tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91784301088730791832024-03-13T13:53:16.655-07:00Warriors of Aliveness: Mérida ChapterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-60633143372980669122016-08-11T09:25:00.001-07:002016-09-01T11:46:03.519-07:00Virtually Poesia Piscina<br />
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I read recently in the English language <b>Yucatan Times</b> about Merida student,
<b>Lourdes Gimena Anguiano Bermudez</b>, <a href="http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2016/08/merida-student-wins-international-graphic-design-competition/" target="_blank">winning the Gold Medal</a>, in international
graphic design at the <b>Adobe Certified Associate World</b> <b>Championship</b>
this year. Also recently, nine students from the <b>Tecnológico Nacional de
México</b> (TecNM) <a href="http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2016/03/mexican-robotics-students-win-first-place-at-world-robotchallenge-2016/" target="_blank">took home the most medals</a> at the <b>Robot Challenge 2016 </b>competition
held in Vienna, Austria. </div>
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As an ex-pat, digital designer/artist now living in Merida,
I get the feeling that the younger generation here is getting ready to
transform the country in ways that could make it the envy of the technological
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ancient Mayans were
considered technological masters in their time so who is to say today's Mexican
students won't be as well in the near future?</div>
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Because I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I had
the good fortune of experiencing early computer innovations of the 1970s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and had seen several technology bubbles come
and go between the 1980's through 1990's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my short two-year experience in Merida, the spirit of innovation and
creativity by the young people is reminiscent of the late 1970's and early
1980's of Silicon Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big
difference is that high-speed Internet is prevalent here and most everyone has
a smart phone now. A sure sign of change coming is when you see (and hear)
local sellers on bikes or in cars using bullhorns to advertise their wares
while riding past young people walking on the sidewalk staring intently into
their phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me wonder if
those still using traditional methods will be fearful and reticent to adopt new
technologies (as it did in the U.S) or will they embrace and understand its
potential to help them thrive in the future? </div>
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In my heyday, I was considered somewhat of a ‘pioneer’ in
the ways I used new technology to promote the Arts and to ‘visualize’ concepts
in order to save money and time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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I’d
like to share one way I do that, here in Merida, with you.<br />
First, here was how our backyard looked in May. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rW-6i4GzVjU/V6yZKtFnVtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/RGRQCDPdMZYphWx1VgK7jlsZat19zxF6gCLcB/s1600/yard%2Btoday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rW-6i4GzVjU/V6yZKtFnVtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/RGRQCDPdMZYphWx1VgK7jlsZat19zxF6gCLcB/s1600/yard%2Btoday.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Backyard Then</td></tr>
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It included 3 trees (1 dead), little stones and a
surrounding cement block wall. My wife and I discussed the various ways we
could transform it. Since we just experienced the heat of May, we decided to go
with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a swimming pool. Never having one
before, we knew we wanted something unique but not expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
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So I turned to a 3D model program I use to virtually remodel
and design homes before any actual physical work is done, to help visualize how
the pool would look like.</div>
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until something felt pleasing and practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWEyOiRNz4M/V6ygqYYce3I/AAAAAAAAApc/_AF3v-yD6dwWW_EJjPoKDzWGMSIc0q_FwCEw/s1600/casazoo%2Bwith%2Bpool%2B2g.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWEyOiRNz4M/V6ygqYYce3I/AAAAAAAAApc/_AF3v-yD6dwWW_EJjPoKDzWGMSIc0q_FwCEw/s320/casazoo%2Bwith%2Bpool%2B2g.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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It appeared the pool would be most practical along the back wall, and
must include an archway, something I had become fascinated with after traveling
through old-world countries. </div>
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I loved his archway while visiting the World Expo in Milan.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small fresh pool at the zoo in Merida</td></tr>
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I was inspired by the small pond I saw in Zoo Centenario here in Merida. By the way, did you know Merida and Milan are sister cities?</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEOOQHSRAxM/V6ygnwvZx1I/AAAAAAAAApc/PH8cpl1hBZAaJyAf4SbIJR9EL531oFHlQCEw/s1600/casazoo%2Bwith%2Bpool%2BFINAL.bmp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEOOQHSRAxM/V6ygnwvZx1I/AAAAAAAAApc/PH8cpl1hBZAaJyAf4SbIJR9EL531oFHlQCEw/s320/casazoo%2Bwith%2Bpool%2BFINAL.bmp" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Now that I had a basic pool layout, I played around with images for a mural idea I had for the back wall. </div>
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I debated between painting a
