Driving Tips from the Newcomers Club

Buenos Dias!

Yesterday (Friday), Corey and I went to our first Newcomers Club meeting. Newcomers is a club that is run by volunteers and organizes activities, crafts, tours, charity events, lunches, etc for the spouses of expatriates to participate in. Most of the members are women from the United States, and almost everyone speaks english. It's supposed to be a great way to meet friends and a great resource for finding things in Mexico. Everyone was super wonderful and nice, and I'm looking forward to some of the activities they had available. It will be nice to expand my world down here a little!

When we went to sign up for the club, we were given this bag with some books the Newcomers Club had put together as a guide for expatriate families. There was one information sheet in particular that caught our eye...it's called Basic Rules For Driving In Mexico City. Here are some of the bullet points, verbatim:

• Mexico City is often acclaimed as the most exciting city in the Americas in which to drive.
• When in doubt, accelerate.
• Taxicabs should always be given the right of way, unless you are bent on suicide.
• Never, ever stop for a pedestrian unless he flings himself under the wheels of your car.
• Learn to swerve abruptly. Mexico City is the home of slalom driving, thanks to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which puts potholes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keeps them on their toes.
• Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive body work.
• Always look both ways when running a red light.
• It is tradition in Mexico City to honk your horn at cars that don't move the instant the light changes.
• Seeking eye contact with another driver revokes your right of way.
• Never pas on the left when you can pass on the right. Passing on sidewalks is also an option.
• In making a left turn from the right lane, employ the element of surprise. That is, do it as suddenly as possible, so as to stun other drivers. Crossing the entire 4 lanes of traffic in one block always gains respect and salutes.

Now, this list may seem meant to inspire laughs and be comical in nature, but the fact of the matter is these are all essentially true. This should give you an idea of why I have white knuckles every time we are driving to Wal-Mart 1.5 miles away :)

Let's see, I think this is about all that is new. Corey left today for Red Wing, he'll be home on Friday. It's the longest he's been away from Avery and the longest he's been traveling since April. Then he's home for 2.5 days, and leaves Monday (that's right, my birthday...) evening for another trip, this one to Peru, during which he'll be gone until Friday. Busy few weeks!

Until later,

A New Post!

Hello!

I'm sorry to my 8 declared followers for taking so long to post a new blog, I was waiting to get some photographs uploaded before I posted a new blog. BUT! Photos are up, and the blog may resume! We've just been hanging around the house, getting things unpacked. We've done a little bit of shopping for decorations and furniture that we need, slowly but surely the house is coming together!

We got the cable to work late last week, and to be honest, I haven't missed it. We've been watching a few episodes of Entourage or the Office a day usually, but we've gotten caught up on Entourage (any other suggestions for shows to follow? We know about Mad Men, are considering it...anything else?!) and we've seen the Office (all episodes) probably 10 times a piece. Anyways, point is, I think I can do just fine without TV. The other night, I FINALLY got Corey to play a game with me, instead of sit in front of the television at night. We played a game of Scrabble, and halfway through he mentioned that he was glad I got him to play, that he was enjoying it! Men out there...women know best! If you all know of any other great two person games, let me know! Corey will be home next week, and I'm going to send him with a list of things to get and bring back, so let me know about games!

Also, when we got our things, I got all my beads :) There are tons...I forget/don't realize how much I have! But I couldn't find the pliers that I use for making jewelry, so yesterday I found a craft store online that's not far from our house that we are going to go check out today. I'm so excited to be able to start creating again!

Now for the photo section!

Lillies are my favorite flower, and there are flower stands every few blocks around our house. Care to guess how much a large bouquet of crimson colored lillies cost? About $5. It's fantastic! Fresh flowers every week around our house!

Avery and I were sitting on a bench (part of our daily routine in the dog park, she loves the fresh air and people/dog watching!) in the dog park when we saw this HUGE dog. Every once in a while, you'll see some dog that seems more like a horse, they are so big. This one was skinny, non-horselike, but still, very tall. I wonder how you prevent dogs like this from picking food right off the counter/table?!

Every few blocks around the neighborhood, there are these bike stands, with all sorts of bikes for rent. We haven't entirely figured out how to get the card and use the system yet, but we will get it one of these days! It's a great way to get around the neighborhood when you get sick of walking!

The other day, Corey accompanied myself and Avery on a walk around Avenida Amsterdam, and we came across this "emergency vehicle". In case you can't see it, this old station wagon is called the "Love Ambulance" and is complete with lights and sirens and all! Parked outside the Magic Remedies shop...

And finally...my favorite photo. One day Corey and I were out walking and discovered this pet shop that sold these bones that are just GINORMOUS. We decided that our spoiled dog MUST have one. This is the second biggest bone they sell, and it's about a foot and a half or two feet long. Avery wasn't sure what to do with it at first, but she has it all figured out now! We got it for a joke, but she actually chews on it when we're upstairs hanging out! It should last her at least the rest of the time we're in Mexico, we think!

