tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56406912675242879072024-03-19T05:30:29.579-07:00Mexico for InsidersHotels, restaurants and all the scoop on the country's top destinationsAlexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-64661853495074666822010-08-23T14:43:00.000-07:002010-08-23T14:43:22.949-07:00Mezcal in The New York Times: Del Maguey takes 1st prize in taste test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHuMg37muBvMN-X2aqeQ52243WZBDv1v-cES_uItjko1OrVYibN_1Nt0g0pyuZc-yqDZOKLbJ_-7QWz4-i3yqYWSF5Qkl1PJ1sKI8p-T-eq1G3LOrRqYFjJuWCiKQVcoXa8r-OlC3GWgF/s1600/mexico_mezcal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHuMg37muBvMN-X2aqeQ52243WZBDv1v-cES_uItjko1OrVYibN_1Nt0g0pyuZc-yqDZOKLbJ_-7QWz4-i3yqYWSF5Qkl1PJ1sKI8p-T-eq1G3LOrRqYFjJuWCiKQVcoXa8r-OlC3GWgF/s400/mexico_mezcal.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
by Alexandra Forbes<br />
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I was not only glad but very pleasantly surprised to read, today in The New York Times, a comparison between some of the top Mezcals available in Mexico. It is, quite simply, my favourite spirit and the only one I actually enjoy sipping slowly. Especially if it comes with a side of lime wedges and sal de gusano, a salt that is flavoured with dried, crushed <i>gusano</i> worm.<br />
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Eric Asimov's description of mezcal is on-point: <i>"Mezcal is one of the world’s great spirits: complex, gorgeous and endlessly intriguing, distinguished like great wines by a strong sense of place. Mezcal is little known (...), even less understood"... </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hyDaB_ZnauvCpOl84F5eVrGtYA7RxBOD4p1KPMIA4DdRnCFXWwF2Yon1kMuvazTuQy45S81n81iTijegx27QFFGZbVQ2U5Jxe-A-3h4ra6V9R01nlyWue366MdfQJ1eQqvAwUIUDp3ub/s1600/mexico_mezcal_me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hyDaB_ZnauvCpOl84F5eVrGtYA7RxBOD4p1KPMIA4DdRnCFXWwF2Yon1kMuvazTuQy45S81n81iTijegx27QFFGZbVQ2U5Jxe-A-3h4ra6V9R01nlyWue366MdfQJ1eQqvAwUIUDp3ub/s400/mexico_mezcal_me.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
I enjoy biting into a lime wedge after each sip - the flavours have a big fiery bite that I find addictive.<i> </i>I've always had a very hard time a) convincing anyone how good mezcal is and b) explaining how different it is from tequila, its cousin made in the Jalisco region, from blue agave.<br />
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In very few words, Asimov says it all:<br />
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<i>"...the flavors in mezcal are unlike those in any other spirit, even tequila. They are diverse, fitting for a spirit that reflects its terroir so well, and gorgeous in their rusticity. </i><br />
<i> I understand that rusticity is often a pejorative term, but not as far as mezcal goes. The flavors of a great mezcal are unmediated by oak or long aging. They offer no vanillas or chocolates, honeys or heathers. Instead, you get a briny, vegetal burst, with Tabasco-like hints of vinegar, salt, oily smoke and earth, and an uncompromising purity."</i><br />
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Let's just hope that articles like these come out more often and that Mexicans start waking up to the greatness of what's made in their own backyard. I find it shameful that so few restaurants in Mexico offer mezcal - too many of them consider mezcal "the poor man's drink", and outside of its original city of Oaxaca it remains, to this day, relatively unknown and unavailable.<i></i><br />
