a playlist from puebla.

So like I promised, here are some of the ridiculously popular songs here. On any given night, you are guaranteed to hear at least half of these while out and about.

1. "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
2. "Hotel Room Service" - Pitbull
3. "Colga" - Carlos Baute y Marta Sanchez
4. "Low" - Flo-rida feat. T-Pain
5. "Sexy Bitch" - David Guetta feat. Akon
6. "Esclavo de tus Besos" - David Bisbal
7. "Sex on the Beach" - Spankers (and yes, it talks about precisely what you think it does)

For numero 8, I will leave a link since it is too good to not listen to....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGdnYJXRStg

caffeine, confetti, and carnaval.

This weekend's adventure took me to Veracruz. It is a coast city that rests on the Gulf of Mexico. While the weather wasn't exactly beach weather, we did not mind. For there are two other things that Veracruz is known for that we got to experience...

1. Carnaval!
Comparable to Mardi Gras, Carnaval is a weeklong party that leads up to the first day of Lent. It wouldn't be complete without masks, confetti, and alcohol. Carnaval is most known for the celebration in Rio, but all latino countries celebrate. We were informed that Veracruz is THE place to go in Mexico. So that's where we went. On Friday night we attended a coronation of the Carnaval Queen. Once announced, confetti and fireworks were released like crazy! On Saturday was the big "desfile" (parade). We had a fun time watching dancers and ridiculously glittery costumes stroll on past the beach backdrop.
Side note: there was also an event called "Extranos del Noche." It was here that we had a great time watching transvestites strut around the streets complete with heels the size of pencils, the most unrealistic butt-enhancers I've ever seen, and volumized hair that puts "bump-its" to shame.

2. Lechero!
Mmmmm... this is for all my coffee-loving followers. Lechero is a drink that is specific to Veracruz. While I'm usually a tea drinker myself, Seattle has changed my tastebuds so that I am able to enjoy a cup of coffee every now and then. I figured this was an experience to not pass up. When you order a lechero, your "mesero" (waiter) will bring out a glass cup with a shot of espresso at the bottom. Then another mesero comes around with a huge silver kettle of steaming milk. Because a lechero is supposed to have foam, these meseros are taught to pour the milk from unbelievably high distances. Thus, they end up pouring the milk while the kettle is above your head! Add some sugar (ok, quite a bit for me) and you have yourself a hot tasty drink.

i heart san miguel.

The reason I haven't updated in a while is because... I've been traveling! A week ago, the entire SU group traveled to Mexico City. We visited the ruins at Teotihuacan, the Church of El Virgen de Guadalupe, Frida Kahlo's house, and El Palacio de Bellas Artes. After that, Robin and I decided to head to a quaint town called San Miguel. It is northwest of Mexico City, and we found it to be the perfect place to wrap up the weekend.

I have exactly 365 pictures from my six day trip. For someone who loves photos as much as I do, it was extremely difficult to narrow them down. Thus, I have decided to solely focus on San Miguel. Nestled in a valley, it is comprised of cobblestone streets and brightly painted casas. I could honestly write a novel about it, but have decided to let some photos speak instead. Enjoy!

"olive oil and eggs together?"

Ayer was the big 2-1. For being in a country where turning 21 has no major significance, I had a lot of fun!

Robin and I made carrot cake and cream cheese frosting to celebrate. The entire family was fascinated by our "pastel de zanahorias" and thus stood in the kitchen while we prepared it. It was really cute because they would make comments such as, "Olive oil and eggs together?" I'm pretty sure it was their first exposure to cake batter. But I don't think it will be their last exposure based on how much they ate. Sara, one of our sisters, is not particularly found of anything cake-y. Even she liked it!

At night we met up with friends at a popular bar. It's called La Mentirosa, which means "the liar" en espanol. It was here where we drank and danced the night away. I think my next post will be about the music down here. There are some definite winners we hear almost every night we go out!

lucha libre.

So just as Monday nights in the states are for WWF, Monday nights in Mexico are for lucha libre. Lucha libre is a big tradition down here. Think macho boxers mixed with acrobatic moves mixed with Halloween costumes. That's a lucha libre fight. I was feeling venturesome enough to attend such an event with some friends last night.

We bought our tickets for less than 5 bucks each. With these we entered and became part of the cheering audience. We got into it real quick. Each boxer has his own unique outfit, complete with a mask. My personal favorite was a stout muscular man who decided to channel his inner cupid and wear a one-shouldered minidress to pair with his pink mohawk. haha. While he didn't win, he definitely added to the experience!

una merienda.

Yesterday, Robin and I were feeling a little hungry. That is, until we saw what was being offered to us. But being the open-minded individuals that we are... you can probably guess what happened next!

highlights.

What made today great?
- Sun and WARMTH. They predict that it will hit the 70 degree mark later this week. Keep your fingers crossed!
- My host mom made a delicious fruit-filled tea today. The name is escaping me, but it's made with these mini apples that smell absolutely fantastic. Again, something that does not exist in the states that I will fully savor while here.
- A local friend of ours took us to a market that basically sells all things pirated. Robin and I bought the movie "New York, I Love You" that we've both been dying to see. It cost less than a buck.
- The bus driver, for two reasons. First, he took some change from his bus fare collection and gave it to a beggar at a stoplight. Second, he waited outside a teeny torteria (torta shop) until someone came out to hand him his lunch in the form of a torta (meaty sandwich).
- In the afternoon, Robin and I visited a museum absolutely for free!

Not band for a Monday, eh?