tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668064277703888222024-02-21T20:36:41.524-06:00Nuestra vida deliciosa - Our delicious lifeOurs is a food and travel blog written by two photographers, who contribute to National Geographic Image Collection, as we start our life in Mexico.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-32516637736531226412011-08-30T13:38:00.000-05:002011-08-30T13:38:48.459-05:00Latin Journeys<br />
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">A year ago September Jennifer said, I think we should do a blog about our move to Cozumel. "I don't know," I replied, "how do we do that?" She showed me how to do that.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">After 44 posts, we now have three blog sites and are launching two more within the month. I'm getting carpal tunnel.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">So, now we have a new blog site for travel, eating well and enjoying Mexico. We think the WordPress platform allows for a more professional, easy to use (and comment on) blog.</span><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Say goodbye to Nuestra Vida Deliciosa and say hello to: <div><br />
</div><div>http://latinjourneys.net</div><div><br />
</div><div>We hope you visit and comment often.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This site will self destruct on September 1.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Michael</div></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-10577585497146123672011-07-05T09:20:00.000-05:002011-07-05T09:20:40.167-05:00Cozumel 4th of JulyFor enterprising photographers, the weather last night was not a problem. It was an opportunity.<br />
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I love the light at dusk and it is one of my favorite times to work. When you add lots of water to the pavement or the streets, opportunities for highlights and reflections are numerous.<br />
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The island's government hosted a nice evening for the expat and local community. It was great to see everyone out and about.<br />
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I hope to have dates for a short series of local workshops listed soon. <a href="mailto:michael@michaelslewis.com">Contact me</a> to be on an email list. I'll give you advance notice of the one-day workshop. There will only be spaces for 10 participants.Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-17546236842688955752011-06-13T12:25:00.000-05:002011-06-13T12:25:14.399-05:00Kayak Photo tipsSunday morning, calm winds, and cochinita tacos in our tummies from a weekend-only taco spot. If you want the location, you'll have to go on a tour with<a href="http://cozumelchef.com/"> Emily from Cozumel Chef</a>. We have been sworn to secrecy.<br />
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A perfect time to visit the north lagoon with a SOT (sit on top) kayak. I was hoping to chase a couple of crocs, but we didn't see any.<br />
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For solitude and easier paddling, we think it's a good idea to go early. The beach on the west side of Isla de Pasion is usually deserted until around noon, when it becomes popular with island families who own boats. Plus, paddling across open water will be lots easier before a stiff breeze comes up.<br />
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For photographers, there a few things to remember:<br />
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1) Keep the camera in a drybag or <a href="http://www.pelican.com/">Pelican</a> case if it isn't waterproof. With a SOT kayak, drips and splashes are unavoidable. Secure the bag or case to the boat in case of a rollover. Have a small towel to dry your hands before pulling the camera out.<br />
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2) Watch your horizon lines when shooting from a boat. Avoid putting the horizon in the middle and try to keep it level. You can always fix it later, but try to compose with the sky or the clouds in thirds.<br />
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3) Camera shake in a kayak requires a faster shutter speed. Try to use 1/500th of a second or higher.<br />
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4) Including a person in your beach and landscape photos will give a sense of scale to your images.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKXUH-A4RT7CqdgW1XA4ttYbJIC2NYTj9tajKTQrzKvNuw38yySoxcHwv6TUEYyNgeQKtY_EmTJHct9GRe2fobhu20SlLjSYqRYuMzJUFt2elldU4c3sHpnddXoYOOZ4DFf_RITvswWaJ/s1600/_MG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKXUH-A4RT7CqdgW1XA4ttYbJIC2NYTj9tajKTQrzKvNuw38yySoxcHwv6TUEYyNgeQKtY_EmTJHct9GRe2fobhu20SlLjSYqRYuMzJUFt2elldU4c3sHpnddXoYOOZ4DFf_RITvswWaJ/s640/_MG_1156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just because it is called Sit On Top doesn't mean you can't Stand on Top.</td></tr>
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http://www.mandjphoto.com<br />
<br />
http://www.jenniferlewisphoto.com<br />
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We are going to start posting photo tips, in addition to our travel reviews. Check back often.Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-17004658689293737132011-06-07T12:51:00.000-05:002011-06-07T12:51:02.956-05:00Ana y Jose Charming Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPoh17WFxdvqgQUSksXBjg_TkQJdFbSf1Wi8oV2dsSL6SkmOmLHGXveQRdIeebS3WG7bs-hysBg6p2t688yGVbFmk9_gjwn4zM1BSDBlg2EOycmcyNQw5Rj8AZNn_Gx0O7hWcrx0FCkKh/s1600/_MG_0981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPoh17WFxdvqgQUSksXBjg_TkQJdFbSf1Wi8oV2dsSL6SkmOmLHGXveQRdIeebS3WG7bs-hysBg6p2t688yGVbFmk9_gjwn4zM1BSDBlg2EOycmcyNQw5Rj8AZNn_Gx0O7hWcrx0FCkKh/s640/_MG_0981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Among the many comfortable, well-done resorts on the beach in Tulum, one of our favorites is Ana y Jose Charming Hotel & Spa.<br />
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The rooms and suites are comfortable, the pool is relaxed and the beach is just about perfect. Some of the rooms and suites come with their own private pool. All rooms and bungalows have balconies or patios.<br />
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Palapas with comfortable lounges dot the beach.<br />
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We have shot a wedding here, and have stayed here to relax. Both times, the hotel provides top-level service in the rooms, pool and restaurant.<br />
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Tell them we sent you!Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-69671249850775662872011-06-07T12:24:00.001-05:002011-06-07T12:28:29.100-05:00Basico and Deseo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R_546Di-kHDnBkztHoO9G8llTEr7OR1YTHqo_FODZtdPM60ea2cBB0HgMO2lRm_0ddYZIVPcoYGEoJZavgGWVd6wXTbXB27ouOhgh66Qd8TCdn-1bmcRValN3OGN9VfVhwOSFb8HhrbQ/s1600/_MG_7091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7R_546Di-kHDnBkztHoO9G8llTEr7OR1YTHqo_FODZtdPM60ea2cBB0HgMO2lRm_0ddYZIVPcoYGEoJZavgGWVd6wXTbXB27ouOhgh66Qd8TCdn-1bmcRValN3OGN9VfVhwOSFb8HhrbQ/s640/_MG_7091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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You're heading to Playa del Carmen for a couple days at the beach and some serious partying at night. You're not looking for a chill casita away from it all, you want great cocktails, beautiful people, hip accommodations and a bar that pumps up the volume all night long.<br />
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You are headed for either Deseo, very hip and chic, or Basico, which utilizes recycled materials for one of the more unusual, industrial hotel designs in Mexico. Both are on Quinta, right in the middle of the PdC action.<br />
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Deseo doesn't have a restaurant, but Basico makes up for that with terrific breakfasts, fresh fruits, great rellenos.<br />
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The rooftop pool at Deseo is next to the terrace bar, which is full of beach beds. Old movies play after dark on the side of a large wall.<br />
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Basico's terrace is a bit higher above Quinta and the pools are made from old oil drums. Very recycled. The rooms also have an cool, industrial feel. But, the beds at both places are sooooo comfortable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh534JSkoKEfLv8WcdBm58m0zIqvEygWXmFLhRYieLFhaKZt8D1noRTjFvn_icAh5Qyi4QF4JnduPyklgh4bSzF5Wk4ujcRec_xzfPVmFzSCjiUb0SOzu8X-hpgFJy-n_dWPnFUbPhHE3gw/s1600/_MG_7227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh534JSkoKEfLv8WcdBm58m0zIqvEygWXmFLhRYieLFhaKZt8D1noRTjFvn_icAh5Qyi4QF4JnduPyklgh4bSzF5Wk4ujcRec_xzfPVmFzSCjiUb0SOzu8X-hpgFJy-n_dWPnFUbPhHE3gw/s640/_MG_7227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Just don't plan on going to sleep before midnight. Or 2:00 am?<br />
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Tell them we sent you! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzD7YV6uWn0Q_rSQ59qu1aQ2qdRzYSnJlzkXSu7CcVPNRFBDYWRTose84gB9qmLFJe-A0Rq8DBTffxbQSMGpA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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If this video does not play smoothly or is not large enough, <a href="http://vimeo.com/24738795">click on this link</a>.Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-10149085212652523142011-06-06T19:02:00.001-05:002011-06-06T19:32:38.265-05:00Argentina Wine CountryAlthough the headlines have barely changed since I first visited Argentina in 2005, Argentina is hot!<br />
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Great food!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhJ5qEJOHaP8AyA8fJ_5O53Kke2RHgIpR77W-7Q_ZG_6v7JaqNUZYW4cHb6G10jZZX1TcheCwpo0Xv26oGvtBDb4_jx7Fj-rFLA4bNWizHaZRZ7vqwUnnyc8kXHNB_oU4pgt0QGhOAm8a/s1600/m.s.lewis..179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhJ5qEJOHaP8AyA8fJ_5O53Kke2RHgIpR77W-7Q_ZG_6v7JaqNUZYW4cHb6G10jZZX1TcheCwpo0Xv26oGvtBDb4_jx7Fj-rFLA4bNWizHaZRZ7vqwUnnyc8kXHNB_oU4pgt0QGhOAm8a/s640/m.s.lewis..179.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Postales Argentina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Great wine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFFrRruhI93Fj2d2zaPN-L7HL7xemdHx_fYWQg62Ja77dKOoL-uO_TJGXa3eXg4-UL0u_M41Ch3X3XNcjrTLuUbGMe5Vc8Yqejni4V5He7c0IdgNp_xE5ecBp8goSr49nU5jp-KzRmCov/s1600/m.s.lewis..210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFFrRruhI93Fj2d2zaPN-L7HL7xemdHx_fYWQg62Ja77dKOoL-uO_TJGXa3eXg4-UL0u_M41Ch3X3XNcjrTLuUbGMe5Vc8Yqejni4V5He7c0IdgNp_xE5ecBp8goSr49nU5jp-KzRmCov/s640/m.s.lewis..210.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malbec at Finca Adalgisa</td></tr>