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<i><a href="http://events.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/dining/reviews/18wine.html?th&emc=th">To read Asimov's story and see how the brands compared, click here.</a></i>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-83426720817032263002010-07-23T17:06:00.000-07:002010-07-23T17:08:06.643-07:00Herzog & de Meuron in Mexico: the Guadalajara contemporary art museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqqr2-PgsSwZ0nPJxJryOeXU-NC7vThjB6Z7v07kXow87qeCR4f5swByU9pXDDNhqXzEsQN9vaoAL6bGuOQX6uaPSgMPbHppGvKDvLqRAAKd8TNqgDTFuGDD35GwzVyCnCf7cEfzEQy8/s1600/guadalajara_museumherzog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqqr2-PgsSwZ0nPJxJryOeXU-NC7vThjB6Z7v07kXow87qeCR4f5swByU9pXDDNhqXzEsQN9vaoAL6bGuOQX6uaPSgMPbHppGvKDvLqRAAKd8TNqgDTFuGDD35GwzVyCnCf7cEfzEQy8/s400/guadalajara_museumherzog1.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoahyphenhyphenmapnqCeZ6LwVNzY0O9Si814LYMQw25masCXHy5UZ9JjgnuaDF6LyVLCAJBTuZsKNUxZhd4YXkOngKSPANqrK9iDsn3kIx0HYR0yD2MnLjQ_TcKycSR7XNbCXBhlvoSxsGMWG90I/s1600/guadalajara_museumherzog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoahyphenhyphenmapnqCeZ6LwVNzY0O9Si814LYMQw25masCXHy5UZ9JjgnuaDF6LyVLCAJBTuZsKNUxZhd4YXkOngKSPANqrK9iDsn3kIx0HYR0yD2MnLjQ_TcKycSR7XNbCXBhlvoSxsGMWG90I/s400/guadalajara_museumherzog2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ-m_wEfYahIZpPp_2B98FYw6AGWFPPrGk1r9o3CKGrbQaukFd2aBLzsUOCHhaHpZik63-ij-M6NcYOaGkwzEFFxI_IPIA2QCra-Xe462pJQwaPHeKwTPCqk40h13xRpeSC4b3X_eo-g/s1600/guadalajara_museumherzog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJ-m_wEfYahIZpPp_2B98FYw6AGWFPPrGk1r9o3CKGrbQaukFd2aBLzsUOCHhaHpZik63-ij-M6NcYOaGkwzEFFxI_IPIA2QCra-Xe462pJQwaPHeKwTPCqk40h13xRpeSC4b3X_eo-g/s400/guadalajara_museumherzog3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5xnHkOzVHx9ujdVoVp6_Fw9mVVMtfuz3j46bFhUjrRDKleuVpy1ixP3zmtVPGOp1vEPDKYdIP7G-4dlqeGg9JXh_Ih6INGiabTZIKunB317WbrQDHBNF-ceAByaGd8Q-Ey100vojSIc/s400/guadalajara_museumherzog4.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">After plans for a Guggenheim museum fell through, officials in Guadalajara announced last December that starchitects Herzog & De Meuron (of Tate Modern in London, the Young Museum in San Francisco and Bird's Nest in Beijing fame) will design the new Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which is expected to be ready by 2012. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Over six acres of land will house the museum, which not only show works by famous Mexican artists but will also collaborate with contemporary artists to create new works. Officials hope it will position Guadalajara as a cultural destination.<br />
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The museum will be perched atop the Huentitan Canyon, an ecological reserve on the Santiago River. </div>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-24065886565957090922010-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:002010-06-26T10:20:53.705-07:00Hbita-MTY hotel in Monterrey wins Wallpaper's 2010 Design Awards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkICTM8uvvy6QqIz2ZkS3SH4k2YNY190Y8b6z1cVXTg9BODxLHb6CsAleeeZUrEruRkyfkTjX_FpOzEe3n-sSsGSJ2gm3CFjOOeWgGRWA_KISbeUNm6sTDwJTkLtzkjVjIlVWIYQsE7xSZ/s1600/wallpaper-design-awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkICTM8uvvy6QqIz2ZkS3SH4k2YNY190Y8b6z1cVXTg9BODxLHb6CsAleeeZUrEruRkyfkTjX_FpOzEe3n-sSsGSJ2gm3CFjOOeWgGRWA_KISbeUNm6sTDwJTkLtzkjVjIlVWIYQsE7xSZ/s320/wallpaper-design-awards.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The Habita group's Habita-MTY in Monterrey hotel won Wallpaper's 2010 Design Awards for best hotel... No suprise there!<br />
