On Tuesday afternoon, our Realtor Irma unexpectedly called our hotel room, letting me know that she was in the lobby, ready to take Annabelle and I to see our new home. We haven't signed anything yet, but we have decided the condo on Galileo is where we want to live. So, Annie, Irma and I took a look at the home again, took some photos and a video.
However, at this time, the photos are on my iPhone...which doesn't have internet access. So, unfortunately, I cannot post them! Soon, I will begin adding photos to the blog!
Today, Annie and I were invited to a playgroup in Polanco. The woman I met at the park on Monday invited us to join the group from 3-5 today at one of the other women's homes. So, we met up and strolled together. At the playgroup, there were about 10 women and kids. All but one of the kids were under the age of 2. So, Annie fit right in, especially considering they had a dog, which Annie was more than happy to follow around!
We had a GREAT time at the playgroup! All the women were so incredibly friendly. Most were from the U.S. Their time in Mexico ranges from this past November to as long as five years. All of the women raved about Mexico City, especially Polanco! About four of the babies were born in Polanco at Hospital Espanol. They all raved about the medical care for themselves, the kids, and their spouses.
I couldn't believe that after meeting by chance at the park on Monday, I was invited in to their playgroup on Wednesday. I feel like that just wouldn't happen in Plainfield/Naperville. The times that Annie and I have gone to the park at home, we have met no one! So, it was very cool to have already made at least one new friend, with the potential for so many more from the playgroup.
It was also great to talk to everyone about their experiences, be able to ask lots of random questions and be welcomed in immediately!
Needless to say, Annie and I hope to continue going to the Wednesday playgroup when we officially move to Mexico!
In the meantime, we are meeting some of the women at the Lincoln Park tomorrow! (The Lincoln Park is named after Abraham Lincoln...there is even a statue of him in the park. There is also a statue of Martin Luther King Jr).
Thanks for reading! Hasta luega!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Two Week Trip - Post Six
After a challenging start in Polanco, things are looking up!
On Sunday morning, we walked about seven miles around Polanco. From our hotel, we headed West towards our potential new home on Galileo. Then headed North a half block to International Street, which is where Sam's Club and Hospital Espanol are located. We continued West towards "la antera" - the large, outdoor mall with stores including Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Casa Palacio (kind of like Crate & Barrel), Imaginarium, Burberry, Coach, and many more.
On Sunday evening, we left our hotel around 7 and headed towards Paseo de Masaryk to find a restaurant for dinner. We were surprised to find out that 80% of the restaurants were closed before 7 pm. We ended up getting carry out from California Pizza Kitchen (a really authentic Mexican experience, I know!). While we waited for our food, we went two doors down to "Yogurtland", which is a very cool yogurt shop. You walk in, grab a cup, and fill it as high as you want with your choice of 16 frozen yogurt flavors. Once you are satisfied, you take it to the counter, where the employees can add fruit or toppings. Then, you weigh your cup and pay based on weight. Annie and I got the "taro" flavor, as well as the "vanilla bean" flavor. The "taro" is a light purple color, with hints of blueberry and coconut. Sounds odd, but very tasty!! ...It was so good that Annabelle and I went back today, after playing at the Lincoln Park for two hours!
This morning, Annie and I ventured out by ourselves, walking to Oxxo (a convenient store) for milk, Starbucks, and the park. We got a tad lost on the way to the park, going too far South, which took us by the Intercontinental Hotel, JW Marriott, and the W Hotel, along with the local Bentley and Volvo dealerships. Once we ran into the Hard Rock Cafe, we knew where we were and headed two blocks North to the park! I am already establishing landmarks!!
The park was a HUGE hit with Annabelle! It is a large, fenced in park, with more slides than I have ever seen at a park. Annie tired me out, as she was running from side to side and making friends with some of the other little kids! When we got home from the park (and Yogurtland)...she took a four hour nap! I was astounded and kept waiting for her to wake up! Needless to say, Annabelle really enjoyed Polanco today, as did I!
