:00.000-07:002011-04-02T18:18:43.336-07:00Enjoying the city with friendsEnjoying Mexico City...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqjWsDS9CC4/TZfI2xcxTAI/AAAAAAAAAqc/2bWhC_FWe4Q/s1600/cena+con+Rochelle+y+Emily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqjWsDS9CC4/TZfI2xcxTAI/AAAAAAAAAqc/2bWhC_FWe4Q/s320/cena+con+Rochelle+y+Emily.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Centenario 107 in Coyoacan with neighbors, Rochelle and Emily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKFjO93akMA/TZfI-R3gLUI/AAAAAAAAAqg/8CUTB-m1kw8/s1600/cenafeb2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKFjO93akMA/TZfI-R3gLUI/AAAAAAAAAqg/8CUTB-m1kw8/s320/cenafeb2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at our apt in celebration of Arturo and Mariana's recent wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmSRxkK-HTo/TZfJHkbjoJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/5i53b4C1eYo/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmSRxkK-HTo/TZfJHkbjoJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/5i53b4C1eYo/s320/IMG_3285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Jeremy in the central garden of Coyoacan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfgSQRm2IZg/TZfJPbizlSI/AAAAAAAAAqo/YFRpVuRa5qw/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfgSQRm2IZg/TZfJPbizlSI/AAAAAAAAAqo/YFRpVuRa5qw/s320/IMG_3287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coyoacan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIUEzQo7iTM/TZfJWS5kXeI/AAAAAAAAAqs/M_rLrphl7bc/s1600/Rotaract+Mtg+3-29-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIUEzQo7iTM/TZfJWS5kXeI/AAAAAAAAAqs/M_rLrphl7bc/s320/Rotaract+Mtg+3-29-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotaract of Mexico City Meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EogiGHG_8/TZfJd9Xd_NI/AAAAAAAAAqw/v7fTW0MyuAE/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8EogiGHG_8/TZfJd9Xd_NI/AAAAAAAAAqw/v7fTW0MyuAE/s320/IMG_3292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with friends at Juan Soldado in San Angel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKpIagHMkiE/TZfJkLImyAI/AAAAAAAAAq0/cjsgvMAJXkA/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKpIagHMkiE/TZfJkLImyAI/AAAAAAAAAq0/cjsgvMAJXkA/s320/IMG_3293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends Edgar, Catrina and Emily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-Em8rh6Ago/TZfJo8I46ZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Uw8XgFRNi9c/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-Em8rh6Ago/TZfJo8I46ZI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Uw8XgFRNi9c/s320/IMG_3301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Catrina</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vknz10Wqg1g/TZfKiKsH89I/AAAAAAAAAq8/HR3fpCaJ30Y/s1600/superbowl2011mex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vknz10Wqg1g/TZfKiKsH89I/AAAAAAAAAq8/HR3fpCaJ30Y/s320/superbowl2011mex.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Bowl Sunday at Vero's place</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfq6AgD2QpQ/TZfKr2EN3BI/AAAAAAAAArA/yQ5OSEf5Ng4/s1600/amigassuperbowl2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfq6AgD2QpQ/TZfKr2EN3BI/AAAAAAAAArA/yQ5OSEf5Ng4/s320/amigassuperbowl2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Bowl Sunday with amigas and classmates Veronica and Sandra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-36542603253376658792011-03-28T15:14:00.000-07:002011-03-28T15:14:20.375-07:00Finally - a little R&R...to a tropical oasis 1 hr outside of DFJeremy and I spent Saturday and Sunday is the breathtaking La Buena Vibra Spa and Retreat Center...and boy did I need it! After a stressful quarter of classes and being sick for a while...I needed to re-energize and relax.<br />
<br />
The pictures speak for themselves - we were surrounded by mountains, trees, gardens, fountains, statues...the works. We laid out by the pool, rested in the grass, went in the steam room and the gym, and - best of all- participated in a Temezcal - a pre-hispanic spiritual ritual cleansing. It is like being in a medicinal, pitch black sauna but with a focus on blessings, wishes, forgiveness and the chakras (7 energy centers of the body). Afterward, you feel amazing and revitalized! Highly recommend it!<br />
<br />
