tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50233306000172250642024-02-19T00:52:37.671-06:00World of FootprintsCollecting experiences around the globeLiliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-40951179357328500912016-01-06T02:27:00.001-06:002016-01-06T02:28:19.896-06:00New Year Resolutions<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span id="goog_1025392236"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello beautiful people! 2016 just started and everywhere around the social networks we pretty much see and read everyone's hopes and goals for this New Year. Moreover, let's face it, we also start seeing how many of them already started failing their acts of self-improvement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many traditions, this one has religious origins from different cultures and time periods. In Babylonia, people used to promise their gods that they would pay all their debts. In ancient Rome, the promises of self-improvement were made to the god Janus (after whom the month January is named). In Medieval times, it was after Christmas when the knights had to renew their chivalry vows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the case of Christianism, the period for good behavior and promises to god, has more to do with Lent, but it still talks about an annual reflection in order to improve oneself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the most popular one? You all know it, weight loss and having a healthier lifestyle. Other popular goals have to do with money, career, social skills, traveling, family (getting married), spiritual world, etc...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This practice is more popular in the Western world, though it is also seen in Eastern cultures. I think it would be very interesting to compare both sides to see differences and similarities in goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personaly, I love the good vibe and feeling surrounding the start of a year which inspires everyone to make resolutions, but I believe that the only way to fulfil your promises is to make them realistic and simple. On that note, of course I didn't escape the resolution list making this year, I just hope I get to fulfill at least one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your most important resolution this year? Did you make any creative ones?</span></div>
Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-11074718277463145542015-12-29T00:54:00.000-06:002015-12-29T12:23:04.091-06:00Ship Life, You Gotta Love It...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So finally, after more than one year of blog abandonment, I'm back to writing a new entry, and this time it has to do with what I've actually been doing this past year... After 8 months of waiting and waiting, I finally got the job I wanted for the longest time, I became a proud Crew Member of the Disney Cruise Line. This is completely honest, it was one of my dreams finally coming true, it still is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After working in Walt Disney World for 2 years, and now working in the Cruise Line, I can say that Disney is an amazing company to work for and that I wouldn't trade my job, it is the fact of living 6 months on a ship what makes things a little difficult sometimes (and yet, still totally worth it).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, ship life... I guess there are many different ways to see it. First of all, you live with people of more than 50 different nationalities (probably more) and cultures. I love that you get to learn and share with them everyday. Plus, even though everybody communicates in English, you get to hear other languages from time to time (this is an amazing thing for a language freak such as me).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The time you spend on board depends on your contract. Contracts vary from 4, 6, 7 or 8 months (never more than 8 months), depending on your department and position. I usually do between 5 and a half and 6 months, then we have the fantastic vacation period of 8 weeks, normally. This vacation period is great to plan trips and activities with family and friends, which you don't get to see very often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We work HARD, and when I say hard, I mean it! It also depends on the department, but usually everybody works at least 70 hours a week, from 10 to 12 hours a day. No, we don't have days off (weekends? what is that?), we have hours off, the right amount of hours that the body needs to rest (now, if you choose to rest or not, that is your problem). Again, this also varies depending on the department and position.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We try our best to have a normal life, we go out shopping to Walmart when we can, we go out to eat when we can, we go to the movies when we can, we hang out with friends, we have parties and sometimes we even have time to go tourist activities in the ports of call.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the end, it depends on each person to have a healthy and balanced life. So far, I feel very proud of myself for not having to take excessive amounts of coffee, chocolate or energy drinks like monster and redbull.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course there is much more to say about ship life, but you have to live it in order to fully understand it. In my case, with all its ups and downs, I love it and wouldn't want to do anything else.</span></div>
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<br />Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-64817575526255576582014-09-01T22:57:00.000-05:002014-09-01T22:57:46.882-05:00Post Cards, Post Cards!!<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When
having a lot of free time, creativity and inspiration often knock at my door. After
spending some time organizing my photos in order to create more videos, I
discovered that some were good enough to be transformed into post cards.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However,
the whole post card thing started when I joined a web site called
postcrossing.com. This great site helps you connect with people from all the
corners of the world by sending and receiving personalized post cards. The beauty
of it has to do with the multicultural interaction and the excitement of using
the regular mail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved
postcrossing since the minute I joined – thanks to my friend Ale Ruiz -, but
the only problem I faced was the fact that it is not easy to find nice post
cards from Michoacan. There are some available at a few bookstores and at the
Candy Market in downtown Morelia, but the photos are old, and there is a small
variety. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, after
my failed post card search, I unlocked the memories about Photoshop handling,
selected some nice looking photographs and started designing my own. I was so
pleased with the result that I wanted to share my experience with all. Could I maybe
start my own business?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-78410515561148335702014-08-16T00:57:00.001-05:002014-08-16T00:58:28.044-05:00Morelia and Patzcuaro: Two Beautiful Places in Mexico<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I started experimenting with a video making program and I believe I have discovered a new passion for photograph and video editing. I took the opportunity of going on my old files and rescuing a bunch of old photographs taken in my hometown, Morelia, and the beautiful "Magic Town", Patzcuaro. I'm quite a rookie when it comes to video making, but I was pleased with the result that I would like to share with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UueEkGZsR8I" target="_blank">Morelia, the Beautiful Pink Stone City</a></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UueEkGZsR8I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFctdMcRtlw" target="_blank">A Glimpse of Patzcuaro</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just another way to show the world some of the amazing cities that can be found in Mexico. I hope you enjoy them and thank you in advance for watching.</span></div>
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-48908496469593356342014-03-06T20:37:00.000-06:002014-03-06T21:35:29.500-06:00I WANT TO RETIRE IN PATZCUARO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago I was having lunch with
my mom and one of her friends, an American lady named Jackie who has been
living in Mexico for five years. After chatting with her for a while I was
surprised to hear me express a phrase I never thought I would actually say: I
would love to retire in Patzcuaro!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Vj0Vu6KxB_awqePNhsm_BxskfRGNHm39-F-i_Qb-CgjOujQJPwuxl2c8OS-SG4-ohNH6xs7BYcHeArs4aGDk-5nq3BXfSytLONGNcGHDmKpWvnsLjbG5dVU7JXmh3CHNkx_aNYhxW0/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Vj0Vu6KxB_awqePNhsm_BxskfRGNHm39-F-i_Qb-CgjOujQJPwuxl2c8OS-SG4-ohNH6xs7BYcHeArs4aGDk-5nq3BXfSytLONGNcGHDmKpWvnsLjbG5dVU7JXmh3CHNkx_aNYhxW0/s1600/160.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I must confess that even though I consider
Patzcuaro to be a beautiful and interesting place to visit, I always thought
that it was a little boring to live in. Yes, after almost 30 years of my life I
openly admit that I’m a “city girl”. But, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty
of facts about Patzcuaro that make it a wonderful place to inhabit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFgObHCrpTl91Y2LxP_gGf3rnol7YvQGCuZabSrRTalEhGsq3e7g0mrEZVi8N-B9QLObPAokUtLEQWWsAD7_SuXpC1lu4oqc4SxEypgXFvwPFlND8e6AS1XLc-NIOUGKeMsstKuB8bwc/s1600/225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFgObHCrpTl91Y2LxP_gGf3rnol7YvQGCuZabSrRTalEhGsq3e7g0mrEZVi8N-B9QLObPAokUtLEQWWsAD7_SuXpC1lu4oqc4SxEypgXFvwPFlND8e6AS1XLc-NIOUGKeMsstKuB8bwc/s1600/225.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patzcuaro is a small city (looks more like a
town, actually) with an estimate population of 90,000 people. It is located by
the famous lake that carries the same name, “Patzcuaro”. Its beauty and
uniqueness made it one of the eight “Magic Towns” of the State of Michoacan.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfYFfUZlQ1EaFgEdo29NXbnH1WSU-Y7fwvu0B_HefnCD4IK9uZ-RjRXePnnliYZIZo_vyhv_BI894QtLnyFUV_QHIX7B1KlmHmZBTBfl1SLkMvjpQCZPnYncjfZJEPOLx9N6R0axy-UY/s1600/235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfYFfUZlQ1EaFgEdo29NXbnH1WSU-Y7fwvu0B_HefnCD4IK9uZ-RjRXePnnliYZIZo_vyhv_BI894QtLnyFUV_QHIX7B1KlmHmZBTBfl1SLkMvjpQCZPnYncjfZJEPOLx9N6R0axy-UY/s1600/235.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Spanish-colonial city is famous for its
characteristic streets with red and white painted houses. It is also
internationally known for the celebrations of the Day of the Dead which take
place there and in the surroundings every year in November.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, other than being a great place for
tourists who like cultural destinies, it is a functional and cosmopolitan city
which population is compounded by people with different nationalities and, as I
discovered while talking to Jackie, it can be everything but boring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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She was telling me all about her busy days in