On Sunday morning, we walked about seven miles around Polanco. From our hotel, we headed West towards our potential new home on Galileo. Then headed North a half block to International Street, which is where Sam's Club and Hospital Espanol are located. We continued West towards "la antera" - the large, outdoor mall with stores including Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Casa Palacio (kind of like Crate & Barrel), Imaginarium, Burberry, Coach, and many more.
On Sunday evening, we left our hotel around 7 and headed towards Paseo de Masaryk to find a restaurant for dinner. We were surprised to find out that 80% of the restaurants were closed before 7 pm. We ended up getting carry out from California Pizza Kitchen (a really authentic Mexican experience, I know!). While we waited for our food, we went two doors down to "Yogurtland", which is a very cool yogurt shop. You walk in, grab a cup, and fill it as high as you want with your choice of 16 frozen yogurt flavors. Once you are satisfied, you take it to the counter, where the employees can add fruit or toppings. Then, you weigh your cup and pay based on weight. Annie and I got the "taro" flavor, as well as the "vanilla bean" flavor. The "taro" is a light purple color, with hints of blueberry and coconut. Sounds odd, but very tasty!! ...It was so good that Annabelle and I went back today, after playing at the Lincoln Park for two hours!
This morning, Annie and I ventured out by ourselves, walking to Oxxo (a convenient store) for milk, Starbucks, and the park. We got a tad lost on the way to the park, going too far South, which took us by the Intercontinental Hotel, JW Marriott, and the W Hotel, along with the local Bentley and Volvo dealerships. Once we ran into the Hard Rock Cafe, we knew where we were and headed two blocks North to the park! I am already establishing landmarks!!
The park was a HUGE hit with Annabelle! It is a large, fenced in park, with more slides than I have ever seen at a park. Annie tired me out, as she was running from side to side and making friends with some of the other little kids! When we got home from the park (and Yogurtland)...she took a four hour nap! I was astounded and kept waiting for her to wake up! Needless to say, Annabelle really enjoyed Polanco today, as did I!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
La Historia de Miguelito - Post by Mike
What a week! It has been a week of extremes...as I guess it would be for any new expat. There are moments in each day that make me love Mexico City, and there are times that I long for the familiarity of home. Some examples...
Missing Home
-Cannot find normal milk for Annabelle
-Living in hotel with one room, no fridge, nothing included for 200 usd per night
-No Whole Foods
-1 hour meeting completely in Spanish
-Annabelle had night terrors
-No car
-Not enough cash to get to and from work next week taking taxis at 50 usd per day
-Clean water
Loving Mexico
-Chapultepec Park (Central Park is NYC as Chapultepec Park is to DF)
-New home in Polanco
-Walking 7 miles per day in Polanco
-No car (this can be both good and bad)
-People here are nice
-Intensive Spanish classes start Tuesday
-My co-workers are dedicated, driven, and intelligent
-My co-workers couldn't be more friendly
-72 degrees and sunny daily (no need to check for windchill and snow emergencies)
I will try to keep my posts different from Jill's. Not because I am worried about being repetitive, but she and I will have two completely different experiences. I feel like I am assimilating to Mexico quicker than Jill, because of my work experience. I have had a week of people talking around me and about me, with no idea of what they are saying (not for long...Berlitz here I come!). Also, my experience is quite different than Jill's, because my co-workers will be my friends and social interaction most of the time. I have people to teach me about culture (dia de reyes...rosca de reyes), teach me new words, and interact with for 10+ hours a day. Whereas, Jill will have to work to establish these relationships. Much of the differences the first few months will be the result of Jill having more time to miss home than me. Other than the language differences, some cultural differences, and a few different brands, finance work is universal.
