tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35234431627424185122012-01-24T18:35:52.188-06:00BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.comBlogger2921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-65063074839139289812012-01-16T13:44:00.000-06:002012-01-16T13:46:58.750-06:00

Yesterday I celebrated my 25th birthday (a quarter of a century, where did the time go??). I´m still in Maltrata, so I´ve now added my birthday to the list of days I´ve celebrated here (Christmas, New Years, Three Kings Day).  On Saturday we went out to eat at a restarant in Puente de Guadalupe, maybe 30 or 45 minutes outside of Maltrata. There´s a strech of road that lined with restaraunts. We

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-37415387007608613632012-01-07T13:45:00.002-06:002012-01-16T14:00:00.641-06:00

Happy holidays (a bit belated) from Maltrata, Veracruz! I´ve been here since December 14th for the fieldwork for my thesis. While this means I missed being with my family over the holidays (it was the first year I´d missed Christmas at home!), I´ve enjoyed seeing, learning about and participating in the many holiday traditions here. Stay tuned for updates on La rama, making buñuelos, Christmas,

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-47660235745959689392011-12-12T14:10:00.000-06:002011-12-12T14:10:35.775-06:00

Saturday I attended, for the second time, a Pastorela and Posada with the Ciudad de Mexico Rotaract Club at Fundación Renace. Fundación Renace is a treatment center for alcoholics and drug addicts and the patients range from children to adults. They've been open 5 years in the current location and were in another location for 8 years before that. Over the 13 years they've received around 36,000 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-9159849980543496022011-12-12T12:59:00.000-06:002011-12-12T12:59:11.822-06:00

While my family was here we took a two-day trip out of the DF to visit the state of Querétaro. We took a (very nice) bus to the capital, Santiago de Querétaro.   on the bus to Queretaro  view leaving the DF of houses built up the the mountain Once in Querétaro we did a walking tour and two trolley tours to see and learn about the city.  statue of a danza de los concheros or danza

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-11910446195810444062011-12-11T21:39:00.001-06:002011-12-11T21:40:01.481-06:00

As I'm working on my (last!) final essay, I can hear fireworks going off outside as an anticipatory celebration of tomorrow (or I suppose within a few hours at midnight). December 12th is the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe) and one of the most important days in México. It celebrates the day that the Virgen de Guadalupe appeared to the indigenous man Juan Diego and

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-70481226018204711632011-12-10T21:15:00.002-06:002011-12-11T11:34:27.090-06:00

Tonight I experienced my second earthquake. The first one I felt was back in May and, well, the second time around I'm still not a fan. Reports are saying it was between 6.5 and 6.8 (depends on who's reporting), with the epicenter in the state of Guerrero. It was also felt in Oaxaca, Puebla, Colima, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Morelos and the State of México. So far reports are saying that in the DF there

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-37895712472745918872011-12-08T11:08:00.000-06:002011-12-08T11:08:10.804-06:00

I like today's Google Doodle, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Mexican painter Diego Rivera's birth. Google Doodle Dec. 8, 2011 google.com.mx

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-57184652715156297352011-12-01T15:53:00.000-06:002011-12-01T15:53:04.566-06:00

Choir singing Esti Dal (Zoltán Kodály) at the 6th Anniversary Concert in San Ildefonso. 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-10543379493043571162011-12-01T15:47:00.001-06:002011-12-03T22:55:16.998-06:00

Part of Se equivocó la paloma (Carlos Guastavino) from our 6th Anniversary Concert at San Ildefonso. 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-83126807953830603592011-12-01T15:38:00.003-06:002011-12-01T15:45:45.349-06:00

Look what I found on Youtube! Here's a video of the choir singing Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei from our 6th Anniversary Concert at San Ildefonso.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-21707087244306296502011-12-01T12:36:00.004-06:002011-12-01T12:49:58.794-06:00

On Sunday my family went to Birria Michoacanísimo for lunch. The family-style tables fill up on weekends and the sound of conversations mix with norteña music from the live band (pay-per-song) and probably a soccer game on the tv as everyone enjoys their birria (stew made with goat meat) and beer. This is one of the places where, whenever I visit, I'm reminded "I'm in Mexico. I live here." 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-5881396408429190712011-11-27T17:16:00.001-06:002011-12-01T13:23:59.066-06:00

My brother arrived Friday night, so Saturday we were ready to begin our adventures in Mexico.  We visited the Angel of Independence ... figures on the base of the Angel of Independence view of Paseo de la Reforma from the Angel Independence Monument ...and then headed over to the Historic District.  Christmas decorations, including piñatas Bellas Artes and lots of scouts view

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-88538905830617953992011-11-27T14:38:00.000-06:002011-11-27T14:38:38.477-06:00

This past week I enjoyed a wonderful visit with my family. My parents arrived Thursday night and we went out for some tacos for a proper welcome to Mexico.  Friday we went to the new Soumaya Museum, which was a first for me as well. The building itself is very impressive. Once inside, its recommended to start from the top and wind your way down and around to each floor's exhibit.  Souymaya