retirement, how she meets with her book discussion club, her language classes,
her yoga classes, and even her weekly meetings with a hiking club. She also
told me about parties frequently organized for English speaking people who want
to meet with Spanish speakers in order to practice languages. Overall, all her
activities sounded awesome!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKAHWESIOx8pD54YcHHiWTfN8ZSvt_Xk4OYAHmk-kQfUqeD_DJJIKcLXO1XThD8PbiXLg4ayElq2AaXQcq5q_DivIGdLq0KYSat7dZ0FdCn5dQb_5MqZjNTMAxyEzq2-SYHlx5TnyxDk/s1600/226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKAHWESIOx8pD54YcHHiWTfN8ZSvt_Xk4OYAHmk-kQfUqeD_DJJIKcLXO1XThD8PbiXLg4ayElq2AaXQcq5q_DivIGdLq0KYSat7dZ0FdCn5dQb_5MqZjNTMAxyEzq2-SYHlx5TnyxDk/s1600/226.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To sum up, the authentic style of this
Mexican city, its traditions and its increasing number of retired people, makes
Patzcuaro more and more interesting every year.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you wish to learn more about Patzcuaro go to: </span><a href="http://www.visitmexico.com/en/magicaltowns/pacific-region/patzcuaro">http://www.visitmexico.com/en/magicaltowns/pacific-region/patzcuaro</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and</span> <a href="http://www.patzcuaro.com/">http://www.patzcuaro.com/</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by: Lilirog</span></span></div>
Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0Pátzcuaro, 61600 Michoacán, Mexico19.5134498 -101.60915540000002-6.0085847 -142.91774940000002 45.0354843 -60.300561400000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-60202694146305435662012-11-20T21:12:00.000-06:002014-08-03T23:59:03.820-05:00LA CATRINA, A MEXICAN SKELETON<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vpmKjdBkKoXLraVsBLGm8kwjtwBDF5IRm7EhBvbUEAaT7vmcl16mT3lLYSATNngxRf_tAk4dn4GMgvX1kHJHdz0nR4Hd3EwGQoP5iZt6FZYKE1_MLL71S2_mS_eorkKysUQk12vIPO0/s1600/image%5B4%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vpmKjdBkKoXLraVsBLGm8kwjtwBDF5IRm7EhBvbUEAaT7vmcl16mT3lLYSATNngxRf_tAk4dn4GMgvX1kHJHdz0nR4Hd3EwGQoP5iZt6FZYKE1_MLL71S2_mS_eorkKysUQk12vIPO0/s320/image%5B4%5D.jpeg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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Some days have passed since the celebration of Day of the Dead, and maybe during those days you heard about this popular Mexican character, and maybe you were wondering about her origins and the reason of her popularity.<br />
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If you haven't really heard from her, la Calavera Catrina is a fancy skeleton lady who wears pretty dresses and elaborate hats (just like the first photo shows). Actually, for many years the Spanish word "catrín" has been used in Mexico to define an elegant or fancy gentleman, in the same way "catrina" is used to call an upper-class lady.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkcJNl4RvI1K-0zr0mI1JvWF03v5LGPXsvNnOtbly03V05hhJAwFwIf7KhKYKeEHejkg2Cww56QVVnJaLsZX4bD861_vXWjWbV0qC5u4LdINKKaiUsGQ9mlY51aJzmqJ0-BgURT_GkaI/s1600/catrina_posada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkcJNl4RvI1K-0zr0mI1JvWF03v5LGPXsvNnOtbly03V05hhJAwFwIf7KhKYKeEHejkg2Cww56QVVnJaLsZX4bD861_vXWjWbV0qC5u4LdINKKaiUsGQ9mlY51aJzmqJ0-BgURT_GkaI/s320/catrina_posada.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a>Her first appearance was in the famous etching called "La Calavera Garbancera" (right), created by the Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada in 1913. Posada wanted to criticize some Mexicans that used to deny their roots and wished to look European and wealthy, but really belonged to a low class. He used to say: ..."en los huesos, pero con sombrero francés con sus plumas de avestruz" (in her bones, but with a French hat with ostrich feathers).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGOSeKPxgLOQP5kUndE0vWzkocAQm_1yEtskUy-ZH3elFVBxx5QCHBFbH1Ef0BYG5yHMUb38lmmww1emWNISRs-azZvgoTvw7jDaOrJeMKE9A3MCuig7nPFsyPQQK5og5M2Blbd1RenY/s1600/catrina_diegorivera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGOSeKPxgLOQP5kUndE0vWzkocAQm_1yEtskUy-ZH3elFVBxx5QCHBFbH1Ef0BYG5yHMUb38lmmww1emWNISRs-azZvgoTvw7jDaOrJeMKE9A3MCuig7nPFsyPQQK5og5M2Blbd1RenY/s320/catrina_diegorivera.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
She was named "la Catrina" by the artist Diego Rivera, when long after Posada's death, he painted her in his mural "Dream of a Sunday in Alameda Park" (left). In this piece, we can see the full body of the fancy skeleton lady, accompanied by Posada.<br />
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La Catrina has become an important Mexican icon for the celebration for the Day of the Dead, and we can find her in various ornaments and artcrafts (in fact, she is so popular now that a lot of people like to dress up like her during Day of the Dead celebrations). Actually, it is common for Mexicans to buy clay Catrina figurines to decorate their homes, for that reason, the dresses and posses of this character have become more and more creative. Nowadays we find dancers, singers, musicians, sexy devils, brides, and many more.<br />
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The small town of Capula, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, is famous for making different clay artcrafts, it's the home of great artists, and, in my opinion, the place were you can find the finest Catrinas in the country, not to mention that you don't need to spend a fortune to obtain these fine art pieces. In fact, every year before the Day of the Dead, a Catrina Fair takes place there, so you will find figurines of every shape, size, color and price (they are really cheap, unique and beautiful). Here are some pictures that I took during this year's fair:<br />
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I hope that this little post helped you to learn more about this very special Mexican character. Please, feel free to leave any comment.<br />
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Sources:<br />
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es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Catrina<br />
img: artesytradicionesdemexico.com/2012/10/29/de-la-calavera-garbancera-a-la-catrina<br />
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-26004643178049701072012-10-03T01:04:00.001-05:002012-10-03T01:04:32.706-05:00Oktoberfest Ist Here!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who would want to be in a party where you could drink the best beer in the world? I know that I definitely would!! In fact, travel to Germany during the Oktoberfest is part of my bucket list. As you can see, I haven't experienced yet, but nonetheless I wanted to do a little research and tell you some facts about this appealing tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oktoberfest takes place every year in Mü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nchen (located in the south of Germany, it's the third largest city of the country) starting on the first Saturday after September 15th, it usually lasts 16 to 18 days. This year it started on September 22nd and will end on October 7th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I, where all the citizens were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields, specially the horse races that marked the end of the event and were the reason to continue the tradition (they stopped doing them in 1960). Since then, it has been canceled 24 times due to several reasons, including cholera epidemics and war.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our days, the festival starts when the Mayor of München taps the first keg of beer at 12:00 o'clock. After that, visitors from all over the world can take a seat in the tents, enjoy the music, taste the food and drink the many different German beers that are offered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The festival receives approximately 6.4 million visitors each year, who drink around 7,100,000 liters of beer in those famous big jars. Hopefully, I'll be one of them someday, and I will be able to tell you more about this cool German festivity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have more information regarding Oktoberfest or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest</a>, <a href="http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/">http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/</a>.</div>
Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-46523969019913844562012-09-19T17:18:00.000-05:002012-09-19T18:06:44.771-05:00IT'S PHILLY, I'M IN LOVE!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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They call it 'the City of Brotherly Love', and they are not mistaken (in fact, it's the literal meaning of Philadelphia in Greek). I was there 2 weeks ago and, before my trip, I remember reading the adds in the guides and maps saying something like "hello, future Philly lover", and thinking they were exaggerating. I guess I was wrong, because now, after being there for one week, I declare myself a true Philadelphia lover.</div>
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Some of my friends give me a weird look when I say this, but I couldn't help comparing Philadelphia to my home in Mexico, Morelia. Both cities are important in the history of their countries, both have something to do with the independence, they have culture all around and they still keep that special charm from the past in their buildings.</div>
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So let's get to some historical facts, shall we? Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn and 70 years later, it became the most important British port in America. Home of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington, the city is mostly known because it was the place where the Founding Fathers discussed and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Also, it was the Capital of USA for 10 years before it was moved to Washington DC in 1800 (by the way, in those days the yellow fever was killing a lot of people, but nobody knew that it was caused by a mosquito bite, so they just decided to flee the city).</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So, you can tell that the city is filled with interesting places to see and things to do for every taste. You can dive into history in the old city, see famous art pieces in the Museum of Art (and the famous stairs from the movie Rocky), take a stroll by the Schuylkill river, see a show in one of the many theaters of Broad street, visit the first penitentiary or even go on a tour to hear all about spooky legends and ghost stories (there are lots of them).</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On top of all, there is one thing that I felt while visiting Philly: the people who live there are very nice. Everywhere there was someone who would ask us where we were from and immediately welcomed us with a warm smile (for the record, I've always felt good and welcomed while visiting the US, but this time there was something else).</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To sum up, I strongly recommend everyone to visit Philly, I can assure that you won't regret planning your next vacation to this amazing and beautiful city.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: my personal experience. Pics taken by Lilirog.</span></span></div>