As hinted at above, my first cultural experiences in Mexico was dia de reyes (day of kings). This is a big day for families with young children. Consider this as Christmas part 2. I was called into an office with two giant cakes (more like sweet bread) in the shape of a wreath. As the new guy, and the gringo, I was told to cut the first piece of the rosca de reyes. Luckily enough, I found the baby Jesus in my piece. Looks like I will be bringing tamales to work February 2nd! This was a fun time at work, and something that would not have happened in the US. Sure, maybe on somebody's birthday a cake is brought to the office, but in my office in Mexico (la oficina de Mexico) almost each department had someone bring rosca de reyes. This is a tradition I will bring home with my family and friends!
http://www.inside-mexico.com/featurereyes.htm
As Jill keeps reminding me, I am quite stressed in Mexico, so far. In addition to leaving my home, my work, my sports, my things, my organic food, and water that can be drank from a faucet, I have the pressures of work. Maybe pressure is not the correct word or emotion. I say that because pressure has a negative connotation. This is a good pressure. It is the challenge that everyone wants in their career. In my opinion, pressure what makes me better. Pressure from work forces me to learn new skills, read new books, and work with new people. This to me is stressful now, but will be my favorite part of my time in Mexico, from a work perspective. If I had just taken this job in my old office, the challenge would not have been that great. But, in a new office, with all new people, except el jefe grande (the big boss...I worked with at my old office in the US), a new language, and a new culture. I am back out of my comfort zone at work...and it will be great.
One week down, and at this point I am hoping my assignment gets extended. I am sure my opinion of staying longer or not will change on a regular basis, but for now I hope I get to stay for more than doce meses (12 months).
hasta luego!
Missing Home
-Cannot find normal milk for Annabelle
-Living in hotel with one room, no fridge, nothing included for 200 usd per night
-No Whole Foods
-1 hour meeting completely in Spanish
-Annabelle had night terrors
-No car
-Not enough cash to get to and from work next week taking taxis at 50 usd per day
-Clean water
Loving Mexico
-Chapultepec Park (Central Park is NYC as Chapultepec Park is to DF)
-New home in Polanco
-Walking 7 miles per day in Polanco
-No car (this can be both good and bad)
-People here are nice
-Intensive Spanish classes start Tuesday
-My co-workers are dedicated, driven, and intelligent
-My co-workers couldn't be more friendly
-72 degrees and sunny daily (no need to check for windchill and snow emergencies)
I will try to keep my posts different from Jill's. Not because I am worried about being repetitive, but she and I will have two completely different experiences. I feel like I am assimilating to Mexico quicker than Jill, because of my work experience. I have had a week of people talking around me and about me, with no idea of what they are saying (not for long...Berlitz here I come!). Also, my experience is quite different than Jill's, because my co-workers will be my friends and social interaction most of the time. I have people to teach me about culture (dia de reyes...rosca de reyes), teach me new words, and interact with for 10+ hours a day. Whereas, Jill will have to work to establish these relationships. Much of the differences the first few months will be the result of Jill having more time to miss home than me. Other than the language differences, some cultural differences, and a few different brands, finance work is universal.
As hinted at above, my first cultural experiences in Mexico was dia de reyes (day of kings). This is a big day for families with young children. Consider this as Christmas part 2. I was called into an office with two giant cakes (more like sweet bread) in the shape of a wreath. As the new guy, and the gringo, I was told to cut the first piece of the rosca de reyes. Luckily enough, I found the baby Jesus in my piece. Looks like I will be bringing tamales to work February 2nd! This was a fun time at work, and something that would not have happened in the US. Sure, maybe on somebody's birthday a cake is brought to the office, but in my office in Mexico (la oficina de Mexico) almost each department had someone bring rosca de reyes. This is a tradition I will bring home with my family and friends!
http://www.inside-mexico.com/featurereyes.htm
As Jill keeps reminding me, I am quite stressed in Mexico, so far. In addition to leaving my home, my work, my sports, my things, my organic food, and water that can be drank from a faucet, I have the pressures of work. Maybe pressure is not the correct word or emotion. I say that because pressure has a negative connotation. This is a good pressure. It is the challenge that everyone wants in their career. In my opinion, pressure what makes me better. Pressure from work forces me to learn new skills, read new books, and work with new people. This to me is stressful now, but will be my favorite part of my time in Mexico, from a work perspective. If I had just taken this job in my old office, the challenge would not have been that great. But, in a new office, with all new people, except el jefe grande (the big boss...I worked with at my old office in the US), a new language, and a new culture. I am back out of my comfort zone at work...and it will be great.