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-16808464137248656112011-11-27T13:06:00.001-06:002011-11-27T13:09:38.169-06:00

On November 12th, the Ciudad de México Rotaract Club hosted a Casino Night to raise money for their projects. There was Texas Hold'em, Roulette and Blackjack. Tickets entitled guests to 40 chips and a drink (though they could buy more -- both chips and food/drink). Chips were then traded in for tickets for the two raffles -- including the grand prize of a laptop! I helped set up for the event

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-57664024970518778782011-11-12T12:00:00.000-06:002011-11-12T12:00:19.170-06:00

Here's a video of the choir singing Astor Piazzolla's Adiós Nonino during the concert at San Ildefonso. (If you're looking for me, I'm kind of hidden on the right-hand side)

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-47030669150929365692011-11-11T12:49:00.005-06:002011-11-12T10:49:07.804-06:00

It's a busy time for the choir! In less than 2 weeks we've had 4 concerts: our 6th Anniversary concert, two in Taxco and one this past Wednesday. (And have another one coming up Friday, Nov 18th at 8:00pm in the Sala Carlos Chávez in the Centro Cultural of the UNAM!). Wednesday's concert was held at the Miguel Alemán Foundation to raise money for the UNAM Foundation (concert co-hosted by the two

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-41855069716484382632011-11-11T12:16:00.000-06:002011-11-11T12:16:19.157-06:00

Las weekend I travelled to Taxco, Guerrero with the choir to give two concerts. The choir has an ongoing relationship with UNAM's Taxco campus of CEPE (Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros), where foreigners go to learn Spanish and other cultural topics such as literature, history, art and dance. The choir has been visiting (and giving concerts) in Taxco for 4 or 5 years, but this was my first

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-60250084080908205572011-11-07T23:40:00.000-06:002011-11-07T23:40:44.046-06:00

A few more photos from Staccato's 6th Anniversary Concert. (Thanks Tania and others that shared photos!)

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-26293261838976092432011-11-04T12:23:00.001-06:002011-11-04T12:30:00.314-06:00

This year UNAM's Megaofrenda for Día de Muertos was dedicated to Argentine write Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986), so there were lots of references to him and his work. Each ofrenda was made by a facultad or school within UNAM (ex: Economics, Engineering, Psychology), a high school, etc. We went the night of the 2nd and it was packed with people visiting the ofrendas. There were a couple live bands,

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-87742625849462065342011-11-02T11:31:00.002-06:002011-11-02T13:40:29.911-06:00

While Jeff was here, we took a tour called La Catrina viaja en tranvía, or the Catrina travels in trolley car. La Catrina is now a famous Mexican character/image, based on the print made by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada in 1913. She represents death and is usually depicted as a skeleton dressed in elegant, early 20th century clothing.  José Guadalupe Posada's La Catrina source:

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-44651023539791454672011-11-02T10:16:00.001-06:002011-11-02T10:20:26.167-06:00

Did you see Google's Doodle today? (At least here in Mexico) It's a representation of a traditional Mexican altar or offering for Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. google.com.mx Google Doodle on Nov. 2, 2011 November 1st and 2nd are very important in Mexico, mixing Catholic and pre-hispanic traditions to honor and "reunite" with those who have passed away. (Though Halloween has managed to

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-26647882757512563282011-11-01T18:09:00.000-06:002011-11-01T18:09:22.463-06:00

After the concert, Jeff and I had lunch overlooking the Zócalo (filled with alebrijes, "Nuestros Silencios" and people!)  From there, we went to a King Tut exhibit in the Palacio de la Autonomía de la UNAM. Afterward we went up in the Torre Latinoamericana for a panoramic view of the city (even more so than lunch!) 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-23219172889069149642011-11-01T14:39:00.000-06:002011-11-01T14:39:17.271-06:00

On Sunday October 30th UNAM's Staccato (Coro Universitario Estudiantil/ University Student Choir) gave a concert to celebrate their 6th anniversary. I'm excited to say that the concert went extremely well!! This was probably my favorite concert I've participated in so far with the choir (though giving my first two concerts in Oaxaca was pretty incredible as well!). It was definitely the most

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-28041902124098408342011-11-01T12:49:00.003-06:002011-11-01T14:41:01.075-06:00

We spent a day in the Zócalo. We saw... Nuestros Silencios: We saw the the installation "Our Silences," made by Mexican sculptor Rivelino. There are 10 sculptures with metal plates covering their mouths as well as a "tactile box" with smaller versions of the sculptures inside. According to the website, the installation is "an invitation to reflect on silence" and "about freedom of expression."