traditional Mexican scene or a Mayan theme and settled on Mayan walls and symbols after a recent visit to Uxmal.<br />
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Using
Photoshop, I created the mural and mapped it into the program.</div>
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Then I added digital lighting schemes and rendered the same image in daytime and night to get a fairly
accurate sense of how things are lit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Back of Wall towards Casita</td></tr>
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The 3D program also includes a 'walk-around' option
so I could get multiple vantage points of the concept-pool.</div>
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When I felt good about how it was coming together, I'd combine Photoshop with the 3D design program mixing actual photos of the backyard with the virtual in the pic below.<br />
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Once we had the design we wanted, we hired the local contractor
<b>Paulino May</b> to build our pool with the designs provided and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they got to work.</div>
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Here is a pic of the pool at about 80% completion.</div>
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A few weeks later, this is what we got.<br />
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I worked with local artist <b>Trino</b>, who painted the back wall to represent an old Mayan wall with symbols we requested be added. I helped finish the cutaway scene of Kulkulkan Chichen Itza in the distance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by side comparison.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Using a design program helped minimize future construction
problems and costs. It allowed for quick and easy visualization of our ideas, no
matter how creative! We got the pool we wanted and saved money by providing our Spanish-speaking
contractor with a photo-realistic image of what we wanted.</div>
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<b>If you are interested in my Virtual Home and Garden Design
and Staging Services, email me for a free online consultation.</b></div>
<b>
<a href="mailto:George@Aguilar.com"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">George@Aguilar.com</span></a></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-61691443218769254042016-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:002016-07-18T09:50:28.850-07:00aniversarioWe finally visited Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mal). Uxmal is a World Heritage site that is 78 km from Merida. <br />
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I can see why our friends enjoy this archaeological zone. It is much less commercial that Chichen Itza. You can climb up various pyramid steps. They offer guided tours as well, but we just wandered around with the little map. It was pretty mellow, even on a Saturday. Below are various pyramids and structures from Uxmal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top where George climbed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigeon Loft Complex</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid of the Magician</td></tr>
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Next we headed to Hacienda Temozon to celebrate our anniversary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View driving into the Hacienda</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hacienda Temozon</td></tr>
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We were greeted with a cold glass of jamaica juice and a cool, scented face towel.<br />
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Our suite was large and luxurious. It had nice amenities, a/c and fans, slippers, robes, bottles of water.... We went out by the pool for awhile, and later enjoyed a nice dinner at the Hacienda restaurant which had excellent food. The guacamole was fantastic, followed by a delicious salmon dinner.<br />
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Desayuno was delicious as well. (I know, food, food, food)</div>
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They offer massage services in a 'cenote spa'. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cenote spa</td></tr>
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There is also an on-site cenote you can take a donkey cart to which is 3.5 km from the hotel. There is a tennis court, and some walking paths.</div>
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We learned that President Clinton stayed here in 1999, and President Bush stayed here in 2007. </div>
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George and Andrea stayed here in 2016 :)</div>
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Hacienda Temozon (<a href="http://www.haciendatemozon.com/">http://www.haciendatemozon.com/</a>) is beautiful and they provide excellent service. In my opinion, this was a very special treat, as it can be expensive to stay at Hacienda's. This was during off-season so the price was lower. (I saw their regular rates start at $450 USD)<br />
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It was a wonderful experience, and indeed a <span lang="es">feliz aniversario. (Gracias mi esposo)</span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-92096606675766668682016-07-01T13:54:00.001-07:002016-07-01T13:54:43.568-07:00la mejora de la cocina'Durango' a terra cotta shade is the new paint color under the counters. It's a small and functional kitchen, but now it's brighter and I love it. I just need to find a way to make it look less clutter-y with the open shelving.<br />
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And George put in new track lighting.<br />
