+KOTA Dog Grooming, Mexico City

As Molly was extremely shaggy, I went in search of a dog groomer in Mexico City.

From time to time, I see dog grooming vans around town. Back in March, I even took a picture of one van, so that I would have their number when necessary.

But, I was hesitant to call because most small places don't have any worker that speaks English.

So, earlier in the week, I went to +KOTA, a dog supply chain, that has many locations in and around Polanco. They don't do grooming there, but gave me a name and phone numbers of who to call.

I went home, called said numbers, only to have the calls not go thru. So, I googled the name and found their website: http://www.maskota.com.mx/home/listado_cont.asp?cve_cont=152.

I called the number on the van pictured...and after a minute was able to speak to someone in English.

The guy took my information and said someone would be there between noon and 4 pm the next day.

At 12:07 pm, the groomer knocked on my door! Less than 40 minutes later, Molly was bathed and dried.

There is some debate between my husband and I on whether or not Molly actually got a haircut. I don't see it, but Mike says she DEFINITELY got a haircut and that the hair around her eyes and on her back is much shorter.

But, regardless, well worth the cost of just $270 pesos for the "estetica"!

Vet in Polanco / Mexico City

Molly and I survived six months in Mexico City, before having to seek out a vet. But, due to an ear infection, our streak ended this past Tuesday.

We went to the vet recommended by two friends. It is in Polanco, about a mile and a half from my house. So, armed with directions, and knowledge that they accept walk in appointments after 10:30 am, we set out to a new part of Polanco!

No one spoke English, aside from the vet, who said he spoke "a little English" when I told him "yo hablo muy pocito Espanol".

But Molly's ear infection spoke for itself!

We only waited about 30 minutes...which is not bad at all for a walk in appointment! The vet cleaned Molly's ear out, rubbed some ointment on the ear, gave her an antibiotic shot, and sent us on our way!

Here is a photo of the "invoice" (factura) that I was given! In the U.S., the invoice would look drastically different (and the total bill would be MUCH higher!!).

So, the cost was $765 pesos. Not bad.

We'll be going back in a month to get help with Molly's papers to get her back into the U.S.!

The vet's office is located at Presa Pabellon #8 in Polanco. I would highly recommend them!

Girls Night Out in Polanco

Last night, I went out with a bunch of the playgroup moms! We went to Ch!, an Argentinian restaurant, in Polanco.

It was FANTASTIC!!!

Wednesday night happened to be 2 for the price of 1 martini's. So, we all took advantage of that! Excellent apple martini's. They had awesome empanadas as appetizers. And the entrees all looked great too. I split the pechuga de pollo al chimi with one of the other ladies. It was really good.

I will definitely take Mike there soon!

It was my first girls night out with the ladies and I look forward to our next night out! At playgroup it can be very difficult to finish a conversation with another mom, because the kids are all running crazy and have to be constantly watched. So, it was great to get to know everyone better and not worry where the kids were!

Leaving Mexico City...

Last week, Mike got word that he is being offered a promotion and we'll be moving near Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. EC is just over the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan. We have yet to see any paperwork, but are told everything is in the works. They want Mike to start working in EC at the end of October.

So, while we have no official word or dates, we are anticipating a crazy end of the year. First, we'll need to repatriate from Mexico City back to Chicago. THEN, we'll begin our relocation to New Jersey. It will be a permanent move.

We are excited and looking forward to moving to the East coast! But, we know it will be a logistical nightmare for the next several months!

As we get more information, I will continue updating the blog!

Movie Theater Experience in Mexico City

A few nights ago, I went to see "Damas en Guerra" ("Bridesmaids"), at the VIP movie theater in Polanco at Antara, with my friend Tricia. We got to the theater early and bought tickets (cost of $120 pesos or so). Since it is a VIP theater, when you buy your tickets, you pick your seats, which is pretty nice!

Then, we went to Chili's for dinner. Eating at Chili's in Mexico is identical to eating there in the U.S. All the signs on the walls were in English and identical to those in the U.S. The menu was identical, aside from the descriptions written in Spanish.