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Amazing scenery! Wine Country!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWs1ygwAnBY08rHoqcHkkIkTqHm8T8fAsRmw2bZARKnBIYRf2qIy8d27uHI7WVCQ5Y3xnM2JrNv7-T2OemZTuTVcwR9Qf0ODWFCenX9SNdBRDmP3jLsG4fejVx6PQxH8LQ45J73DfFIom/s1600/m.s.lewis..145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWs1ygwAnBY08rHoqcHkkIkTqHm8T8fAsRmw2bZARKnBIYRf2qIy8d27uHI7WVCQ5Y3xnM2JrNv7-T2OemZTuTVcwR9Qf0ODWFCenX9SNdBRDmP3jLsG4fejVx6PQxH8LQ45J73DfFIom/s640/m.s.lewis..145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vineyards around Estancia Colomé</td></tr>
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Here are a few ideas for visiting the wine country. It's not just Mendoza, which gets most of the press. There is also Cafayate in the north, which is where a lot of Argentina's popular white wine grape, Torrontes, is grown.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aVR9viCg7FXUCubHtK73kNmnbMKFlSMbQuX3a_P2E-5iUfd5MhFhAbZrHtATYZo5Jb5SKoji8U4gHkrN17L0ltgWN9HpkFPPYAoOzApcNK-f3CvBvWcHFBSFvKsLWhyHTmAMWAPqBnb/s1600/m.s.lewis..122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-aVR9viCg7FXUCubHtK73kNmnbMKFlSMbQuX3a_P2E-5iUfd5MhFhAbZrHtATYZo5Jb5SKoji8U4gHkrN17L0ltgWN9HpkFPPYAoOzApcNK-f3CvBvWcHFBSFvKsLWhyHTmAMWAPqBnb/s640/m.s.lewis..122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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It is also near the home of one of the more amazing wineries and hotels you might ever visit, Bodega and <a href="http://www.estanciacolome.com/">Estancia Colomé</a>. Way off the beaten track and equally off the grid, Colomé is owned by the Hess Group which also owns Hess Collection in Napa and Peter Lehman in Australia. It is a sustainable resort, vineyard and winery, that produces its own power and food and is at the forefront of biodynamic agriculture. The vegetables, rabbit and the pork on the menu are grown on the property or by locals in the small community.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCpeSEoiJ3cez2vJXWlUbwCEA4dmsNzbcPIfAM9B87RUseNnqbXC4Ia2dXkSSPs-E7dagQ5gzJmXmFEBMtyMC3wLyHWkA1eKUHRLCf6gqZ6hgRy4lWkDd3mIuCsgpoZ0HLI5uJ-Jphfj/s1600/JLH.Argentina.-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDCpeSEoiJ3cez2vJXWlUbwCEA4dmsNzbcPIfAM9B87RUseNnqbXC4Ia2dXkSSPs-E7dagQ5gzJmXmFEBMtyMC3wLyHWkA1eKUHRLCf6gqZ6hgRy4lWkDd3mIuCsgpoZ0HLI5uJ-Jphfj/s640/JLH.Argentina.-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S2Qm4W6IpN0W94QexpsFCDV4tBOpdTf48zh30TxiMkxM1vaPu7WLv62mLYRsTYJxWZp9stSKhfHB0SLU3xalX3QYMlAldixURrU3siZy50Y_scRSGzjOIvDpcBkrWHzcor2zKPt98VK1/s1600/JLH.Argentina.-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S2Qm4W6IpN0W94QexpsFCDV4tBOpdTf48zh30TxiMkxM1vaPu7WLv62mLYRsTYJxWZp9stSKhfHB0SLU3xalX3QYMlAldixURrU3siZy50Y_scRSGzjOIvDpcBkrWHzcor2zKPt98VK1/s640/JLH.Argentina.-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q0ftsc_akRUv8uDQbR8SNuTI1FhLmcaKlzGLH992lumNaoVTPPb7k0BjeaVk3UWLbyQTek9ZafdozbU3Ka8uB4LQJAj-tRIfQ2WDR1LfsEOYVcfH9gGLj6ES1vZXiy4jC6jvjamWgCN7/s1600/m.s.lewis..128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q0ftsc_akRUv8uDQbR8SNuTI1FhLmcaKlzGLH992lumNaoVTPPb7k0BjeaVk3UWLbyQTek9ZafdozbU3Ka8uB4LQJAj-tRIfQ2WDR1LfsEOYVcfH9gGLj6ES1vZXiy4jC6jvjamWgCN7/s640/m.s.lewis..128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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It seems that there are as many places to stay in the Mendoza area as in Buenos Aires. One of our favorites is <a href="http://www.fincaadalgisa.com.ar/">Finca Adalgisa</a>. A small boutique hotel with a small boutique winery that was started by Italian immigrants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVirM7c54g0xVVE8FddifSjhKIfYXLFsWaWwtx1VetwUKvkj1QWHcAqDPEKIbvkDsB8ZnvMyidmic3-KEOuBqMzJs2badtsvODFbbZ79LljMeJgP4_xz_83u6bZQwRKMTU7wsBYZ4Q3UH_/s1600/m.s.lewis..200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVirM7c54g0xVVE8FddifSjhKIfYXLFsWaWwtx1VetwUKvkj1QWHcAqDPEKIbvkDsB8ZnvMyidmic3-KEOuBqMzJs2badtsvODFbbZ79LljMeJgP4_xz_83u6bZQwRKMTU7wsBYZ4Q3UH_/s640/m.s.lewis..200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finca Adalgisa</td></tr>
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Another wonderful place, set in the vineyards with the Andes looming to the west is <a href="http://www.postalesarg.com/">Postales Argentina</a>. I realize that we have put up two pool shots, but it was 104 degrees F when we were there. Hope you understand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz85WRxkLHsDfNpJkS7r6gPKz8tnnEVvpQKw0sSqvFA3SNdDjsPsU0rxFkvFv3rBGlDzALOQcD1rojZN-ChFxsxkiyzyXdqL1O56gIi6I0u0_ZdeHz7o7kOlfkcUT-LaiDClk9WuRZvYU/s1600/m.s.lewis..185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz85WRxkLHsDfNpJkS7r6gPKz8tnnEVvpQKw0sSqvFA3SNdDjsPsU0rxFkvFv3rBGlDzALOQcD1rojZN-ChFxsxkiyzyXdqL1O56gIi6I0u0_ZdeHz7o7kOlfkcUT-LaiDClk9WuRZvYU/s640/m.s.lewis..185.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postales Argentina</td></tr>
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Tell them we sent you!Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-16457603835612830282011-06-06T18:16:00.005-05:002011-06-07T13:16:26.409-05:00Going to Argentina?I realize that most of us in the Northern Hemisphere plan a trip to South America during our winter and their summer. But, for those of you who like to avoid the crowds, or who are planning to ski the Andes, we wanted to throw a couple of hotel choices your way.<br />
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Maybe winter would be a good time to visit Buenos Aires for those tango lessons you promised yourself?<br />
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In this amazing city, you have so many places in all budget ranges. Then, you have to make the hard choice of neighborhoods: San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Viejo, Palermo . . . . . . OK, that's enough of the hip Palermo sub-neighborhood choices.<br />
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But, one of our favorites was in Palermo Hollywood. You'll truly feel at home at <a href="http://www.homebuenosaires.com/">The Home Hote</a>l. A little bit hip, a little bit retro, but all class.<br />
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The rooms are stylish, to be sure, and you can have basic, or you can go waaaaaaayyyyy upscale. Like a two-floor suite, with your own private sundeck for tanning your naughty bits and a private pool that is one roll and a bounce away from your bed.<br />
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There are great restaurants in the neighborhood, but you'll be happy with the included breakfast and might find it hard to leave at all, since the restaurant and bar do everything well.<br />
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Tell them we sent you!<br />
<a href="http://www.homebuenosaires.com/">http://www.homebuenosaires.com/ </a>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-54507775000695241912011-06-04T14:01:00.002-05:002011-06-04T14:07:10.325-05:00Asian food at the MercadoOne day a year ago, Jennifer and I were headed to the <i>mercado</i> for lunch at one of the <i>loncherias</i>. We were walking by one of the small places and it was filled with Asian guys, with tables loaded with food served family style. It was obvious that they were happy with their food.<br />
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Of course, this is one of several places on Cozumel that cater to the cruise ship crews. There was a hand written menu on the wall above the kitchen, and I didn't recognize a single item on the menu except fried rice.<br />
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We took the only vacant table and were approached by a young man who asked if we were familiar with the menu items? "No". Do we like seafood? "Oh, Yes"<br />
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He then explained they cooked Malaysian and Indonesian which are a balance of sweet, spicy and savory, and Filipino, which was mostly sweet and sour.<br />
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We went for an Indonesian dish called <i>bakwan udang</i>. It turned out to be one of the best shrimp dishes I have ever had. Wonderful fried shrimp and vegetable cakes served with an amazing <i>sambal</i> sauce that had us licking the spoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bakwan udang & sambal</td></tr>
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The <i>samba</i>l sauce is a spicy hot, sweet sauce that has a unique flavor. It burns your mouth, then cools it with the sweetness. Totally addicting.<br />
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Fast forward to today's mercado, where the <i>loncherias</i> have been rebuilt and a parking lot installed. On our last visit the restaurant has no menu or name on the exterior. It is the place that is the closest to Rosado Salas.<br />
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It's best to go with a small crowd, since the portions are large. Four of us ordered a whole fish in a curry sauce, fried rice and the required <i>bakwan udang</i>. Bring your own beer or settle for refrescos. Definitely bring your appetite.<br />
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Open for lunch Monday - Saturday<br />
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http://www.mandjphoto.comMichael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-82274059001421733712011-06-04T10:21:00.001-05:002011-06-04T11:16:58.946-05:00Tamarindo CozumelMy first visits to Cozumel in the mid 90s found me looking for interesting, small places that I considered bargains. Hotel Pepita, Hotel Aguilar and Tamarindo B&B were a few of the places where I stayed.<br />
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My favorite was Tamarindo B&B, with it's smooth edges and perfect blending of architectural details and design. This is definitely not your normal place with rectangular rooms and concrete floors.<br />
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Tamarindo B&B was unique then, and it still feels that way today. The design and atmosphere are a little bit Mexican and a little bit Greek Islands. That combination is flavored with a healthy dose of European style. Eliane Godement, originally from France, has created a place that exudes charm, and is very fairly priced.<br />
