And thanks so much for taking the time to stop by.....
This blog used to be about living in Mexico City and travelling throughout Mexico, but I have now moved to the French Riviera, living in Nice and working in Monaco.....Can the simple life be found here?? I will try and find out....
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Getting the Blues back in Mexico
And thanks so much for taking the time to stop by.....
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Posadas and Pinatas
Photo - Spiderman Superhero pinatas - Zacatecas - Mexico.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Skating in DF - Big Taco or Big Apple?
Allegedly billed as the largest ice rink in the world, it takes centre stage in the Plaza of the Centro Historico, overlooked by the Palacio Nacional which houses the Rivera murals, and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral ( just a little lopsided these days due to serious subsidence ).
Just in case you do momentarily mistake the scene, and suddenly think you may be in the Big Apple rather than the Big Taco, let me pull the camera back and let me show you what was happening in other parts of the Zocalo on the same day at the same time...
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Green Heart of Mexico City
And all true up to a point... but there is so much more to the heart of this city. Green spaces abound forming the lungs of the city centre. From topiary, to roof terraces, from parks to street gardens, from courtyards and patios to balcony plants there may be little grass in the city, but there sure is a lot of greenery.
All these green spaces are within twenty minutes walk of my centrally located apartment in colonias such as La Condesa, Chapultepec, and Cuauhtemoc, proving that the dominant colour is green not grey.
Roof Terrace Bar of the Condesa Hotel DF, Colonia Condesa.
Parque Espana, Colonia Condesa.
Jardin Botanico, Chapultepec Park.
Chapultepec Park, Mexico City.
Finally, yes, this is still the city centre - view from Chapultepec Castle.
Where is your favourite green space??
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Photo Booths at the Basilica Guadalupe
Sunday, or family day, here in Mexico witnesses large groups of extended families spending the day visiting the shrine, praying at the churches, strolling around the gardens, buying Virgin souvenirs.
No Sunday is complete without the requisite "recuerdo", the souvenir which will enshrine these treasured memories forever in the form of the family photograph.
Located in the spacious grounds of the Basilica, families, couples, children queue to have their photograph taken, complete with all the necessary religious accessories of images of the Virgin and the Pope, but also the cultural trappings of glitzy sombreros, obliging horses, brightly-striped sarapes, vibrant flowers, and perfect ponchos.
For a mere 30 pesos (3USD) the photographer will compose, dress, take, process and deliver your unique souvenir all within about 5 minutes. It is another one of those Mexican traditions that alongside balloon selling, bubble blowing, and candy floss spinning hark back to an innocent and unspoilt era akin to the fifties - bygone in the typical modern metropolis.
Isn't it rather heartwarming in this clinical, digital age that such photographers can still run such thriving businesses??
What is your favourite setting for a souvenir photograph that will just summon up those memories at a single glance??
Photographs - Basilica Guadalupe, La Villa, Mexico City, DF
Monday, December 1, 2008
Meet the Terror Sisters!
Designing under the business name of Foufouchat, they are currently operating out of their exquisitely designed apartment in Colonia Escandon. The apartment is extremely spacious with a French influence in the furnishings and design.
The sisters currently offer friends of friends a sumptuous shopping experience in the apartment which starts with tea, gallettes, and conversation before progressing for a perusal of the jewellery cases which line the walls and display a whole selection of beautifully crafted necklaces, rings, earrings, hair-bands, keychains, bags - many made of gorgeous fabrics, pearls, semi-precious stones - all with a quirky style and vintage twist.
Each piece is a unique one-off hand-crafted creation - never to be repeated.
Watch out for the launch of the website which is promised very soon....... In the meantime, they would be delighted to be contacted on telephone number 2614 - 6660 or mobile 00445529221206... rumour has it that there will be a jewellery party hosted in the New Year.