One week down, and at this point I am hoping my assignment gets extended. I am sure my opinion of staying longer or not will change on a regular basis, but for now I hope I get to stay for more than doce meses (12 months).
hasta luego!
Two Week Trip - Post Five
From a Realtor's perspective, house hunting as the client, with another Realtor was very interesting. As was house hunting in another country.
Irma did a great job showing us around, talking to us about the different communities, and getting us to the units. It was fascinating that they do not use lockboxes in Mexico. At each property, someone had to meet us and let us in. So, we were constantly waiting on someone to show up. Plus, it was imperative that we maintain our schedule. Irma couldn't just give the owner/other Realtor an hour time block. Someone should educate Mexico on the wonderful lockbox system!!
While we were in one unit's elevator, we were greeted by an older couple from New Jersey. They have been in Mexico City for seven years, living in Polanco. The woman was adamant that Annabelle and I would LOVE Polanco and they we would never need to drive anywhere. So, it was nice to a) run into a U.S. citizen and b) have a conversation about Polanco with someone who has lived there. Sadly, they are going back to Jersey in a few weeks!
I did have a conversation with another U.S. citizen earlier in the week. On Wednesday, at the Stadia Suites, Annie and I were up in the cafeteria, eating crackers, when three women showed up. A hotel employee was giving a tour to a Realtor and her U.S. client. I said "hola" and, as the woman was leaving, she said "where are you from?". We chatted briefly. She's from Atlanta, but currently in Toronto, contemplating moving to Mexico City. Yada yada. I couldn't tell her much, as my experience is just getting started.
Oddly enough, when Irma, my Realtor, showed up yesterday...it was the same Realtor that was working with the Atlanta/Toronto woman!
Anyways, those have been my U.S. citizen encounters!
Irma did a great job showing us around, talking to us about the different communities, and getting us to the units. It was fascinating that they do not use lockboxes in Mexico. At each property, someone had to meet us and let us in. So, we were constantly waiting on someone to show up. Plus, it was imperative that we maintain our schedule. Irma couldn't just give the owner/other Realtor an hour time block. Someone should educate Mexico on the wonderful lockbox system!!
While we were in one unit's elevator, we were greeted by an older couple from New Jersey. They have been in Mexico City for seven years, living in Polanco. The woman was adamant that Annabelle and I would LOVE Polanco and they we would never need to drive anywhere. So, it was nice to a) run into a U.S. citizen and b) have a conversation about Polanco with someone who has lived there. Sadly, they are going back to Jersey in a few weeks!
I did have a conversation with another U.S. citizen earlier in the week. On Wednesday, at the Stadia Suites, Annie and I were up in the cafeteria, eating crackers, when three women showed up. A hotel employee was giving a tour to a Realtor and her U.S. client. I said "hola" and, as the woman was leaving, she said "where are you from?". We chatted briefly. She's from Atlanta, but currently in Toronto, contemplating moving to Mexico City. Yada yada. I couldn't tell her much, as my experience is just getting started.
Oddly enough, when Irma, my Realtor, showed up yesterday...it was the same Realtor that was working with the Atlanta/Toronto woman!
Anyways, those have been my U.S. citizen encounters!
Two Week Trip - Post Four
On Thursday night, we walked to Paxia, a Mexican Restaurant in Santa Fe. It was a beautiful restaurant a few doors down from our hotel. However, it was a challenging experience. Little Annabelle was exhausted and grumpy, crying every few minutes. Meanwhile, Miguelito (Mikey, as he has been nicknamed by his co-workers) was also tired...and frustrated that the menu was in Spanish with no translation. It helped a ton when the restaurant manager came over for some translation.