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She serves an amazing B&B style breakfast on the terrace at her Calle 4 norte location.<br />
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There are a couple of rooms, a very cool thatch-roof bungalow and four apartments with kitchenettes.<br />
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Her second location, on Calle 19 sur one block east of Melgar, features a bungalow, two apartments and a pool.<br />
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We enjoyed photographing such an interesting property with distinctive rooms for her new web site.Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-34451269090809150742011-05-22T19:27:00.009-05:002011-05-23T08:11:57.599-05:00The Goddess Ix Chel on Cozumel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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Every year there is a reenactment of the Mayan crossing from the mainland to Cozumel in order to honor the goddess Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility. It was tradition for the Mayans to make the pilgrimage to Cozumel to the temple of Ix Chel at least once during their lifetime, especially for women who were pregnant or wishing to become pregnant. <br />
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After months and months of training, modern day participants rise before dawn and leaving the mainland around 5am make the long journey across the channel arriving to Cozumel mid afternoon in dugout canoes. It's a long, arduous journey, made more difficult since participants can only wear the typical Mayan dress, so no sunglasses, hats, or sun protection except a white cloth on their head.<br />
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Waiting on their arrival, I stood under an intense sun downing free cups of water provided for everyone in order to prevent sun stroke. I can only imagine what it was like to row for hours under that same sun. <br />
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I was told stories about women who had become pregnant after attending the ceremony in years past - even one who had had her tubes tied! So, women beware!! <br />
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The celebration continued into the evening at Chankanab and was a total delight. Chankanab is built around a beautiful cenote with three Mayan style temples. I only wish we could have sat closer to the temples but the setting was devine and the lighting and production values were really terrific. It only happens once a year, which is really a shame, so plan ahead. You can get tickets for next year here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.travesiasagradamaya.com.mx/">http://www.travesiasagradamaya.com.mx/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-61189668070994769862011-05-09T17:33:00.003-05:002011-05-09T20:59:02.580-05:00The Money Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifI7DV4xxvvlhdTbmx_PtR8csH7Uf425pHKO8tudSd1b9ygIj5tBtIdmj-sf00_yO6fSnjaBmhrZrsgKwFznjobkp9Ax4m3KD6kZGU-5De2bBX1KMWpLgqRd_1sRy_jjaV56bV3tvr8Eh/s1600/_MG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifI7DV4xxvvlhdTbmx_PtR8csH7Uf425pHKO8tudSd1b9ygIj5tBtIdmj-sf00_yO6fSnjaBmhrZrsgKwFznjobkp9Ax4m3KD6kZGU-5De2bBX1KMWpLgqRd_1sRy_jjaV56bV3tvr8Eh/s640/_MG_0771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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We visited The Money Bar last October when we first moved to the island. Great place for the sunset, happy hour drinks and <a href="http://www.theredeyeband.com/">The Red Eye Band</a>, the best cover band on the island.<br />
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We visit often to snorkel around the Dzul-ha reef, or to sit under the palms at the small federal park just north of the bar. The snorkeling is usually good, with two spotted eels that are usually seen around the coral heads. Last week, I saw a southern sting ray with a 6' wingspan in 8' of water, and it was swimming toward shore!<br />
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We started the Friday night happy hour habit about two months ago. The restaurant has some terrific items on the menu. I particularly like the ceviche. However, we go for the happy hour, music, sunset and dancing. Usually in that order.<br />
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The band starts around 6:00 and the time for conversation is finished. They rock. The guitar player is the real deal on his Fender Strat, putting his spin on famous licks by Santana and Hendrix. The singer struts like Jim Morrison and usually hits the high notes he shoots for.<br />
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Another real plus is that Bohemia beer is on the menu. That is good because (I have said it in this space before and I will say it again), Bohemia is, hands down, Mexico's best tasting beer. And, yes, I would take a free supply for plugging their beer, but, no, it has yet to happen. I won't give up.<br />
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Sometimes a pro doesn't want to lug around all of their equipment, so some of these photos were shot with the <a href="http://hipstamaticapp.com/">Hipstamatic App</a> for the iPhone and iTouch. With the right lens and film setting, the photos look like the ones that Mom used to take with the Kodak Brownie.<br />
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So, here are a few photos from The Money Bar, Hipstamatic and regular.<br />
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On the coastal highway, about 2 miles south of Puerto Maya<br />
Live Music - Friday, Saturday and Sunday<br />
Happy Hour: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (2 for 1)<br />
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See you on Friday!<br />
http://www.mandjphoto.com<br />
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Keep watching this space for an all new blog!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Bigger! Better! More Info! More Photos!</i></span></span>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-34847328372860647162011-05-04T09:05:00.000-05:002011-05-04T09:05:35.489-05:00Festival El CedralThe Festival at El Cedral, the small community on the southern part of Cozumel, is a popular event held every spring.<br />
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It features music, dancing, horse races, bull fights and a craft fair. We only attended the opening day festivities, but enjoyed the traditional Mayan and Yucatecan dancing.<br />
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Here are a few of our favorite photos.<br />
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http://www.mandjphoto.com<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhKbqPCB_oQ2qWAV11A3Cn8BVEu2tO25ZFqcuMCHDUAkC5BV0HVquyl53_5NdxpLuzlUF8EoFnqxkk-HC31CtIo3yQiI3DHsiAKDmnn2dS9xm0YG3RMaWUkdum93-x8mm1VvSnjOCLj_6/s1600/_MG_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhKbqPCB_oQ2qWAV11A3Cn8BVEu2tO25ZFqcuMCHDUAkC5BV0HVquyl53_5NdxpLuzlUF8EoFnqxkk-HC31CtIo3yQiI3DHsiAKDmnn2dS9xm0YG3RMaWUkdum93-x8mm1VvSnjOCLj_6/s640/_MG_0704.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-75735287340815099502011-05-02T16:39:00.000-05:002011-05-02T16:39:50.636-05:00Taqueria MolinaSunday morning at the M<i>ercado</i>.<br />
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Jennifer's favorite place on the island - for breakfast.<br />
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After six straight days of cereal and bananas at home, a plate of <i>sopes, tacos, gorditas</i> or <i>panuchos</i> really hits the spot. You choices for toppings include, but are not limited to: chicken, <i>carnitas, carne asado, rajas en crema, chorizo y papas or chicharron. </i>I love the green sauce, which tastes like <i>jalapeño</i> and <i>tomates verde</i> with the perfect amount of Sunday morning heat and flavor.<br />
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Pair a plate of your favorites with a healthy <i>agua fresca</i> such as <i>piña</i>, melon or <i>sandia</i>. Unless it was a rough Saturday night, then you might want a sugar cane sweetened Coca-Cola. With luck, Mexico will remain a country free of high fructose corn syrup <i>refrescos</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy-sWVoEHoMHpM1B6MOK1eLz0DptyWHnL6g2mqtLeXYQshIXqngy2I0qg9rtNV2aB4sjGMK7AJA0xjc-1ngQGWnWX3P3KFqZ0X9Kn5XiByGWDerw1ID5G3a8Hc-2ILK1U2nniuOfiyDf5/s1600/IMG_2894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy-sWVoEHoMHpM1B6MOK1eLz0DptyWHnL6g2mqtLeXYQshIXqngy2I0qg9rtNV2aB4sjGMK7AJA0xjc-1ngQGWnWX3P3KFqZ0X9Kn5XiByGWDerw1ID5G3a8Hc-2ILK1U2nniuOfiyDf5/s640/IMG_2894.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chorizo y papes sope, carne asada and rajas con crema tacos and a pollo gordita</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PxK7DKwrtNXAvob3mAuqVSSUCduPAPCWyha8OB8F6FN0IuQT0qQ7TTpLwA1Bx_T5mihPLLQNr-Yr4Xbwj2laOFchgra2HtzflzVv9pEO0gQJnxs7qEvBt7lSCL4Nwsaa5jFpJIidyigV/s1600/IMG_2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PxK7DKwrtNXAvob3mAuqVSSUCduPAPCWyha8OB8F6FN0IuQT0qQ7TTpLwA1Bx_T5mihPLLQNr-Yr4Xbwj2laOFchgra2HtzflzVv9pEO0gQJnxs7qEvBt7lSCL4Nwsaa5jFpJIidyigV/s640/IMG_2896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-81590771744918062142011-04-22T13:24:00.006-05:002011-06-04T14:55:54.887-05:00Danube European Cuisine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUqMtgzUzGPPmU5Bku0c_7CXQ7dc5kemQcRc1w16OLjgF-GfhBJrRiIvyIRnZckWdOV1aqX8mcpx6LGO1bist0MiZZBiRx7wsLyhZumosFLAJkNeNE7iAiR_5FmFt9DKGhdtvzJwuyuYv/s1600/_MG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUqMtgzUzGPPmU5Bku0c_7CXQ7dc5kemQcRc1w16OLjgF-GfhBJrRiIvyIRnZckWdOV1aqX8mcpx6LGO1bist0MiZZBiRx7wsLyhZumosFLAJkNeNE7iAiR_5FmFt9DKGhdtvzJwuyuYv/s640/_MG_0747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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The new Plaza i 95 is open across from Puerta Maya.<br />
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Under the guidance of the Kwok family, the owners of Chi on Melgar, the new building has a grocery and an internet call center on the ground floor, a Chi restaurant (specializing in Asian dishes) on the third floor and Danube, a new spot featuring new items not often found on Cozumel.<br />
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The grocery is well stocked with many local and Asian items. Looking for rice stick pasta? You'll find it here.<br />