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-72332166672007292202012-09-15T20:02:00.000-05:002012-09-15T20:05:09.537-05:00PUEBLOS MÁGICOS<div align="justify">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">September
knocks on our doors and I can't help talking about a Mexican subject. This is a
piece that I've been meaning to write for a long time, to explain a topic that
can be found in every tourism site for Mexico. I'm talking about Mexico's
Magical Towns.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Pueblos
Mágicos" (Magical Towns) is a program created by SECTUR (Mexico's
Department of Tourism) in 2001, with the help of the local and state governments,
in order to promote the culture, history and natural beauty of several small
cities and towns around Mexico.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One of
the main goals of the program is to highlight the tourist value of
certain places in the country. This way, the Mexican government is trying to
improve the tourism offer, making it original, innovative and able
to fulfill the needs of the market.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At the
moment, Mexico has 56 <i>Pueblos Mágicos</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>located in 28 states. Each one of them
represents the soul and culture of its population, enhancing their
symbols, legends, history, significal events, daily life and, generally
speaking, their MAGIC.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All the
towns in Mexico can apply to become a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Pueblo</i> <i>Mágico.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>If any place wishes to be part of
the program, it has to fulfill certain characteristics which have to be
evaluated by SECTUR. An annual evaluation takes place each year so the places
can keep their status of magical towns.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Michoacán, the state where I live, has 5 <i>Pueblos
Mágicos:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Patzcuaro, Santa
Clara del Cobre, Cuitzeo, Tlalpujahua and Angangueo.</span><span lang="ES-MX"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you
want to learn more and see the complete list of <i>Pueblos Mágicos,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>you can go to www.sectur.gob.mx.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.sectur.gob.mx/wb2/sectur/sect_Pueblos_Magicos">http://www.sectur.gob.mx/wb2/sectur/sect_Pueblos_Magicos</a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-47481231862437502332012-02-20T18:43:00.000-06:002012-02-20T20:42:33.699-06:00IT'S MARDI GRAS!!<div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711404305140831378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJ0m-aZ7Bs9xKYh9I0sHbpb6hfHy4f9He-id-ghRx77i_zneiOph6fzU3_wK3_o2UwZq8VrXeXMDZYnN-J_Ar5AS23VuMUY5xXtS_9uDKa0cqbhw6btoQn7fjBRlnJvOZP6GwBeHhK8I/s320/eyesmask.jpg" /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm sure that many of you have heard about the different Carnival celebrations around the world. The most famous ones take place in Venice, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans (which I'm sure you know as Mardi Gras). But some people have no idea of the origins or meaning of these colorful parades, in fact, today someone asked me "why do they all take place at the same time?". Well, actually they are supposed to take place only in this time of year.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Like many occidental traditions, the Carnival finds its origins in the Catholic religion (though some carnival traditions may date back to Roman times), but in order to explain it better, I need to talk a little bit about Lent. Lent is a period in the Liturgical calendar that takes place during the 40 days before Easter (usualy starting on the last days of February). During these days, no parties or celebrations can be held, because for the Catholics this is a time of penitence and preparation in order to commemorate the Death and Resurection of Jesus Christ. Nowadays, for many people the penitence or sacrifice consists on giving up luxuries or some tipes of food or drinks.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">So, before Lent all the delicious food and great drinks can be consumed, and a little excess is allowed, and that's what Carnival is all about. It is the last chance to have fun, to enjoy the parties and dance like crazy (only if you are Catholic, of course). That is why the last day of Carnival is called Mardi Gras, Martedí Grasso or Shrove Tuesday, meaning that it's a day of excess or a "fat" day.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One of the best examples is the Carnival of Venice (in italian, Carnevale). There are records of this celebration that go back to the year 1094. This particular Carnevale has a very interesting history to which I would like to dedicate another blog entry. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The duration and ways of celebrating the actual Carnivals may vary depending on the place. For example, in Mexico, places like Veracruz and Mazatlán organise colorful and cheerful parades similar to the ones in Brazil. On the other hand, were I live people just get together to dance and sing around the streets with a music band and a "torito" (bull-shaped ornament).</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711412653087102978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb-2w5I397k5r1kwRbQyg7Z2-Yt_gqiY6vRDR-vhTw0G0z1Bqvu8jawfCix3HMpYiUQA1S559HzPNRWywAHBflfuOBXNT3NrDMYuzswsmon4c9NJ5deYc0b0xVkbP21iD1d6jH1Ul-oc/s320/226793_10150234732845763_660685762_9288349_4920549_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Though the Carnival of Rio is the biggest one in the world, I prefer the Venetian Carnevale, with the masks and romanticism that characterize the Italian city. What do you reckon? </span></div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-51870617292589416842011-11-08T20:27:00.004-06:002012-11-20T21:13:59.348-06:00Day of the Dead VS Halloween<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJWyOGaqyxe38Tu0-Cpt-ENtq_-k76LZpExV85zTXqzZzPRpaMe3Kz0w8Icbfmio8hLEGGLmJ7jbj-zCw6tf9ii0DxLaLZGju6mBQJnyAmagvpMNQaOUVBTMz_mWyJkf4YAfvgS1ykWg/s1600/Halloween14.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672868291362496738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJWyOGaqyxe38Tu0-Cpt-ENtq_-k76LZpExV85zTXqzZzPRpaMe3Kz0w8Icbfmio8hLEGGLmJ7jbj-zCw6tf9ii0DxLaLZGju6mBQJnyAmagvpMNQaOUVBTMz_mWyJkf4YAfvgS1ykWg/s320/Halloween14.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For a long time now, the "dilemma" of celebrating or not Halloween has been in the minds of a lot of Mexicans. "It's not part of our culture", some say, others even think that it has to do with a satanic thing (we can thank that to some catholic priests). For me, it has more to do with the fact that a lot of people ignore the origins and meaning of this interesting holiday.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />Before I continue, I must tell you that I am a big fan of the Day of the Dead - it is my favorite holiday, as a matter of fact - and I wouldn't trade it, but I also think that the formerly known as "Al Hallows Eve" has its own charm.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, Halloween has its origins around 2500 years ago in the north of England and Ireland, where the Celts used to celebrate their New Year in the end of October. This was very important to them because it was the ending of the harvest and the beginning of the dark cold winter - which was associated with death, of course, no surprise there -. Superstitious as they were, they believed that this day the barrier between the world of the living and the dead became blurred, and that this could make it easier to do predictions that would help them survive the so feared winter. So the Druids, their priests, used to make big bonfires dressed with animal heads and skins in order to do the predictions. This ritual was called Samhain. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many years later, when Christianity wanted to erase all pagan acts, Pope Gregory III decided to expand the Day of All Martyrs (that took place on May) and create the Day of All Saints, which he intelligently moved to the same date as Samhain. From then on, November 1<sup>st</sup> was declared All Saints Day, or All Hallows Eve, which eventually became Halloween. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There you have it!! Religious syncretism once more!!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Contrary to what many Mexicans believe, this is not truly a tradition from the U.S. (not really). Actually, it wasn’t celebrated in America before 1850, when the big Irish migration occurred. Of course, it became popular in the entire continent after the big Hollywood movies were shown everywhere.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What exactly made Halloween a holiday about candy, costumes and spooky parties, so different from our tradition? I’m really not sure, but if you ask me, the origins are not far from the origins of the Day of the Death. For instance, at least we all celebrate November 1<sup>st</sup> as the Day of All Saints, same as all the other Catholic countries like France (La Toussaint) or Italy (Ognissanti). Also, they both originate thanks to religion, and they both have to do with the spiritual world. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I don’t know why some Mexicans have this aversion to Halloween, but I do believe that there is nothing wrong in having both holidays as long as we know where they come from, why do we celebrate them, the importance of each in our cultures and, more important, as long as we don’t confuse and mix them.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">That is my opinion, I just think both Day of the Dead and Halloween are really awesome.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">img source: </span><a href="http://greenscreensaver.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween.html" id="if-op" title="http://greenscreensaver.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween.html">http://greenscreensaver.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween.html</a></div>
Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-71108440714978851672011-09-16T00:00:00.000-05:002011-09-15T20:35:42.248-05:0016 REASONS TO LOVE MEXICO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6sDfEZEMIfvu2QGlTE0JxjNBbT7XcjmYB-k6EvLLCXbZf5hgvz818ttuLddG07CZ_Ihbs-Oo0RdToaBAnSeMkzuXIiuYGQ63lvI1CWMSbrhBPFMUbLclJJpC4R4xx97m-O5HmDQGLEE/s1600/mexico+imagenesifotos+%25282%2529_thumb.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6sDfEZEMIfvu2QGlTE0JxjNBbT7XcjmYB-k6EvLLCXbZf5hgvz818ttuLddG07CZ_Ihbs-Oo0RdToaBAnSeMkzuXIiuYGQ63lvI1CWMSbrhBPFMUbLclJJpC4R4xx97m-O5HmDQGLEE/s320/mexico+imagenesifotos+%25282%2529_thumb.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652763754903894098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I love Mexico because...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. It's full of big hearted people.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. It has a very rich (very, very, very rich) culture.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. The food is amazing and cheap.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. The beer is amazing and cheap.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5. Tequilaaaa!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">6. It is full of natural resources and the most beautiful landscapes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">7. It has some of the most beautiful cities of the world.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">8. It has traditions that come from many centuries ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">9. Day of the Death.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">10. Parties are great!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">11. There are creative minds all around the country.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">12. It's unique.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">13. Even though people always complain, we are not that bad.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">14. Salsaaaa!! (the food)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">15. Mezcaaaaaaal!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">16. There are still families with values, hope and will to make this country a better place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Happy celebration of Mexican Independence!!! </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">img source: http://imagenesifotos.blogspot.com/2011/05/gifs-viva-mexico-para-fiestas-patrias.html</span><br /></div><br /></div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-53348221624467437662011-09-14T00:40:00.000-05:002011-09-14T00:47:31.630-05:00PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Whenever I'm teaching a language, I always encourage my students to practice and increase their vocabulary by listening and singing along with the songs of foreign artists. This is also useful because music is an important part of the cultures, and in order to learn a new language you should understand a little bit <span style="font-family:verdana;">ab</span>out the cultures of the countries in which that language is spoken.<br /><br />A great example of that is brought to us</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> by Putumayo, a genious record label that introduces people to the music of the world's cultures since 1993.<span style="font-family:verdana;"> It grew </span>out of the Putumayo clothing company founded by Dan Storper</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.putumayo.com/dan_bio"><strong></strong></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> in 1975, who later on launched Putumayo World Music with the help of the co-founder Michael Kraus.<br /><br />Always fulfilling its motto “guaranteed to make you feel good!”</span>, <span style="font-family:verdana;">this unique company is considered pioneer and lider in developing the non-traditional market</span>. <span style="font-family:verdana;">In addition to that, they are also commited to help others by contributing millions of dollars to worthwhile non-profit organizations around the world.<br /><br />The CDs can be found in most record stores and in thousands of other retailers everywhere in the world (book stores, gift shops, cafes, etc.). Plus, to honor their motto, if you purchase a CD that doesn't meet your expectations, they are happy to give you a full refund.<br /><br />So I highly recommend Putumayo's wonderful music, either to practice a language (they have a collection of more than 80 CDs from all around the world), or just to relax while you're having a good cup of coffee.<br /><br />Putumayo has music for every taste, and I'm sure that you will really enjoy listening to these tunes.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vlqNhad9OihYgNn8Hor65ChW1qtrsV6F1m4v5IXdQRU-mN1NRrP0_5O0MU12F40BUH3jStUdUO4wGlNTgecdXGdj9RablCKf6K1zRIkBsWnVQ85z6NSKxX8SvzCsL4B5XBxhfc99Yl8/s1600/putumayoblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vlqNhad9OihYgNn8Hor65ChW1qtrsV6F1m4v5IXdQRU-mN1NRrP0_5O0MU12F40BUH3jStUdUO4wGlNTgecdXGdj9RablCKf6K1zRIkBsWnVQ85z6NSKxX8SvzCsL4B5XBxhfc99Yl8/s320/putumayoblog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652073323903964610" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pics from the covers of my favorite Putumayo CD's</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you would like to find out more about Putumayo World Music, listen to some of the music, or purchase a CD, you can visit their web site www.putumayo.com</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Info & img source: www.putumayo.com</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-87528106480962962772010-10-10T22:45:00.000-05:002011-09-08T01:01:52.431-05:00MULTICONTINENTAL APARTMENT<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Its been a very long time since I update this blog (sorry about that), but I've been wanting to write this piece since the first days I arrived in Orlando. The positive part about taking so long, is that I have more to say more about the topic.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nobody said it was going to be easy, I was sure it was going to be interesting, but I never imagined it was going to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life that would leave me with great memories and the feeling of having a family outside my country.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The place was The Commons, apt. 1433, third floor, good view and great location. A two bedroom apartment for 4 people (just the right amount if you are living there, if you ask me).</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">So we were four girls from different parts of the world, truly from the four different corners of the world: Anastasia from Germany, Chantelle from Southafrica, Natsuki from Japan and me from Mexico.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU1x_3zCH055xLglWq6uJqvb9V4nrQGNwT8-nu_QAeEDWpnxhaFxpPi2EkkRuhgERaA-elv7-6-8t4LEBS7CZ8nwWVKasmmWzPFe9lsFigM4kuo2v3_RcSGTTxgyVi2LpxhZEKvLwfB0/s1600/DSC04820.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU1x_3zCH055xLglWq6uJqvb9V4nrQGNwT8-nu_QAeEDWpnxhaFxpPi2EkkRuhgERaA-elv7-6-8t4LEBS7CZ8nwWVKasmmWzPFe9lsFigM4kuo2v3_RcSGTTxgyVi2LpxhZEKvLwfB0/s320/DSC04820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649859156550378962" border="0" /></a></div><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> one of the first pics we took together</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />We are so different and yet it was amazing how we got along right away. I remember my friends telling me everytime that, whenever they were in ous apartment, they could really feel the good vibes around the place.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I miss so much living with them: Natsuki's singing and her effort for learning Spanish (mostly the bad words); the long chats with Chantelle about my sentimental "problems"; Anastasia's potatos, her wine, her energy to party all night long and how she used to play songs over and over again... I miss them so much...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep4pK6irQ5kKprM4avtftoaCOLy8Xeg3R7gZiWAiBkvMvqWfStwLnUfs1wjYX2Rvn8-i4WVNA1OXBHJ8jpl1r4cW-enAqTdtLZL0pQaCu2ECF1WvFUgco87pbi_mpPYfAd6E9cBKIQ4o/s1600/DSCF2073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep4pK6irQ5kKprM4avtftoaCOLy8Xeg3R7gZiWAiBkvMvqWfStwLnUfs1wjYX2Rvn8-i4WVNA1OXBHJ8jpl1r4cW-enAqTdtLZL0pQaCu2ECF1WvFUgco87pbi_mpPYfAd6E9cBKIQ4o/s320/DSCF2073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649862591379742578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">our last pic together</span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />I am convinced that we will meet again someday. I've decided that I will do everything I can to visit them in their own countries. Any donations?</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div> </div><br /><div> </div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-22327966459236656512010-06-25T01:12:00.000-05:002010-06-25T01:48:16.817-05:00From Q1 to WDW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3znlGHnfbfc0g-fTfJ7OLYctlCSjgEMCuGVqGlPcoEJWPuU-nG-epIWtG9MitgSx82ZIpBN0w44svk_zGyAKhBKvA7xzOWCFOyG9e8U2ZEeofLRbQPtD8jJ4_WeJq5g604hVr3hrckaE/s1600/fotillos+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486597501714990786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3znlGHnfbfc0g-fTfJ7OLYctlCSjgEMCuGVqGlPcoEJWPuU-nG-epIWtG9MitgSx82ZIpBN0w44svk_zGyAKhBKvA7xzOWCFOyG9e8U2ZEeofLRbQPtD8jJ4_WeJq5g604hVr3hrckaE/s320/fotillos+030.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Almost three months have passed since the day I went to Mexico City to get my Q1 type Visa, but still I would like to tell you about this incredible experience.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">It was the end of March when I met my arrivals at the Starbucks close to the American Embassy. I remember it was very early, and I was really cold and tyred, and I was the last one to arrive. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The whole process took around 3 hours, but it was the perfect time to get to know each other better (and I must confess that from that day I knew that we would get along really well, I liked them from the beggining).</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Something I remember very well is that after the appointment I got for the first time this strange feeling of being on my own from that day (it also had to do with the fact that I was walking around Mexico City and taking the subway by myself for the first time- meaning no one was waiting for me or picking me up until my bus trip to Morelia-).</div><br /><br />After 10 days I finally got my passport back and the rest was easy (plane ticket, insurance, etc.). Time just flew after that.<br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Now I have been living in Orlando for 2 months and I feel that a lot has happened since that day in the embassy (everything is going so fast). And that sensation of freedom still stays on, and I'm loving it.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I'll update soon, I promise.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Cheers.</div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-82264041589089073372010-05-05T12:24:00.000-05:002010-05-05T12:59:44.194-05:005 de mayo baby...NOT<div align="justify">Ok, here goes the awful truth: ... 5 de mayo is NOT our most important celebration, nor our national day. In fact, it is only celebrated in one place of the whole country (and I bet not many know why).</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify">I really don't know why it became so important for the Mexicans that live in the US, and I have to admit that also I don't know much about the historical background of that day.</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify">I do know that on may 5th 1862, a battle took place in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The very strong and experienced French army was beaten by the not so preparated Mexicans. That is why it is kind of important.</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify">Nowadays, in Puebla they have a military parade and everyone has the day off (nice, but just in Puebla).</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify">Well, that is everything I know about it, if anyone wants to add something else, I will appreciate it.