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-15141361621941106462011-11-01T12:05:00.003-06:002011-11-01T12:14:24.138-06:00

While Jeff was here we saw the giant alebrijes, which were presented in the 5th Annual Night of the Alebrijes Parade on Oct 22 and then displayed along Paseo de la Reforma. (Click here to my post of last years' alebrijes)  The alebrijes were later moved to the Zócalo. Here's a view of the Zócalo (with the alebrijes, the "Our Silences" exhibit and lots of people!) from our

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-23627709089869068012011-11-01T11:26:00.000-06:002011-11-01T11:26:27.060-06:00

I very much enjoyed a visit with Jeff over the last few days. On his first full day here we visited the Anthropology museum and got to see the Voladores de Papántla perform (fly?) outside of the museum as well. Here's a few photos:

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-21645428364951743262011-10-25T20:34:00.000-05:002011-10-25T20:34:12.474-05:00

Today I accompanied a friend to Walmart. The front section is always dedicated to merchandise related to the season (summer, back to school, holidays, etc). Today was a bit of holiday overload: I could have bought things for Halloween (Oct 31), Day of the Dead (Nov 1 & 2) and Christmas (countdown -- still 2 months away). (And even after yesterday's post I didn't have my camera with me, so you'll

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-44104035210277025582011-10-24T01:11:00.003-05:002011-10-25T20:27:22.702-05:00

Random siting of the day: Filming (near my apartment) of a commercial for some product for senior citizens - aka lots of elderly ladies and gentlemen dressed as school kids, crossing the street on cue. I haven't been carrying my camera with me much lately -- but this was a reminder to keep it handy because I never know what I'll see when I'm out and about! (I saw them setting up on my way back

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-13305503030206754052011-10-24T00:22:00.002-05:002011-10-24T01:28:56.639-05:00

The official invite for the choir concert on Sunday October 30th. (And my first time appearing in an official choir photo!  Photo from the Oaxaca trip in March)

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-74325235891516515482011-10-18T21:11:00.001-05:002011-11-16T22:02:52.057-06:00

I just got an email about a program led by the group Siempre Verde (Always Green), through which you can rent a Christmas tree. Basically, the tree come in a large "flowerpot" so that it doesn't need to be cut and the roots are still intact. You can choose from small, medium or large sizes. It needs to be taken care of, but is then replanted. In certain zones in the DF, delivery and pick-up are

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-16149552056289513862011-10-18T21:02:00.001-05:002011-10-24T00:23:30.254-05:00

For those of you in the area - Mark your calendars! Sunday October 30, Staccato, UNAM's Student choir (Coro Universitario Estudiantil) has a (free!) concert to celebrate their 6th Anniversary. It will be at noon in the Anfiteatro Simón Bolívar in the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-1526089734942652052011-10-18T20:52:00.001-05:002011-10-18T20:52:57.218-05:00

This week CELE, UNAM's language school, is hosting it's Fall Festival with three days of activities representing a variety of languages and cultures.  After volunteering to participate in my Portuguese class last week (and taking time to pick a song, learn it, etc), today I went to sing Karaoke. Unfortunately, I found out the Portuguese Karaoke event was yesterday. Not today as I had been told.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-45045391373990616402011-10-15T12:44:00.000-05:002011-10-15T12:44:27.229-05:00

The Occupy Wall Street movement is spreading not only to cities across the US, but internationally as well. Today (Oct 15th), people around the world are protesting in what organizers are calling a worldwide rally. According to United for Global Change, the main site organizing the worldwide protests, 951 cities in 82 countries are participating. In Mexico, there are events planned in: Mexico

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-7987826415276964802011-10-09T12:26:00.000-05:002011-10-09T12:26:11.968-05:00

What's that about kicking out illegal immigrants to make jobs for Americans? Oh... right. Another article on how that's not working out in Alabama and how produce prices will most likely be going up in the grocery stores (if the harvests aren't completely lost). (Click on article title to read it on Forbes' site) Associated Press Immigration law author tells farmers: No changesBy DAVID

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-29746118258377420762011-10-08T20:43:00.000-05:002011-10-08T20:43:43.131-05:00

This evening the choir performed for a meeting of UNAM's distance learning program (offered at the high school, undergraduate and graduate level as well as continuing education). It was held "at the pool" -- quite literally in a (huge!) tent set up next to UNAM's olympic-sized pool. We closed with the UNAM fight song and everyone in the audience joined in for the final "Goya" chant.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-15358642999008913422011-10-08T10:36:00.001-05:002011-10-08T10:36:56.868-05:00

Article in The New York Times on rethinking agricultural labor and why the argument of hiring locally (instead of foreign workers) to ease unemployment doesn't work. (Click on article title to be directed to posting on The New York Times' page) Hiring Locally for Farm Work Is No Cure-All By KIRK JOHNSONPublished: October 5, 2011 OLATHE, Colo. — How can there be a labor shortage when nearly one

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-29923968152474683162011-10-07T18:08:00.002-05:002011-10-08T10:40:47.360-05:00

Article in Newsweek Magazine about Mexico's image (and reality) and tourism: (click on article title to view article on The Daily Beast/ Newsweek's site)  Come On in, the Water’s FineOct 3, 2011 1:00 AM EDTBryan Curtis Never mind the beheadings, the kidnappings, the mass graves. Mexico wants its tourists back. One warm, sunny spring day, I check into Los Flamingos, a pink stucco hotel that

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-91908206243816494432011-10-05T22:50:00.000-05:002011-10-05T22:50:39.087-05:00