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But, take the elevator to the top floor and you enter an open, bright space with beautiful wood floors and a flowing fabric ceiling. This is Danube, featuring European dishes like pan-fried braised beef pierogies, falafel with grilled flatbread, shrimp and scallop ravioli, and coconut curry shrimp. <br />
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With two Culinary Institute of America graduates in the kitchen, the march of outstanding dishes begins with the appetizers and continues through the desserts. The expresso and smoothie drinks coming from the bar are not to be missed, either.<br />
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Three of us tried grilled chicken skewers, shrimp and scallop ravioli, and coconut shrimp with sides of sweet potato fries, herb roasted potatoes and broiled polenta cakes. All had excellent flavors, fresh ingredients and ample portions. We were ordered by Raymond Kwok to save room for dessert, which we didn't. But, we found room for the amazing citrus tart, which makes great use of bursting-with-flavor Mexican limes. You should go for this one dish alone!<br />
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With a spacious, comfortable dining room and a terrace with views from the piers to the new marina, it's the perfect place for a full meal or snacks and a drink at sunset. The service is as prompt and professional as any on the island. For now, you should call and ask what time the last cruise ship leaves. If the departure time is after sunset, they will be open.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Made Crepe with Roasted Pepper</td></tr>
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We were hired by the restaurant to do their promotional and advertising photography. Which meant we got to sample a few more dishes after we had finished photographing them.<br />
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The whole fish (grouper) was perfectly crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. The cesar salad was fresh and crisp. But our favorite was the falafels. Wonderful spices set this dish at the top of the list for us. Oh, and last, but never least, another citrus tart!<br />
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You can book a table or reserve the entire restaurant for a party by calling 987-989-6349 x107 or by emailing: miryam@danubecoz.com<br />
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Monday - Thursday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm<br />
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm<br />
Closed Sunday<br />
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http://www.facebook.com/DanubeCoz<br />
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Don't forget to pre-order a citrus tart for everyone at the table!<br />
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Michael<br />
info@mandjphoto.com<br />
http://www.mandjphoto.comMichael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-45728295588990127062011-03-13T16:49:00.001-06:002011-03-13T16:50:43.594-06:00Playa and Akumal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>To promote our new <a href="http://www.mandjphoto.com/">destination wedding</a> business, we spent a couple of days on the Riviera Maya last week. It was a whirlwind of meetings with wedding planners, shopping for office stuff and, of course, good meals.<br />
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Our first night in Playa del Carmen, we met with Maria, from <a href="http://www.weddingsinplaya.com/">Weddings in Playa</a>. She recommended Como Como on Quinta by Calle 38 Norte. Fantastic! A nice glass of Sangiovese with breadsticks dipped in olive oil was a good start. That was followed by a wonderful arugula salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and bits of proscuitto.<br />
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The Osso bucco (veal shank) was a generous portion of meat, falling-off-the-bone perfect over mashed potatoes. Our other entree was tagliatelle with lobster in a cream sauce. Both dishes were outstanding.<br />
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The next day we scooted up to Cancun to meet with Denise, Gloria and Maria Fernanda at <a href="http://www.tropicalweddingexperts.com/">Tropical Wedding Experts</a>. Like Maria, true professionals with whom we look forward to working.<br />
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We had time for one more meeting back in Playa and were faced with the decision of where to stay for the night.<br />
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We wanted to snorkel in the Akumal Lagoon, so we headed to Akumal. A nice ocean front room in the Vista del Mar Hotel and dinner at La Buena Vida finished off the day. Unfortunately, the cold front kept us out of the lagoon.<br />
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Breakfast the next day at <a href="http://www.turtlebaycafe.com/">Turtle Bay Cafe and Bakery </a>more than made up for the weather disappointment. Flavorful Chiapas coffee, amazing sticky buns (well-balanced, not too sweet). So amazing, that we ate it before we could photograph it. You'll have to settle for photos of the crab cake benedict and the fruit plate. They were both as good as it gets.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV10lqKh5WPIm2dC4NffdVspethktie5C28SP3gK-bmUnNgBRo9AeMIInlzHDH42HQnx08j8I99woKDDxf083SshGdG70b6LYOnTcosqYp_s7159JYSL7AQZ4XwSBg11DRSqxkN0S9wLex/s1600/_MG_0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV10lqKh5WPIm2dC4NffdVspethktie5C28SP3gK-bmUnNgBRo9AeMIInlzHDH42HQnx08j8I99woKDDxf083SshGdG70b6LYOnTcosqYp_s7159JYSL7AQZ4XwSBg11DRSqxkN0S9wLex/s640/_MG_0318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-pT8Xqin1Ob0h_i9XkLWbb2JAh5cXF9HWWZKlG7idwx18J0hWjPnfMewgnjBPl0QYQQSlHfajpBAn52P37GwusiG_ERNAqVU6sNF3GyEQhgep6k62ASwuDIKeKWZ7aBo8G-1BQg0IR0z/s1600/_MG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-pT8Xqin1Ob0h_i9XkLWbb2JAh5cXF9HWWZKlG7idwx18J0hWjPnfMewgnjBPl0QYQQSlHfajpBAn52P37GwusiG_ERNAqVU6sNF3GyEQhgep6k62ASwuDIKeKWZ7aBo8G-1BQg0IR0z/s640/_MG_0319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-49929128501058398472011-03-13T10:17:00.001-06:002011-03-13T16:42:11.872-06:00Carnaval 2011Our first <i>Carnaval</i> season as Cozumel residents was unforgettable. We were able to attend several evening events where the king and queen candidates performed before the final vote. Jennifer went to a couple events where the <i>comparsas</i> (dance groups) were competing.<br />
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The lead up to Fat Tuesday features parades along the waterfront, <i>comparsas</i> performing in the plazas and on the streets, and concerts in the parks. Of course, there are plenty of food vendors in both parks and along the parade route.<br />
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Since the parades start after dark and the lighting can be uneven, I concentrated on shooting some of the preparations for the parade on Fat Tuesday for this blog post.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Photos from the other events are on <a href="http://www.jenniferlewisphoto.com/">Jennifer's web site</a> under the Portfolio heading.<br />
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The next blog will feature some of the good eats we discovered on the mainland when we traveled to meet with wedding planners for our new <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http//:www.mandjphoto.com">destination wedding business</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAadXXQ-jlnwG1j5cKI-ubfeFzzczg-2zr8to8lpxLQxEiUNf2GSTqouBijVrmJQeIq-6DfTII8n6PNudnlylVACroasf99TOYq22VwcJjK-7Vo1HfGSXpV-Sp_tleovAjr9n9ilF4Z1D5/s1600/_MG_0193.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579201284579088994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAadXXQ-jlnwG1j5cKI-ubfeFzzczg-2zr8to8lpxLQxEiUNf2GSTqouBijVrmJQeIq-6DfTII8n6PNudnlylVACroasf99TOYq22VwcJjK-7Vo1HfGSXpV-Sp_tleovAjr9n9ilF4Z1D5/s640/_MG_0193.jpg" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FNjIusskB_CXQYWA-rhvy0Y0UodVJ0xqc2MFBB5gdREzpVYRP0ESpTuRM96FYvvvzKt6KYAVDNRT6RFOFu5LHJuPpE3b2-P3QllvTEWRHq3ZJpH33VaajOm2ymJ0Y4auK4ClJjk_3pnM/s1600/_MG_0441.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579201280554481410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FNjIusskB_CXQYWA-rhvy0Y0UodVJ0xqc2MFBB5gdREzpVYRP0ESpTuRM96FYvvvzKt6KYAVDNRT6RFOFu5LHJuPpE3b2-P3QllvTEWRHq3ZJpH33VaajOm2ymJ0Y4auK4ClJjk_3pnM/s640/_MG_0441.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" width="460" /></a><br />
After a lot of work, our new web site for our Destination Weddings business is live.<br />
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</div><div>Jennifer and I are so excited to be living here in this beautiful place. We are looking forward to photographing weddings on Cozumel, the Mayan Riviera, Cancun and Tulum.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Please pass this along to your friends. We are offering a nice discount to the first wedding booked in Mexico.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.mandjphoto.com/">M&J Photography</a></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-28642647694273698662011-02-20T15:04:00.004-06:002011-02-20T15:24:13.992-06:00Cozumel Carnaval 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5-P56Je2iHcXJSBCcm3RbsVwjDBKUqaGMcTLnmYhCCw8-UFsUhI717VYmaPrlfnv2YuTMHw-J5AwHG6Aw7UAaE_8aDFv6OdNFBpcq0KDDt_6OKLPpuIsKmlqZPFrgkshSFNRzRVoxEt6/s1600/_MG_0263.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5-P56Je2iHcXJSBCcm3RbsVwjDBKUqaGMcTLnmYhCCw8-UFsUhI717VYmaPrlfnv2YuTMHw-J5AwHG6Aw7UAaE_8aDFv6OdNFBpcq0KDDt_6OKLPpuIsKmlqZPFrgkshSFNRzRVoxEt6/s400/_MG_0263.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575885617981531426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-ClbFK1gy8bdNmNTLjbILYzDDe8rbh_lUktziwEhhoCdAhss7cGeRct-NEQ743aDwsI5pKRvRzn2taYncjOLZC4GW4By6rzx7TFOwrdaJo2V15OBj4bwaJWUgwuMiJuyj2-U0wJqbvz0/s1600/_MG_0220.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-ClbFK1gy8bdNmNTLjbILYzDDe8rbh_lUktziwEhhoCdAhss7cGeRct-NEQ743aDwsI5pKRvRzn2taYncjOLZC4GW4By6rzx7TFOwrdaJo2V15OBj4bwaJWUgwuMiJuyj2-U0wJqbvz0/s400/_MG_0220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575883758906684978" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1Ghh4ibgN7BZyJ9HAhMa-kerMVMbk60d0awp5_Fbj9-g0GqwpsLmcQ-cK9JVOX-piDX0M8JY6JA0Jy8BqZHrDA0kpmYyuvsWGZH18KkV2mcPihQ0DyGbsi6BZBvPx-A7B2kYvelugC9G/s1600/_MG_0282.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1Ghh4ibgN7BZyJ9HAhMa-kerMVMbk60d0awp5_Fbj9-g0GqwpsLmcQ-cK9JVOX-piDX0M8JY6JA0Jy8BqZHrDA0kpmYyuvsWGZH18KkV2mcPihQ0DyGbsi6BZBvPx-A7B2kYvelugC9G/s400/_MG_0282.