</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify">By the way, the most important national party in Mexico takes place on September 16th, when we celebrate our independence day.</div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-50625704703343731262010-02-12T02:32:00.000-06:002010-02-13T00:46:17.557-06:00Mexican Thali!!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFx9OKT-m2s4BPv3QIs9fruKGEyDxjE77lIQvsbnxta2Yvbm6bt5cCYe8qVbqOtGeFFo3dNSwRAFdUYg0l8fXgWQaPybi4ZSaeKzfo2Qr8A2-ekVuohslpoNmiHk5L0WB0wfgq1NpHGc/s1600-h/thali.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 189px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435779850945232450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFx9OKT-m2s4BPv3QIs9fruKGEyDxjE77lIQvsbnxta2Yvbm6bt5cCYe8qVbqOtGeFFo3dNSwRAFdUYg0l8fXgWQaPybi4ZSaeKzfo2Qr8A2-ekVuohslpoNmiHk5L0WB0wfgq1NpHGc/s320/thali.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">The thali is an Indian meal that includes different dishes in the same plate (as you can see in the picture). The contents can vary depending on the region, but it usually includes rice, vegetables, papal, dhal, chapati, paneer and yoghurt. Thalis are commonly vegetarian (like most of the Indian dishes), but many restaurants offer the meat-based choice as well.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am not very fond of Indian food, but I most admit that I really liked Thali. Besides, the place where I ate it included a non-stop refill (I thought the waiters wanted my stomach to burst, haha) for a very cheap price, and the service was excellent.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Now, moving towards the other side of the world, I have to tell you that most Mexicans are meat-lovers (not that we don't eat vegetables, or anything like that), so it is hard to find good vegetarian restaurants (at least in my city). However, the other day one of my closests friends recomended me one place that was just in the heart of Morelia, and my mom and I decided to check it out.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I was a little surprised to see that the add in the entrance of the restaurant said "Indian-Vegatarian Food", because I didn't now I would find this food in Morelia. Inside, the walls were decorated with some Indian images, but the menu was closer to be all Mexican. Later, when the food arrived, I could finally see the similarities.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I swear it was the first time I saw those kind of plates in a Mexican restaurant (the most modest restaurants in Mexico usually use plastic dishes). Also, there were vegetables, rice, tortilla (which looks like chapati) and some dessert in the same tray. The only bad news were that we had no refill that time.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are the pictures of both trays, judge for yourselves:<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdvnO9ovsL64pwkF2tbk76AoNER-yFoZOmnPKh0sKhNmKN2ElxRHlr3iPQd_SD1KqI-QJcJ3zTekG5dAdTCFtenCwxMKDKmI5F6o7VTgu5jCEeWEVvY7gQ5QmmltJoEJqJHTjOuLEyr0/s1600-h/101_7855.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 243px; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435773175618061074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdvnO9ovsL64pwkF2tbk76AoNER-yFoZOmnPKh0sKhNmKN2ElxRHlr3iPQd_SD1KqI-QJcJ3zTekG5dAdTCFtenCwxMKDKmI5F6o7VTgu5jCEeWEVvY7gQ5QmmltJoEJqJHTjOuLEyr0/s320/101_7855.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z01CKrA9S0Eiaac3tEhe9Ruo_aNdZcfcDXIX7shz6zlya6cS4HvXZNZU3Tz32MOH7u3Lxubf9aKJk5byMaw6Hdq0DaymI3-CXnBSoTjg0oXZG_wmWNg8647j5QqpxWhB08ewmKFbJNk/s1600-h/enero2010+001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 248px; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435773179431914962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z01CKrA9S0Eiaac3tEhe9Ruo_aNdZcfcDXIX7shz6zlya6cS4HvXZNZU3Tz32MOH7u3Lxubf9aKJk5byMaw6Hdq0DaymI3-CXnBSoTjg0oXZG_wmWNg8647j5QqpxWhB08ewmKFbJNk/s320/enero2010+001.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I just love to find cultural differences and similarities, especially when it is by chance and without leaving my city.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_tWdVH4Bq18zLseEBQF450gsOKbRdq7eLC90tmmLbQ7HPpikUSGvAwiinWEnrBt8khjzeK4UpPkk8dTKyQ0id2K2NTqHfIgQlA_MBhhQMJOTDKMxYywwR6zd9pi8bbhorfCxHp-_zKY/s1600-h/india09+160.JPG"></a>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-83350942378986515132010-02-03T23:16:00.000-06:002010-02-05T03:40:58.236-06:00Rosca and Tamaleeees!!<div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">Hey there!!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">Well, it's been a while since I don't update my blog... sorry about that, but somethimes I get distracted or busy and I forget... </span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">Anyway, this time I will talk about a Mexican tradition that took place two days ago, February 2nd: "Día de la Candelaria" or Candlemas, which is a Catholic tradition also known as the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple". In this day, the very religious Mexicans go to church accompanied by a baby Jesus figure which they dressed "formally". Some people dress their figures in a very original -sometimes kind of weird- way; you can find for exemple, angels, saints, and even superheroes (I have a cousin who said that she was going to dress it like a doctor... don't know if she did it though).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">But what's the fun part for a Non-Catholic Mexican like me? Well, on this day we also gather with family and friends to eat TAMALES (a Mexican dish made out of corn, sometimes stuffed with meat or vegetables... it can also be sweet). Traditionaly, only one person has to pay for the dinner, but to explain that I have to talk a little bit about another tradition: Día de Reyes (Three Wise Men Day).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Día de Reyes took place almost a month ago, on January 6th. It is a tradition in which family also gets together to eat a delicious ring-shaped bread that is called "Rosca de Reyes" (king cake). Inside this sweet bread are hidden several <em>muñequitos (</em>plastic figurines). Each person cuts a piece of bread, and the ones who find the<em> muñequitos</em> have to pay for the tamales.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In fact, I've been wanting to write this entry since that day, when I was eating Rosca with my friends and we started to think about the tradition. Suddenly we realized that nobody really knew its origins for sure. Two days later, my friend Nilda from Venezuela asked me more about the Rosca de Reyes, so I decided to do a little research.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The origins of the tradition of the Rosca have nothing to do with the Three Wise Men. It is related to the festivities dedicated to the god Saturn in the Roman Empire, where they used to bake round cakes with prickly pears, dates and honey for all the people. Inside, a broad bean was hidden, and the lucky one who discovered it was proclaimed the King of Kings for a short period of time.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">In France the tradition continued with the <em>Galette des Rois</em>, which is a very fine cake proper of their cuisine. Nowadays, the French also get together to eat the <em>Galette, </em>and the finder of the hidden surprise becomes the king (or queen) of the party.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">Very similar to this is the Roscón the Reyes from Spain. The recipe and the tradition was taken from the French, but actually, it is made also in different ways (sometimes they add chocolate, pastry cream, etc.). The one who finds the dry broad bean has to pay for the Roscón. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The tradition was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It is now related to the tradition of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus when he was born. For us, the hidden broad bean represented baby Jesus who had to hide from Herod (the king who wanted to kill him). Of course, since nobody wants to pay for the tamales and a broad bean can be easily swallowed, the bean was replaced for the figurine I was telling you before (but initially, it was pottery instead of plastic).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Although the Spanish Roscón is round (as the name indicates), the Mexican Rosca has now a traditional oval shape, so there can be enough for everybody (yes, we have large families, and we like to invite lots of friends home... besides, each one eats usually two pieces). And that is also why now there are several figurines, so many can divide the cost of the tamales for such a large party (the economy doesn't help either). </span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNL7deDfsrk0TH_qU2Ni6Xyo45q7XZBbj6Nm6CrtSZgAXvnaNhogsj0XwmGMH4GpoWnevj_GnExmUOukJoXWHtUan1f4T9wX1b7z0dZ4uX6XllGbSeXQoCthNh_st7axcBx9MYK1KI-A/s1600-h/800PX-~1.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 223px; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434662493703118530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNL7deDfsrk0TH_qU2Ni6Xyo45q7XZBbj6Nm6CrtSZgAXvnaNhogsj0XwmGMH4GpoWnevj_GnExmUOukJoXWHtUan1f4T9wX1b7z0dZ4uX6XllGbSeXQoCthNh_st7axcBx9MYK1KI-A/s320/800PX-~1.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K4jLlkpoLCm112KCkJqUAT6EO0LdJj4fmtPnC595azHtMgcSyx6vQe6txTCR09H3q5WjgY-4FEuZCpTCjnA_DmmfLdd4revdEDXNc0F8ZEI7ZR-vxDwteTSWYXMzDIawTdXP4v57zSg/s1600-h/rosca.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 174px; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434662511652274642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K4jLlkpoLCm112KCkJqUAT6EO0LdJj4fmtPnC595azHtMgcSyx6vQe6txTCR09H3q5WjgY-4FEuZCpTCjnA_DmmfLdd4revdEDXNc0F8ZEI7ZR-vxDwteTSWYXMzDIawTdXP4v57zSg/s320/rosca.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Spanish Roscón and the Mexican Rosca (the differences are very clear)</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Some say that it is a blessing to find the <em>muñequito</em> (jesus figurine) and that it brings good luck... but anyway I don't care, I still don't want to be the one who has to pay for the tamales. Also, the tradition is shared in school and work places, so you end up cutting 3 or 4 roscas in a week (imagine all the muñequitos you can get!!!).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrz-Cn5IhsSunV32hAo73Vs94U2e_hBWNwOscLyipCxJd55Vp54IFtotVKNMnF5WBDwOJfa3dj_ivUNjgGPBNB3RurjhFk_5yFRcBIvhyphenhyphen5MNpyiBADafHZ8kFtNyPJWSGU73AgqjG3g0/s1600-h/david+monito.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434662497915424770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrz-Cn5IhsSunV32hAo73Vs94U2e_hBWNwOscLyipCxJd55Vp54IFtotVKNMnF5WBDwOJfa3dj_ivUNjgGPBNB3RurjhFk_5yFRcBIvhyphenhyphen5MNpyiBADafHZ8kFtNyPJWSGU73AgqjG3g0/s320/david+monito.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3TPopc_A6ldDAF3DzYZmBXb4bvlwxM4XzlO3vzBKlZT165_PlntkAEPlDYdRa6IDP4AYxChDWD224xcJ7cRnpfaUrp25hVRPSu2SWhqClzvOuigEDXoLTPL6BxAISR_MA4Wv64IP12E/s1600-h/alhe+monito.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434662504289693330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3TPopc_A6ldDAF3DzYZmBXb4bvlwxM4XzlO3vzBKlZT165_PlntkAEPlDYdRa6IDP4AYxChDWD224xcJ7cRnpfaUrp25hVRPSu2SWhqClzvOuigEDXoLTPL6BxAISR_MA4Wv64IP12E/s320/alhe+monito.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Two of my bests friends (David and Alhe) found muñequitos this year (they still owe me some tamales...)