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Monterrey has never been exactly a tourist destination: foreigners go there on business, as this is the country's steel capital. Budding talent Joseph Dirand (the French architect who designed the summer house of no other than the master Phillippe Starck) is the man who created the look of the hotel, from its arc-shaped façade to the interior décor filled with onyx and skulls. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mr0wMghbGdSKIulqTjWfsc1-LlSahy1MfLMrWAGN6Lu_zTn2iOLa3CxZy04_aWoBjFD9-JRVj-BuZnkKiwKvd2hLA7U1KKdkcUxq_6yDSfXpApzEZMlMZhQG88s9nKSUscKqUliO44lz/s1600/mexico_habita_HBT_monterrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mr0wMghbGdSKIulqTjWfsc1-LlSahy1MfLMrWAGN6Lu_zTn2iOLa3CxZy04_aWoBjFD9-JRVj-BuZnkKiwKvd2hLA7U1KKdkcUxq_6yDSfXpApzEZMlMZhQG88s9nKSUscKqUliO44lz/s400/mexico_habita_HBT_monterrey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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You can see a video of the prize winners by <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid66631060001?bctid=61718709001">clicking on this link.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.hotelhabitamty.com/">Habita-MTY:</a> tel. 52-81 8335-5900<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=vasconcelos+street+monterrey+mexico&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=56.462693,82.089844&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Vasconcelos,+San+Pedro+Garza+Garc%C3%ADa,+Nuevo+Le%C3%B3n,+Mexico&ll=25.652382,-100.376016&spn=16.240691,20.522461&z=6&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=vasconcelos+street+monterrey+mexico&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=56.462693,82.089844&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Vasconcelos,+San+Pedro+Garza+Garc%C3%ADa,+Nuevo+Le%C3%B3n,+Mexico&ll=25.652382,-100.376016&spn=16.240691,20.522461&z=6" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-51425669581497090342010-05-25T08:23:00.000-07:002010-05-25T08:23:07.255-07:00Art-focused Hotel Matilda opening in September in San Miguel de Allende<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG09xpr64BHRlKzADdP9aYrNOTn02FVCDsTNOuJPZ8_snRpCGlpEjoJiUxkmD7pLN_mwTVk2tac1DRZToRXFLEC8AudM-shhSLe5ys60I8hUk0T9SAiX2YR10liHrnlRlz7OpwjK_PFzA/s1600/san_miguel_matilda_fac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG09xpr64BHRlKzADdP9aYrNOTn02FVCDsTNOuJPZ8_snRpCGlpEjoJiUxkmD7pLN_mwTVk2tac1DRZToRXFLEC8AudM-shhSLe5ys60I8hUk0T9SAiX2YR10liHrnlRlz7OpwjK_PFzA/s400/san_miguel_matilda_fac.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhnkg_3tlTbfzTWfC0-dUuZKU3HGrxCm8SeaRJAlS_pm9Fc3yd8bQ5WP92DXw7aj9DlXP_84LB-s3VFSJBqVkbW0LOSBNJhy-1SZWcu1cjULv_38McPWwOxtCJBoL0suRPj_dGaytXMTI/s1600/san_miguel_matilda_fac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhnkg_3tlTbfzTWfC0-dUuZKU3HGrxCm8SeaRJAlS_pm9Fc3yd8bQ5WP92DXw7aj9DlXP_84LB-s3VFSJBqVkbW0LOSBNJhy-1SZWcu1cjULv_38McPWwOxtCJBoL0suRPj_dGaytXMTI/s400/san_miguel_matilda_fac.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We love, love, love San Miguel de Allende, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pristine Spanish colonial architecture. Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best in the World” list for 2009, named it the #5 city of the Americas. And although it already has a respectable number of top-quality hotels - the best being Orient Express' Casa de Sierra Nevada - additions to the hotel scene are always welcome.<br />
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That's why we think it's great that Hotel Matilda will open its doors in September, in the historical center. The hotel aims to be a "living art gallery", and was named after owner Harold Stream's mother, Matilda. The great Diego Rivera painted a portrait of her in the 1940's, and a replica of it will hang in the hotel.<br />