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Time to start cooking.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-35732939647983514712016-06-30T06:56:00.000-07:002016-07-01T11:03:26.155-07:00de vuelta a casa en MéridaMost of June was spent in California, traveling (via car) between Los Angeles and San Francisco, taking care of a variety of items.....visiting family....eating too much good food....and helping out where we could. <br />
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It's good to be back in Merida, though I feel like I am getting reacquainted with everything again. Today we had desayuno at one of our favorite places.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend, Lily, the owner</td></tr>
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For all this delicious food and coffee the bill + tip was about $19.00 <br />
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This afternoon we had chiropractic tune-ups. Yay for no more kinks in my neck! Our pool has been under construction since we left and is coming along great. Hopefully it will be finished in a week.<br />
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We also had the kitchen counters tiled which is a better surface, and brightens up the kitchen. I get to paint the cement under the counters tomorrow. We'll see if I picked a good color...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-10544388196709705302016-05-08T19:41:00.002-07:002016-05-09T05:21:32.825-07:00Holly We just finished dog-sitting Holly for a week while our friend Jerry was out of town. Holly is a Bull Terrier. She is very solid and a strong girl! She would get a little excited and bark when George watered the plants in the morning, otherwise she is pretty mellow.<br />
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Holly is a sweet dog and it was fun to get to know her better.<br />
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My sister asked if we thought we might want to get a dog now. I answered "No. But we did enjoy her company." It's the same as with kids for us, we enjoy them once in a while but it's nice to give them back to their parents.<br />
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I also wanted to share this one photo I found, in memory of Conrad.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-53130960322731049072016-04-13T16:25:00.000-07:002016-04-13T16:25:11.945-07:00esquinas decorativas It's nice to look around the house and enjoy more aesthetically pleasing areas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean D'Arc, our patron saint of traavel</td></tr>
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An insulation project begins this week which we hope will add to keeping the house more comfortable on these hotter days ahead. George already added some tinted glass to the front, and thermal energy curtains to help deflect heat from the front area. Poco a poco.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-74898409535868482262016-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:002016-04-09T09:38:58.059-07:00Un día en la vida(Andrea posting) <br />
It always amazes me how I can start a week with no plans and then, suddenly, the days fill up. Here is a glimpse at this past week for me:<br />
<br />
Monday I had a job interview which was a good experience, even though I didn't get it.<br />
George and I took a guided tour of <a href="http://www.laquintamm.com/" target="_blank">La Casa Museo Montes Molina</a>, a beautiful, preserved mansion built circa 1902. (Sylvia, you will love this!)<br />
Tuesday I joined a couple of friends for a private yoga session at Maxine's house.<br />
I joined the <a href="http://www.meridaenglishlibrary.com/" target="_blank">Merida English Library</a> because I <3 books.<br />
Wednesday I painted on my 'kitchen canvas wall'<br />
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Thursday we joined some friends for dinner at an Indian restaurant Saboreando Comida, in Progresso which we all enjoyed.<br />
Friday, I had a foot reflexology session at <a href="http://ukreflexology.com/index.html" target="_blank">UK Reflexology</a> because I love alternative treatments. Samantha from the UK is passionate about reflexology and I enjoyed my hour with her.<br />
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This was also a sad week for us. We learned that we lost a beloved member of our community. <br />
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The social life, the activities, the learning, and adventures have been an amazing life experience for us. But when you make more friends and have more people in your life that you care about, you open yourself to more vulnerability. And truly, the people we have met here, have made it easy to open our hearts.<br />
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As I shared in a toast this week, I said that knowing Conrad for the short time of a year was worth more than never moving here or knowing him. George and I both welcomed his charm, humor, and wisdom and that has impacted our lives.<br />
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I am proud to be part of a community not only has a lot of fun together,
but that rallies around and finds ways to support one another.<br />
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With love and in memoriam of Conrad</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-45262688257837355032016-03-19T20:41:00.002-07:002016-03-19T20:41:39.424-07:00A Thousand WordsGeorge reporting...<br />
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Sometimes I like to pick up the small camera and take a few pics around the house. <br />
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This is a typical scene. Sometimes, when the house is really quiet, I wonder what Andrea is doing. Usually, I find her working on something creative at the new art desk I recently made for her. <br />