So...who wants to come visit? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNVkVTiCHX4/TZEDd5sUecI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Y9L2uEH1CcA/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNVkVTiCHX4/TZEDd5sUecI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Y9L2uEH1CcA/s320/IMG_3223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain view from our room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE7ejdkkjqI/TZEEHxgJIPI/AAAAAAAAAn4/oiBTVoo5fuo/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zE7ejdkkjqI/TZEEHxgJIPI/AAAAAAAAAn4/oiBTVoo5fuo/s320/IMG_3230.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWhkz0h6T88/TZEEmJ8WrUI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3QjsSzE4jIM/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWhkz0h6T88/TZEEmJ8WrUI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3QjsSzE4jIM/s320/IMG_3232.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIeyubBfsD0/TZEE8tPm6lI/AAAAAAAAAow/W-r80XF7EYY/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIeyubBfsD0/TZEE8tPm6lI/AAAAAAAAAow/W-r80XF7EYY/s320/IMG_3238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOoDmlrn-u0/TZEFZru_a9I/AAAAAAAAApM/YTTFoYncK0M/s1600/IMG_3239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOoDmlrn-u0/TZEFZru_a9I/AAAAAAAAApM/YTTFoYncK0M/s320/IMG_3239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzsB2oXFc2E/TZEFuOFzXMI/AAAAAAAAApg/8SIXxt3wg6M/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzsB2oXFc2E/TZEFuOFzXMI/AAAAAAAAApg/8SIXxt3wg6M/s320/IMG_3264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temezcal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-52097894632310823622011-03-21T18:39:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:39:42.759-07:00Pics of our beloved Gata Mexicana, MafaldaHere are some pics of our beloved Mafalda! ( in order from when we first got her in November to now)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SEzfT_iBhXw/TYf61EX6OkI/AAAAAAAAAkA/ZRlSoksFvIw/s1600/Guille+11-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SEzfT_iBhXw/TYf61EX6OkI/AAAAAAAAAkA/ZRlSoksFvIw/s320/Guille+11-20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TG84A69IkTQ/TYf7MQJ0JyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/TDosnB0SnHg/s1600/Guille+Nov+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TG84A69IkTQ/TYf7MQJ0JyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/TDosnB0SnHg/s320/Guille+Nov+20.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-av8sA5jJ3yk/TYf7gUUzQfI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Ofj8Qv2JW_M/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-av8sA5jJ3yk/TYf7gUUzQfI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Ofj8Qv2JW_M/s320/IMG_2588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zuEy8XEe-rI/TYf7xJx4HmI/AAAAAAAAAkM/mAQtN4RnR90/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zuEy8XEe-rI/TYf7xJx4HmI/AAAAAAAAAkM/mAQtN4RnR90/s320/IMG_2827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4vIsjcs4Fps/TYf77LTDKXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/d3M3ol1cnrA/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4vIsjcs4Fps/TYf77LTDKXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/d3M3ol1cnrA/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n1gQbzUguVo/TYf8IPCVe5I/AAAAAAAAAkU/qwwkGsErbgc/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n1gQbzUguVo/TYf8IPCVe5I/AAAAAAAAAkU/qwwkGsErbgc/s320/IMG_3048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEv6fFEk4Ig/TYf8UMUbjnI/AAAAAAAAAkY/6JptBzG5Lvk/s1600/whenwefoundout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEv6fFEk4Ig/TYf8UMUbjnI/AAAAAAAAAkY/6JptBzG5Lvk/s320/whenwefoundout.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iFZqGeqjNb8/TYf8g5RvL2I/AAAAAAAAAkc/jiplglsK9hQ/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iFZqGeqjNb8/TYf8g5RvL2I/AAAAAAAAAkc/jiplglsK9hQ/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vi27kzQOiqs/TYf8sAVHsMI/AAAAAAAAAkg/S9JsD2TCMjM/s1600/mafalda9feb11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vi27kzQOiqs/TYf8sAVHsMI/AAAAAAAAAkg/S9JsD2TCMjM/s320/mafalda9feb11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-497703476571712722011-03-21T18:21:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:21:02.065-07:00Celebrating Spring with good friends Arturo and PatrickSunday, March 20th, we enjoyed the first day of Spring with our dear friends, Arturo and Patrick (whom we met in DC many many years ago...we are all alumni of the UT Archer Fellowship Program) at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico. The hotel boasts an amazing view of the Zoloco, the central plaza of the city, which includes the Cathedral and National Palace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CLjYm1IO_Tw/TYf5F09QSLI/AAAAAAAAAj4/PpsMZnpDPuo/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CLjYm1IO_Tw/TYf5F09QSLI/AAAAAAAAAj4/PpsMZnpDPuo/s320/IMG_3219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L22jvZBuFK0/TYf5QWMut9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/QlH9rwxvwwk/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L22jvZBuFK0/TYf5QWMut9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/QlH9rwxvwwk/s320/IMG_3218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-15337375618093483832011-03-21T18:14:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:14:55.892-07:00Relaxing afternoon in Polanco on National Holiday (Benito Juarez)Today is a national holiday in honor of the famous former president of Mexico, Benito Juarez. (more on his life and work below the photos.)<br />
<br />
