snapshots of mexico, literal and figurative

La Ofrenda

caleyelguero — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:27:44 +0000

*Descansa en Paz*

Keeping a promise (or two) for Dia de los Muertos.

Muerto-mania

caleyelguero — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:07:13 +0000

As a single post relating to day of the dead last year approaches 1000 hits (and climbs google image’s page ranking for “dia de los muertos”), it’s time to prepare for this year’s go-round.

Pan de Muerto is in the panaderias (though I’ve only had one loaf), skeletons abound (though far less in Chicago than DF), and I’ve slowly begun setting up an ofrenda here at home. It’ll be a first; hopefully no visiting spirits will be offended.

Will post a photo in the future.

10,000 and a year

caleyelguero — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:56:36 +0000

The blog passed 10,000 views a few days ago–a nice milestone. Similarly, a few days ago also marked a year since I arrived in DF for the Fulbright.

Of course, my life now revolves around operating rooms and IVs instead of blogging about tacos (for the most part), but hey…

Where I was a year ago...

...And where I am now

The Return Of Tacos

caleyelguero — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:47:08 +0000

Mexico has worked its way back into my life a few times in the past several weeks. First, the infamous mikesnotes swung by Chicago for a night of reminiscing and alcohol (though surprisingly, no Tequila). Then, an invitation from KDG to a Son Jarocho concert here, though unfortunately I couldn’t make it. Finally, a fantastic piece of mail arrived from Miss Kinder with–what else–tacos! And not just any tacos; these were delicious gummi tacos, the most authentic type!

One type of taco I didn't have during Taco Week

Of course, I have also had actual tacos (and quite solid ones at that) in various taquerias and street stalls around the city over the past few weeks, but they didn’t have nearly as flashy packaging…

4 weeks later

caleyelguero — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:05:52 +0000

I’ve been home almost a month, and while I still don’t know that I can really write a truly full reflection of my time in Mexico, I think I can summarize it pretty well…

I’m looking forward to returning ASAP!

On the homefront, while most of my life is focused on becoming Dr. Caley, I had the opportunity to spend a little time re-living Mexico last week as Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan performed in Millennium Park. Throw in the tamales (rajas y queso oaxaca) I made to bring along and the micheladas we had while there, and it was a great night, despite being a far different setting than good ol’ Plaza Garibaldi.

Annie and Aislinn with one of the Mariachi after the show

New Blog

caleyelguero — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:03:18 +0000

What happens when a sudden shift in gears sends you from a Fulbright grant in Mexico City to the clinical years of medical school in Chicago? I’m about to find out. I’m still not sure exactly what mix of writing/photos/audio/etc the new blog will have, what direction the blog’s topic with take, or how often I’ll even have a chance to post. Not much there yet, but feel free to visit the new site and follow the oh-so-thrilling life of a clinical-years med student.

Back in Chicago, part 1

caleyelguero — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:29:22 +0000

Too much going on to really put together a good coherent post, so for now more just a stream-of-conciousness mish-mash…

Goya! Goya!

Never flying Continental again. I actually swore them off once already but somehow ended up taking them home yesterday. Random extra charges, big delay, crappy service, and having to fly through IAH… not a fun travel day.

Still dunno how we survived the my Final Cantina Friday. At least the pictures turned out awesome; let me know if you need any of these taken down for fear of never getting a job if these are found…

Our sweet (impossible to see) tattoos

The Cantina Boys

The Cantina Ladies. And me.

More Cantina

I miss everyone already.

One thing I can’t complain about: The amazing view of Lake Michigan I have out of my window right now.

Finally, the winner of the (possibly hijacked by unnamed gringo ninja) photo contest. Apparently humor trumps artsy-ness:

"What do you mean HE'S NOT MINE, Mary?!"

More to come when I have time to sit down and put more coherent thoughts together.

Championship

caleyelguero — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:45:15 +0000

My last day in Mexico happens to coincide with the final game of the soccer season, and my team is heading into the game with a 1-0 goal advantage. While I can’t be at the stadium in Pachuca to cheer them on, I can at least give them an e-Goya:

Goya! Goya! Chachuncachun rah rah! Cachuncachun rah rah! Goya! Universidad!

“Jim”

caleyelguero — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:03:13 +0000

Hey lover

Fat Elvis Mariachi, a cult hero among us cantina-goers, getting ready to give Mau a big kiss.

5000!

caleyelguero — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:47:24 +0000

That’s 5000+ visitors to the blog. Thank you, come again!

In other news, off to the first game of the Pumas-Pachuca home-and-away, the second most important championship match played this week!

Goya! Goya!

CU, prepare for the craziness