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This pic says much to me. Of course the rug on the wall is from Turkey we picked up last year. The table and chairs are made by a local Yucatecan craftsman. However, sitting on the table are two unopened bottles of Guinness beer which I found for 30 pesos a piece at Plaza Dorada here in Merida. I only open these when we want to relive our wonderful experiences from Dublin, Ireland.<br />
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I realized something after taking this pic. The subject (Kori) in the Smartphone artwork by Jacob is stretching her arms upward with the umbrella as if trying to reach the sky. And the house plant in the corner is stretching out towards the archway. <br />
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This newly repaired vase sits in the corner waiting for something to make it complete. What could that be? <br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-49832857838124594052016-03-11T11:51:00.001-08:002016-03-11T11:52:32.412-08:00Something About MeridaWe are heading back to the U.S after being away for all of 2016 and most of 2015.<br />
<img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqhb9_rkBo0/VuMheJ0sRPI/AAAAAAAAAbY/nfZZuWwWTSszsce7lfPIKmW6f8yawC7wg/s400/leaf.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
The culture and friendly disposition of nearly everyone we encounter is one of the key reasons<br />
why we like to live in Merida. The vibe of the city feels generally calm and pleasant which<br />
is a sharp contrast to the experiences I often have back in the U.S. In Merida, it is quite<br />
natural and easy to say 'Good Day' to passersby on the street. It's also rare to hear a siren<br />
of any kind.<br />
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Here are just a few other things I saw in Merida that still stick in my mind:<br />
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A local business woman/acquaintance of ours once closed up her business just so she could transport<br />
us (and our luggage) to our casa on a particularly rainy day.<br />
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I once saw a local policeman stop and help a guy change the tire on his beat up old Volkswagen.<br />
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I love how people don't ask you for any personal information when you drop in to order a custom<br />
made piece of furniture or mirror. <br />
<br />
Once, I dropped by the local wood shop. The guy busily cutting wood stopped what he was doing<br />
and helped me immediately find and cut the small piece of wood to my specifications. He then<br />
didn't even want to charge me for the materials or his service!<br />
-g<br />
---------------------------Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-35243126329423542252016-01-18T16:27:00.002-08:002016-01-18T16:27:48.896-08:00diversion con amigos<br />
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Two weeks into 2016 and good friends have come to visit <span class="st">Mérida</span> from Chicago and Jacksonville. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GandA with Kori & Jacob</td></tr>
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Below are some inspirations our friends have left upon me:<br />
<ul>
<li>to continue exploring Merida, and attend more of the free events it offers</li>
<li>learn the differences between the local inexpensive food, like a salbute and a panucho</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GandA with Adam at Loltun Cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam - Oxkutzcab</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJlK9G-wmW0/Vp0gQF4ZxEI/AAAAAAAAAYk/pUzE0_7M6W0/s1600/ox%2Bcafe%2Bgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJlK9G-wmW0/Vp0gQF4ZxEI/AAAAAAAAAYk/pUzE0_7M6W0/s200/ox%2Bcafe%2Bgaa.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GandA, & Adam - Oxkutzcab</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>write poetry </li>
<li>
start a meditation practice</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqP7ewve7w/Vp0gBk9wlFI/AAAAAAAAAYU/iNfQqAIXMu4/s1600/IMG_3113.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqP7ewve7w/Vp0gBk9wlFI/AAAAAAAAAYU/iNfQqAIXMu4/s200/IMG_3113.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George & Adam at Cuzuma cenotes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkjRQg4ULe0/Vp0f5YdbvcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/n5Ad3HP6e9I/s1600/chocolate%2Bgad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkjRQg4ULe0/Vp0f5YdbvcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/n5Ad3HP6e9I/s200/chocolate%2Bgad.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the chocolate museum near Uxmal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQbBGpqoxO0/Vp0iRoLIROI/AAAAAAAAAY0/cRBSxM9nZC4/s1600/114%2Bmole%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQbBGpqoxO0/Vp0iRoLIROI/AAAAAAAAAY0/cRBSxM9nZC4/s320/114%2Bmole%2Bdinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas covered with mole, and a chopped salad<br />
made by Gosia & Sebastian<br />
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<ul>
<li> try new recipes, and cooking with more local ingredients</li>
<li>wear more color</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-ok_4g160/Vp0jPZ5yHLI/AAAAAAAAAY8/f8P9CnpFrCs/s1600/115%2Bdesayuno%2Bgsag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-ok_4g160/Vp0jPZ5yHLI/AAAAAAAAAY8/f8P9CnpFrCs/s320/115%2Bdesayuno%2Bgsag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GandA dining with Gosia & Sebastian</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JG51L2SW4Ds/Vp0kmTt5XsI/AAAAAAAAAZk/k2O3EH5nF1Y/s1600/mer113%2Bgosart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JG51L2SW4Ds/Vp0kmTt5XsI/AAAAAAAAAZk/k2O3EH5nF1Y/s200/mer113%2Bgosart.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist in action</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-325Ru4T85U0/Vp0jnOv833I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/t2k1wLJvN8E/s1600/115%2Bentry_mesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-325Ru4T85U0/Vp0jnOv833I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/t2k1wLJvN8E/s320/115%2Bentry_mesa.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of an archway mural by Gosia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I am grateful for all the wonderful people we know. The love, kindness, humor, music, painting, photography, poetry, style, (and more) they contribute, makes life<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1QtZ0znfXkU/Vp13BvRQv5I/AAAAAAAAAaU/dIrO9x6eZMA/s1600/mer113%2Bbeautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1QtZ0znfXkU/Vp13BvRQv5I/AAAAAAAAAaU/dIrO9x6eZMA/s320/mer113%2Bbeautiful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-56493182751859156312016-01-01T17:45:00.000-08:002016-01-01T18:23:29.097-08:00Feliz Ano Nuevo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our amigo Adam is visiting from Chicago.</div>
