Yucatecan Treasures

*This is the third & final installment in what I'm calling my Mexican Vacation Series. This process has be fun. I enjoy sharing pics and the stories that go along with them. It has also been an opportunity for me to savor the memories a little longer. More pictures below in case you missed them.*


When a groovy old friend of mine heard that we were going to the Yucatan, she strongly encouraged us to check out the ruins of Ek Balam. She knew that we planned to visit Chichen Itza and suggested that this would be a good contrast to that experience. She also mentioned that there just so happens to be a unique little spot to stay closeby called the Genesis Retreat and swore we would love the place.

We did.

This is the view from the very comfortable bed we had at Genesis:


This place is idyllic. You must visit if you find yourself in the area. A cool,down to earth Canadian woman created and runs the amazing space. Amenities include: a sweatlodge, outdoor showers, beautiful mosaics all over the place, vegetarian meals and homemade fresh lime margaritas.

After a good nights sleep and an early morning wakeup call by Mr. Rooster, we had a leisurely walk around the community surrounding Genesis. We were met with friendliness by the locals - including some elementary schoolkids hanging around. One particularly confident girl helped me with a little Spanish. When I asked her "Como se dise" & pointed to one of these guys that were strutting around the place in packs:


She said "Pavo". Turkey.

These guys?


"Pavolitos". Baby turkeys. Have you ever seen a baby turkey? (Def click on the pic for a closer look).

Although it was hard to leave - and I'm not talking about how long it took the taxi guy to finally come get us - we finally made our way from the Genesis Retreat to Ek Balam.


Beautiful, blue skied day. It was warm & a bit humid - but very tolerable. I can only imagine what the temperatures are like in the summer. We were nearly the only people here on this very quiet Wednesday...definitely a contrast to the huge numbers at Chichen Itza. It was nice to be able to meander around in a quiet, contemplative space. And, it was cool to be able to climb to the top of the main pyramid (tourists are no longer able to climb to the top of El Castillo at Chichen Itza).


Did I say cool? It actually was quite hot. We were there when the sun was high in the sky & beating down upon the stone steps. I'd love to go back in time to see how the Maya lived in these places. I'm sure that they zipped up & down the stairs like nobodys business.

View from the top:


The Mayan site of Ek Balam is so incredibly well preserved. They actually only began restoration in 1997! And, there are still mounds left to be excavated. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.

We had just enough time to ride bikes down to the Ek Balam Ceynote (pronounced Say-noh-tay). This pic does it very little justice - you know how that goes...


This is an enormous sinkhole very close to the Ek Balam site. There are over 3000 Ceynotes in the Yucatan - and only 1400 of these are actually studied and registered. Apparantly they were considered sacred places of the Maya because they were the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the Yucatecan jungle and also because they represented the entrance to the underworld. Awesome.

Our taxi was waiting for us once we biked out from the Cenote & drove us into Valladolid so we could catch our bus back to Isla Mujeres. First order of business? Dinner - we were starving and parched. The place we chose had clean toilets, cold beer and this Yucatecan delight:


Huevos Motulenos - a Yucatecan egg dish similar to Huevos Rancheros which is incredibly delicious especially after a day of walking around in the jungle and when you haven't eaten since breakfast. The Negra Leon (very similar to Negra Modelo) was cold, refreshing & a welcome treat.

After a very mellow bus ride (via ADO busline) complete with air conditioning, comfortable, reclining seats and random martial arts movie we were happy to be back to our beach. It was a relief to know that tomorrow would not require any running around, timelines or decisions harder than which beach chair to choose. It was bittersweet because it would be our last day of vacation.

And, our last Caribbean sunset.



We couldn't be bothered doing much shopping during our trip, however, I did manage to find something special for BabyZ.


I couldn't resist. The man who made this, had a card table set up close to the restaurant section on Isla. He had quite a menagerie of handmade felted animals. The armadillo was my favorite.

So, we're home now and transitioning back to reality. Holiday stuff, extended wait times with CCAA, mortgage payments, work schedules, housecleaning. Back to the good stuff, too...like lattes made with fresh milk, fresh garden salads, our home, family/friends to reconnect with and...Iris.


Yes, Iris was very, very, very happy to have us back. We missed her, too.

Smile Like You Mean It

Yup. It was last night!! They rocked. We rocked. The concert was terrific. I can not get the Killers out of my head...I think that is a very good sign.

Highlights of the evening:

1 - Six bands & Five and 1/2 hours of music for $45.50/ticket! I learned last night that the show sold out in TWO minutes!