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575883754594077538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAW5RNv44GCOVpbuKkL218fO-tZkIrpz1O9veobVHCEhfYXd8XCp-qCmiRElaRIYLeo-OPnRx5r1de4SjYzoII7s5nPVgSEMmoopy_-IP53ak9KPjXzl_oKexjzi9A2b8hnSZz06GL5v9/s1600/_MG_0301.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAW5RNv44GCOVpbuKkL218fO-tZkIrpz1O9veobVHCEhfYXd8XCp-qCmiRElaRIYLeo-OPnRx5r1de4SjYzoII7s5nPVgSEMmoopy_-IP53ak9KPjXzl_oKexjzi9A2b8hnSZz06GL5v9/s400/_MG_0301.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575883752024487666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92jnzm1W6QGv5NbiwNjeHEAlTBUPTq50IfFkeQAEajCU2O73_0RInwiVyYD8Fi-O8Tx_JNz9eVbyH_nBFQz9yJLEmr65IxlAB9UFa0b9OcdyGqpQqtVuofFGrobHMMlAEJbBLRFP20Q95/s1600/_MG_0314.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92jnzm1W6QGv5NbiwNjeHEAlTBUPTq50IfFkeQAEajCU2O73_0RInwiVyYD8Fi-O8Tx_JNz9eVbyH_nBFQz9yJLEmr65IxlAB9UFa0b9OcdyGqpQqtVuofFGrobHMMlAEJbBLRFP20Q95/s400/_MG_0314.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575883744110680802" /></a><br />We have spent the past three Saturday evenings at the Moby Dick events center for the preliminary parties for Carnaval. <div><br /></div><div>The candidates for King and Queen of Carnaval are presented, then perform alone, and finally perform with the dance troops (<i>comparsas</i>) that they have assembled. A couple of the candidates had as many as 40 dancers.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is an impressive production with Las Vegas style costumes and elaborate dance numbers. It's even more impressive when you realize it is all home grown. A small city of 100,000 puts on a show of this caliber.</div><div><br /></div><div>All of the candidates are local and many of the costumes are made by parents.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have been fortunate enough to be on the island during Carnaval, you've probably enjoyed the parade and the free concert in the park. I don't think many gringos see this part of Carnaval. After all, the show begins at 11:00 pm. Most of us are in bed by then. Me included.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I will return with some restaurant reviews in the next week. </div><div><br /></div><div>For now enjoy a few photos from last nights performance.</div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-35617999169955214642011-02-11T11:34:00.004-06:002011-02-11T12:22:57.233-06:00Birthday Evening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htiAkb-sIUioVHKe2ccN9Yb9Hi9j1Dk-LXpEJp2-LW9dUZCjPfmNCV-X92serie3m_ZsJR6J_mVr5Bui3YGx-1L-ZhhWDkWDwsXGPW3pcaMWw-6z3VGbM3QGi1CzIxFpxsK4sJP43zxl/s1600/_MG_9801.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htiAkb-sIUioVHKe2ccN9Yb9Hi9j1Dk-LXpEJp2-LW9dUZCjPfmNCV-X92serie3m_ZsJR6J_mVr5Bui3YGx-1L-ZhhWDkWDwsXGPW3pcaMWw-6z3VGbM3QGi1CzIxFpxsK4sJP43zxl/s400/_MG_9801.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572498146929622786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xCh5YSTHH5c14EzIx6aOP1rDm0j3-PpWX5YST5JEZtEWRPQqOcWmV3zNznUxFs2AxU3VZc_j4b0d2qMRoZaxHS7OHGHJkLuszH0RmXhz6mA39_w7n1QT9gN-JQCl6-6lKPeeCBPObhhD/s1600/_MG_9804.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xCh5YSTHH5c14EzIx6aOP1rDm0j3-PpWX5YST5JEZtEWRPQqOcWmV3zNznUxFs2AxU3VZc_j4b0d2qMRoZaxHS7OHGHJkLuszH0RmXhz6mA39_w7n1QT9gN-JQCl6-6lKPeeCBPObhhD/s400/_MG_9804.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572498147625833250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VOQ8veNzr-zO0WJo9IIbJs_Q4dxxsmT-WkOmvHwoU7IMO0w4uxpXGCn-B32kpWaUrdjJER6e7cFNdtlbSfT4SpT3mRMjYI7vb8MTqX_w0xLv0GGMw0yJ5QFMB5e1eqylcxPGhY8SuJMl/s1600/_MG_9805.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VOQ8veNzr-zO0WJo9IIbJs_Q4dxxsmT-WkOmvHwoU7IMO0w4uxpXGCn-B32kpWaUrdjJER6e7cFNdtlbSfT4SpT3mRMjYI7vb8MTqX_w0xLv0GGMw0yJ5QFMB5e1eqylcxPGhY8SuJMl/s400/_MG_9805.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572498145233843634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTjbVTnDI15awK0I6n6OfwfkkeBXSA83iXNC_J2DHT8PCArOB3LkzyamWfAKxLXs9Ii2oFBNvQ-tmVODdLYxBu2hsxN_QkPXYglrDUzBEGA4JgmeDsuhnWVQtkYFmuy4YP2-9VniEp0_9/s1600/_MG_9809.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTjbVTnDI15awK0I6n6OfwfkkeBXSA83iXNC_J2DHT8PCArOB3LkzyamWfAKxLXs9Ii2oFBNvQ-tmVODdLYxBu2hsxN_QkPXYglrDUzBEGA4JgmeDsuhnWVQtkYFmuy4YP2-9VniEp0_9/s400/_MG_9809.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572498144948023954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicjCc0716JGgiTsvQq-NiB7ky1iYLN7hjTniTRo7vaRA5yYk_3ugpQXP6UENfjpimdjwMZetuuE8c120vGKN0ACsmt5r7D25JcXzM0H6usTWCX_jf2zSdGaMQlt4KN5fcHNpbeqcnMpnZ/s1600/_MG_9816.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicjCc0716JGgiTsvQq-NiB7ky1iYLN7hjTniTRo7vaRA5yYk_3ugpQXP6UENfjpimdjwMZetuuE8c120vGKN0ACsmt5r7D25JcXzM0H6usTWCX_jf2zSdGaMQlt4KN5fcHNpbeqcnMpnZ/s400/_MG_9816.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572498138346526194" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have had many memorable meals in Cozumel. There is a lot of variety among the restaurants and quite a few places really care about their food and the service.</div><div><br /></div><div>A birthday dinner on the island has lots of possibilities. A couple of years ago, a friend and I went to El Moro on my birthday. I'd heard about the terrific shrimp dishes. Big shrimp, a contradiction in terms, that come from the <i>Bahía de Campeche</i>. We were wowed that night, and it has been a habit for the past couple of years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guests are greeted with enthusiasm and warmth. Chips and a nice habañero pico de gallo arrives at the table, followed quickly by drinks. Fortunately, they serve Mexico's finest beer, Bohemia. Only worth noting because not everyone does here in the land of hopless, flavorless Corona. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can't miss by starting with the garlic soup with egg. A rich chicken stock that has the perfect amount of garlic, and an egg that is swirled into and cooked in the broth.</div><div><br /></div><div>The shrimp brochette (shrimp on a wire) is good, the grouper is always fresh and never overcooked, and one friend loves the chicken mole.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I'm after the <i>Camarones Palapa, </i>which I have never seen anywhere else. They start with large shrimp, pounded flat, breaded and fried. The results are small shrimp bowls. In the shrimp bowl is a sauce very much like a Veracruzana, but with green peas, and more shrimp.</div><div><br /></div><div>What more could a shrimp lover ask for, but shrimp on shrimp? </div><div><br /></div><div>The meal is topped off by a complimentary Mayan liqueur Xtabentun, made of honey and anisette. Not a common drink, it has a nice balance.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it is your birthday and someone in your party has spilled the beans, the lights go down and a homemade banana split with candles comes to the table, accompanied by a sombrero (you can't keep it) and a version of one of the worst songs ever written.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, the birthday celebration continued into the night, with the first Carnaval event at Moby Dick. The king and queen candidates were presented after an elaborate dance number. Mexican pop/disco star, Yuri, put on a show which wound down at 2:30am. Then the dancing started. Five more to go, and we plan on being at every one.</div><div><br /></div><div>El Moro</div><div>Open 1:00pm - 11:00pm</div><div>Closed Thursday</div><div>Ave 75 bis norte, between Calle 2 y 4</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-17100574561563079952011-01-28T12:10:00.003-06:002011-01-28T14:04:55.120-06:00Visit to the U.S.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VJa1dfnMQOx5gubyhi3XFOckO8YD8AqOYkR2vpMDV4f-xeO_kYWJwBEL_HbgkSMI73-Qi3FAY7BoCZH8_J8qXfJCuMhXULLg2GBIi12q2DLbeyVsKcmdgQl_OYmCW9vAcjzIWL14CkPe/s1600/_MG_9481.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VJa1dfnMQOx5gubyhi3XFOckO8YD8AqOYkR2vpMDV4f-xeO_kYWJwBEL_HbgkSMI73-Qi3FAY7BoCZH8_J8qXfJCuMhXULLg2GBIi12q2DLbeyVsKcmdgQl_OYmCW9vAcjzIWL14CkPe/s400/_MG_9481.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326465077440994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDxprQfpocgXtVqa4m6BoLRinwrMZMm0L-o41KVj4TvhEhoOmqU-gXKcRw2ERgRmbumS3W1XYX9aIsVawYBXANU6ZEd5EgbKYXDfulAIk1ov3-geZ-hjJgn93PgweXiPp7FY1G1FjIEK4/s1600/_MG_9472.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDxprQfpocgXtVqa4m6BoLRinwrMZMm0L-o41KVj4TvhEhoOmqU-gXKcRw2ERgRmbumS3W1XYX9aIsVawYBXANU6ZEd5EgbKYXDfulAIk1ov3-geZ-hjJgn93PgweXiPp7FY1G1FjIEK4/s400/_MG_9472.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326455546004530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8CEwfAxdj0kEa1okhz9IqFGqcQd9bx1klnS0oeUaLWdBM1dL5GMaMAzZHtgApTUP99vnzfZIrSnKJleYxi77nPJxYYYsUQYjjszAUAr7ZpV36vLkyp_kR2QVGggLA_RDnHTa2lwQOsVL/s1600/_MG_9458.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8CEwfAxdj0kEa1okhz9IqFGqcQd9bx1klnS0oeUaLWdBM1dL5GMaMAzZHtgApTUP99vnzfZIrSnKJleYxi77nPJxYYYsUQYjjszAUAr7ZpV36vLkyp_kR2QVGggLA_RDnHTa2lwQOsVL/s400/_MG_9458.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326455116612066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpbFDqJm9scf9-U8zy0c78TzqzRzEC8NhhwCBZryBf02VkDFEaTSQ2rq_wc3NGYWFnPiRYEHdQFRNZbM2mI-he10seQbGngU3K-spb-HWw7huI59rqtqfIJB1imKU_CqPUpgi2Roxoupo/s1600/_MG_9449.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpbFDqJm9scf9-U8zy0c78TzqzRzEC8NhhwCBZryBf02VkDFEaTSQ2rq_wc3NGYWFnPiRYEHdQFRNZbM2mI-he10seQbGngU3K-spb-HWw7huI59rqtqfIJB1imKU_CqPUpgi2Roxoupo/s400/_MG_9449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326446731138770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ddWZ6PCa6oSkmlwNZsa8yqYExmO-IyzJQisugOREBm5NCBrTLGFD3KdaD-QD-RIwryyVYcpShRWb6fu4qk2-vxzpULYATJ_aR8aPG7hGB8k1Gsw6oXxfOxnSbD-AEk-Ub_y0usBUNKOO/s1600/_MG_9444.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ddWZ6PCa6oSkmlwNZsa8yqYExmO-IyzJQisugOREBm5NCBrTLGFD3KdaD-QD-RIwryyVYcpShRWb6fu4qk2-vxzpULYATJ_aR8aPG7hGB8k1Gsw6oXxfOxnSbD-AEk-Ub_y0usBUNKOO/s400/_MG_9444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326447133672754" /></a><br />For many years, January has always seemed like the lost month. There never seemed to be any assignments and the weather was challenging. On the plus side, the month appears to go quickly into memory.