After dinner, we headed back to the theater and found our seats. The VIP theater has leather seats that are separated into pairs with nice, large armrests. The seats recline, which was awesome! And, there is a call button to get the waiter to stop by to get your order. I almost bought some Ben & Jerry's, but decided I was too full from dinner! Next time!

"Damas en Guerra" ended up being HILARIOUS!! Tricia and I both laughed out loud many times. We were by far the loudest people in the theater, which led us to believe that the jokes weren't translating well via subtitles. The Mexicans in the theater probably thought we were crazy!

We had walked to the theater and planned on taking a taxi home. It's not a far walk, but figured it's safer to take the taxi in the dark. But, when we hopped into the taxi, the driver told us it would be $150 pesos (approx. $15 USD)...which was ridiculous since Tricia and I live on the same street, a block apart, and we were only 6 or so blocks from our street. So, we got out of the taxi and walked home. The walk was fine and only took about 15 minutes.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my first VIP movie experience in Mexico City! Looking forward to going back to seeing "Friends with Benefits" when it comes out!

Club America Futbol Game in Mexico City

Last night, we went to a Club America vs. San Luis futbol game at Estadio Azteca. The stadium is huge and is apparently the only stadium to have hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). The stadium often hosts large events/concerts.

There was a ton of traffic to get to and from the stadium. So, we were glad that the stadium was no where near full, as then traffic would have been AWFUL! We were also very thankful that Mike's co-workers went out of their way to take us to and from the game. They had written out directions for us. The directions in Mexico mostly contain landmarks - not street names. So, we were quite confident we would have gotten lost and never made it to the stadium or the specified parking lot. Thank you Tono and Carlos for driving us!

Annabelle talked constantly the whole way to the game. "I'm going to a soccer game" was repeated dozens of times! And, she became obsessed with Tono, talking to him or asking where he was the entire night!

Anyways, Mike's co-worker Carlos had access to a box (palco, as they call them in Mexico). The palco was SUPER nice to have since Annabelle went to the game! She was able to walk around and remain contained!

For the first twenty minutes, Annabelle was absolutely mesmerized by the game and her surroundings. She really enjoyed watching the crowd, the t.v. and trying to follow the ball on the field! After about twenty minutes, she became obsessed with Cynthia's phone case, snacking and climbing the stairs! I think Annabelle really enjoyed her Club America experience, as did Mike and I! We had a lot of fun watching the game, Annabelle and hanging out with Carlos, Tono, Sergio, Cynthia and Alejandro!

Cheering after CA scored (final score was 2-2)

Annabelle and Tono

These fans cheered and waved their flags the entire game!

Annabelle with Alejandro and Cynthia

New Occupant in the Building

A few weeks ago, we got a new occupant in our building. I have no idea what this guy does, but he drives a SUPER expensive BMW. Mike estimates the car's worth around $100,000 USD, depending on what engine is in the car and where it was purchased (US vs Mex).

Along with this new occupant and wicked BMW comes three guards, two chase cars (driven by said guards), and new guards for our building.

The new guards for our building are the only changes that affect us. Now, on weekdays, we have two guards during the day, then one guard at night.

These guards are a lot more strict and more professional than the previous guards.

Previously, when we ordered Domino's Pizza, the delivery guy would be let in and sent alone to our door. Now, we get called to verify that we ordered pizza. And, the delivery guy gets escorted to our door.

Similarly, last week my washing machine broke. So, my awesome friend Tricia let me use her washer and dryer...and her maid, who ended up delivering my laundry back to my house (about a block away). When Catarina (the maid) brought the bag over, the guard left her outside, then came to talk to me. I had no clue what he was talking about, so I just said "si, bien". A few minutes later, he escorted Catarina to my unit. I think she may have had to hand over ID and sign in too.

When my maid showed up on Saturday, she was given a hard time and had to sign in too.

All good things, I suppose!

Last night, Tricia came over so we could walk to a movie together. She was allowed in without question, once she said my name. Apparently...if you look like an American...you get right in!

I do feel bad for the former security guards losing their jobs, especially if the main reason was that we have a high-rolling now in the building! But, the new guards are nice and efficient...and speak a bit more English.