</span><br /><br /></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;">This celebration is even more special for the children, because the Wise Men come and bring them several toys and treats if they have been good (we also have Santa Claus on Christmas, but the Wise Men are more important here).</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">So with this entry I kind of catch up with some of the things that I wanted to write related to the Mexican traditions that take place after New Year's Eve. I really found out to many details and facts that I didn't imagine. I hope it was interesting to you as well.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="right">by Lil21</div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-67980944188372212522009-12-16T03:00:00.000-06:002009-12-16T01:41:29.515-06:00THE MANY COLOURS OF INDIA<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Two months ago I had the opportunity to visit this amazing country, and I must say that it was a really great (and unique) experience. Everyday there I woke up thinking "what is a mexican girl like me doing here? This is just terrific!".</div><div align="justify"><br />I saw a lot of interesting things, but what I'll never forget is seeing that India is a colourfull country. You could find colour in every corner, even in people. Take women, for example: almost all of them wear saris (a colourfull shiny dress) or kurtas (long shirts) with dupathas (a long shawls), wich are full of colour as well. They also wear a lot of accessories, like bangles (shiny bracelets), flowers, earings, noserings, etc.<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVFLTwIvDiMCtglcDLgFabEX_8EG7uIFqCWC9LYjygPCAFaOqAbgGezooCjvJ51yoSKvLnPRuGh26MdIUcD8MN2_c6W3NrNfBHVUtnZVF7WkJ3bSvX4aeXPZVy-73Fk7qdszDjybvp8c/s1600-h/india09+179.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 184px; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415715345806422162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVFLTwIvDiMCtglcDLgFabEX_8EG7uIFqCWC9LYjygPCAFaOqAbgGezooCjvJ51yoSKvLnPRuGh26MdIUcD8MN2_c6W3NrNfBHVUtnZVF7WkJ3bSvX4aeXPZVy-73Fk7qdszDjybvp8c/s320/india09+179.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR3s5klS2jbriBD0MHQG8DjgN6aqbK-X6PPX2AEHqAy_WKVb1z7b3ZxxMUkvyMV3_RakudgXS8VY-dsbp-_LHnlqKTjpC7SkcsFepHZG1wZg2OcSdgQsNeIl5lrCW1eWkfu3VFiF0zAA/s1600-h/india09+169.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415715340378746946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR3s5klS2jbriBD0MHQG8DjgN6aqbK-X6PPX2AEHqAy_WKVb1z7b3ZxxMUkvyMV3_RakudgXS8VY-dsbp-_LHnlqKTjpC7SkcsFepHZG1wZg2OcSdgQsNeIl5lrCW1eWkfu3VFiF0zAA/s320/india09+169.JPG" /></a><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">My cousins and me with saris, kurtas and two Indian women</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Another exemple can be clearly found in the many temples that are all around the country. No matter where it's found or to which god it's dedicated, each temple is full of colour in its own style.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKeZxkeXR6JXOM0odVCG4q8O1RPktrVPT3rJQowZ841qjERAtp1Osv7gtUqTckNb7A5FTc92eRzXcskOtnsdFmLiAc7axO8fH-DDJq389C7KsfZXBAXCkxFmEwRLTp_Yg6k6pNrLqBts/s1600-h/DSC02061.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 310px; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415715356968050770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKeZxkeXR6JXOM0odVCG4q8O1RPktrVPT3rJQowZ841qjERAtp1Osv7gtUqTckNb7A5FTc92eRzXcskOtnsdFmLiAc7axO8fH-DDJq389C7KsfZXBAXCkxFmEwRLTp_Yg6k6pNrLqBts/s320/DSC02061.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrxR0s3m_Shb3jT6Om-n9wuJDZJX3nfpbH-96Ykr-Z1x0awfJi_lS3XdN7oFDt2PwVjl1BClpmIgJt5y1ojFYYvv1UDP9p10xWWKmme9TcKjlTJblWQWlEvavddUrfjfVCNK9Y2EL-bc/s1600-h/101_7828.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 181px; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415715364526087314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrxR0s3m_Shb3jT6Om-n9wuJDZJX3nfpbH-96Ykr-Z1x0awfJi_lS3XdN7oFDt2PwVjl1BClpmIgJt5y1ojFYYvv1UDP9p10xWWKmme9TcKjlTJblWQWlEvavddUrfjfVCNK9Y2EL-bc/s320/101_7828.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">A temple from the countryside and antother from the city</span></div><br /><br />Even trucks and carts are fully decorated.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfun4e_EKEtknE6ai3YzHiDBMq9WjSAD1ZzH5MRM1KnQY3lD2B0hQc1aC0qgprEJkSGV5T4G8q7VX45ffS12iA1wqzRoSu4br7XA7IdeRtJN9xmRzAYVszrREEgPGRHf1OysEEd9nzHU/s1600-h/101_7349.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 289px; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415715373033154194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfun4e_EKEtknE6ai3YzHiDBMq9WjSAD1ZzH5MRM1KnQY3lD2B0hQc1aC0qgprEJkSGV5T4G8q7VX45ffS12iA1wqzRoSu4br7XA7IdeRtJN9xmRzAYVszrREEgPGRHf1OysEEd9nzHU/s320/101_7349.JPG" /></a></p><div align="justify">To sum up, I really loved this country and its people for their warmth and sense of decoration, and I will continue to talk about this and my other experiences in this incredible country some other time.</div><br />India truly shines!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><div align="right">by Lil21 </div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-72664086786960785912009-11-25T00:51:00.000-06:002009-11-25T02:25:32.409-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!!... In Mexico?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCHa6ke_hBLmuN7sYt4-u35YKOGPBmimUT3EyMoB_9LIfxOrsVq932TVhp1OWzy1DsLLLOsPVfHmQ4FE3jmdh7MFfy0sq9Cm_O0neN3b2AhVliRKXCgsxRWiC0w7sXPD9inQJqaRsvOM/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407943622641869682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCHa6ke_hBLmuN7sYt4-u35YKOGPBmimUT3EyMoB_9LIfxOrsVq932TVhp1OWzy1DsLLLOsPVfHmQ4FE3jmdh7MFfy0sq9Cm_O0neN3b2AhVliRKXCgsxRWiC0w7sXPD9inQJqaRsvOM/s320/thanksgiving.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">Let me start by saying that Thanksgiving is NOT a Mexican tradition, however, it has been part of my family for almost 7 years now. </div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Some of my Mexican friends often ask me (with a puzzled look on their faces) why we do this if this is not something traditional in Mexico. Well, the reasons are very simple to explain.</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">My Mom lived in the US for about 5 years. She was married to an American, so she spent a lot of time with his family celebrating all the American holidays (4th of July, Halloween, Christmas, etc.). Thanksgiving was one of her favorites. She loved it so much that, after getting divorced and moving back to Mexico, she still wanted to share that special day with us.</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">From the first time I thought it was a great idea, for I knew all about the Thanksgiving historical background, but I never experienced it by myself. Now, after all these years, I can tell you that I also love it, because we have given it another meaning.</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Everyday we complain about the "bad" things that happen to us, we always feel sad because we don't have "this" or "that"; so why not make the opposite for a change? Lets be thankful for at least one day. Think about the good and the bad things (bad things are also good, they help you grow and learn) that happened to you in the past year and be thankful for them, then hope to experience even more in 2010. That's what I do every last Thursday of November.</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So, my advice is: no matter were you live (Mexico, India, Italy...), your culture, or your religious beliefs, celebrate Thanksgiving. Besides, it's a perfect excuse to have a delicious dinner and to share a special moment with your family. Why don't you give it a try this year?</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Cheers!!</div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="right">by Lil21</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-53545818475642342762009-11-10T01:39:00.000-06:002012-11-20T21:25:33.797-06:00THE DAY OF THE DEAD: RELIGIOUS SINCRETISM<div align="center">
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402406806474162450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3kb23xmuKt84iAvVbvLNzRnEPpwJquSK2ljcv0BjU1s8h5HGstqSGzt31I9n7vBRZjP4febRTlmkSlmzo4NEAUSEdEQetLhW6U3bb6h_WYetaO8O8OVuPUazugZatWf1SD4MrkWwkbo/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+038.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /><br />
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I know I'm a week late, but still, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you a little something about one of Mexico's most beautiful and important celebrations: el "Día de Muertos", which is a big deal all around the country, but can be best experienced in the state of Michoacan (especially in rural areas).<br />
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There are many celebrations of the Catholic world that people in Mexico adopt as their own, and by doing so, they are “mexicanized”, but there is no celebration as especial as The Day of the Dead.<br />
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This unique celebration has been created as a mixture of two worlds: the pre-Hispanic world and the Catholic word of the Spaniards. But, how did this happen? Here I will try to explain the facts that led to this creation, the way this festivity was carried out in the past and its contrast with the way it’s celebrated in the present time.</div>
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I will also have the chance to show you some of the nice pictures I took while walking through Downtown Morelia on the Day of the Death weekend.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402423847024695986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPdlYuro-J5B7dxcuXqwQIv9d3B2kSkAOf0KAuxY4w8GpiO7bJONT2WGs_zjSbEmWpoAL_jYa8U_xhzBbzk8cyuAayZH5_WPrKv37D_HPg77Yr6NYuu3YNDXHcmwfNAfVlpZlzNAa0A/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+009.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 316px;" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsNuvvxJHaVDzom4eYmt02pA8Flhm8mVygCoEYe6VLe4XStGJ3eEVPWycLvAEGhvOvcGaw4sUB5hvd2wiV8xKw0TU-S_lmPsacR_t5SDtEOlnttlzlCvP_yToTRLdzYhDvPCC_om4qt0/s1600-h/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402434864256875010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsNuvvxJHaVDzom4eYmt02pA8Flhm8mVygCoEYe6VLe4XStGJ3eEVPWycLvAEGhvOvcGaw4sUB5hvd2wiV8xKw0TU-S_lmPsacR_t5SDtEOlnttlzlCvP_yToTRLdzYhDvPCC_om4qt0/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+012.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 295px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">"Las Tarascas" fountain decorated for the Day of the Death celebration</span><br /><br /><strong></strong></div>
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<strong>Origins of the Day of the Dead</strong><br />As I said, “Día de Muertos” is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, especially in rural areas. Its importance could only be compared with the festivals celebrated in honor of the local saints of the towns. These saints are believed by Mexicans as “lesser deities” who intercede with God. In the folk-Catholicism of Mexico, the souls of the departed also have this possibility.<br /><br />This festivity is mostly a family feast, but it has a public aspect at community level. On this date, the family is reunited. Living and death share a few time together once a year. Although this might seem scary, it is the contrary.<br /><br />The celebration combines elements from the pre-Hispanic religious belief and practice and elements from the Catholic feast. It is this last one which has obscure origins.</div>