Today I got a craving for a burger so I caved and got Burger King for lunch. (I rarely eat fast food in the US -- besides the occasional Chick-fil-A or Subway. My usual "fast food" here is tacos. This was my 2nd time in a Burger King in Mexico in a little over 14 months). I found it interesting that, alongside the ketchup packets included in my to-go bag, were jalapeño sauce packets.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-85725408396541881992011-10-04T18:41:00.001-05:002011-10-04T18:41:58.027-05:00

For people in the DF, check out the 6th Mexico City International Documentary Film Festival, going on September 29 - October 9. For more information, visit:  http://www.docsdf.org/

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-9052074309987542952011-10-01T21:15:00.000-05:002011-10-01T21:15:29.259-05:00

It's moments like these when I really remember I'm in Mexico: A mariachi band (with probably 10-15 members) just showed up to play/sing Las mañanitas (song sung for birthdays in Mexico) at my neighbors' apartment, followed by songs requested by the group. It's like a concert through the wall (and outside my door because they don't all fit in the apartment!)

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-66839202570360189972011-10-01T21:11:00.000-05:002011-12-01T13:22:47.000-06:00

Today I went to the Anthropology and History Book Fair, held at the National Anthropology Museum, which has been going on since September 22 and ends tomorrow. Brazil is the guest country this year. There are book presentations, conferences and discussions, with topics such as endangered languages, African descendants in Latin America, history and culture of indigenous groups in Mexico and

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-7907783897944994402011-09-30T22:14:00.000-05:002011-09-30T22:14:56.365-05:00

‘Til 2013 do us part? Mexico mulls 2-year marriageReform would allow couples to decide on the length of their commitment updated 9/29/2011 8:22:53 PM ET MEXICO CITY — Mexico City lawmakers want to help newlyweds avoid the hassle of divorce by giving them an easy exit strategy: temporary marriage licenses. Leftists in the city's assembly — who have already riled conservatives by legalizing gay

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-50025018039747041742011-09-28T21:53:00.000-05:002011-09-28T21:53:09.874-05:00

The main themes of the weekend were food and music (and reading for class if you really want to count it, but clearly not as exciting). On Saturday I joined a friend for lunch, with ingredients brought from his hometown in the state of Veracruz. The base was a totopo (similar to a tortilla but baked; typical in Oaxaca), with beans, Oaxaca cheese and chinameca meat on top (peppers are optional).

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-70922574098642426332011-09-27T23:47:00.001-05:002011-09-28T01:43:27.836-05:00

A while back I shared the song Latinoamérica by Calle 13, featuring Totó La Momposina, Susana Baca & María Rit. Today Calle 13 released the official music video, presenting it at UNAM.  See the video below (or click here for the Youtube site)

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-15900174161618353122011-09-26T21:55:00.000-05:002011-09-26T21:55:31.203-05:00

Mexico City copes with that sinking feelingIn Mexico City, many buildings sink each year as the city's 21 million thirsty residents suck up water from the aquifer beneath one of the world's largest metropolises.By Tim JohnsonMcClatchy NewspapersMEXICO CITY — Walk into any of hundreds of homes or buildings in the huge capital, Mexico City, and you feel immediately that something is amiss. The

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-81584801834914058992011-09-21T22:06:00.001-05:002011-09-21T22:07:31.909-05:00

In order to graduate from my master's program, students need 3 languages. This assumes the students' native language is Spanish, plus language tests (comprehension, translation or fluency) in English, French, Portuguese or Italian. Since I'm an international student whose native language isn't Spanish, I already took my Spanish test. I'll most likely be taking my Portuguese comprehension test

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-84424994046815708252011-09-19T22:50:00.002-05:002011-09-19T22:54:37.186-05:00

Last week Mexico celebrated it's 201st anniversary of independence. Leading up to the celebration, flags, decorations and independence memorabilia started showing up everywhere: huge banners draped from buildings; pushcarts selling hats, flags and souvenirs all over the city; light-up flags for sale outside the metro; and everything decorated in red, white and green. Like every year, the night

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-81680810674035212132011-09-10T13:32:00.000-05:002011-09-10T13:32:31.201-05:00

On Monday, the choir performed for Fundación UNAM (the UNAM Foundation).  I guess technically anyone who donates (or at least on a regular basis?) becomes part of the foundation. However, we performed for the group that meets on a monthly basis -- the big donors. Since it's September -- the month of Independence Day -- the room was decorated in red, green and white and we sang a selection of

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-58313845539659656842011-09-10T12:56:00.001-05:002011-10-25T20:26:54.550-05:00

This week I spent two days in the library at the National Institute of Migration in Polanco (though a different site than where I go for my FM3 stuff). The elevator is unlike any I've seen before. You don't (can't) just push a button for up or down. Instead, you type the floor number you want to go to  and it assigns you to an elevator (A, B, C or D). I was stuck for a bit trying to figure out

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-32280677291706150682011-09-02T19:42:00.000-05:002011-09-02T19:42:06.479-05:00