What we think of Mexican food in the U.S. is not actual Mexican food. The quesadillas are much different, as are the burritos. However, the food was excellent.
On Friday morning, after much discussion with Mike's co-workers, we moved from the Stadia Suites hotel in Santa Fe to a hotel in Chapultepec/Polanco. The move has been good and bad. At the Stadia Suites, we had a little kitchen, separate bedroom, living room, dining room and bathroom. Plus, we had complementary breakfast and internet.
At the new hotel, we have a better location, near multiple parks, the Chapultepec Castle, and tons of shopping and restaurants. However, it is an actual hotel room. No kitchen (refridgerator for Annie's milk) and we have to pay per device for internet. So, with my iPhone, our iPad, and Mike's work computer, we have many devices! For the iPad (what I will use during the day) we are paying $770 pesos for 7 days. For Mike's work computer, we are paying $180 pesos for 24 hours (not one day, but 24 actual hours on the internet). And, the iPhone is out of luck, unfortunately, as that is where I have taken a lot of photos.
Annie is not adjusting so well to the new hotel. On Friday night, she went to bed after chanting "I see a Mommy" and "I see a Daddy" for awhile. Then, around 2 am, she started crying hysterically. Night terrors. I picked her up, tried talking to her, but she was sound asleep. It took about 15 minutes for her to quiet down.
Last night, we tried to put her to bed at 8:30 after a LONG day of walking and house hunting. She was hysterically crying again (this time wide awake). She would calm down, ask for milk (which we didn't have, since we don't have a fridge) and then cry again. At about 10:30, after running out to get milk (which she frustratingly enough did not drink), we finally let her play and run around. She fell asleep at about 11:15. Oy vey!
So, yesterday at 1 pm, a real estate agent named Irma picked us up. She showed us 11 condos/apartments (departments as they say in Mexico). We saw 3 that were furnished (con meubles) and 8 unfurnished. We were ASTOUNDED at how big these homes were. Most were bigger than our current single family home. And ALL of them came with servants quarters. Yes, that's right. Servants quarters. A bedroom and a bathroom for the live-in maid (should we want one...which we don't). This extra bedroom and bathroom do not count in their room count either. So, when you are expecting to see a three bedroom, 3.1 bath home, it is actually a four bedroom 4.1 bath.
Anyways, we found one home that we absolutely love. It is in a brand new building in Polanco, just a few blocks away from Masaryk (the main drag in Polanco). It is also just a block away from Sam's Club, Hospital Espanol, and a few more blocks from Superama, the grocery store.
The building has a guard 24/7 and is completely gated, with underground parking. There are 14 condos, 8 of which are currently occupied. They take dogs and have a little grassy area in the middle, with an open roof, which will be great for letting Molly out late at night.
The home has a big kitchen, living room, den, two huge bedrooms and 2.1 bathrooms. Plus, if you go out of the unit, on the roof, there is a an additional room and bathroom for our potential servant.
Our only potential issue is that the home is unfurnished. We are only allowed to ship 200 kg, which equates to 440 pounds. So, if we bring our couch (150-200 pounds), we are going to get to 440 pounds quickly! However, Molly and Annie will certainly love to have an empty house where they can run and spread out their toys!
What we think of Mexican food in the U.S. is not actual Mexican food. The quesadillas are much different, as are the burritos. However, the food was excellent.
On Friday morning, after much discussion with Mike's co-workers, we moved from the Stadia Suites hotel in Santa Fe to a hotel in Chapultepec/Polanco. The move has been good and bad. At the Stadia Suites, we had a little kitchen, separate bedroom, living room, dining room and bathroom. Plus, we had complementary breakfast and internet.
At the new hotel, we have a better location, near multiple parks, the Chapultepec Castle, and tons of shopping and restaurants. However, it is an actual hotel room. No kitchen (refridgerator for Annie's milk) and we have to pay per device for internet. So, with my iPhone, our iPad, and Mike's work computer, we have many devices! For the iPad (what I will use during the day) we are paying $770 pesos for 7 days. For Mike's work computer, we are paying $180 pesos for 24 hours (not one day, but 24 actual hours on the internet). And, the iPhone is out of luck, unfortunately, as that is where I have taken a lot of photos.
