President Calderon at PAACE Automechanika Mexico

So it's been a while since I've written because I've been finalizing everything for my event that is finally closing today! I will breathe a huge sigh of relief after this year's show is finished...it has however been a success! We had a special participant in the inauguration of the show on Wednesday...President Felipe Calderon. After hours and hours of meetings with his disorganized security staff over the past week, we finally worked came to an agreement with them. These men did NOT like the fact that I was a young gringa, a woman or that I had any type of ability to make a decision. They basically forced us into changing the hours of our event to accommodate the President's arrival and according to my staff here, we could have had some serious actions taken against us if we did not submit to their requirements...event shut down, inability to ever enter Mexico again (which would make me cry!), etc. Apparently they are not the people you want to mess with here in Mexico. On Wednesday, I entered the convention center to find out the Calderon's security staff had completely taken over with an army marching outside, metal detectors, barricades in the show and security bodyguards EVERYWHERE. It was quite the ordeal. All of the planning, headaches and trouble however paid off because when Calderon entered the building, he greeted me in the typical Mexican way with a handshake and kiss on the cheek.

College Football and Aztecs Rule Malinalco

A little out of order, but better late than never.  I spent Friday, July 3rd exploring the beautiful town of Malinalco, rich in Aztec history.  As you can see from the pictures, the scenery is gorgeous.  I climbed to the top of the lookout that is home to several ancient Aztec temples (of which one is pictured above).  I think they may have re-created the thatched roof since the 1400's but the rest of the archaeological site really does appear intact.  

Another interesting aspect of Malinalco?  The college football fans.  Pictured above you will see evidence of a true Georgia fan.  Later in the day, I saw a man heading toward the location of this parked vehicle wearing a Georgia hat.  I'm convinced he is the vehicle owner although I couldn't pull out my camera quickly enough to share a picture of the car's owner with you as well.  I also spotted a Mexican wearing an Auburn football hat.  I'm telling you, US college football seems to have traveled long and far.

100% Guapo, Somos Novios

I spent my Sunday exploring the colonial cobblestone streets of Coyoacan.  The streets are lined with beautiful trees, colorful buildings and homes and the suburb is bustling with people on the weekends.  I started off the day chilling in the park and eventually made my way to the central plaza to enjoy a cold michelada, quesadillas and my book of Spanish stories.  The central plaza is filled with people on the weekends due to the craft market, restaurants and excellent people watching.  I found one corner where they were playing music and about 10 older couples were dancing to the rhythmic beats.  My favorite performer?  This adorable little muffin (that's for you Mere) man with his shirt and tie.  Since the shirt is a little hard to read in the pictures, let me spell it out for you.  The front of the shirt is clearly pre-printed and it says "100% Guapo" or "100% Good Looking".  Now on the back of his shirt, he has clearly added his own text that says "Somos Novios" or "We are Boyfriend and Girlfriend".  The nice lady dancing with him?  Clearly not his girlfriend as he was moving on from dance partner to dance partner with each and every song.  Precious guapo man was quite entertaining, and I must say, I think he made my day.

What's for Sale?

It's amazing the stuff you find for sale here on the streets of Mexico City.  No matter where you go, whether it be dining out, strolling down the street or driving through the city, you can be sure that you will be bombarded with some amazing offers.  Not only will you find a wide array of goods for sale, these goods will be sold by a wide array of people.  From small children to middle-aged men to crippled little ladies.  I know, it sounds sad.  Let me get back to these amazing items.  Haven't you always wanted to buy a small house plant off the street while you were eating an empandada?  Talk about efficient here...how about a fresh artichoke?  Or maybe some candies and a pen that lights up?  Boxing gloves?  My favorite so far...an entire board of shoelaces for sale.  Sorry, no picture of the shoelaces or the shoelace guy.  When you are on the Metro, they want to sell you cd's of Mexican music.  How do they promote this amazing offer?  By standing next to you blaring their music through their speakers which are located in their backpack.  I rarely see people buying which makes me wonder why people continue to spend hours and hours of their day selling shoelaces when they could be doing something else, but, asi es la vida.  Next time Silvia is here for a visit, we're going to sell an assortment of colorful straws (popotes) and see how we make out.