<div><br /></div><div>This January was not much different, except that we left our home on Cozumel and made a two-week whirlwind tour of the U.S. We attended the annual meeting and seminar at National Geographic offices in D.C. (but, we missed the meeting due to bad weather at Charlotte, NC airport). The seminar was great, with the first speaker, <a href="http://www.abelardomorell.net/photography/cameraobsc_01/cameraobsc_01.html">Abelardo Morell</a>, inspiring us with his "camera obscura"photos: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Other highlights were visiting with friends and family in Severna Park, indulging in crab cakes, steamed oysters and clams from Annapolis Seafood. The <a href="http://www.avam.org/">American Visionary Art Museum</a>, featuring "outsider art" in Baltimore is a must see: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A leisurely, but punctual Amtrak trip took us to New York Penn station. Cold, but sunny, we made the trek to the Met to see the Stieglitz, Steichen and Strand photo exhibit, some interesting furniture and a cool exhibit by Joan Miro. A stellar dinner followed at Sfoglia on 92nd & Lexington. Terrific mussels, Berkshire pork chop, branzino and orrechiette with lamb sausage. It was early and the weather wasn't horrible, so we walked to Demarchelier at 86th and Madison for the Upper East Side French bistro experience. About what you would expect; nice atmosphere with attitude. Decent creme <i>brulee</i> and chocolate mousse cake.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, with no meetings and everyone we know working or occupied, we head to the new NYC Italian food mecca called Eataly. Located near the Flatiron building on 23rd and Broadway, it's the creation of Mario Batali, Joseph Bastianich and his mother, Lidia. All things Italian, and the best of all of those things - with prices to match. </div><div><br /></div><div>It would kill me to live in the neighborhood, because I would want to shop there regularly, which would cost a fortune. The selection matches the quality. The best fresh and cured meat, seafood, cheese, produce, coffee, gelato and baked goods are located among food stations that offer seafood, vegetable dishes, cured meat and cheese plates, pizza, and well . . . . just about anything you can think of that is Italian.</div><div><br /></div><div>Standing at a table in the La Piazza section , we had a plate with five kinds of cured meat, five kinds of cheese, a <i>tricolore</i> salad with <i>reggiano</i>, a glass of Spumante, and a glass of <i>rosato</i>. $56 with tip. A bit more than a Cozumel lunch at the taco stand. However, it was good and everyone should go once. At least. (all above photos taken at Eataly)</div><div><br /></div><div>Another delay at the airport the next day, due to freezing rain and snow, but we eventually made it to Albuquerque. A visit to the Apple store, a visit to Creede, raid the storage unit and the sad discovery that after 52 years in business in Española, NM, Matilda's is closed. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're back home, we've applied for our work visas, which, when granted, will allow us to launch our Mexican business. Stay tuned for details.</div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-70761219220105600442010-12-31T09:24:00.005-06:002010-12-31T09:41:14.767-06:00A Few Kodachrome Memories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96vO7b0jEtptNdp5gilXy5fkg5A7IMMAiAH2jRGNLqGfQLWl8w6VRLh_Hou1rNmroIgyFjEa1oJJEdQg1-cHHwHgTbRolQnHidPx7LzZDlhKeYR2jaAZa0eJVmuUj0gPbjcdaudqPQVCR/s1600/shoes.kr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96vO7b0jEtptNdp5gilXy5fkg5A7IMMAiAH2jRGNLqGfQLWl8w6VRLh_Hou1rNmroIgyFjEa1oJJEdQg1-cHHwHgTbRolQnHidPx7LzZDlhKeYR2jaAZa0eJVmuUj0gPbjcdaudqPQVCR/s400/shoes.kr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556870057097952642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCfvYlZimznKelCTLBv4F8C4xby1UHroxhBz0vDDR2DLSxNwszaPfBgH139cg2LpnolOAPYtuplss0voVzeZqSDKe_oZ-ikPeOT_FHJecHpLM0IBR1c5G6aMw-bfC53XuTFPZKQsnRDuE/s1600/plumb.kr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCfvYlZimznKelCTLBv4F8C4xby1UHroxhBz0vDDR2DLSxNwszaPfBgH139cg2LpnolOAPYtuplss0voVzeZqSDKe_oZ-ikPeOT_FHJecHpLM0IBR1c5G6aMw-bfC53XuTFPZKQsnRDuE/s400/plumb.kr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556870058252169090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK3v9K5x9H2ClEv1bdJA1j55bvlzW_s1u85XpkwfKv6ySXj16ulgPDexgplMxuchpEClCUCmnLddPfWZYHiewr5TqBRR9R5wQCcDxYUMbxnpF2T6TRKzZHc0z2xzIlY-r3RXkjEyLVwof/s1600/lewis02.kr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK3v9K5x9H2ClEv1bdJA1j55bvlzW_s1u85XpkwfKv6ySXj16ulgPDexgplMxuchpEClCUCmnLddPfWZYHiewr5TqBRR9R5wQCcDxYUMbxnpF2T6TRKzZHc0z2xzIlY-r3RXkjEyLVwof/s400/lewis02.kr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556870056555939122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDjr1iFZIrf2gJ0358KOSLfeGYq2u1281tlTrJ5gXGgPgh1RF8Xt2c75b5aDM88spLDX78Bg7qVg2N-LP0iFKRnQqEyf0GRy6uKoLg3vTzT0s-KFO5UOYNofhzRdO6XhdzT7xDOzPx31E/s1600/lew.af.200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDjr1iFZIrf2gJ0358KOSLfeGYq2u1281tlTrJ5gXGgPgh1RF8Xt2c75b5aDM88spLDX78Bg7qVg2N-LP0iFKRnQqEyf0GRy6uKoLg3vTzT0s-KFO5UOYNofhzRdO6XhdzT7xDOzPx31E/s400/lew.af.200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556870048346559122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5n49DWG8CO7mfQcLHjG2-0Ek94UOI1-l0y6ydb3_wIlG6xshOErwsABTlTfD52DNP29IEddqAfS7r9Au-apPpzkQEd7TgWB4wi6A9QCBaCR0Zy7JXEm8zWcwc-blnp7GL8pdYe4F-Ts6/s1600/lew.af.09.212.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5n49DWG8CO7mfQcLHjG2-0Ek94UOI1-l0y6ydb3_wIlG6xshOErwsABTlTfD52DNP29IEddqAfS7r9Au-apPpzkQEd7TgWB4wi6A9QCBaCR0Zy7JXEm8zWcwc-blnp7GL8pdYe4F-Ts6/s400/lew.af.09.212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556870050021150098" /></a><br />Let's be clear about this from the start. I love shooting digital and I wouldn't trade my Canon 5D MkII for a boatload of film.<div><br /></div><div>But, I would like to jump on the nostalgia, "in memoriam" Kodachrome bandwagon. I used it a lot as an amateur in the 70s, when I was trying (at great expense) to figure the whole photography thing out. If you missed the exposure on K25, you had a washed out mess or a contrasty problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was a newspaper photographer in the 80s, we never used it, unless we were on our own time. The newspaper had no time or place for a film that would take two - three days to process and be returned.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the early 90s, I received Kodak sponsorship for a book project on Colorado ranches and farms. I think they sent 80 rolls of 64 and 200.</div><div><br /></div><div>I started shooting assignments for the book division of National Geographic in the 90s. One of the first questions was, "You'll get 200 rolls of film for this assignment, what do you want?" Really? Anything? I played around a bit with 25 and 64, but really loved the Kodachrome 200. I always had my "low light" bodies loaded with 200. Almost always had it in the Leica. And I usually rated it at 400 ISO.</div><div><br /></div><div>The photos on this post were all shot with it. If they don't look as vibrant as a color slide, blame it on the scanner, not the film. </div><div><br /></div><div>They really did "take our Kodachrome away." More due to Kodak's stupidity than the marketplace. Or, maybe not.</div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-21718754575865100642010-12-20T18:24:00.003-06:002010-12-20T18:52:38.628-06:00Corner of Chiapas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8_c-qiDADgQ7c2TtorN47DOpN0BfsyHelSWTUTDIIkq2YmOikY9XcAX-gwHjksPb1ZBP-7JvF__Vt0jgqIgMhjxFtWR4yex57Xu52BBS1HzmYvVJu1iVWmI__pvP7MsX1oaDmmBCfJZK/s1600/_MG_9373.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8_c-qiDADgQ7c2TtorN47DOpN0BfsyHelSWTUTDIIkq2YmOikY9XcAX-gwHjksPb1ZBP-7JvF__Vt0jgqIgMhjxFtWR4yex57Xu52BBS1HzmYvVJu1iVWmI__pvP7MsX1oaDmmBCfJZK/s400/_MG_9373.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552925654349596466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ikHRtzU2kHcqNvFnYRm2LlAAYpfise90E-nIVPx94fDCHHP_DO6PPxFmiRjD75FPrrSLKf5FSX_dKW9c2Y_DVCLnUax5AFVLJOXr5QhKvWu_9FUjHydNzmK30pWFb0W9j4d-V21n89wy/s1600/_MG_9318.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ikHRtzU2kHcqNvFnYRm2LlAAYpfise90E-nIVPx94fDCHHP_DO6PPxFmiRjD75FPrrSLKf5FSX_dKW9c2Y_DVCLnUax5AFVLJOXr5QhKvWu_9FUjHydNzmK30pWFb0W9j4d-V21n89wy/s400/_MG_9318.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552925653251373330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzjzGZxjkF82wO91wjV091p-l0cWx-h0z4q9wq734zwChzZVQxB6UUH1Ioq_Y0ogbW2r_NxyuQhyphenhyphenl1W6ajSOMw8Ic1dMDEH1xyJvSOn9_pyanCJHqBFJ0SKJ8oqqN-LNMrW-hqNSYWxk7/s1600/_MG_9288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzjzGZxjkF82wO91wjV091p-l0cWx-h0z4q9wq734zwChzZVQxB6UUH1Ioq_Y0ogbW2r_NxyuQhyphenhyphenl1W6ajSOMw8Ic1dMDEH1xyJvSOn9_pyanCJHqBFJ0SKJ8oqqN-LNMrW-hqNSYWxk7/s400/_MG_9288.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552925650233186482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dVwRGzn8CTSgyKhwwhMtk1l3kl7UlCXPjXvCgolpZqQGv5KQp3h0CjKeA9MqQx4HS6xqTgkQEsYGzTFBPPE49JF5vxMpcsraq1HgdITJVz_ae2SBVPHdpZcY8DXSVkq00Ehh6hr-Bgya/s1600/_MG_9286.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dVwRGzn8CTSgyKhwwhMtk1l3kl7UlCXPjXvCgolpZqQGv5KQp3h0CjKeA9MqQx4HS6xqTgkQEsYGzTFBPPE49JF5vxMpcsraq1HgdITJVz_ae2SBVPHdpZcY8DXSVkq00Ehh6hr-Bgya/s400/_MG_9286.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552925647271713522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfvT2wQSg7lYx59lf87qrNgL29CX6634u2_Wu8nwQrEcqoqxddLsrQvCcJSMEuVqAnSPGhUIKk7rg4yKBead2z9fpqoYnr7OJZ4zZq3woTgoo3trlClw8-A6rAVoVfmd0SXdK15FxO-p9/s1600/_MG_9243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfvT2wQSg7lYx59lf87qrNgL29CX6634u2_Wu8nwQrEcqoqxddLsrQvCcJSMEuVqAnSPGhUIKk7rg4yKBead2z9fpqoYnr7OJZ4zZq3woTgoo3trlClw8-A6rAVoVfmd0SXdK15FxO-p9/s400/_MG_9243.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552925647417647106" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">travel</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> [trae vel] </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">vt</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> or </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 1. leave home, bad beds, ill-fitting sheets, diarrhea, constipation, topes( aka - speed bumps), insipid coffee, 4:00am fireworks 2. amazing countryside, vibrant fiestas, new friends, unforgettable moments, return home</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Recently, my good friend Cecil asked why anyone who reads our blog, would think we’re not on a permanent vacation. I responded that it was because we never write about all of the hours of planning, editing and captioning, writing, rewriting, or meeting with lawyers and accountants and that we don’t mention the other perils of travel.