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In Mesoamerica, the idea of arising out of death was very clear. In their complex religion, the recurrent theme is the interdependency and interaction of the humans with the gods. Also, the belief of an afterlife was present since very early times.<br /><span style="color: white;">.</span></div>
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It was until the end of the 13th century when the “All Souls” was accepted as a liturgical day. However, it was difficult to incorporate the practice of feasting, as it was a pagan custom. </div>
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Christian church tried to refocus the feasting by incorporating festivals for the saints, but the practices associated with the death were strong.</div>
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Two of the Aztec festivals, Miccailhuitontli and Micaihuitl (life feast of the death and great feast of the death) are associated with cults of the dead. On these celebrations they used to adorn the figure of Huitzilopochtli with flowers, then, they would feast and dance.<br />
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Common to the ancient and modern ceremonial connected to dead are the flowers, the offering of food, incense, paper ornaments, dancing, music and cleaning of cemeteries.<br />
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When the Spaniards tried to incorporate their Christian rituals, Indians couldn’t understand them, so they tried to hold on their customs hiding their symbols and gods within the Christian ones.</div>
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What helped the conversion of Indians was the fact that there were a lot of elements that seemed close to Christianity (infant bathing, eating part of the gods, ideas of confession, etc). They had gods that were related to Christianity to (Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, Coatlicue and Quetzalcoatl). The saints quickly adopted the place of small gods.</div>
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During the colonial period there was a mixture of the commemoration of the dead formed by Spanish and Mesoamerican aspects. Ceremonial fiestas reached a peak of riotous display in the cities that alarm the authorities, so, in 1766 gatherings in the cemetery and the consumption of alcohol was forbidden during the time of “todos los santos”. Indians were not content with this, so eventually, this was changed.<br />
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<strong>The Celebration</strong><br />
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On the first days of November (1st and 2nd), households make offerings of food and drink to the dead. In many places, there is also a feasting in the cemeteries. The Totonac Indians, for example, extend the celebration to 8 of November (octava).<br />
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There are days designated to celebrate the different ways of deaths, some say this are hierarchical.<br />
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Within the days of “todos los santos”, people clean and decorate the tombs in very creative ways (the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan are a very clear example). Flowers, candles, incense and crosses are carried there. There is also music-making of all kinds. In some places, the celebration takes place at daytime (Tancoco, Veracruz and Chilac, Puebla, for example). On the other hand, in other places like Michoacán, the visit to the cemetery consists in a nightlong vigil. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402407302556393634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY9ZZD1eHGhadNH9GNsUlZ3BhQRrzmZUixwEeOfAViMI5jvh3JEJuXrnOCI7irBJPFpqt3pp1koYvfIFUQUqIcZF1iMeIpVnBtcT-YsvabBj53QUq7_Nr-h8Spsj3tfKKFMWf43r67Ws/s320/IMG085.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The Cemetery of Tzintzuntzan</span></div>
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<br />There are other places, like San Pablito in Puebla, where special masses are made and, if the priest is available, he leads the activities in the cemetery.<br /><br /><strong>The “Ofrenda”</strong> (Altars)<br /><br />Most of this day’s preparations start much earlier in the year. Everything in this festivity is supposed to be new, but sometimes circumstances do not make it possible.<br /><br />The rural markets are filled with color and excitement because this is where all the things for the offering can be buyed (fruits, vegetables, pottery, flowers, incense, toys, sugar sweets, tissue-papers with punched or cut-out decorative designs, etc.).<br /><br />The orange color of the “cempaxochitl” (flower of the dead) is predominant, as this is the flower associated with festivals for the dead in pre-Hispanic times. That is why the “ofrendas” often have paths made by its petals, so the dead can find their way to the food and drinks (also to find the way back, so they won’t stay and haunt the living).<br /></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402409364376320434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU60TdGwpIu0rjw_1O5Ycvynbt9ZP9WQ0bPx52b_-NXFeTv0kr9zN9SbYfSfVxE7MgWCEp2oYCtfFCFwAC0EAOOzO6PHSNW6_GUwP5nT7_yHdhsdO6MgvjwNNaVdEKhDYyHs7BmWUxbc/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+036.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Traditional Ofrenda dedicated to Morelos</span></div>
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The preparation of the bread for the dead begin before 30 October and its carried out by men. The cooking of the other food also begins in advance.<br />
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The ofrenda is constructed on the 30 or 31 of October bye the whole family. It is usually a table covered with a white cloth or plastic sheeting. It has also an arc made by canes, and decorates with flowers, palms, other green leaves and sugar canes (this may vary). The “papeles picados” are also used to decorate the “ofrenda”. On the table, pictures of the dead ones (in central position), saints and virgins are placed. Candles are very important, the guide the souls of the dead. Before the table, a “petate” will be placed. Finally, the food offering and more flowers are placed on the table.<br />
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<strong>Return of the Soul</strong><br />
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The belief is that the souls of the children are the first to return. Food and gifts appropriated to them are settled. These “little” souls are divided in to: the ones who died before baptism (who return the 30 October) and the other children (31 of October). Then, it’s the adults turn, with more spicy food (mole, tamales, enchiladas, chalupas, etc) and drinks that they preferred (coffee, atole, tequila, mescal, aguardiente, etc.). They arrive on November the 1st.<br />
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Clothes and personal possessions are also added to the offering. If they receive new stuff, these will be used by the living, such as it happens with the food. The spirits of the dead do not consume the food, but the spirit of it, so later the family will consume part of it and will distribute the other part with friends and relatives.<br />
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In the present time, we find that some “ofrendas” include commercially produced goods. The elaboration and the cost of the ofrendas depend on the family status. Mestizo families sometimes hire experts to build their “ofrendas”. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402410866696795698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46NG1RLtwgsAf185QD1gzzjOFvNH_ioPFJ-cfVaTqi_bay4BH2qv5bR1F0am844UzGBmCBzl13jSTRvdPQov7L2nrYt-TWmsT3Bj6Ng3zUslKLt2YC9AcNgYPP6rLhJg8QDeq-YZvJHk/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+039.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 232px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Traditional Ofrenda from Michoacan</span></div>
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In Mexico City the “ofrendas” are from the traditional way, to only a table with photos, flowers and candles. Skulls and skeletons are found in the urban context. In fact, there are made some skeleton figures in papier mâché in honor of the artist Posada (la Catrina). </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402427571269744434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8lYv7OTZE1sIio_sqCcrFFQLp9YeqPEqD1UAJk-H8drXSspXy41yAikuvRbkQLxUlpOKVLc20riaWFeeP_FA6n8LegXDqzyoLmSDzxj-j_-mEzjsQ6vZiCuqQ7ELsIrUTGdDILLCNwA/s320/me+catrina.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 219px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 241px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Me and a fancy Catrina</span></div>
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Many public buildings make their “ofrendas” (museums, stores, galleries, hotels, etc.). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DsV3_FDRKREuVTL9XJEU4MLRyRM2KVU-244Eq1g7I_L0byaqI_6rELINffTk9OiTtUwv34CQvmdwe6AhbcTD563xFYu_bg7AiQioT3JJAcqDf-eDTM2u5PLKpJwIkKkoRhkcZmIZ1PE/s1600-h/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+028.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402416334792516210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DsV3_FDRKREuVTL9XJEU4MLRyRM2KVU-244Eq1g7I_L0byaqI_6rELINffTk9OiTtUwv34CQvmdwe6AhbcTD563xFYu_bg7AiQioT3JJAcqDf-eDTM2u5PLKpJwIkKkoRhkcZmIZ1PE/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+028.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Fountain of "Jardín de las Rosas" decorated for the Day of the Dead</span><br />
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Now, competitions of “ofrendas” are held all around the country, which make them every year more complex. In Morelia, for example, you can see two competitions: one of the traditional “ofrenda” (the one described above) and the other of modern “ofrendas”. In this last one you can find very original and metaphoric ideas (they tend to be very weird though) which have nothing to do with the traditional “ofrenda”.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxROjdEZCHeckKLIlFX3zj6cSEfshlovM-cYZrL0geGCmmLnuIXnhYwjf8H3oqgrfjn-67a8GZU0N3EwoKkvIVH7qUfqiKzqDaGoKntuYBT22QcrZwfNQNmCrLScbX3Y3x0O6pA8DCU/s1600-h/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402414042969649042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGxROjdEZCHeckKLIlFX3zj6cSEfshlovM-cYZrL0geGCmmLnuIXnhYwjf8H3oqgrfjn-67a8GZU0N3EwoKkvIVH7qUfqiKzqDaGoKntuYBT22QcrZwfNQNmCrLScbX3Y3x0O6pA8DCU/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+001.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 183px; width: 268px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Modern Ofrenda dedicated to Alfredo Salce (known artist of Michoacan)</span></div>