2 - Best band of the night: The Killers

~and~

Hottest singer of the night: Brandon Flowers/Killers (Be sure to click on the pics below to get a better look at lovely Mr. Flowers - these are actually pics from last nights show!)


He was soo smooth, sounded so great and seemed to be having so much fun. Very sexy. The band was incredibly tight. As the last band in a lineup of six, they were definitely worth the wait.

3 - The Silversun Pickups did not disappoint in the least, although I would have liked to hear more from them. They were the first group to come on after the local band contest winners & only had about 25 minutes to play.
Not enough, I tell you!

There will be a next time, for sure, as I really-truly enjoyed them!


Bass player Nikki Monninger was inspirational. I want to be her.

I only have their latest album & love the guitar, so I knew she would be great. To hear her in person & see how confident-cool she was onstage reminded me of that fantasy I've always had of being a rock & roll star! You Go Ms. Nikki!!

4 - I think that Modest Mouse should change its name to Johnny Marr (formerly of the Smiths) and the Modest Mice. The band seemed totally separated from Johnny, who is more of a guitarist than a vocalist - but they had him positioned as though he was fronting the band. It was just awkward.

5 - Jack White is taller, fuller and a lot less vacant than I'd imagined him.


He was really soulful...and pretty hot, too, come to think of it. It was interesting to hear the Raconteurs do some really old school sounding stuff. Jzboy said he thought that it sounded a lot like Alice Cooper. It was almost comical when they broke into their hit (Steady as She Goes) as the final song on their playlist. To me, it was really out of place.

6 - The Shins were good. One of the guitarists really melted my heart with how into the music he was & the way he moved. I noticed some really, huge fans in the crowd -- I'm just not that up on their stuff, I suppose.

Final Thoughts:

Getting hit on in the beer line never gets old.

Cell phone "lights" have now replaced the lighter at a concert.

Always dress in layers if you are going to a show in December.

Run, don't walk to the shop and buy the Killers new album...is it ok to still call them albums? Track 6 - my favorite.

Kids are still overindulging and passing out in the bathrooms at concerts.

There is still anxiety around "being seen" at a show - for me, now, it is the anxiety of being seen by one of the kids I work with at the high school.

Some things don't change...including overinflated beer prices and my annoying habit of leaving concert tickets in back pockets & destroying them in the wash.

Chichen Itza - Not Chicken Pizza!

We LOVED our time on the beach in Mexico - but truly wanted to experience the history of the ruins inland. So we traveled westward to the Yucatan. It may seem cliche to some - but our primary destination was Chichen Itza. What an amazing spot. Spiritual, historical, international - inspirational.

Absolutely.


The day was perfect - warm, but not too hot, incredible blue skies. We were awestruck. What a sight - a photo on a random blog just does not do it justice.

I hope that you'll click on the pictures to enlarge the images to get a closer look.

I accept the fact that I'm a lamebrain in the history department, but...c'mon....how did I graduate high school without an understanding of the history in this part of the world? It makes me angry...really. Really!! We hooked up with this great Spanish speaking docent who walked us through a small part of the ruins. This guy gave us a great, albeit cursory history lesson about Chichen Itza and its rise to power - I want to know more, though. It is all so interesting & complex.

This stone carving references the "games" played at Chichen Itza that precluded the sacrifices made to the Gods.


This is an etching that alludes to the activities surrounding the beheadings that became a part of the sacrificial aspect of life in Chichen Itza back in the day. Our guide told us that the Maya people were not "into" sacrifice until they were infiltrated by another group of people (sorry, I can't remember the name of that group). Interesting how they embraced the practice.

Love the skull pic, BTW.



Here are a couple other pics of the amazing stone etchings - It is amazing to me to think of how old this art is. Incredible. And, so damn beautiful.






One thing about Chichen Itza - it is a very huge tourist attaction. I will not call it a tourist trap, though. The "artisan marketplace" outside the area is more of a trap. Once you are inside, and this place is huge, you are in a sacred sort of place. Yes, there are loads of folk trying to sell you stuff that has likely been made in China...but, well, you move on from that. It is not like there is a McDonalds onsite. There is some sense of reverence in spite of the capitalization of the thousands of people visiting the spot daily.

Final, shadowy pic of the amazing spot:


Proof that we were here together:



A very cool, very well traveled friend of ours recommended a retreat close to Chichen Itza - well off the beaten path. This included a trip to Ek Balam, a ruins site that has only recently been excavated. That was our planned resting place...and we did end up there....eventually.