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Feliz Ano Nuevo! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeUy9vspOaM/VocpNco6p6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/LnsKkeg2VCY/s1600/nye%2Bcentro%2Bgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">F</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v69HMKWxYhQ/VocpTS7gCWI/AAAAAAAAAWU/i9qqEHWvZQQ/s1600/nye%2Bgaa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v69HMKWxYhQ/VocpTS7gCWI/AAAAAAAAAWU/i9qqEHWvZQQ/s320/nye%2Bgaa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNtce-RBhLQ/VocpZExktII/AAAAAAAAAWc/PKqPXazKtZw/s1600/nye%2Bgaa3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNtce-RBhLQ/VocpZExktII/AAAAAAAAAWc/PKqPXazKtZw/s320/nye%2Bgaa3.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeUy9vspOaM/VocpNco6p6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/LnsKkeg2VCY/s1600/nye%2Bcentro%2Bgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeUy9vspOaM/VocpNco6p6I/AAAAAAAAAWM/LnsKkeg2VCY/s320/nye%2Bcentro%2Bgaa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOpw4cFS2Z4/Voc0jlzPFiI/AAAAAAAAAXI/Zb68Z8yPNXY/s1600/nye%2Bgad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOpw4cFS2Z4/Voc0jlzPFiI/AAAAAAAAAXI/Zb68Z8yPNXY/s320/nye%2Bgad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBhSNonav0/Vocpbhgt8UI/AAAAAAAAAWk/RrRJ4x9Yr6o/s1600/nye%2Bmaria_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBhSNonav0/Vocpbhgt8UI/AAAAAAAAAWk/RrRJ4x9Yr6o/s320/nye%2Bmaria_a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We crashed Maria's restaurant reservations to share a NY greeting.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Great time at NY day party at Jerry & Conrad's. Friends, food, and fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wpiz79ja2w/VocqBy2FifI/AAAAAAAAAWs/N3EaBfudkwA/s1600/nyd%2Bjmag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wpiz79ja2w/VocqBy2FifI/AAAAAAAAAWs/N3EaBfudkwA/s320/nyd%2Bjmag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucn_A2qqTJ8/VocqCQ5rETI/AAAAAAAAAWw/YKZ9Iml9Bmg/s1600/nyd%2Bnjerry%2Blinda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucn_A2qqTJ8/VocqCQ5rETI/AAAAAAAAAWw/YKZ9Iml9Bmg/s320/nyd%2Bnjerry%2Blinda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry y Linda</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-90772030971401694412015-12-24T16:03:00.001-08:002015-12-24T16:03:14.054-08:00Feliz NavidadFestive Views:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGWMp00WkDw/VnriCAViXyI/AAAAAAAAAU8/u-ZJ6MnsnM4/s1600/Nutcracker%2Bballet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGWMp00WkDw/VnriCAViXyI/AAAAAAAAAU8/u-ZJ6MnsnM4/s400/Nutcracker%2Bballet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutcracker Ballet, Merida</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXOloF2CmKg/VnriDTIpzOI/AAAAAAAAAVE/DmhLR5F-Dow/s1600/Nutcracker%2Bballet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXOloF2CmKg/VnriDTIpzOI/AAAAAAAAAVE/DmhLR5F-Dow/s400/Nutcracker%2Bballet2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nutcracker Ballet, Merida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg8K6HfKkvc/VnrhSAUQT2I/AAAAAAAAAUk/1sg-CH1MtyI/s1600/20151222_104842_resized_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg8K6HfKkvc/VnrhSAUQT2I/AAAAAAAAAUk/1sg-CH1MtyI/s400/20151222_104842_resized_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice message I spotted on a walk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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(<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">my attempted translation - we are</span> <span class="hps">in this world to</span> <span class="hps">live</span> <span class="hps">in harmony,</span> <span class="hps">those who know</span>, <span class="hps">do not fight</span> <span class="hps">each other. </span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">resentment</span> <span class="hps">not</span> calm, with only resentment <span class="hps">patient love</span> <span class="hps">ceases to exist)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA2Nd8oNQwc/VnwMtV3yJCI/AAAAAAAAAVc/gDMDIPVcbRQ/s1600/20151223_204118_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA2Nd8oNQwc/VnwMtV3yJCI/AAAAAAAAAVc/gDMDIPVcbRQ/s400/20151223_204118_resized.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity scene in the front of a house</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At night I saw a few homes which had open windows or doors with lights (luces), Christmas trees (arbols), and full Nativity scenes on display.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BP_2xQWrMc/VnwNmjXJbwI/AAAAAAAAAVo/bWF2sns2rHA/s1600/20151223_193443_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BP_2xQWrMc/VnwNmjXJbwI/AAAAAAAAAVo/bWF2sns2rHA/s400/20151223_193443_resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Worship Service at Calvary Centro<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lB1V_ZomUU0/VnyEOmKUXtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/1u2OqF9TTDs/s1600/peanutblossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lB1V_ZomUU0/VnyEOmKUXtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/1u2OqF9TTDs/s400/peanutblossoms.