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Those of us who travel for a living endure definition #1 so we can experience definition #2. Often, you only hear about #2. But, this essay includes both. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We started the trip with a plan to visit some of the lesser-know Mayan ruins in Campeche and Chiapas before and after our two-week Spanish intensive class in San Cristóbal, Chiapas. Earlier posts cover the trip to Chiapas, a day trip from the city and reviews of a few of our favorite restaurants and cafes.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It has taken a few days away from class to think about the whole “immersion” experience. We had individual sessions with our own teachers, since we are on different levels with Spanish. We met (and shivered - there were no heaters) from 9:00am until noon, five days a week. They were both good teachers. They were in tune with our fluency levels, and worked with us to give us the tools to become more proficient. We would recommend them if you are headed to San Cristóbal.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the homestay part? Our living with a family experience turned out to be a living with a grandma experience. No aunts, uncles, husband, sons, nieces or cousins. On top of that, the conversations consisted of, “we are having chicken stewed with vegetables” and “what time do you want lunch, señor”. The conversation wasn’t particularly fluid. We’re not very fluent and she didn’t seem to want to fool with a couple of people at our level. Perhaps when the price per day for a room and two meals for two people comes to US$20, you get what you pay for.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So, the attitude of our host, the unheated room (40 degrees at night), the bare concrete floors, the hot water heater inexplicably turned down during our showers and the sheets that didn’t fit meant we were ready to leave before the two weeks ended. But, despite the annoyances and the aforementioned stomach problems, we stuck it out. Our Spanish is better, but I don’t think the Señora deserves any credit.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After classes ended, we headed south to Comitán, a small city 90 miles southeast of San Cristóbal. A 16th century church and modern sculptures in the immaculate zocalo were the backdrop for the unexpected arrival of Santa Claus in a beat up blue VW bug pulling a trailer with a wooden sleigh and four equally wooden reindeer. You had to be there.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The next day we continued our trip through a little traveled area of Chiapas that borders Guatemala. Driving into the highlands, we pass beautiful lakes and pine forests. Even though there is a steady drizzle and low clouds when we pay a toll to drive through the Lagos de Montebello park, a man comes up to the car and gives his pitch for a guided tour around and on the lakes. No sun means no good photos. We decline.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A quick detour into the town of Tziscao reveals a lovely setting, if it were summer. Unfortunately, it’s December, cold and, like I said, wet. The water level in the lakes was so high, several buildings that were along the lakefront beach, were now submerged in the lake. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The detour wasn’t a total loss, since Jennifer has become obsessed with orchids. She bought two lovely plants about to bloom at a small shop in town selling orchids, chocolate and coffee.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We continue through a lush, green landscape, with the misty mountains of Guatemala to our right most of the time. Because of the highway’s proximity to that country, the military checkpoints were the most thorough we have encountered. We answered lots of questions about our destination, where we came from, where we lived, our professions, and then were asked to get out of the vehicle so it and our luggage could be searched. Since we aren’t smugglers, we were eventually sent on our way. I highly recommend not carrying contraband (drugs or Central Americans) along this road.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Because of the unknown quotient of curves, topes and traffic, you can never be sure how many miles you can cover in a day. You can be sure that you want to be off of the Carretera Fronteriza before nightfall. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A couple of hours before dusk we decided to stop at an interesting “eco lodge” owned by a community that started a scarlet macaw reserve, Las Guacamayas. We heard howler monkeys at dusk and saw the large, colorful macaws flying near the Río Lancantún.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The next day was an easy drive to the village of Frontera Corozol, which would be our base for visiting the Mayan ruins at Bonampak and Yaxchilán. Not exactly the sites that people come to Mexico to visit. That is probably due more to their remoteness, rather than their magnificence.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There were less than 10 visitors at Bonampak, which featured the most amazing frescoes inside the Templo de las Pinturas which dates from the 700s. Lonely Planet says that they are the finest known murals from pre-Hispanic America, and I can’t imagine that they aren’t.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Part of the attraction of Yaxchilán is the 40-minute boat ride up the Río Usumacinta, with the shores of Guatemala sliding by on the right. If you’ve spent the night in Frontera, you can book an early departure, enjoying the mist rising from the river, crocs sunning themselves on the banks and arriving before the package tours from Palenque.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We shared the boat with Emilio and Veronica, two actors from Mexico City on holiday. For 90 minutes, we had the place to ourselves. Yaxchilán sits on a bluff overlooking the river in an amazing jungle setting. Upon arrival and for the first hour, we’re greeted by howler monkeys.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The incredible steles and the intricate carvings on the stone lintels makes this site different from the other sites we have seen. Perhaps the fact that the underside of the lintels are not exposed to sun and rain explains why they are in such good shape. Once again, amazing art from the years 700 - 800 AD. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As we were finishing our visit, we could hear the boats arrive with more visitors. Even then, there were never more than 40 people while we were there.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had a nice drive from Frontera to Palenque, mostly because Emilio and Veroníca came with us. I think the two week class must have helped, because we had conversations in Spanish. I understood most of it. It certainly didn’t hurt, that they both spoke very distinctly and slow enough for the gringos to keep up.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A decent meal, a comfortable hotel room and good coffee the next morning put us in a good mood for the nine-hour drive to the Cozumel ferry. As always, it’s good to be home.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are more photos from this trip in a private gallery on my web site. If you don’t have the password, please send an email and I’ll be happy to give it to you.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Also, check out the blog post on the Fiesta de Virgin de Guadalupe. It was going on for 12 of the 14 days we were in San Cristóbal. Which meant loud, fireworks that would begin about 4:00am and finally subside around midnight or 1:00am. On the eighth or ninth day, I barely noticed them.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Happy holidays and check in often.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-48773977254892232732010-12-20T18:17:00.003-06:002010-12-20T18:23:52.825-06:00Fiesta de Virgin de Gaudalupe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2vCU_WQ_S5sYQ8Y-UMbrarydgws77kB6Yp3bnoA6-kn35k_JDVqIYtPjue6erPYciKe8ZFHDBFxIRO4sTO2yX0KGqUcxjaLGuNmFVepUEFWaeshn5KKMRCpFJ5tZoaCDWtrH7nrp2xEj/s1600/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-031December_10__2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2vCU_WQ_S5sYQ8Y-UMbrarydgws77kB6Yp3bnoA6-kn35k_JDVqIYtPjue6erPYciKe8ZFHDBFxIRO4sTO2yX0KGqUcxjaLGuNmFVepUEFWaeshn5KKMRCpFJ5tZoaCDWtrH7nrp2xEj/s400/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-031December_10__2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552924359052672354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiC0Ayy453ZxziYWDSF9P6ksCJOlLU1Yz4296TzCtG2WJNOFH7zE7x_2GqhJwSGpevifvoV4aO5FIujLLmZeR0nx0ikLxWYA1ymbExQGdhUhyRy7pw__c6Z7I-5PqhU9HnHZkdjLiZuYC/s1600/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-012December_08__2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiC0Ayy453ZxziYWDSF9P6ksCJOlLU1Yz4296TzCtG2WJNOFH7zE7x_2GqhJwSGpevifvoV4aO5FIujLLmZeR0nx0ikLxWYA1ymbExQGdhUhyRy7pw__c6Z7I-5PqhU9HnHZkdjLiZuYC/s400/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-012December_08__2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552924355534078146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTWPXR2ZRPA9kEFNMkg0DJgZOOQnH8VH10WItqv_2u3VtaK_mFIDhGBU2gip0H0VT-jKrgeLXmsbDtQ_HeoySvurboAdhcPQHLLYW9uUaL5CzaXj2_dJVTCkI1w2VaoKMawIagHJ5fjIy/s1600/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-007December_06__2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTWPXR2ZRPA9kEFNMkg0DJgZOOQnH8VH10WItqv_2u3VtaK_mFIDhGBU2gip0H0VT-jKrgeLXmsbDtQ_HeoySvurboAdhcPQHLLYW9uUaL5CzaXj2_dJVTCkI1w2VaoKMawIagHJ5fjIy/s400/JenniferLewis.Chiapas-007December_06__2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552924349164527394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNU2xkRXqAZMTEoufkRwQRjGohZpf4uLPJrsxzlGnIDZUn2YITgqIv3OfLlvyM_czzMYj1V21Jg5Iv3AAC2SHRgrSO2c4-RvCGnvDlDpjgOeOrsEraWOSUADuP0sGrgMAYznzQfO_RPHX/s1600/_MG_9505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNU2xkRXqAZMTEoufkRwQRjGohZpf4uLPJrsxzlGnIDZUn2YITgqIv3OfLlvyM_czzMYj1V21Jg5Iv3AAC2SHRgrSO2c4-RvCGnvDlDpjgOeOrsEraWOSUADuP0sGrgMAYznzQfO_RPHX/s400/_MG_9505.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552924348810194914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9g6_0sZxBzOFohiVhq3f-Jxu_bYprIVAI5NwEzdc9ttbjk0i1EOLtZxDUK_h4APbF7ofM5JRxH5Y0DFGojXtwVJoQjHkWiNG9eTyyJoszzijuFptllSFdN9twWn70Usb1jNfYcKLs4dq/s1600/_MG_9279.