Back in August I went with the Ciudad de México Rotaract Club to spend time with the children at a temporary shelter run by the government. We worked with about 30 kids in the older group (about 7-10 years old) making recycled paper. The kids were excited to participate in the activity. They had so much energy, which made things a little more chaotic, but the process itself isn't very

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-58503402167375640692011-09-02T18:58:00.001-05:002011-09-02T18:59:19.736-05:00

Last week the choir performed as the closing entertainment at a conference held in the Palacio de Minería in the Historic downtown.  We were without a director for the day, but it went well. Someone I know from Rotary was attending the conference and stayed to hear us sing. Afterwards we attended the reception (with appetizers/ finger foods -- yum!) Palacio de Minería before the

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-34947402600975282682011-09-02T18:50:00.000-05:002011-09-02T18:50:56.534-05:00

Last week I went to La Improlucha - a show that combines the concepts of improvisation (think: Whose Line is it Anyway) and lucha libre (Mexican wrestling, where luchadores are known for the masks they wear, hiding their identity. Read about when I went to a lucha libre match here).  La Improlucha ring La Improlucha is every Thursday night -- and it's always different since it's all improv

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-2562260585449537962011-08-22T23:11:00.002-05:002011-08-22T23:13:41.263-05:00

Mexico safer than headlines indicateChristine Delsol, Special to The ChronicleSunday, August 21, 2011 Quick - which national capital has the higher murder rate: Mexico City or Washington, D.C.?If you answered Mexico City, you'd be in good company - after all, Mexico is a war zone, isn't it? But you would be wrong, on both counts. Based on FBI crime statistics for 2010 and Mexican government

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-78210105529745026612011-08-21T19:06:00.000-05:002011-08-21T19:06:10.794-05:00

Mexico's President Becomes TV Adventure Guide By MARK STEVENSON Associated PressMEXICO CITY August 19, 2011 (AP) President Felipe Calderon is figuratively going out on a limb — and literally down a sinkhole, up a river (with a paddle) and over the top of a few pyramids — in an attempt to boost Mexico's flagging tourism industry.The balding, 49-year-old leader is personally trying to change his

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-18459311686346939082011-08-21T15:20:00.000-05:002011-08-21T15:20:39.916-05:00

August 6th the Ciudad de México Rotaract Club had their Cambio de botones or "changing of pins" ceremony to officially inaugurate the club's new leaders. It was a formal affair, starting with the ceremony, followed by hors d'oeurves and drinks and then music for dancing. The event was attended by the Rotaract Club members,  members of other Rotaract clubs, Rotarians, family and friends.  

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-25211246719982286172011-08-21T15:09:00.001-05:002011-08-22T00:02:00.170-05:00

Births: In Maltrata, people get married (or at least form serious relationships) and have babies very young. Even though it's a more traditional town, there are lots of instances when the baby (or at least the pregnancy) comes before marriage. They say that between 15 and 20 is a normal age to get married -- though there are people who get married and/or pregnant even younger. A 22-year-old  "

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-37780457447752448392011-08-21T14:41:00.001-05:002011-09-11T23:08:36.144-05:00

This weekend's new experience was singing in the plaza in Coyoacán -- for tips! Saturday morning we had a concert at the National Medical Center (for a Forensic Medicine graduation ceremony?). Afterward a few of us went to Coyoacán for food and drink. It's always nice to have a chance to hang out outside the context of rehearsals and concerts. From there, we went to the plaza and sang a few songs

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-17699384902175547412011-08-18T21:09:00.000-05:002011-08-18T21:09:25.987-05:00

Last night I caught up on another movie classic from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema: Los Tres Huastecos (1948), starring Pedro Infante and Blanca Estela Pavón.  The article I posted the other day about Cantinflas gave a good description of Pedro Infante and Cantinflas: "While leading man Pedro Infante represented Mexico's self-image as a brave, good-looking, velvet-voiced hero, Cantinflas

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-15264586516060054782011-08-18T13:08:00.003-05:002011-08-18T13:12:30.857-05:00

In Maltrata you'll see a car or truck going down the street (sometimes with Veracruz license plates, others with US license plates due to migration). You'll see bicycles and motorcycles. You'll see a man galloping by on a horse and another leading a donkey or horse carrying charcoal.  And in the morning or evening, a flock of sheep being led down the street. It was something I never got used to

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-18538724364155773022011-08-18T12:53:00.002-05:002011-08-18T12:55:48.660-05:00

While in Maltrata I went on multiple outings to nearby towns/cities. Nogales:We stopped in Nogales to see the Laguna, where the clear, cold water flows from a mountain stream.  Laguna in Nogales Laguna in Nogales Rotary in Nogales Orizaba Orizaba is one of the larger cities in the state of Veracruz (though by no means a big city). We did a tour of some of the sights, including: 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-47550100288453735282011-08-16T11:58:00.000-05:002011-08-16T11:58:16.389-05:00

While in Maltrata, I went with the family to a wedding in Cañada, Puebla. We went to the bride's family's house for breakfast of tamales (with mole, rajas or sweet tamales), bread/pastries and a drink similar to hot chocolate. One of the "uncle's" (once again, adopting myself into the family) was in charge of the flower arrangements, so from there we went to the church to set up. (Who'd of