Jeremy and I had a leisurely and delicious lunch at an Argentine restaurant, Spuntino. The service was terrific, the prices reasonable, the ambience wonderful and the food delicious. The restaurant is hot inside, because of the grill, but most tables are lined around the outside of the open air restaurant. It is directly across from the tranquil Parque Lincoln, which boasts statues of President Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.<br />
<br />
What we ate:<br />
<br />
--yummy homemade tallerines (pasta) with pesto<br />
--roasted potatoes with rosemary<br />
--fresh steamed spinach<br />
--empanadas (baked not fried -- a rarity in Mexico!) <br />
<br />
Next time we will have to try the wine, steak and alfajores - all Argentine specialities!<br />
<br />
After our wonderful long lunch, we strolled around the park, enjoying the 30-foot palm trees, children on swing sets, families walking their dogs, and kids sailing little boats in the pond. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IVhN4bKwovs/TYf2ubcPAXI/AAAAAAAAAjs/kMKjqo0eY6I/s1600/lincoln+statue+polanco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IVhN4bKwovs/TYf2ubcPAXI/AAAAAAAAAjs/kMKjqo0eY6I/s320/lincoln+statue+polanco.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p9Sxsj5wmgI/TYf3CsvzSWI/AAAAAAAAAjw/nq3e9XgVGCw/s1600/spuntino-corner-location.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p9Sxsj5wmgI/TYf3CsvzSWI/AAAAAAAAAjw/nq3e9XgVGCw/s320/spuntino-corner-location.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nMeb1V_LQq0/TYf3EA7tuJI/AAAAAAAAAj0/NVaw3VolnH4/s1600/parque+lincoln+polancojpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nMeb1V_LQq0/TYf3EA7tuJI/AAAAAAAAAj0/NVaw3VolnH4/s1600/parque+lincoln+polancojpg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
AND....A BIT OF HISTORY...ABOUT PRESIDENT BENITO JUAREZ (1806-1872)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,modern;">Benito Juarez is considered one of Mexico's greatest and most beloved leaders. During his political career he helped to institute a series of liberal reforms that were embodied into the new constitution of 1857. During the French occupation of Mexico, Juarez refused to accept the rule of the Monarchy or any other foreign nation, and helped to establish Mexico as a constitutional democracy. A</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,modern;"> child of Zapoteco Indians, </span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,modern;">he also promoted equal rights for the Indian population, better access to health care and education, lessening the political and financial power of the Roman Catholic church, and championed the raising of the living standards for the rural poor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,modern;">Source: www.mexonline.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,modern;"> </span>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-85891972572958371952011-03-10T20:08:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:08:39.455-08:00Presentation among the volcanic rocksOn March 3rd, I visited the Rotary Club that meets on the campus of UNAM, the main public university here. It was a five minute taxi ride from my apt at 8:00am, which NEVER happens. It was so great! The location is amazingly beautiful...the faculty club is open air and nestled in volcanic rock. There are gorgeous bright green grassy spaces and plants and flowers...so serene.<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures from my presentation and meeting with the C.R. Ciudad Universitaria. Thank you for sweet Lupita for organizing everything!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SQrecii3Qq8/TXmfcBcYxdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/ROiU3OJNznc/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SQrecii3Qq8/TXmfcBcYxdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/ROiU3OJNznc/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZ3j7rH7Zx4/TXmfjJ6dFQI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9jr7QpMTWgk/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mZ3j7rH7Zx4/TXmfjJ6dFQI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9jr7QpMTWgk/s320/IMG_3199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ipyBOuvLlF8/TXmfovTVZ9I/AAAAAAAAAjk/pxrqn8XgTM0/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ipyBOuvLlF8/TXmfovTVZ9I/AAAAAAAAAjk/pxrqn8XgTM0/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-93xTb4BjAOU/TXmfuLfmWkI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8ju40fTsv8E/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-93xTb4BjAOU/TXmfuLfmWkI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8ju40fTsv8E/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-88642220861445586172011-03-10T20:02:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:02:03.975-08:00School updateSchool is going well. It is so intense and I have been sick practically this entire quarter. I have seen 4 doctors and the most recent thinks I have some type of bacteria or bug...hopefully my current medicine will kill it.<br />
<br />