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9g6_0sZxBzOFohiVhq3f-Jxu_bYprIVAI5NwEzdc9ttbjk0i1EOLtZxDUK_h4APbF7ofM5JRxH5Y0DFGojXtwVJoQjHkWiNG9eTyyJoszzijuFptllSFdN9twWn70Usb1jNfYcKLs4dq/s400/_MG_9279.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552924345733629186" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One of the attractions of a Spanish class in San Cristóbal, Chiapas during the first two weeks of December was the celebration for the Virgin de Guadalupe.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The fiesta runs from December 1 - 12, and, we were told, would feature many events, including processions of indigenous people going to the Iglesia de Guadalupe.<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The church, which was begun in 1834, has a commanding location on a hilltop to the east of the historic center. The story of the Virgin de Guadalupe is an important part of Mexican history. Her appearance to an indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531, and her subsequent image on his cloak created the legend. Thus began a religious symbol that has seen the Virgin become, in many ways, more revered by Mexican Catholics than Jesus.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mexican novelist Octavio Paz wrote that “the Mexican people, after more than two centuries of experiments, have faith only in the Virgin de Guadalupe and the National Lottery”.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In addition to the hundreds of local church members who make the daily walk up the steep steps to the church, are thousands who come from the surrounding towns to pay tribute to or seek blessings from the statue of the Virgin inside this church.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Indigenous people, young and old, make up a significant number of people visiting the hilltop. Many of them run and walk from their villages, some barefoot, carrying torches and banners to show their devotion.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everything was remarkably unscheduled. Our classes and our favorite cafe were both on Real de Guadalupe, which is a pedestrian mall for several blocks and leads to the church from the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">zócalo</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. At any moment, honking horns, chanting, or blaring trumpets would announce the procession of a group from Palenque or Tuxtla or San Juan Chamula. It could be teens in t-shirts with the Virgin on the front, Aztec dancers, or Tzotzils in traditional dress. At times, it felt more like a pep rally or a political group chanting slogans. But like much of life here, religion isn’t always quiet and polite, it is, at times, noisy and showy.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On Friday, two days before the day of the Virgin (December 12), parents dress their boys up in peasant clothes and paint on mustaches to honor Juan Diego, who was made a saint in 2002. Little girls are dressed in different native dresses. A procession on the Real de Guadalupe to the church is led by the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">parachicos</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, a traditional dancing group from Chiapa de Corzo. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The streets at the foot of the steps fill with food stands, children’s rides and other merchants, providing a carnival atmosphere to the celebration. Surrounding the church, the presence of parents and children brings out the balloon and ice cream vendors and the fiesta feels like it has reached critical mass.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Through the week as each group approaches the church, one or two of the men are in charge of sending rockets into the air. Unfortunately, they aren’t the kind that create a visual show when they explode. They are simply, really loud. Which means there use isn’t limited to evening hours. So, for two weeks and twenty hours per day, it sounds like the city is under artillery attack.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You can see more complete coverage of the festival in a private gallery on my web site. If you don’t have the password, send an email to me and I’ll provide it.</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-87934104492135239752010-12-12T17:56:00.003-06:002010-12-12T18:33:53.152-06:00La Viña de Bacco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QTECwsarIzWbHZcUOMBcNVgQ2l2X_oEdcCtxrDaGm6oIBgfTcm5uDwazH5f8xFfJTAGqxe-izdpPjyIUO7M0pKTNDsGhhXeApXRprfdopyWrTwV7rwJnus7XuBPfIkOKZJgpFAlSktpo/s1600/JenniferLewis.blog-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QTECwsarIzWbHZcUOMBcNVgQ2l2X_oEdcCtxrDaGm6oIBgfTcm5uDwazH5f8xFfJTAGqxe-izdpPjyIUO7M0pKTNDsGhhXeApXRprfdopyWrTwV7rwJnus7XuBPfIkOKZJgpFAlSktpo/s400/JenniferLewis.blog-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949268599141666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhDjDwG7ka9MaIFnTz8fs9Fz4YTMkjKHKHTIip_CaxnXa89C8oKPvl6Wio4bBLpNGs7ObNYBMr-J5fg6Zc_m5oJ7C5MD8O_o0Ro5GM_ZmhQcy3DV1m_c2a3YP070pAR0CcMg6V1T3LcCP/s1600/_MG_9164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhDjDwG7ka9MaIFnTz8fs9Fz4YTMkjKHKHTIip_CaxnXa89C8oKPvl6Wio4bBLpNGs7ObNYBMr-J5fg6Zc_m5oJ7C5MD8O_o0Ro5GM_ZmhQcy3DV1m_c2a3YP070pAR0CcMg6V1T3LcCP/s400/_MG_9164.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949264191113362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODDu7AXcWeBxCrTcOcNWGYTynyC1Y1cbsN8NVQxQJhHgOte16VauDiLiGFzw_AgpYzjpOz7hdPgTCil0lBF5Tp4T6T917Vn2ANzFtIpi2P6j_WFegPY9sdf66Ombu7ZgM9eU59_9R4EHd/s1600/_MG_9486.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODDu7AXcWeBxCrTcOcNWGYTynyC1Y1cbsN8NVQxQJhHgOte16VauDiLiGFzw_AgpYzjpOz7hdPgTCil0lBF5Tp4T6T917Vn2ANzFtIpi2P6j_WFegPY9sdf66Ombu7ZgM9eU59_9R4EHd/s400/_MG_9486.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949258204008082" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">La Viña de Bacco</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the simple recipe for a successful restaurant: small tables, low light, great music, glasses of wine ($1.50 to $3.00) from Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Spain and a free </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">bocadito</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> with every glass you order.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Want more food? How about a dozen different small plates of cheese, olives, meats and spreads? Salads? Baguette sandwiches? Pasta? Yes to all, from a kitchen smaller than most restaurants baños.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I especially liked the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">chiapaqueño</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> chorizo, the olives and the blue cheese.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On top of the vibe, the selection of wines by the glass and the small plates, there is a large list of wines by the bottle, beers and some foreign spirits. Tequila, too, if you need it. It’s no wonder this place is packed every night.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes, simpler is better.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2:00 - Midnight</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Closed Sunday</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#9 Real de Guadalupe</span></span></p>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666806427770388822.post-75679626415419828512010-12-12T17:54:00.001-06:002010-12-12T17:56:11.270-06:00TierrAdentro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF86vs6u1RATD2ir1tUtFKpakF8dSYhMjo969lk2usX5Mz4OdsO6pUSXCQKFw73McCpCDRuRylW02eQIJ8mIxoT8TspOXNYTmGZd7HVpqw-2T3I27HoDc3glquglJ7qhl7CqRSJF2o8rS/s1600/JenniferLewis-1-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF86vs6u1RATD2ir1tUtFKpakF8dSYhMjo969lk2usX5Mz4OdsO6pUSXCQKFw73McCpCDRuRylW02eQIJ8mIxoT8TspOXNYTmGZd7HVpqw-2T3I27HoDc3glquglJ7qhl7CqRSJF2o8rS/s400/JenniferLewis-1-4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549948833354992626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XIvi6Gv02y6YZ8dMSjRGWx9v41PcusUEAX19OXPoRyqXDm_mgmWG1K6oA0Dr0VG-yMnqwEmipCVvtOzrML27uKEsp6J2HCCk9msjrmcBEw8aD1aqZ89DKrW3b8yIHkdv7Icca0LPNFrW/s1600/_MG_9150.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XIvi6Gv02y6YZ8dMSjRGWx9v41PcusUEAX19OXPoRyqXDm_mgmWG1K6oA0Dr0VG-yMnqwEmipCVvtOzrML27uKEsp6J2HCCk9msjrmcBEw8aD1aqZ89DKrW3b8yIHkdv7Icca0LPNFrW/s400/_MG_9150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549948830543485490" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">TierrAdentro</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One of SCs hot spots, it never seems crowded, rushed or touristed. A classic cafe, yes, you can order a cup of coffee or glass of wine and sit and use the free wi-fi for hours (we have), although you probably won’t stop with just one cup or glass.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After days of looking for another place (just for variety) where we could do homework, check email and have a coffee or glass of wine, we decided this place was simply unbeatable. The atrium has plants, comfortable chairs, chill music and shops surrounding the central area that sell Zapatista-sympathetic items, fine weavings and a few other counter culture goodies.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The service is impeccable. The barista has won regional competitions, the pizza man has studied in Rome and the prices are more than fair. The breakfast waffles and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">huevos motuleños</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> were terrific. And the pizza with real </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">jamon serrano</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> was one of the best pizzas I have had outside of Italy. The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">pizzaolo</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> came over when he saw three pieces that weren’t finished and wanted to know if there was a problem. Sure, we didn’t have enough room to finish it all.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But, we’ll have the rest tonight.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8:30am - 11:00pm daily</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">#24 Real de Guadalupe</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Michael S. Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15371684286704727649noreply@blogger.com0