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Stream has been in the business since 1972 and has owned several hotels in the U.S. and Mexico. His Hotel Matilda will have:<br />
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- 32 rooms and suites, many with views of the beautiful San Miguel skyline, many with terrasses filled with potted plants and flowers.<br />
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- a restaurant with garden seating serving contemporary Mexican cuisine<br />
- a stylish lounge and bar with a patio overlooking San Miguel;<br />
- a spa with four treatment rooms, a couple's room and a Spa Suite with steam shower, tub and private courtyards. It'll also have an apothecary selling hand-made products blending indigenous ingredients.<br />
- an infinity pool<br />
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The definitive highlight, however, will be the art collection. It will be anchored by permanent pieces and then be continuously refreshed with rotating works.<br />
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As the press release says, "Several acclaimed artists have been commissioned to create major pieces of art specifically for Hotel Matilda including: For a large interior wall, Bosco Sodi, who works with organic matter and color to create intangible energy and intense dialogue; for the Boveda ceiling in the lounge, Aldo Chapparo, whose pieces focus on the visual relations between natural and artificial objects; and for behind the Front Desk, Nacho Rodriguez, whose work is characterized by timelessness and the utilization of a diversity of media to explore the meaning of form and blur the lines between art and other disciplines. Photographer Spencer Tunick’s famous shot of thousands of nudes in Mexico City’s main square will be the wallpaper in the lounge bathroom."<br />
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<a href="http://www.hotelmatilda.com%20%20/">Hotel Matilda:</a> info@hotelmatilda.com, or (011) (52) 415-152-10-15Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-58844249775019129562010-03-11T06:30:00.000-08:002010-03-11T06:30:30.599-08:00Acapulco, cool again? Grupo Habita brings Boca Chica hotel back to life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaCcr-Yd-x55gRG2p-1HveiYKCn4DRW1mHqSdHY_bEwxt1AOU50FYpSDgkstGTLko68j2vLzb8fbIDmuiUvNEhc5Le16T750fZ0nknhMJ6PDEs_MSfOHR3wTYvDOH51JWGdwyQihH27Pd/s1600-h/mexico_hotel_boca_chica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaCcr-Yd-x55gRG2p-1HveiYKCn4DRW1mHqSdHY_bEwxt1AOU50FYpSDgkstGTLko68j2vLzb8fbIDmuiUvNEhc5Le16T750fZ0nknhMJ6PDEs_MSfOHR3wTYvDOH51JWGdwyQihH27Pd/s400/mexico_hotel_boca_chica.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Grupo Habita, my favourite Mexican hoteliers, are at it again. They're opening, this month, yet another hotel - this time, in Acapulco.<br />
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Yes, Acapulco, haven't you heard that all that's old is new again? ;)<br />
Sure, the resort had been lagging far behind Cabo San Lucas and the Mayan Riviera in terms of cool factor for many years, but now it's seeing a big comeback. As The New York Times put it in a recent story about Acapulco, <i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span></span> </i><br />