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made my favorite Christmas 'galletas' - Peanut Blossoms</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Wishing</span> you <span style="color: #274e13;">a</span> very <span style="color: #274e13;">Merry</span> Christmas<span style="color: blue;">!</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">With</span> love <span style="color: #274e13;">and</span> gratitude<span style="color: blue;">,</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">G<span style="color: #274e13;">and</span>A </span></b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-8407746654279228332015-12-17T17:52:00.001-08:002015-12-18T07:42:24.977-08:00Miércoles Aventura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6VPE5JuvXU/VnMCbyy8qaI/AAAAAAAAARY/9eej8gjSMos/s1600/1216%2Bla%2Bpantera%2Bnegra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6VPE5JuvXU/VnMCbyy8qaI/AAAAAAAAARY/9eej8gjSMos/s320/1216%2Bla%2Bpantera%2Bnegra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We took a field trip yesterday. It began at <a href="http://www.lapanteranegra.com/" target="_blank">La Pantera Negra</a><a href="http://www.lapanteranegra.com/" target="_blank"> B&B</a> with an energy balancing/healing massage by a shaman, Manuel. Actually he does not refer to himself as a shaman (it's just the closest word to use), but more of a wise man with a gift of healing that he loves to share. He worked his magic on our unbalanced bodies and opened the chakras restoring some vitality, energy balance. During my massage, I saw auras for the first time! I saw some blue which Manuel said is a connection with the angels (isn't that sweet?), I also saw some yellow, gray, and white. When he finished, my eyes and face were brighter, as well as some personal insights I received. I love this kind of stuff.<br />
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Afterwards we went to Nolo, a small village, with Manuel and our friend Mario.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0zovsqpWwk/VnMDDoa4cII/AAAAAAAAARg/cHPVqWzKn7w/s1600/1216%2Bnolo%2Btree_manuelga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0zovsqpWwk/VnMDDoa4cII/AAAAAAAAARg/cHPVqWzKn7w/s320/1216%2Bnolo%2Btree_manuelga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George, Manuel, Andrea at tree of life, Nolo</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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This is us in front of a 'tree of life' represented by a ceiba tree among Maya. It has a spiny trunk which I scraped my arm on, and Manuel said it is good luck.<br />
These photos are on his Aunt's property, where his Uncle was a revered Shaman. <br />
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MiTa186_27-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_life#cite_note-MiTa186-27"></a></sup><br />
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Next, we stopped at a house which has a cenote in the back. For ten pesos you can go to see, and swim in the cenote. It was cave-like with clear water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea, Mario, George, at cenote Tixkokob</td></tr>
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On our way to a pyramid/archaeological site in Tixkokob, we turned at <a href="https://www.hotelhaciendamerida.com/en/ticum/" target="_blank">Hacienda Ticum</a> and found a beautifully renovated hotel, hacienda. The first thing I noticed when we got out of the car was, the quiet! We walked around the property with an employee, Anna, who was very helpful and kind. We also had lunch at the on-site restaurant.<br />
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When we left the hacienda it was too late to enter the archaeological park, but we stopped to see where it was and discovered a sisal factory. Sisal is the material used in hammocks from the agave plant, once the 'green gold of Yucatan'.<br />
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I am grateful for these opportunities for new experiences and adventures. Yucatan has such lovely villages and beautiful architecture, and beauty in the trees, and Mayan skies.<br />
I also love the beauty of simplicity here. It all adds to the appreciation of living in Merida, enjoying our casa, and being part of an engaging community. <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">La vida es buena.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-78799048285727643222015-12-14T08:32:00.001-08:002015-12-14T08:38:05.187-08:00Poco a poco<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFUx9g90N7s/Vmh6RtKJImI/AAAAAAAAAPc/JNhjZQmvmGA/s1600/12_7%2Bentry%2Bblanco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFUx9g90N7s/Vmh6RtKJImI/AAAAAAAAAPc/JNhjZQmvmGA/s320/12_7%2Bentry%2Bblanco.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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George has finished painting the 'blanco accent' wall portions. <br />
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I planted two of our new plants in the new pretty pots.<br />
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On Thanksgiving we attended a gathering at Gary and Maria's house and met a nice couple, Hubert and Chantal from Quebec. Last week we spent a nice afternoon showing them our casa, and walking around the zoo, complete with the train ride (so much fun for one peso!), and helado.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YmfJ0AgPs/VmpH0EfW8bI/AAAAAAAAAQw/1I7ZNJJq2vo/s1600/gach_zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YmfJ0AgPs/VmpH0EfW8bI/AAAAAAAAAQw/1I7ZNJJq2vo/s320/gach_zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH3hVdPpL2o/VmpH0MmLW6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/OcE9TnQtjH4/s1600/ga%2Bzoo%2Btrain.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH3hVdPpL2o/VmpH0MmLW6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/OcE9TnQtjH4/s320/ga%2Bzoo%2Btrain.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I am now learning some verb conjugation in my Spanish lessons. It's fun when I am there, but it takes more discipline to study and practice the rest of the week. <br />