Annie is not adjusting so well to the new hotel. On Friday night, she went to bed after chanting "I see a Mommy" and "I see a Daddy" for awhile. Then, around 2 am, she started crying hysterically. Night terrors. I picked her up, tried talking to her, but she was sound asleep. It took about 15 minutes for her to quiet down.
Last night, we tried to put her to bed at 8:30 after a LONG day of walking and house hunting. She was hysterically crying again (this time wide awake). She would calm down, ask for milk (which we didn't have, since we don't have a fridge) and then cry again. At about 10:30, after running out to get milk (which she frustratingly enough did not drink), we finally let her play and run around. She fell asleep at about 11:15. Oy vey!
So, yesterday at 1 pm, a real estate agent named Irma picked us up. She showed us 11 condos/apartments (departments as they say in Mexico). We saw 3 that were furnished (con meubles) and 8 unfurnished. We were ASTOUNDED at how big these homes were. Most were bigger than our current single family home. And ALL of them came with servants quarters. Yes, that's right. Servants quarters. A bedroom and a bathroom for the live-in maid (should we want one...which we don't). This extra bedroom and bathroom do not count in their room count either. So, when you are expecting to see a three bedroom, 3.1 bath home, it is actually a four bedroom 4.1 bath.
Anyways, we found one home that we absolutely love. It is in a brand new building in Polanco, just a few blocks away from Masaryk (the main drag in Polanco). It is also just a block away from Sam's Club, Hospital Espanol, and a few more blocks from Superama, the grocery store.
The building has a guard 24/7 and is completely gated, with underground parking. There are 14 condos, 8 of which are currently occupied. They take dogs and have a little grassy area in the middle, with an open roof, which will be great for letting Molly out late at night.
The home has a big kitchen, living room, den, two huge bedrooms and 2.1 bathrooms. Plus, if you go out of the unit, on the roof, there is a an additional room and bathroom for our potential servant.
Our only potential issue is that the home is unfurnished. We are only allowed to ship 200 kg, which equates to 440 pounds. So, if we bring our couch (150-200 pounds), we are going to get to 440 pounds quickly! However, Molly and Annie will certainly love to have an empty house where they can run and spread out their toys!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Two Week Trip - Post Three
"Bueno?"
Every time I hand someone pesos, I say "bueno?", asking them if I have provided them with enough cash. They look at me like I've lost my mind. I am doing alright with my $20 and $50 pesos, as they are bills. I don't pay as much attention to the coins, as in the U.S., we don't use our change very often.
Here in Mexico, Mike has been told to "mind his change". The coins are used for tipping. Tipping is very important. In the U.S., we tip a minimum of 15% at restaurants. In Mexico, it is more like 10-12%. But, you tip so many more people in Mexico. If you were to parallel park on the street and someone comes along to help you, telling you that you are clear...you are expected to tip him!
At gas stations, it is full service pumping. But, you must tip, as that is the ONLY money the gas station attendants earn. (Side note: there is only one gas company in Mexico - PeMex. The government controls and supplies the gas).
Also, you better carry pesos as you almost always have to pay to park. The mall, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc. As someone who puts a $1 drink on her credit card, as she NEVER has cash, this is going to be quite an adjustment!
Every time I hand someone pesos, I say "bueno?", asking them if I have provided them with enough cash. They look at me like I've lost my mind. I am doing alright with my $20 and $50 pesos, as they are bills. I don't pay as much attention to the coins, as in the U.S., we don't use our change very often.
Here in Mexico, Mike has been told to "mind his change". The coins are used for tipping. Tipping is very important. In the U.S., we tip a minimum of 15% at restaurants. In Mexico, it is more like 10-12%. But, you tip so many more people in Mexico. If you were to parallel park on the street and someone comes along to help you, telling you that you are clear...you are expected to tip him!
