Filed under: Photo, Short | Tags: Chicago, Dia de los Muertos, flowers, food, people, Skulls
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.
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
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…
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
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.
Filed under: Photo, Short | Tags: 35mm, cantina, Chicago, DF, ful, Fulbrighters, people, Photo of the Year, return, sports
Too much going on to really put together a good coherent post, so for now more just a stream-of-conciousness mish-mash…
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.
First US death:
“‘This is obviously a serious situation, serious enough to take the utmost precautions,’ Mr. Obama said” – NYT
Flu reaches Chicago?
“A probable case of swine flu has prompted the closing of a North Side elementary school for at least two days” – Chicago Tribune
First identified case, a 5 year old in Veracruz, but still no closer to finding the source:
“I was very bad” – Edgar Hernandez, NYT
“We have more questions than answers,” – Dr Miguel Angel Lozana, Chicago Tribune
Knee Jerk Reaction of the Day:
“Egypt, for its part, began a mass slaughter of all 300,000 pigs in the country in an effort to fight swine flu – although no cases have been reported in the country.” – BBC
Best summary of atmosphere in Mexico City in a single quote:
“‘The customers are scared stupid – they don’t want to go out,’ said hairdresser Esther Gonzalez” – BBC
Once this is over, can I get a t-shirt that says “I survived Swine Flu! DF 2009″?
I enjoyed getting Northwestern’s public health program email about swine flu today. Funny to read about ‘taking precautions’ where you are actually in the center of the outbreak rather than hundreds of miles from the nearest identified case.
Comedy Central’s take on Swine Flu
Got quoted (along with Mari) in the suburban Daily Herald today. They decided saying that I live in Chicago wasn’t acceptable (it’s the suburban paper…) so they stretched and pretended Rockford was suburban Chicago.
Having a “survivor’s meeting” tonight, i.e. planning to have a beer on the roof with some friends. DF buddies, feel free to join.
Source of the Swine Flu identified!
Bad news: It’s spread too much to be contained! CDC is recommending against unnecessary travel. Nobody is really that sure what is really going on with the number of cases in Mexico.
Good news: It’s way less dangerous than bird flu. WHO is still cool with Mexico travel. You can still eat bacon.