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We checked out some events on La Noche Blanca Sat. night (Dec. 12). It was a big city-wide event (like an open studios) with free admission to galleries, museums, theaters, and various performances in parks and plazas. We stopped at <a href="http://www.lapanteranegra.com/" target="_blank">La Pantera Negra</a> to see friends Isabelle and Jean-Pierre who have a gallery at their B&B. Then we caught part of an ariel/acrobat performance at the Plaza Grande, and then at the Olympia theater we saw performance art with a musician and two dancers that reminded us of something you would see at Somarts in San Francisco. Events here are often at night and we still not accustomed to staying up very late.<br />
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On a different note, we have two hammocks and plan to try sleeping in them overnight. This article provides some good motivation. <br />
<a href="http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2015/12/six-incredible-benefits-of-sleeping-in-a-hammock/" target="_blank">http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2015/12/six-incredible-benefits-of-sleeping-in-a-hammock/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-62628088498104169352015-12-10T10:33:00.005-08:002015-12-10T10:35:39.547-08:00A Room with Foreign ViewsGeorge here. We finally were able to have our Turkish silk rug framed and hung in an appropriate spot in Casa Ganda. To me, this signifies the merger of our travel past with our current international experiment.<br />
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Astonishingly enough, the colors of this catalog rug match with the pasta tiles and the recently scraped walls. We are working with light, pastel colors and finding that it gives the whole place a nice, cheery, breezy feel.<br />
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I then placed a leather bench beneath it and took this picture looking out from our bedroom.<br />
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Pondering the photo a little bit, I suppose it can be open to much mystery. It feels like you can just sit on the bench in contemplation or you may be attracted to wondering what is to the right or lef of the old white doors. The rug is indeed from another far away country, resting quietly on the wall of another foreign country owned by foreigners. For me this begs the question, "What is foreign?"<br />
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To some perhaps it means 'fear' and to others 'mystery'. To us, this means, "This is where we've been. And this is where we are. Who knows the future but let us hope it is interesting!"<br />
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Gracias for visiting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-55142074732037761302015-12-01T16:48:00.000-08:002015-12-01T16:48:07.066-08:00el tiempo vuelaWow, November flew by without one post! Here are some updates and highlights:<br />
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Casa Ganda continues to improve little by little (poco a poco) every day in comfort, appearance, and functionality. It helps that the weather is bit cooler now, and more comfortable without using A/C.<br />
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Some of my new activities include weekly Spanish lessons, and attending an English service at Calvary Centro.<br />
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We had a doorway closed off to create a new window in the bedroom, and had a cement counter built in the bathroom which is still in progress.<br />
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We painted the casita, and new doors were installed. We just need a few finishing touches to have it ready for guests.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QFqNstTOmw/Vl4NihVS4fI/AAAAAAAAAOM/1wuH_vI71Rw/s1600/calle55_ratg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QFqNstTOmw/Vl4NihVS4fI/AAAAAAAAAOM/1wuH_vI71Rw/s320/calle55_ratg2.jpg" width="320" /></a>We had a great time hanging out with our friends Tess and Roger on their first visit to <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">Mérida! A fun thing we did was attend a party at the English Library. Once we all got a drink, Tess suggested we each go to a different table/group of people and introduce ourselves. So Tess goes to the first full table and joins right in.</span></span><br />
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<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps"> Roger, George, and I go to the next table with three people already sitting there, and the three of us join them, which I think was kind of funny. Nevertheless, we all had interesting conversations and met new people. Then it was off to Chaya Maya for dinner a second night in a row.</span></span><br />
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Thanksgiving day started (for me) with a '<a href="http://yogawithadriene.com/gratitude-practice/" target="_blank">gratitude yoga practice</a>' thanks Adriene. <br />
We made calls to our family in the states and later attended a lovely dinner at the home of of Maria and Gary, with great food and more friends.We have so much to be thankful for (even when I forget on the hard days).<br />
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After traveling for a year, we now have a cute home of our own in Mexico, in a city where we have community (so grateful!), and friends coming to visit us soon (yay!). Neither of us could have predicted we'd be here in a million years. No matter how long we decide to spend here, <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">Mérida</span></span> has been an unforeseen blessing.<br />
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We bought some new plants and pots.<br />