This is all for now, I'll post more soon! Thanks for reading, and let me know about the games and any great TV series!

Love,

Wednesday

Hello All!

We DID get our things yesterday, bright and early and RIGHT on time (how weird for Mexico?!) at 8:30 yesterday morning. The movers were gone by noon, and I was left with 30 boxes worth of things to put into place! Thankfully they took all the boxes, I was just left with the things inside! It's nice to have some things back, like photos and other decor, our bed sets and the towels I bought before we moved! Plus all the other kitchen utensils/appliances...now we're ALL moved in! At least with what we have now...we still need to get some furniture (we found dining chairs, we'll have those in a few weeks) like bedside tables, a bed frame for us, coffee tables, rugs, decorations, but I have a feeling we're going to go VERY slowly! Corey is going to take some convincing :)

Speaking of Corey, he had to leave EARLY this morning for an emergency work trip, he'll be gone til Friday afternoon. By which time, the six loads of laundry that came in the shipment in the form of towels will be done (at 5 hours running time each!) and the clothes from the shipment will all be put away, the dishes all done, and most things in their place. It will keep me busy, which is good. But for now, I am procrastinating. Which is so unlike me! I spent the morning going out running errands like looking at furniture stores (when the cat (Corey) is out, the mice (me) will play (or shop)!) and getting Avery a bigger dog bed (she's growing so much! She looks more and more like a dog every day, less like a puppy :( ) and some quick grocery shopping. Lots of walking! But, I think I came up with all those errands to put off unpacking.

I suppose I should get to it!

Also, GO VIKINGS! Welcome back Brett, glad to have ya!

Until later,

Photos and Home Furnishings

Good Afternoon All!

Update...WE GET OUR SHIPMENT TOMORROW!!! At least, that's what they tell us! So SO excited to have our own things back! ESPECIALLY our bed! Large and comfy! I'm looking forward to having towels in all of our bathrooms and the beds made and feeling like we are actually living in a home, rather than a shell. Then to start decorating! I'm getting excited to really start that!

I want to add a note regarding my last post when we announced that we are having the wedding in Minnesota...this does NOT mean that anyone who was going to come to the wedding now has an excuse not to visit (Ahem Rachel, pay attention!) If you were going to come for the wedding, now you get to come for vacation! I promise it's a really safe area, very pleasant, and for those of you that

want to we can do a few days in Mexico City and a few days in a beach town! So start planning those Mexico vacations!

Lastly, I've been getting into playing around on the computers with some photography tricks and photos, and I wanted to share one that is near and dear to my heart and Corey's heart! I posted the original photo (color) and my edited copy (black and white). I'll post more pictures later, for now the camera battery has to charge! Buenos Noches everyone!

Finally a New Post!

Hola!

I've been by Corey told that I am slacking in my posting responsibilities, so for that I apologize! We've recently been settling into a pleasant routine and loving life in Mexico. Every day I try to get Avery out on a walk, and I've discovered this great path around our neighborhood on a street called Amsterdam Avenue. It's about a mile and a half around, and it goes around in an oval; it used to be a horse racetrack. Now it's very pretty with trees and a nice stone path, with occasional fountains and everything. Some pictures are on the side.

Avery and I have also discovered a "dog park". It's actually called Parque Mexico, and it's about 3 blocks from our apartment, it's a great little walk for Avery and it's so peaceful. But when you first walk up, around noon on a weekday, what you see is over 100 dogs laying down, lined up. Seems this is the park that the dog walkers or dog trainers bring all their charges to. It's crazy, the dogs are so well behaved. Once in awhile you may here the occasional bark, but overall they are amazing to watch. Avery will never be that well trained, I am sure. When we get there, she and I sit on a bench and people/dog watch for 15 or 20 minutes. She loves it :) . I also posted some photos below of the dog park.

Lastly, news for everyone reading. Corey and I have decided to have our wedding in Minnesota next May. We are hoping for the date May 28th, which is the Saturday before Memorial Day, so everyone save the date! We'll get something more formal in the mail in the next few months, but in the meantime, start getting excited!

Now for the pictures!

The path around Amsterdam Avenue and one of the fountains.

These are some of the dogs all lined up!

Love to all!

Rental Car

A tip on living abroad:

It is my recommendation that you spend a few weeks getting to know the ways of the road, with a rental car. The other day we noticed one of the hubcaps missing, the rim of the wheel bent and the tire leaking air (for the record - no idea what happened!). We tried to go and swap the car for a replacement yesterday, but unfortunately they were closed. On the way home, Avery got a little car sick. OK - not a little, but a lot. All that in addition to a number of "close calls" on the road.

Finally today, we went and traded in our rented white Ford Focus, for a silver Ford Focus. Its like a new car again...I'll give it a few days.