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-42311647419465583332011-08-16T11:15:00.000-05:002011-08-16T11:15:23.762-05:00

As I mentioned previously, one of my favorite things about Maltrata was living with a family there. Part of that experience was joining the family for meals. Though I've been in Mexico for a year now, I tried a variety of new foods and combinations/preparations during my two weeks. This was partially because I was visiting a different part of Mexico, but more so for living in a family atmosphere

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-60945578698575298342011-08-16T10:38:00.000-05:002011-08-16T10:38:09.619-05:00

Here's a good article about Mexican actor Cantinflas. Mexico celebrated the centenary of his birth last Friday, August 12. According to the article, during the week before his birthday "his 51 movies have been shown on television and in theaters, stills and posters from his films displayed along Mexico City's main boulevard, and snippets of sound tracks from his many performances played in the

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-56416678642153790832011-08-14T17:44:00.002-05:002011-08-18T15:30:14.284-05:00

I was in Maltrata, Veracruz from Saturday July 23 - Friday August 5th and I loved the experience. I've put off writing about it because I didn't know how to adequately put into words my two weeks there (I'm still not sure -- but I'll do my best). Former railroad station in Maltrata, Veracruz The state of Veracruz is in Eastern Mexico, comprising a large part of the

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-60775318184290895532011-07-28T18:25:00.000-05:002011-07-28T18:25:09.164-05:00

Just an update that I am alive and well and enjoying Maltrata, Veracruz! More updates when I am back in the DF!

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-6005018266869145942011-07-22T15:04:00.000-05:002011-07-22T15:04:11.739-05:00

With the news (and many facebook posts) about the heat back home, I don't feel quite so bad about coming back to the rainy season in Mexico.... Stay cool, friends!

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-21667564911999380432011-07-21T17:09:00.001-05:002011-07-21T17:10:12.690-05:00

For anyone in the Howard County/ Baltimore, Maryland area: If you'll be traveling somewhere that requires (or that it's just a good idea to get) vaccines or medicine, I'd recommend Mary Carrington, PA-C in Columbia, MD for Travel Health Services. I needed to update some of my vaccinations and found her name online. Travel medicine is what she does, so she's an expert. Mary Carrington, PA-C 410

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-69424749833727009632011-07-21T16:45:00.000-05:002011-07-21T16:45:22.764-05:00

Yesterday the view of the mountains in the distance, surrounding Mexico City, was so beautiful and clear. It made me realize though what it should look like and just how cloudy/ smoggy/ etc it usually is that partially obscures or even completely hides the view.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-8254360709087847252011-07-21T16:44:00.000-05:002011-07-21T16:44:53.027-05:00

I've been back in the DF for a couple days now and soon I'll be heading out to the state of Veracruz to start some preliminary thesis research. Mexico has been kind to me and, although it is the rainy season, it hasn't rained on me yet. In my usual style, I jumped right back into things. From the airport, I briefly stopped by my apartment to drop off my luggage before heading out to a choir

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-28722198850671979192011-07-21T16:36:00.001-05:002011-07-21T16:37:01.056-05:00

While I was in the US, I visited the Columbia Patuxent Rotary Club (http://www.columbiarotary.com/) in Columbia, Maryland. This club is close to where I grew up (the 2011-2012 President is my neighbor!) and was almost my sponsoring club (instead of being sponsored in my hometown, I am sponsored in North Carolina where I went to college). I had spoken at their club back in 2009 when I was a

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-8508572640878998482011-07-21T15:55:00.000-05:002011-07-21T15:55:18.212-05:00

I very much enjoyed a month "at home" -- though I use the term loosely since my time in the US included Maryland (+ Ocean City), Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, New York and California. Whenever I go back, I see things with new eyes, from a slightly different perspective after having been away and living in another culture. One of my biggest "culture shocks" this time had to do with clothing. I'd

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-81193812623824572982011-07-05T23:00:00.001-05:002011-07-05T23:01:28.046-05:00

True story.  I've been listening to the Spanish radio station whenever I'm in the car for the past week or so. And sometimes online on my laptop. It's hard sometimes going from one culture to another. There are aspects I like and dislike, miss or don't miss about both -- and I seem to see both with a new/outsider's perspective. (Listen for yourself at http://elzolradio.radio.com/ )

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-12629962672715045132011-07-04T11:19:00.000-05:002011-07-04T11:19:30.395-05:00

Happy birthday, USA!