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And here we are in December. To be continued.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-63589488925539177182015-10-31T09:44:00.001-07:002015-10-31T09:44:26.827-07:00ColoridoWalls have been sealed, and parts still need paint...... a cute ceramic bathroom mirror has been hung...and everything is coming along nicely. George is working hard despite the heat. It has been really hot here.<br />
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After finding all the ingredients, I baked my first loaf bread (Aunt Joyce's banana bread recipe). FYI, 350 degrees is about 176 celsius - using the metric system here.<br />
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We went to view the altars in Centro at Grand Plaza on Friday:<br />
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Happy Halloween and <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Día de Muertos!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-78406709626107247982015-10-15T05:09:00.000-07:002015-10-15T09:18:50.187-07:00Paredes y el lenguaje~Andrea reporting <br />
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They guys are still working on the walls of our house, so we are waiting to 'move in' and start getting to work ourselves. They have been scraping white paint off all the walls which uncovered these colors that match the tile floors in each room. It reminds us of the faux painting technique we did in Oakland but it's original to this house. We are going to clean and seal most of the walls, and only add paint where necessary. This will save time and money on paint, and it will have a unique style we have not seen around.<br />
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In its raw form, here are some of the walls as of Tuesday:<br />
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We hung out in the casita for part of the today and even though it is hot here (92 and humid), the casita with its ceiling fan was quite comfortable. The floor now has a unique rustic tile which we'd never seen before. (In Oakland the pantry was one of my favorite rooms, in Mérida it's the casita.)<br />
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Aside from the heat and being in transition still, each day we have enjoyed meeting new people. Especially the local people who have been patient and helpful as we try to communicate. All we have is a pocket translation guide, and google translate.<br />
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Living and working at our casa, and learning Spanish ASAP is at the top of the list. Aside from looking into lessons here, if anyone has any good tips on learning Spanish, please let us know. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9178430108873079183.post-66825720186776277412015-10-10T11:39:00.005-07:002015-10-10T13:18:06.082-07:00Introducción<div class="tw-data-text vk_txt tw-ta tw-text-medium" data-fulltext="" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="height: 36px; text-align: left;">
<span lang="es"></span><span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q"> Hola y bienvenido to Mexico! </span></span></div>
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q">How did we get here? First, (<a href="http://victorian1898.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chapter One: Neo-Victorian Life</a>) we bought and <b>restored an old Victorian</b> in Oakland, CA.</span></span></div>
<div class="tw-data-text vk_txt tw-ta tw-text-medium" data-fulltext="" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="height: 36px; text-align: left;">
<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q"> Then <a href="http://woa.travellerspoint.com/" target="_blank">(Chapter Two:Warriors of Aliveness</a>) we<b> sold that house and all our belongings to travel for an entire year</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q">During our year of travel, we visited the city of </span></span><span class="st">Mérida in the Yucatan, and decided to purchase a small home as part of our goal to live part of the year abroad and to create a new life for us. </span>
<span class="st">Thus begins <b>Chapter 3</b> which we call 'Warriors of Aliveness: </span><span class="st">Mérida Chapter'.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Our new casa is about 50 years old with only one previous owner. It is located in the Santiago District of </span><span class="st"><span class="st">Mérida</span> centro, across the street (believe it or not) from a big zoo!</span><br />
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q">We just arrived a few days ago and are taking care of all the necessities; from arranging utilities to purchasing some appliances and a bed. There is still so much to do, and a lot to learn including the language!</span></span><br />
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q">The pics above show how the house looked when we bought it. The following pics are from the renovation of the casa while we were traveling throughout Europe. It was quite an experience trying to make construction decisions while also being in either Poland, Spain or some other country.</span></span><br />
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The casa pretty much looked like below upon arrival. <br />
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q"> We want to thank our project manager Maria and contractor Paulino for the excellent work and for keeping everything on budget. They are two of the best in Merida and we are grateful for their advice, guidance and diligence. </span></span><br />
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<span class="PXLWASD-E-xb"><span class="PXLWASD-kb-q">Work should be completed in a few days and then the rest is up to us to turn it into something special for us and for all who enter our house. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126900777989459882noreply@blogger.com1