At gas stations, it is full service pumping. But, you must tip, as that is the ONLY money the gas station attendants earn. (Side note: there is only one gas company in Mexico - PeMex. The government controls and supplies the gas).
Also, you better carry pesos as you almost always have to pay to park. The mall, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc. As someone who puts a $1 drink on her credit card, as she NEVER has cash, this is going to be quite an adjustment!
Two Week Trip - Post Two
After trying to get our hotel DVD player to work, I did some researching and found out that DVD's are coded, based on region. The United States is region 1. Mexico is region 4.
So, Annie and I wandered out towards McDonald's again on Tuesday. Walking just past McDonalds, we discovered a Starbucks and Blockbuster.
After speaking Spanglish with the worker at Blockbuster, determining how much a DVD rental costs (15 pesos or about $1.50 USD -- it is actually less, but I use the ratio 10/1, rather than the actual 12/1), and figuring out how to get a Mexico Blockbuster card, Annie and I successfully brought home "Cars".
However, the DVD player still wouldn't read this region 4 dvd. So, we trekked back to Blockbuster, after google translating "the disc wouldn't play" (el dvd no jugaria). We traded the disc for another copy with little difficulty.
Upon trying the new dvd, we went down to see the concierge, begging "tu hablas Ingles?". The maintenance man/our Sunday bellhop, came up, checked the dvd player, tried to talk to me in Spanish (no hablo Espanol), and called the concierge desk for a translator. We needed a new dvd player, which he promptly brought up.
Did he exchange the dvd players and get rid of the old/broken one? No. He plugged in the new one, using a long extension cord, that stretches across the room. A tad dangerous as Annie seems to think it's another new toy. The broken dvd player is somehow hooked in through the wall and can't be unplugged...
Regardless, we have successfully watched "Cars"...and discovered that this dvd player is universal, and accepts our U.S. region 1 dvd's!
So, Annie and I wandered out towards McDonald's again on Tuesday. Walking just past McDonalds, we discovered a Starbucks and Blockbuster.
After speaking Spanglish with the worker at Blockbuster, determining how much a DVD rental costs (15 pesos or about $1.50 USD -- it is actually less, but I use the ratio 10/1, rather than the actual 12/1), and figuring out how to get a Mexico Blockbuster card, Annie and I successfully brought home "Cars".
However, the DVD player still wouldn't read this region 4 dvd. So, we trekked back to Blockbuster, after google translating "the disc wouldn't play" (el dvd no jugaria). We traded the disc for another copy with little difficulty.
Upon trying the new dvd, we went down to see the concierge, begging "tu hablas Ingles?". The maintenance man/our Sunday bellhop, came up, checked the dvd player, tried to talk to me in Spanish (no hablo Espanol), and called the concierge desk for a translator. We needed a new dvd player, which he promptly brought up.
Did he exchange the dvd players and get rid of the old/broken one? No. He plugged in the new one, using a long extension cord, that stretches across the room. A tad dangerous as Annie seems to think it's another new toy. The broken dvd player is somehow hooked in through the wall and can't be unplugged...
Regardless, we have successfully watched "Cars"...and discovered that this dvd player is universal, and accepts our U.S. region 1 dvd's!
Two Week Trip - Post One
Hola! While we are waiting for our visas to be ready, we have come to Mexico City for a two week trip. We are already four days into our stay.
We are in temporary housing, in a hotel in Santa Fe, which is about 40 minutes West of Mexico City. It is the same hotel that we stayed in for three nights in October, during our first visit.
In four days, we have noticed many cultural differences and had some new experiences!
On the way to Santa Fe, from the airport, we passed many billboards, including those from American companies. The advertising in Mexico is much more provocative than the U.S. would ever allow. It was odd seeing a provocative Sears ad, as I would associate them with conservative products and advertising.