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On the present day, the celebration of the day of the dead is becoming more a custom than an obligation, and it has everyday less religious significance. The purpose is to maintain a good relationship with the dead ones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa00kVIOtupwQa4rR4bg_mJkVG9xALV62EvSbr8RTNzGRPRNq_oH6NLYVOnFiHmR5GH6yAGl9A7-0Bfs1HeyxGo7n1NaNs3oygAIb4In5ASnisyQk3-_zq2r4E0A4dETRYt9R87dAlzw/s1600-h/io+calaca+juan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402416323722323874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa00kVIOtupwQa4rR4bg_mJkVG9xALV62EvSbr8RTNzGRPRNq_oH6NLYVOnFiHmR5GH6yAGl9A7-0Bfs1HeyxGo7n1NaNs3oygAIb4In5ASnisyQk3-_zq2r4E0A4dETRYt9R87dAlzw/s320/io+calaca+juan.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 241px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">My friend Juan and me making a new acquaintance</span></div>
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<strong>Other Facts</strong><br />
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The origin of sugar figurines used in today’s ofrendas appears to be Europe. They also have relationship with the fact that pre-Hispanic used to keep skulls as trophies. Now, new types of skull appear every year in Mexican markets. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX40Wtv8wrM4SI3fuHjt4QLSPLkafGhyphenhyphenXY4BO2Ep6LsuCFvm_9b5jGbFcojWfbtJdjMc1FR0eZ2tZ_6M_SqAfvOkuJwAl3sxkrgd2efIcMoFKAuBOHu2K9S9ak0Nk-WizxFzhrX_Eq48/s1600-h/IMG088.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402416315322215218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX40Wtv8wrM4SI3fuHjt4QLSPLkafGhyphenhyphenXY4BO2Ep6LsuCFvm_9b5jGbFcojWfbtJdjMc1FR0eZ2tZ_6M_SqAfvOkuJwAl3sxkrgd2efIcMoFKAuBOHu2K9S9ak0Nk-WizxFzhrX_Eq48/s320/IMG088.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 165px; width: 209px;" /></a></div>
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On 1840, the urban celebration was deep related with traditions of catholic church (it was kind of gloomy), now, it is more in touch with an atmosphere of joy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGHSncFDjYkfYcnraaYQ9u12pzfLuGBgrTIyziDz_pP_2y-GR1svSP7SjbbkBf-mKisQs7t4hpvV6oArurG_0kj_Uyhw0rq2y4qDgHaBAOLyWbgcmIcxEEZPDLvnQMYOR3w4nw8b40E/s1600-h/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402423853223971554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGHSncFDjYkfYcnraaYQ9u12pzfLuGBgrTIyziDz_pP_2y-GR1svSP7SjbbkBf-mKisQs7t4hpvV6oArurG_0kj_Uyhw0rq2y4qDgHaBAOLyWbgcmIcxEEZPDLvnQMYOR3w4nw8b40E/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+017.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">"Mariachi Calavera" in Downtown Morelia</span></div>
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By this festivity and joy environment, it is noticed that Mexicans do not fear death. They cry for their beloved departed ones, but they rejoice as they think they are in a “better place” now and they have the hopes to reunite with them someday.<br />
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The images of Calaveras made by José Guadalupe Posada, who mocked the antics of the living, are still present today in the popular imagery (“la Catrina” is internationally recognized). </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402423850342699202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFSI_eW7Ezv31XhZ8SI5zRis6SZ6x5RSPQAN6IJLB6eSF55mane2_6XSsj5nPImTFKLCDhz3ynaE5-Nd5pcLadZiKcmRh1o9fhpqR0VSx4iGwSoWWuize2793PERaV0VGzfpglU5ajIY/s320/d%C3%ADa+de+muertos+09+033.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">"Frida", the Catrina who lives in my house</span></div>
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There is a variation of the festivity depending on the region of the country. In fact, in the present time, the feast has crossed the border, as it is now celebrated by Mexicans who live in the U.S. Music, dancing, elaborated costumes, masses and ofrendas are made (though this face an acculturation right now).<br />
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I would like to finish by saying that the Day of the Dead has an important place in the hearts of, not only Mexicans, but in every person that has had the opportunity to be part of it. In my opinion, this happens because of the deep meaning that it still keeps, and the big quantity of cultural aspects that are put together (music, food, decorations, etc.). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5MbpTjqPTlj6I23_coXHZLV0-xzzwlvFIZpX47Ib96gZO5NAVK2rc_zOZU7m6JI-5QmUZvi53zXwrqrqCROT4z2K78HaF6tuXJdWnmEtNvQjfJuOHjBVmIRsbT9PS8ABCw6_5L9G_bw/s1600-h/calzada.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402434854208747570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5MbpTjqPTlj6I23_coXHZLV0-xzzwlvFIZpX47Ib96gZO5NAVK2rc_zOZU7m6JI-5QmUZvi53zXwrqrqCROT4z2K78HaF6tuXJdWnmEtNvQjfJuOHjBVmIRsbT9PS8ABCw6_5L9G_bw/s320/calzada.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 253px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel</span></div>
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<br />As some say, “the Day of the Dead is alive” and it has become an essential fact in the preservation of the national identity. That is why I think it is important not to loose the real meaning of this celebration, to keep it the way it is so it won’t disappear.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402416324884474418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPHx_FUnbFpIdO4tLaoPMgXxeuus9bPcvoqqzjVKrD98jf7WJhsJOTWnYpS2-hdIyLsIbNHVPZnZcAVxtUomea66Xtu_b9x8-fi9kg14MXMgT67ozTf41qbpgrPtEXuZRJ6Gr15CEH3w/s320/lilmuertos09.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 263px; width: 320px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Me just before taking those beautiful pics of Morelia during the celebration of the Day of the Dead</span></div>
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by Lil21</div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><strong>Source</strong><br />Carmichael Elizabeth, The Skeleton at the Feast, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, part 1, pp. 14 – 71.</span><br />
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Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-41362615202490957542009-09-08T00:29:00.000-05:002009-09-09T00:09:15.530-05:00I ♥ to live in MORELIA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffK7ouS1EmzFEFYMgNNKxZev7ed_II3QKuFzY26INcQGUskm091ZXKW7zGSALNsrZl86L_8LTPRvODmL_SuyvBf8UK304pwF6BdT7LRLfEUVoDj1MwSYx9yuXjtwTG2uE3WLYCN7LdR0/s1600-h/catedral.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378971852963786722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffK7ouS1EmzFEFYMgNNKxZev7ed_II3QKuFzY26INcQGUskm091ZXKW7zGSALNsrZl86L_8LTPRvODmL_SuyvBf8UK304pwF6BdT7LRLfEUVoDj1MwSYx9yuXjtwTG2uE3WLYCN7LdR0/s320/catedral.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Morelia is a beautiful colonial city, capital of the state of Michoacan, in the southwest part of Mexico. It was founded in 1541 and it played a very important role in the Mexican Independence.</div><div align="justify"><br />Therefore, its streets, monuments, builings and squares are full of history, and represent a lovely example of the Spanish baroque style.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">I have been living here for seven years now, and I must say that I love it. I mean sure, it has problems - like every city nowadays -, but you can find here more pros than cons.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />For example, I have seen a lot of Mexican Cathedrals and, in my oppinion, there is not one more beautiful than the one in Morelia -in and outside-. This magnificent pink-coloured construction keeps an enormous organ with 4600 flutes, which is played every year at the International Organ Festival.<br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">Downtown Morelia is, in general, a place worth visiting more than once. Each corner is surrounded by a unique atmosphere. This can be perfectly felt in "La Casa de la Cultura" and in "El Jardín de las Rosas" -two of my favourite places in the city-, were your artistic and bohemian self can revive while painting, writting, reading or simply drinking a cup of coffee with your friends. </div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://mexatua.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_1219.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Another attractive fact about Morelia, is that festivals take place during the whole year. The most important, I think, is the International Film Festival that takes place in October, were movies, actors and directors from all over the world are united in the heart of this colonial capital. </div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">.</span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So, as you can tell, culture is inhaled in this city. No wonder why this place remains the most visited cultural destination in the whole country. Don't miss the chance to come and see it for yourselves!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">img source: </span><br /><a href="http://vivirmexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/catedral-de-morelia-480x640.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://vivirmexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/catedral-de-morelia-480x640.jpg</span></a><br /><a href="http://mexatua.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_1219.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://mexatua.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_1219.jpg</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5023330600017225064.post-82522183505758626752009-09-06T19:56:00.000-05:002009-09-06T21:22:46.312-05:00I'ts a Multicultural World After All...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbDaztEQzQwZ6f5TLCNeGPrnv-YIhjy9n4hhQWlI9cq5XapfKzZudV8-FGGQNdb2gvfU5hIv42s-F2pgR95ZKVVlpSbqk7Kh1fF1-ODZimnMOA-NhQfdRoWlFlnPwVeIpe2k7JdlJbkc/s1600-h/9222-500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378545103075066178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbDaztEQzQwZ6f5TLCNeGPrnv-YIhjy9n4hhQWlI9cq5XapfKzZudV8-FGGQNdb2gvfU5hIv42s-F2pgR95ZKVVlpSbqk7Kh1fF1-ODZimnMOA-NhQfdRoWlFlnPwVeIpe2k7JdlJbkc/s320/9222-500.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's imposible to say that a culture is not touched or influenced by another one. This, in fact, has been happening for many years, and it has built the world as we know it today.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In these days, the internet and the other mass media make it easy to have all this cultural barter, even when you don't have the opportunity to travel a lot. If you ask me, this is one of the greatest qualities of the web.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But I'm sure I don't need to explain that. Each one of us has lived at least one experience in contact with another culture, and I bet we can find one relative or friend that has married someone from a different country.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Even a mexican who lives in a small city like me, can have the opportunity to interact with different cultures without living her country. I just love that!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What about you? Do you have a multicutural experience to share?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Liliroghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02365636013657387182noreply@blogger.com2