My classes are very interesting though. I love what I am learning. It challenges my brain in ways that I don't think it has ever been challenged! I have final exams in one week. Wish me luck!!Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-46491653756251273562011-02-16T17:55:00.000-08:002011-02-16T17:55:10.866-08:00Customer Service in MexicoIt's better than in the US. It's not as good as the US. It's a bit of both.<br />
<br />
First of all, the US probably beats most countries in terms of efficiency. We are all about getting more things done in a shorter period of time. Hurry hurry, get this to the customer right away. Don't keep them waiting.<br />
<br />
So, yes I do miss the fast service and the attention to efficiency..like having more than one register open, when there are 10 people waiting in line.<br />
<br />
However, because of the understanding of the class differences, service providers sort of "know their role" and will go out of their way to help and don't act like you are treating them as inferior. In general, service providers take care of everything...ask your server for anything you want and he or she won't roll his eyes at you, or spit in your food. The culture is so service oriented, that in my school cafeteria and Starbucks, people leave their lunch trays and empty coffee cups on the table as their leave. <br />
<br />
My favorite category of service is taxi drivers. They are usually so polite, they never blabber on their cell phone while driving, never argue with you, and always hold the door open.Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-84972001478311720252011-02-16T17:47:00.000-08:002011-02-16T17:47:23.565-08:00A note on the differences between collectivist and individualistic societiesI have noticed the impact of a collectivist society most notably in my classes. <br />
<br />
First, in group work, no one panics about someone not doing the work...everyone trusts the others and takes care of their part, and if they have to more of the work this time, so be it. No one complains. They also take care of each other. For example, one our group members disappeared one week when an assignment was due. He wasn't in class, didn't respond to emails ...but we still left his name on the paper. He will get the same grade as us. No one even said anything about it. (Being an American, I of course called him to see where the heck he was!)<br />
<br />
Second, here the professors encourage us to do our homework in groups and students have no problem passing along their work to another student. It's not considered cheating.<br />
<br />
I read in my text on Organizational Behavior that there is less ambiguity of roles in collectivist societies...or maybe they just don't need to know their role! I also feel like, as an American, I want very specific assignments, structure required, purpose, who is doing what and by when.... In general though, I can see how in Mexico, the roles are very clear...such as for women (mothers and wives), service providers (taxi driver, server, housekeeper), boss, etc. Things tend to be pretty hierarchical here.Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-48544122949048698662011-02-16T17:36:00.000-08:002011-02-16T17:36:28.114-08:00To give and to save...it's requiredSome interesting things I am learning in my classes...<br />
<br />
--<span class="messageBody"> All Mexican companies are required to give back 10% of profits generated to employees at the end of each accounting period. It's called PTU-Paticipacion en las Utilidades para los Trabajadores (Employee Participation in Profits). As a worker, I like it! I would think it would encourage employees to be smarter and more productive, generate more revenue.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody">-- Mexican companies are also required to put away 5% of net profits each year into a Reserva Legal (Legal Reserve) until they reach one-fifth of all company equity. This would ideally save them in case of an economic decline, crazy event in their industry, natural disaster, etc. </span>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-23200443104913423982011-01-22T21:12:00.000-08:002011-01-22T21:12:36.481-08:00A Visit from Allison Goldberg! The Sites of XochimilcoWe thoroughly enjoyed having Jeremy's sister, Allison, stay with us for a week. (Oh, how having an extra bedroom makes all the difference when hosting guests!) We had one expecially fun day in Xochimilco (pronounced So-chee-meel-co), to the south of the city, where we took a boat ride on a trajinera down the canals with new friends, ate "pre-hispanic" Mexican food, including chapulines (grasshoppers) and pulque (made from the Maguey or Agave plant), and visited the Dolores Olmedo Patino museum. The musem boasts the largest collection of Diego Rivera paintings and sketches, and was infact her home (she is deceased now), which is an old hacienda with lush gardens and pre-hispanic furless grey dogs and peacocks. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1pOpNYAI/AAAAAAAAAiY/3AUlPEq0R5Y/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1pOpNYAI/AAAAAAAAAiY/3AUlPEq0R5Y/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Cathedral downtown from Las Sirenas (awesome resto-bar with gorgeous patio and view)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1vCLV_EI/AAAAAAAAAic/tcDVSCJ2uMc/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1vCLV_EI/AAAAAAAAAic/tcDVSCJ2uMc/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture at the Dolores Olmedo Patino Museum in Xochimilco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu12t0KMOI/AAAAAAAAAig/GeYHIsTx__A/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu12t0KMOI/AAAAAAAAAig/GeYHIsTx__A/s320/IMG_2957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa and Jeremy with Diego Rivera Bust at Dolores Olmedo Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1_OX3PDI/AAAAAAAAAik/iD7_x6WwxE4/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu1_OX3PDI/AAAAAAAAAik/iD7_x6WwxE4/s320/IMG_2970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison (Jeremy's sister) and me at the Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2G5Ew2WI/AAAAAAAAAio/74L3gCoj-JM/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2G5Ew2WI/AAAAAAAAAio/74L3gCoj-JM/s320/IMG_2947.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-hispanic dog statue with real dogs! do you know which one is which?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2RmTRZvI/AAAAAAAAAis/SQUhzeZKRYI/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2RmTRZvI/AAAAAAAAAis/SQUhzeZKRYI/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens at the Dolores Olmedo Patino Museum in Xochimilco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2YXSNA5I/AAAAAAAAAiw/Y-xd6Wr0hPA/s1600/IMG_2974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2YXSNA5I/AAAAAAAAAiw/Y-xd6Wr0hPA/s320/IMG_2974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa excited for her chapulines...fried grasshoppers with butter and onion</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2gJYDYbI/AAAAAAAAAi0/RiYTMYcrjxM/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2gJYDYbI/AAAAAAAAAi0/RiYTMYcrjxM/s320/IMG_2972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chapulines (grassoppers), a typical Oaxacan dish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2m1H9cDI/AAAAAAAAAi4/IWhaFwjXV64/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2m1H9cDI/AAAAAAAAAi4/IWhaFwjXV64/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trajineras (boats) at the canals in Xochimilco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2tKXfEgI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cTsWqBop5KA/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTu2tKXfEgI/AAAAAAAAAi8/cTsWqBop5KA/s320/IMG_2985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal boat ride with our new friends, Luis (from DF) and Olivia (from Australia)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-6348080248592640882011-01-22T20:52:00.000-08:002011-01-22T20:52:52.057-08:00Around our neighborhood...Tizapan and San AngelThe life style here in San Angel Tizapan in the southern part of Mexico City is great. We adore our 2-bed, 2-bath apartment and the building (where we only have 4 neighbors) and our busy street. Just outside our front door, is a fresh OJ stand (one cup is only 10 pesos = 80 cents). To the other side, is an HSBC and a coffee shop. Across the street is a taxi stand (critical to traveling efficiently and safely through out the city) and fresh pastry and bread shop. Also less than 2 minutes away walking is our gym and the Tizapan Market which offers fresh flowers, fruits, veggies, poultry and other staples. A 5 minute walk up Frontera and we are at our favorite local Italian restaurant, owned by Enrique, whose grandparents were from Italy. At Di Buccardo,we always eat 2x1 homemade wood-fired pizzas (which costs us 90-130 pesos or roughly $8-10). Sorry Sorriso, we have a new fav!<br />
<br />
A short 15-20 minute walk away is the San Jacinto Market, where each Saturday you can find local artists selling their paintings and sculptures, as well as a multitude of handcrafts from all over Mexico. There are many great brunch places here overlooking the plaza.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxgpn9h7I/AAAAAAAAAiE/C0T0kHpDjkk/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxgpn9h7I/AAAAAAAAAiE/C0T0kHpDjkk/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxmIohlOI/AAAAAAAAAiI/T5SUHhQ1IcM/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxmIohlOI/AAAAAAAAAiI/T5SUHhQ1IcM/s320/IMG_2851.