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-78953271197028172832011-07-02T16:01:00.000-05:002011-07-02T16:01:20.997-05:00

On this trip back to the US, I flew through New York. It was a cool sight (and feeling) to watch the sun setting behind the NYC skyline as we came in for landing. Welcome to the USA. (The welcome to New York was not quite as friendly as arriving in North Carolina however, though I guess I shouldn't have been surprised). There is a large population of Mexicans--specifically from the state of

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-3572703590027778342011-06-30T14:53:00.000-05:002011-06-30T14:53:42.326-05:00

As we were finishing up the semester and finals, some classmates hosted a (much needed!) gathering at their apartment. It was a combination end of semester/ going away (vacations and people going on their semester abroad for research) / birthday party and quite the international night in terms of people, food, music, etc! We enjoyed homemade sushi, pasta, pastel de elote (Chile), humitas (Chile),

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-9642933736323804222011-06-30T14:09:00.000-05:002011-06-30T14:09:41.518-05:00

On June 14th I joined Rotary Club San Rafael for their weekly breakfast meeting, held at Club Universitario.  I was one of three guest speakers at the meeting. We heard from the president of the San Rafael Rotaract Club. They have participated in various activities and completed various projects throughout the year. I was most impressed by their Make-a-Wish project, in which

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-31166624307241431642011-06-30T10:59:00.000-05:002011-06-30T10:59:24.936-05:00

Article from the Los Angeles Times about the interesting dynamic at the Mexico-US Gold Cup final and Mexico's "home-field advantage" on US soil. (For the original article, visit: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0626-plaschke-gold-cup-20110626,0,7072114.column ) In Gold Cup final, it's red, white and boo againMexico rallies for a 4-2 win over U.S. behind overwhelming support at Rose Bowl. In

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-11299545502056770452011-05-25T11:57:00.002-05:002011-05-27T16:09:13.288-05:00

This morning I joined Club Rotario Zona Rosa for their weekly breakfast meeting. The members were very welcoming and, in addition to my presentation, we had some interesting conversations and discussions on topics such as migration (into Mexico and the US), dynamics at the UNAM, US/Mexico relations and developing global perspectives, and my experiences in Mexico. presenting. photo courtesy of

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-88694837975448131362011-05-25T11:43:00.001-05:002011-05-25T11:43:49.523-05:00

UNAM Pumas beat Morelia Monarcas on Sunday, making them league champions and earning them their 7th Mexican league title. Photo source: http://televisadeportes.esmas.com/tdn/ 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-55435430671108886942011-05-18T22:33:00.002-05:002011-05-18T22:36:56.566-05:00

Saturday the choir gave a concert at Casa del Lago (Lakehouse) in Chapultepec Park. The hall we performed in was pretty -- though a bit small (and hot!) for the turnout.  It was a cool moment singing Mi Ciudad (My City), a song written about Mexico City. There's a line that says "....es un bosque de espejos que cuida un castillo" ("It's a forest of mirrors that guards a castle"), referring to

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-15578951387813758432011-05-15T13:42:00.000-05:002011-05-15T13:42:55.478-05:00

Friday morning I joined Rotary Club Ciudad Universitario for their weekly meeting, held at Casa Club del Académico behind UNAM's stadium. I'd been planning a visit for a while since it's the club near/associated with my university, but last semester's class schedule just didn't permit it (Friday 8am Philosophy -- not sad that's over). We had a few technical difficulties, but I was able to present

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-57259998885018189472011-05-10T20:59:00.000-05:002011-05-10T20:59:52.891-05:00

Apparently there's a new plan in the works to alert DF residents about earthquakes via texts, Facebook and Twitter. Sounds good to me, because, even though the early-warning alarm system went off, I certainly never heard anything. (Though I'm not sure how effective texts would be since sometimes they're pretty slow arriving...) To read the article, visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-30013299814685931712011-05-09T17:28:00.000-05:002011-05-09T17:28:50.525-05:00

For those of you that may have doubted my story about the man and his pet duck that hang out in the park.... here ya go: 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-21775086606451352872011-05-09T17:25:00.001-05:002011-05-09T17:25:43.831-05:00

To see photos from this weekend's peace march, taken by Fabrizio Lorusso, visit: https://picasaweb.google.com/FabrizioLorussoMex/MarchaPorLaPazMexico#

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-16799173086951860202011-05-09T17:19:00.000-05:002011-05-09T17:19:27.618-05:00

Sunday afternoon at the doctor's (yup, sick again) I got the normal questions -- what's wrong? fever? aches/pains? This time, I got some extras as well, including: Why am I in Mexico? Since I'm interested in Latin America, which country do I like the best? What's the biggest difference I see between the US and Latin America?  Do I think 9/11 was real or a conspiracy? How do I (and the rest of the

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-11799248215844619592011-05-08T23:46:00.000-05:002011-05-08T23:46:42.366-05:00

Friday I met up with a friend for lunch around Reforma and the Angel de Independencia. The DF has a bike program in certain parts of the city where -- once you have a card -- you can borrow a bike for up to  two hours and then return it to any of the designated bike stands. I borrowed a card and we rode bikes to lunch, her apartment, and for frozen yogurt (yum!).  I'm not going to lie -- it was

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-90703443537322330582011-05-06T12:34:00.000-05:002011-05-06T12:34:27.718-05:00

An article about this weekend's march for peace and an end to the drug war violence. See the original article at http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/05/05/mexico.peace.march/ Mexican protesters begin 3-day march seeking end to drug war By the CNN Wire StaffMay 5, 2011 9:25 p.m. EDT Cuernavaca, Mexico (CNN) -- Hundreds of protesters began a three-day march to Mexico's capital Thursday,