More pics of that spot and a funny culture collision story to come...........

Until then....adios muchachas/muchachos.

Does Yoni Mean What I Think It Means??

You are the World

Completion, Good Reward.

The World is the final card of the Major Arcana, and as such represents saturnian energies, time, and completion.

The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni (sometimes made of laurel leaves). The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. Everything is finally coming together, successfully and at last. You will get that Ph.D. you've been working for years to complete, graduate at long last, marry after a long engagement, or finish that huge project. This card is not for little ends, but for big ones, important ones, ones that come with well earned cheers and acknowledgements. Your hard work, knowledge, wisdom, patience, etc, will absolutely pay-off; you've done everything right.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I love the theme of completion in this card....and things coming full circle.

Life's a Beach

This is me in full vacation mode at one of the many beachside restaurants on Isla Mujeres. Yup, this pic pretty much sums it up.

Isla Mujeres is a teeny, tiny island very close to Cancun in the Mexican State called Quintana Roo. Yes, it is close to Cancun - a 20 minute ferry ride - but couldn't have been further from the flashy, Vegas-esque vibe that seems to exhist there. Here's a pic of the beach a few footsteps from our hotel - we liked to call it "our" beach.

Vacation is a very, very good thing. Mexico was amazing. It was warm, romantic, beautiful, friendly, accessible and incredibly kick-back. Did I mention warm? Very warm. The water & the sun. It was great being in the ocean again - well, I guess it is the sea - I've never experienced water so perfect in temerperature & clarity. And the white sand?? Gorgeous.




We rented a golf cart one day to explore the island. Very fun. Here is jzboy at Punta Sur which is on the Southern end of Isla Mujeres. Gorgeous views of the Caribbean!! It was here that we saw the "Cliff of the Dawn" - the easternmost point in the country & therefore the first part of Mexico to be touched by the sun's rays every dawn.

Best part about our golf cart tourism was the stop at the Tortugranja - the Turtle Farm.

This federally supported program is located on ancient nesting grounds of the giant sea turtle. Turtles come back to the same place they were born to lay their eggs deep in the beach sand. The farm protects the eggs and collects and protects the young, rearing them in large tanks until they can be released into the sea at an age and size where they can take care of themselves. Here are some pics of the protected little (or big) guys:


These guys are 5 days old!!

I'm in love.......

Every day of our vacation ended with an amazing sunset. For me, it was an ideal way to say goodbye to the sun. I felt so incredibly thankful each evening watching the sun sink below the horizon and basking in its glow. I felt comforted, peaceful and so very, very thankful.



I'll have to post a little later on our trip inland - to the Yucatan. That was an entirely different experience & deserves its own space.

Until then ~ Adios.

Giving Thankz

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all! See you after the break! XO, wzgirl

I've Got Finals!

And, I'm cramming.



My final 2 quilt blocks are due tonight - for my last beginners quiliting class (although I still feel like quite the newby). It will be such a relief to be finished with this class. The Fridays from 6-9 pm was getting a little old to be quite honest.

The top two pics are of the "Mother's Dream" block. I really love how it turned out. My sister helped me choose the colors. The sewing went pretty well - but there were a whole lot of "intersections" and that got a bit tricky. The "Mother's Dream" is my most red block of them all.

Below is the beginnings of the last square. The "Basket". This one is probably my least favorite of them all. Its just a little prissy or something. I kinda rushed through it a bit & messed up the points at the top/bottom edges. I could give a rip, actually, it is DONE-ZO...and that is a very good thing. I may end up doing something different to replace the basket - or I may live with it as is.
We'll see........


Final-Final.....

Tonight we'll look at all of our blocks together & choose the background fabrics to "sash" them into one piece. I've got my eye on a couple things...we'll see what the teacher thinks.

Next up - Bai Jia Bei. I'm ready to start cuttin' & sewing that bad boy. How hard can it really be, right?

I'm all warmed up now.

Bring it.

6 Months Under Our Belts

Today marks the 6 month point. We've been Logged In with the CCAA since 5/15/06. 6 months! These "anniversaries" have been feeling a little silly to me lately - but 6 months feels significant enough to give pause.

So...woo hoo, I guess.

All things considered (or speculated upon), we'd better keep our seatbelts fastened because who knows what lies ahead on this unpredictable roller coaster.

Stoked!

It is time for the annual Not So Silent Night concert & WE GOT TICKETS!!!!!!!!!