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxvbA0w-I/AAAAAAAAAiM/4XoTVDug2-M/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTuxvbA0w-I/AAAAAAAAAiM/4XoTVDug2-M/s320/IMG_2845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTux2ORE0KI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/K-VTz1c0RX4/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTux2ORE0KI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/K-VTz1c0RX4/s320/IMG_3006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTux66fUdZI/AAAAAAAAAiU/vpbGv9m3CBc/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTux66fUdZI/AAAAAAAAAiU/vpbGv9m3CBc/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-50590379615363004292011-01-22T20:33:00.000-08:002011-01-22T20:33:00.322-08:00Golf in an Ex-hacienda? Visiting the Arboledas Rotary ClubHow gracious was the Club Rotario Arboledas on January 13th that they allowed me to bring my husband, Jeremy, and my sister-in-law, Allison (visiting from NYC)....so nice. Rotary meetings in Mexico City are no joke - they go all out with buttoned up waiters serving several courses...this morning, we dined on delicious fresh pastries, coffee, freshly squeezed OJ (the norm in Mexico), fresh papaya and melon, and croquettes of ham and cheese with frijoles (beans). The Arboledas Club meets at the Club de Golf La Hacienda en Atizapan in the State of Mexico (just north of Mexico City, but still part of District 4170). (see photo below of the gorgeous grounds). We were warmly welcomed by Adriana and Claudia Salum and 10 other Rotarians, mostly women (not the norm). They were especially interested to learn about the process of being nominated for an Ambassadorial Scholarship and the role once chosen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutRKuWnUI/AAAAAAAAAhw/gXbbgoZ5vLo/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutRKuWnUI/AAAAAAAAAhw/gXbbgoZ5vLo/s320/IMG_2885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotary Club Arboledas north of Mexico City meets at an old hacienda golf club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutWBuOj7I/AAAAAAAAAh0/AeYC7l4aquQ/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutWBuOj7I/AAAAAAAAAh0/AeYC7l4aquQ/s320/IMG_2886.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa on the agenda</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutcd37mMI/AAAAAAAAAh4/0LXIBx_UmHE/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutcd37mMI/AAAAAAAAAh4/0LXIBx_UmHE/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutjCRi45I/AAAAAAAAAh8/cP_DSPEf-FI/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutjCRi45I/AAAAAAAAAh8/cP_DSPEf-FI/s320/IMG_2894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa with Claudia Salum, former club president</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutqM5KnXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/mSh9E7ILgH8/s1600/IMG_2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TTutqM5KnXI/AAAAAAAAAiA/mSh9E7ILgH8/s320/IMG_2900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Club Rotario Arboledas de Atizapan, January 13, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93859963370108519.post-39377560949560750912010-12-27T18:02:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:02:39.504-08:00Una Navidad Mexicana - Christmas in Mexico CityJeremy and I were blessed to celebrate Christmas in Mexico City. We would describe it in Spanish as "tranquillo"...very low-key. On Christmas Eve day, we returned from Puebla, and were happy to stay home with our gato, Guille. That night, Jeremy and I played Scrabble. (I always win when I use Spanish words! ha ha). Christmas morning, we slept in. That evening we went to the city square, the Zocolo, to see the lights. We were surprised to see an ice rink, games, and food stands offering tamales, pizza, tortas (sandwiches), tacos, coffee...etc. We made a yummy traditional Italian dish for dinner, Frutti di Mare...pasta with seafood...camarones (shrimp), calamari (squid), mejillones (mussels), and of course homemade tomato sauce. Local chilangos have been complaining about the cold weather and getting sick from the Cold...but to us it's perfect. high of 70 and lows in the 50s. Feliz Navidad a Todos!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE3Q5qWnI/AAAAAAAAAhE/CQGP9PXE2Nk/s1600/J%2526V-Navidad2010MexCity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE3Q5qWnI/AAAAAAAAAhE/CQGP9PXE2Nk/s320/J%2526V-Navidad2010MexCity.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE5BsnjlI/AAAAAAAAAhI/3z7c8OtOd5A/s1600/zocololightsmexicanos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE5BsnjlI/AAAAAAAAAhI/3z7c8OtOd5A/s320/zocololightsmexicanos.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE62WzYhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/D1Xd-oP_DG8/s1600/zocolo-pinwheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlE62WzYhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/D1Xd-oP_DG8/s320/zocolo-pinwheel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlFCX8queI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/b-45uaPb5Ik/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlFCX8queI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/b-45uaPb5Ik/s320/IMG_2759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlFI-mrQ6I/AAAAAAAAAhU/o20Lr4djRuk/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VU0YgGGG6I0/TRlFI-mrQ6I/AAAAAAAAAhU/o20Lr4djRuk/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Vanessa Bilancerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094778226564382264noreply@blogger.com1