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-54553775138419030392011-05-05T09:35:00.000-05:002011-05-05T09:35:44.825-05:00

Well there's a new experience for the list.... This morning there was a 5.8 earthquake in the DF. I was in my room, checking my email before heading out to class. I have necklaces hanging up and they suddenly starting to sway. I thought, "Well that's odd. I don't think the breeze is coming in that strong from the window." Then I felt my chair start to shake. It only lasted a few seconds (thank

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-75324562836134764442011-05-04T23:50:00.002-05:002011-05-04T23:52:17.690-05:00

Cinco de Mayo (or May 5 in Spanish). For some people in the US, this day is a celebration of Mexican heritage. For many others, this day has become an excuse to drink margaritas and possibly wear a sombrero. I've already seen various Facebook statuses and events posted (yes, my personal "cultural radar") and know that many people will be going out for the "drinking holiday." But do you know what

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-14469688058699141352011-04-30T23:23:00.000-05:002011-04-30T23:23:06.365-05:00

Today was Día del Niño or Children's Day here in Mexico. I remembered this after making plans to see the movie Río, so we shared the theater with lots of kids (enjoyed the movie though). I wasn't out and about too much today, so not too many major observations from Día del Niño.  I did see lots of balloons though. Mexicans apparently love their balloons.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-66395014249697848692011-04-30T15:29:00.004-05:002011-04-30T17:07:42.978-05:00

Mexico is a very Catholic country, so we had the whole week off for Easter (most of the elementary/high schools had the week before and after Easter off). Fortunately, my time off coincided perfectly with the wedding of a good friend from college, so I was able to make a quick trip back to the USofA. My first destination was North Carolina and it made a great transition back into the US. I've

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-58903612919217397722011-04-23T22:32:00.000-05:002011-04-23T22:32:46.177-05:00

Two weeks ago a friend hosted a girls' day for some of the ladies in the Master's program. It was nice hanging out outside of the academic context and having time as just the girls. Everyone brought food or drinks and I debuted (for this group at least) my chocolate chip cookies, which have been quite the hit!

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-61397597571416681262011-04-22T16:47:00.002-05:002011-04-28T08:57:16.888-05:00

Two weeks ago I finally visited UNAM's stadium for the Pumas v. Tigres  game. It wasn't the most exciting game, but Pumas scored 2 goals in the last 2 minutes to win the game 2-0.  "Goya" chant  mural by Diego Rivera Pumas fans after the game 

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-44008626494179960732011-04-05T20:29:00.001-05:002011-04-05T20:30:03.532-05:00

There's some kind of expo going on in the park by my house -- selling shoes and purses maybe? I understand having music to attract attention. Same with have a dancing mascot. But seeing Barney the Dinosaur dancing to reggaeton is just weird....

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-41355179773501566352011-04-03T18:18:00.000-05:002011-04-03T18:18:09.600-05:00

The time changed this morning in Mexico, so we're back to a 1-hour time difference from the U.S. East Coast.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-42760397131831155322011-04-03T17:53:00.002-05:002011-04-05T20:30:22.198-05:00

A couple weeks ago I saw a man walking along the sidewalk near my house, carrying a duck. In all honesty, I wasn't sure if he was taking his pet on an outing or taking it to a nearby restaurant or butcher shop. I feel better now though because I saw him again a few days ago, hanging out with his duck in the park.

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-69342383207909450902011-04-02T13:06:00.001-06:002011-04-02T14:27:47.850-06:00

Wednesday morning I attended a breakfast hosted by Rotary Club Jardines de Pedregal in honor of International Women's Day (March 8th) and to raise money for their community project in Cuauhtepec.  The breakfast honored the following women:  -Dr. Yoloxochitl Bustamente, General Director of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (National Polytechnic Institute)-Martha Chapa, artist -Gloria Guevara

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-70589790488401503172011-04-02T12:43:00.000-06:002011-04-02T12:43:53.207-06:00

Last Sunday I participated with the choir in a "marathon" concert to raise money for Japan. The event, held at the Nacional Center of the Arts, offered music from 11:00am-8:00pm, presented by a variety of groups and soloists, such as the flautists Horacio Franco, marimbist Javier Nandayapa, singer Patricia Santos, Tambuco Percussion Ensemble, Melos Gloriae choir and the Carlos Chávez Youth

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-34604861856599719712011-03-22T23:34:00.003-06:002011-03-23T01:22:13.420-06:00

This weekend was a 3-day weekend in honor of Benito Juárez's birthday. Benito Juárez was Mexico's president for five terms (1858-1872).  He was the first Mexican president of full indigenous descent (Zapotec origen from Oaxaca) and to not have a military background. He resisted the French occupation in Mexico and restored the Republic and used liberal efforts to modernize the country. He is

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3523443162742418512.post-2091098420405501082011-03-22T12:42:00.009-06:002011-12-01T13:42:29.951-06:00

BeccaInTheDFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455076980317963307noreply@blogger.com0