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At its peak, Acapulco was a haunt of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, where Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd (the third of her eight weddings), and John and Jacqueline Kennedy headed for their honeymoon (as did a young Bill and Hillary Clinton). Howard Hughes spent his last days at the Acapulco Princess hotel. Lana Turner had a place overlooking the water, as did John Wayne. And well before the crew of “Girls Gone Wild” came trolling the beaches for spring-break shenanigans, “Fun in Acapulco” was not just a 1963 film starring a dashing Elvis Presley but an international shorthand for glamour."<o:p></o:p> <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And speaking of old, architects Frida Escobedo and José Rojas Claudia Fernández have brought back to life a vintage property: the Boca Chica. This is where all the action happened back in the 50s. And then... came the decline and abandon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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But now... the Boca Chica is back, thanks to the Grupo Habita.And judging by their other ventures, whatever they touch turns into gold, so...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRorAzSK0BC-DHTaxr_Ycp_lI0dAYAtIY7FmParIOBgSOY85omBr48QA79DkFlf-zVDUb0E89RJZqHU661WYqRk5Yh2nUxJWW2Pd0lYiSME-_5uB_6g4PMnQjf4WKT5p5Vr5MpHp5z19q/s1600-h/mexico_boca_chica1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRorAzSK0BC-DHTaxr_Ycp_lI0dAYAtIY7FmParIOBgSOY85omBr48QA79DkFlf-zVDUb0E89RJZqHU661WYqRk5Yh2nUxJWW2Pd0lYiSME-_5uB_6g4PMnQjf4WKT5p5Vr5MpHp5z19q/s320/mexico_boca_chica1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Their p.r. material says:<br />
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"The team worked painstakingly to revive the Boca Chica’s prominent atmosphere of tropical luxury from the original structure, but just as intensely to modernise the facilities to suit contemporary standards of comfort: the result is anything but old-fashioned. Such interior features as the marble and granite mosaic floor and lattice ‘celocia’ brickwork were carefully restored, but the building was as well restructured to offer 30 guestrooms and 6 suites, each with private terraces and hammocks. Some of the rooms lead into private gardens and 3 of the suites even spaciously accommodate with a separate living room. The interior décor reflects the time period of the original structure, riding on the wave of 1950’s nostalgia that has lately swept through the worlds of fashion, design and film. The design team utilised those elements of the old Boca Chica that were consistent with their ideology, resituating them within the frame of contemporary design. But it is really the earth tones, cool whites and mild greens so abundant throughout the structure and interiors, reflecting over the crystal clear blue of the surrounding waters and endless sky that finally translate the hotel’s ultimate goal effortlessly into words: laid-back luxury."<br />
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Also new are the spa, the gym room with bay views and the poolside cabanas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNdRi53uEZQSWlmieziwmZNZ7kppctZ3ka4coH-EMruOnFuNMRn9U3Tmy34yqcu0zKFFUlH4ssSfiUUfdlJclltzHq0j0oElSRdE-ZFlM7YZVS0_bDtca8qs3v5AwGZV_5cVsHVRbYSS-/s1600-h/mexico_boca_chica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNdRi53uEZQSWlmieziwmZNZ7kppctZ3ka4coH-EMruOnFuNMRn9U3Tmy34yqcu0zKFFUlH4ssSfiUUfdlJclltzHq0j0oElSRdE-ZFlM7YZVS0_bDtca8qs3v5AwGZV_5cVsHVRbYSS-/s320/mexico_boca_chica2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hotel-bocachica.com/">BOCA CHICA</a><br />
CONTACT@HOTEL-BOCACHICA.COM<br />
T. +52 (744) 4 82 78 79<br />
Punta Caletilla<br />
Fraccionamiento las Playas<br />
Acapulco, 39390, Guerrero, México<br />
O P E N I N G D A T E : SPRING 2010 <br />
<br />
3 6 R O O MS<br />
3 SUNSET SUITES WITH HAMMOCK AND PRIVATE TERRACE<br />
3 BEACH SUITES WITH LIVING ROOM, HAMMOCK AND PRIVATE TERRACE<br />
3 AMIGO ROOMS WITH TWO BEDS, HAMMOCK AND PRIVATE TERRACE<br />
20 SEA VIEW ROOMS WITH HAMMOCK AND PRIVATE TERRACE<br />
7 GARDEN ROOMS WITH HAMMOCK AND PRIVATE TERRACE <br />
<br />
R A T E S<br />