Check out this lineup:

The Killers
Modest Mouse
The Raconteurs
The Shins
The Silversun Pickups

I haven't paid to see a show in AGES due to the generosity of my sister who shared the sweet perks she received when she was working. Lemme see, I got to see U2 twice, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos, Madonna, Elton John, B-52's, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keyes, Motley Crue...for free...box seats & beer included...oh, yeah, and PARKING....all thanks to my sis.

This show, though, this show is worth the $45/ticket. So many great bands. Although, I'll admit that I'm not toooo sure about Modest Mouse - aren't they an "O.C." band? When I heard that the Silversun Pickups* were part of the lineup - it was a done deal for me. So, I sat right by my computer, credit card in hand and got our tix as soon as the clock ticked 10am this morning!! Woo! Hoo!

Imagine my excitement when I got home this evening and found out that the concert is now sold out. I am soo glad that I didn't drag my feet on this one!

I'm feeling luckier every second!!

Maybe this will be my lucky week??



*If you haven't heard the Silversun Pickups - check out their single "Lazy Eye". It is awesome. If you are a fan of Billy Corgan, and the Smashing Pumpkins, you might really like these guys. Try it, you might love it!! Click here for a little bit about the band, if you're interested......

Panda in Boxers

I think that my Secret Pal has been reading my Amazon Wish List!!

Have you heard about this book, yet?

Zen Shorts is a very special little book written and illustrated by John J Muth. I'll admit that I am a total sucker for watercolor illustrations - but the ones in this book are so sweet that you just want to savor each one. The main character, Stillwater, is a Zen Master Panda that teaches three siblings three classic Zen-esque lessons. It is called Zen shorts - because these are short stories within a larger story. Makes perfect sense considering kid sized appetites, dont'cha think?

This book is refective in nature and delivers meaningful although not preachy messages about forgiveness, materialism and letting go. I'd imagine that it would be a great springboard for those kid-to-parent-life-lessons-sort-of-conversations that are bound to be in any parents future.

Or...of course...you could just look at the pictures!





Turns out that Jon J Muth has also illustrated one of my all-time favorite children's books: Stone Soup.

Hint, hint - Secret Pal - Hint, hint!!

Thank you so much for the terrific gift, Ms. Pal-e-o!! We really love it! XO

30-Something Questions

I saw this Meme at Nicole's House this morning and then over at SBird's Place this afternoon. Looks like a fun one so here goes:


1) What side of the heart do you draw first?

Right

2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?

Yes...but it's been a while. I used to spend entire days during the summer at the community pool. Later I was on the swim team.

3) What color is your razor?

Pink?

4) What is your blood-type?

I should know this - especially being a Red Cross volunteer and all. But, I don't. I have very difficult veins (ask my phebotimist mother) so I've only donated blood a few times.

5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?

Take your pick from #15 below. I think that John Cusack would be my first choice, though. We could talk music & he'd keep me entertained.

6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you?

I honestly cannot think of anything - I guess try to avoid scandal.

7) How do you feel about carrots?

I like pretty much any vegetable. I love carrot juice. I also love cooked carrots - steamed, of course. But, I do not love carrot cake.

8) How many chairs at the dining room table?

Four. We have a very old dining set & the remaining chairs are just a little too unsteady to place around the table.

9) Which is the best spice girl?

My friend, Irena's, Daughter is the BEST "Spicy Girl"!!

10) Do you know what time it is?

"It's Time to Get Ill" - know the reference??

11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song?

No, but I do think that Will Smith is a hottie.

12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?

Push all the buttons. Over and over.

13) Whats your favorite kind of gum?

Sugarless Bubble Yum.

14)T or F: Alls fair in love and war.

NOT True.

15) Do you have a crush on anyone?

I sure like John Cusack. I also like Sayeed on LOST. As a teen I loved Ralph Macchio. Billy Corgan is a rockstar that I heart.
Oh yeah, and Brett Favre!!!!!!!!!!!

16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?

I'm usually pretty accurate - but I LOVE using my Thesaurus/Dictionary to check sometimes..

17) Do you like to sleep?

When I was in grad school I remember thinking a LOT about sleep & how much I was missing. Not so much these days. I much prefer getting up early & not wasting my morning -- on the weekends, that is!

18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings?

I think Arizona?

19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?

Bonnie Tyler. I used to have the 45. I also vividly remember the video.

20) Do you want a bright yellow 06 mustang?

Nope. I love my car & wouldn't change it unless someone gave me a free Prius.

21) What's something you've always wanted?

To be a mother...to parent a child.

22) Do you have hairy legs?