Once we arrived at the hotel, the nice, non-English speaking driver Victor dropped us off, then took Mike to Superama - the grocery store. Superama is owned by Walmart and reminds of Jewel in the 80's - very small, a fifth of the size it is now, carrying far fewer products. Mike got a cart full of groceries and proceeded to checkout. However, mistake number one...we did not think to call Mastercard to tell them that we would be using the card out of the United States. Thus, Mike's credit card was declined and he came home emptyhanded. Victor must have been so confused, wondering why Mike was in there so long and came out with nothing!
After taking care of the credit card snafu (which was interesting, because the same card was used in Mexico in October with no issue or call), Mike walked to Superama and came back with a few items. Luckily, from the front of our hotel, we can see the blue roof of Superama!
For dinner, we walked down the street to Vips. Upon arrival, the waitress began speaking to us in Spanish. I quickly said "no habla Espanol" and she brought us menus in English. However, what good is an English menu if your server can't read the menu or follow what you are ordering? Luckily, I remembered "hamburgeusa" from my high school Spanish classes. However, Mike ordered chicken fajitas. He got the fajitas...but the meat definitely wasn't chicken! He'll remember "fajitas de pollo" for next time!
The next day Mike went to work, leaving Annie and I to fend for ourselves. Out the back of our hotel is a little piece of home...the golden arches! For lunch, Annie and I walked down to McDonalds. Luckily McNugget is a universal word! However, when I tried to add "leche" (milk) to my meal, I received a drink for Annie, but nothing for myself.
Ordering in Spanish is proving to be my most difficult task - at this point. The concierge at the hotel speaks English, but that is about it. Waiters, waitresses and those working the hourly jobs do not tend to speak English. So, Annie and I are fumbling through, saying "no se", "no habla Espanol", "gracias", and "hola"!
More to come shortly! Hasta leugo!
We are in temporary housing, in a hotel in Santa Fe, which is about 40 minutes West of Mexico City. It is the same hotel that we stayed in for three nights in October, during our first visit.
In four days, we have noticed many cultural differences and had some new experiences!
On the way to Santa Fe, from the airport, we passed many billboards, including those from American companies. The advertising in Mexico is much more provocative than the U.S. would ever allow. It was odd seeing a provocative Sears ad, as I would associate them with conservative products and advertising.
Once we arrived at the hotel, the nice, non-English speaking driver Victor dropped us off, then took Mike to Superama - the grocery store. Superama is owned by Walmart and reminds of Jewel in the 80's - very small, a fifth of the size it is now, carrying far fewer products. Mike got a cart full of groceries and proceeded to checkout. However, mistake number one...we did not think to call Mastercard to tell them that we would be using the card out of the United States. Thus, Mike's credit card was declined and he came home emptyhanded. Victor must have been so confused, wondering why Mike was in there so long and came out with nothing!
After taking care of the credit card snafu (which was interesting, because the same card was used in Mexico in October with no issue or call), Mike walked to Superama and came back with a few items. Luckily, from the front of our hotel, we can see the blue roof of Superama!
For dinner, we walked down the street to Vips. Upon arrival, the waitress began speaking to us in Spanish. I quickly said "no habla Espanol" and she brought us menus in English. However, what good is an English menu if your server can't read the menu or follow what you are ordering? Luckily, I remembered "hamburgeusa" from my high school Spanish classes. However, Mike ordered chicken fajitas. He got the fajitas...but the meat definitely wasn't chicken! He'll remember "fajitas de pollo" for next time!
The next day Mike went to work, leaving Annie and I to fend for ourselves. Out the back of our hotel is a little piece of home...the golden arches! For lunch, Annie and I walked down to McDonalds. Luckily McNugget is a universal word! However, when I tried to add "leche" (milk) to my meal, I received a drink for Annie, but nothing for myself.
Ordering in Spanish is proving to be my most difficult task - at this point. The concierge at the hotel speaks English, but that is about it. Waiters, waitresses and those working the hourly jobs do not tend to speak English. So, Annie and I are fumbling through, saying "no se", "no habla Espanol", "gracias", and "hola"!
More to come shortly! Hasta leugo!
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