I keep on thinking I can't wait for my permanent car, but then again maybe a rental for a few more weeks wouldn't be the end of the world.

The craziness isn't just me. Yesterday we saw a guy sitting in the engine of the car, appearing to be fixing something. Here is the kicker...the car was not parked...there was someone driving.

- Corey

Dancing in the Park

On Saturday we were searching for a traditional Mexican arts and crafts market. The one we found wasn't exactly what we were looking for, but it was quite a happening place. There were dozens of areas in the park where there was music (some live) and dancing. All sorts of dancing from salsa to the waltz. I made a little video using my iphone, play below. It amazes us the amount of entertainment people find in large public gatherings and at no cost. On Sunday, they close a lot of the streets for people to ride their bikes. They even had a fitness instructor lead an exercise class for dozens of people on the street (actually one of the most important avenues in Mexico City). This part of the culture allows all people, regardless of class or income, to co-exist and share the day.

- Corey (1st cameo post)

Wow what a day so far. Just got back from a trip to drop off some papers so that we can get our shipment (speculation is that we get our things early next week!) and it was a ride of a life. See, the freeways here have exits that just veer off the freeway, and when they have a light, the cars get backed up on the freeway. So we were driving probably 50mph and trying to follow the GPS to see which exit we were supposed to take and all the sudden about 20 feet in front of us there is a STOPPED car. We missed hitting it, thankfully there was no car in the lane to the left of us and we were able to swerve over, but it left us both a bit shaken! Then, when we were in the neighborhood of our destination, trying to find the building, we were driving slowly up a street, and one of the city buses decides to pass by the cars in its lane and drive in OUR lane...TOWARDS us. The OPPOSITE way of traffic. "Oh, no, please, Mr. Bus...feel free to own the road. We were always watching to see what you would do and make sure we were not in your way." Geez. Stupid Mexico City driving. So glad I'm not driving here!

Quick tip:

We discovered this past Monday when we tried to go out for dinner that apparently Monday is NOT the night to eat out. We tried 3 restaurants before we found one that was open to the public and serving food and not just bar menu. We found it pretty comical.

One more thing...I'm pretty proud about this so I am going to brag for one sentence, but since we've been in I like to try to cook more intricate things than usual. Last night, I made a mean homemade lasagna with chorizo and goat cheese, among the other usual ingredients. Pretty yummy, if I do say so myself!

This is all!

Fruit/Vegetable Market

Buenos Noches-

Today we visited our first fruit and vegetable market here in Mexico City!

The market was really neat, lots of great fruits and spices and different kinds of food/merchandise and the fruit and veggies were all so CHEAP! We could really save some money by getting these things at the market rather than the grocery store! Corey and I both tried some new fruits, one called Tuna (at least that's the way it sounds like it's spelled!) and some others that I can't remember the names of, but they were delicious!

We also got up early and went for a nice long walk this morning with Avery, and I only had to hold her twice for a few minutes each! (Since she is still pretty small, her little legs can't make it more than 15 minutes at a time usually, but we're building her endurance!) After our walk, she got a bath, and went crazy again. As a side note, she's teething now, and not seeming interested in her dry food lately, so I've been giving her ice cubes to help with the tee

thing pain, and I swear she thinks it's a new toy each time. She holds it in her mouth as long as she can, then drops it on the floor, and tries to put her paw on it, and the ice goes flying. So I end up watching her chase an ice cube all around this floor of the apartment! She is very entertaining, we are extremely happy we have her with us!

Those of you that know us know that we have a slight "Office" addiction, as in the TV show. I don't think there is an episode that exists that Corey has seen fewer than 4 times, and could quote line by line. So we have decided to broaden our horizons, and found a new show. We are almost through Seasons 1 and 2 of Entourage, and will quickly probably get caught up on this show. If anyone has suggestions for new shows after Entourage, please let us know!!

We have two quick tips today, since I've been slacking on the last few posts.

1) DO NOT LOSE YOUR BOLETA (ticket). In most parking ramps or lots of major retail stores, you have to get a ticket when you enter, and most times can get it stamped inside so it's free. Sometimes they charge you 3 pesos (currently 13 pesos equals $1 dollar) or some other negligent amount. However, if you LOSE your ticket before you exit the ramp/lot, you have to pay a set fee (in our particular occurrence I believe it was 80 pesos) and they take down your license number and it is a big hassle. So when you come visit, don't lose your boleta!

2) I mentioned that we moved to Mexico City during the rainy season. Corey said this yesterday, and so far it seems to be true..."The nicer the day/morning starts out, the harder the rain in the afternoon)". If you come visit between June and August, bring your umbrellas! (Or you can always buy one from the street vendors, they are always more than willing to sell you something!)

Lastly, we have a few pictures from the market today.

Sweet dreams everyone!