Nope. But I once had a razor-fast with a bunch of roommates. That was interesting!

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?

Definitely ocean. Can't stand lakes - too slimy. Love the ocean. Love the sand.

25) Do you wear a lot of black?

Yes. With colorful accents, usually.

26) Describe your hair.

Changeable. Currently, it is growing long but cut in layers - so that my natural wave can be encouraged. Dark Brown. I gave up the highlights about a year ago - I was so bored with that look.

27) Do you have Entomophobia?

I'm not afraid of bugs - I just don't like them that much. Especially the slimy ones. Like the Tomato Horn Worm!!

28) Are you an adult?

Yes, I am over 18, if we are taking this literally. But, I think that is poor use of a meme question.

29) Where are your best friends?

Usually right there when I need them.

30) Do you have a tan?

Not anymore...but I'm gonna get one in Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

31) Are you a television addict?

Yes...but I can quit anytime.

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?

Absolutely.

33) Are you a sugar freak?

Nope...although for some bizarre reason I ate more Halloween candy this year than I think I have in the past 5-6 years combined! This "Paper Pregnancy" is not doing a THING for my waistline!

34) Do you like orange juice?

Only fresh-squeezed. I can't stand the stuff that comes out of a carton!! Eww!

35) What sign are you?

I'm on the cusp of Virgo/Libra. I feel that I relate to aspects of both.

36) What color is your Cell Phone?

Silver...but I'd LOVE one of those pink ones!!

37) Where do you wish you were right now?

* On my way to China to meet my daughter for the first time - like Jessi

* Or back home from China and on maternity leave like Mary-Mia, Beth and/or Karen!

* Since the CCAA is still working on getting through dossiers logged in August 2005 and we are LID May 2006 that trip is a ways off. Sooo...I guess that I'll settle for a tropical vacation to the Yucatan.


Anyone else interested in participating?? Let me know, so I can come check out your list, too! XO

Feelin' Closer to Mexico EVERY Day!

Today JZboy and I traveled over to the annual Dia de los Muertos Festival in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.


It was a gorgeous, blue skied day...just perfect for a street festival. And, it was HUGE. There were TONS of people - many were in their Sunday finest!

The sights, sounds, smells and celebratory energy were incredible. A group of Aztec Dancers captivated us with their feathered headdresses and costumes adorned with skulls. We inhaled their smudgy sage smoke as they moved in unison to soulfully pounded drums. What a sight. Here is a glimpse of the feathered finery:
There were so many incredible altars made by families and various local organizations. It was a bit emotional at times looking at these very personal and political creations. Homage was paid to Frida, Cesar, Grandma & Grandpa...very beautifully, I might add. Here are a couple of altars that I found especially vibrant and moving:



I wish that I could attach some soundbites of the diverse musical bits that we experienced. There was the incredible drumming, some fun Mariachi Bands (my heart breaks a little when I see those guys in their matching suits) and our ears almost bled walking past the poorly calibrated sound systems blasting highly distorted tunes from the local Mexican Radio station.

The afternoon was capped off perfectly when we happened upon the Ballet Folklorico dancers. Nice music - great style.


This afternoon really got us really excited about our vacation to Mexico!!!!!

Arriba! Arriba! Andale Pues!!

Ten Reasons Why I ((Heart)) Terry Gross

Terry Gross is the NPR Queen


1. She has met (& subsequently kicked the ass of) Gene Simmons.
2. She looks NOTHING like her voice sounds
(my apologies to those who haven't seen her pic, yet).
3. Her familiar, frequent and very genuine little laugh.
4. She inspires me to read stuff I'd normally pass by.
5. Her interview with Joan Didion made me cry.
6. She manages to find a way to relate to anyone - from Jerry Lewis to Jim Jarmusch... John Updike to Miss Manners...Nancy Reagan to Lou Reed. Terry Schiavo's husband.....Neil Young, too.
And, let us not forget - Dennis Hopper...hmmkay??
7. She finds a way to make her interviews with such diverse people to be equally important & relevant.
8. She is one Tough Cookie.
9. She makes my commute after a very long day of work....tolerable.

10. Because she is an absolute Mensch.


Did you know that most of Terry Gross' guests were not in the studio while she was interviewing them? She usually interviews via Satellite! Wow!! And, did you know that she refers to herself as a "coward"?? What? Why???? And, did you know that Terry Gross is only 5 feet tall? Didja know that she is married to a guy named Francis Davis, a jazz critic for the Village Voice?

Pretty cool lady - in so many very interesting ways.

XO