FROM 95 USD TO 275 USD<br />
F L O O R D I S T R I B U T I O N<br />
3RD AND 2ND FLOOR ROOMS AND SPA<br />
1ST FLOOR ROOMS<br />
GROUND FLOOR LOBBY, SHOP, POOL, GARDEN, RESTAURANT, BAR AND DISCOTHEQUE<br />
SEA LEVEL MARINA, SUSHI “TAKE OUT”, GYM AND MASSAGE CABANAS <br />
<br />
A ME N I T I E S<br />
DR. BRONNER AMENITIES AC, WIRELESS INTERNET, MINIBAR, SAFE DEPOSIT BOX<br />
24 HRS ROOM SERVICE, 24 HRS SECURITY SYSTEM AND VALET PARKING </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<h1 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></h1><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-70238552767478494022009-12-17T07:39:00.000-08:002009-12-17T07:52:32.970-08:00MEXICO TOURISM BOARD gives free trip to Mexico on Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVkkPK9kElIUwveFvwNQdGYQE5YzVaC83nc34-C2HaheDCO69wFuPAnHNrbB9nZ-Q-_DE9B2JUVq3sSR2Dw2Y_k9sJLZJHNBR2Ghohz_t9E0Vlh3JhE4cOR0STX7_Kjhq2qL2mhkipxE2/s1600-h/guanajuato_teatrojuarez1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVkkPK9kElIUwveFvwNQdGYQE5YzVaC83nc34-C2HaheDCO69wFuPAnHNrbB9nZ-Q-_DE9B2JUVq3sSR2Dw2Y_k9sJLZJHNBR2Ghohz_t9E0Vlh3JhE4cOR0STX7_Kjhq2qL2mhkipxE2/s640/guanajuato_teatrojuarez1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
We had to share this press release with you: great deal indeed!<br />
<br />
"Mexico City- Mexico; December 16th, 2009 – The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) is excited to announce its first Facebook giveaway- an amazing 4-Day, 3-Night trip for two guests to the popular tourist destination of Cancun. Winners will stay at the luxurious Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, and will include roundtrip airfare.<br />
<br />
By simply becoming a fan of the <a href="http://facebook.com/WeVisitMexico"><b>MTB’s Facebook Page</b></a> by December 28th, users are automatically entered to win. http://tinyurl.com/winmexicotrip. The trip is a way to give back and thank the growing online community of Mexico fans.<br />
<br />
The Mexico Tourism Board launched their official <b>“We Visit Mexico”</b> social media presence on Facebook among other sites including Twitter, Youtube and Flickr, to talk to travelers in a more personal way. <br />
<br />
The platform allows past, present and future travelers to post pictures, stories and experiences, about traveling to Mexico. Discussions include great places, people, activities, culture and food. People can also share their pictures and videos of their trips to Mexico.<br />
<br />
You can find “We Visit Mexico” on the following sites:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://twitter.com/WeVisitMexico">Twitter</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://youtube.com/WeVisitMexico">You Tube</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://flickr.com/groups/WeVisitMexico">Flickr</a></span></li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Entry Rules:<br />
Sweepstakes open to residents of the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico) who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of the Mexico Tourism Board and affiliated companies, and advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with, any such employees, are not eligible to win. Travel must originate from and return to a U.S. international airport. Travel is subject to blackout dates and availability. Trip is valid for one year from the date of issue.</span><br />
<br />
About the <b><a href="http://www.visitmexico.com/">Mexico Tourism Board</a></b><br />
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Latin America. "Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-20340256738747222122009-11-18T17:58:00.000-08:002009-11-18T18:10:32.702-08:00Coolest hoteliers in Mexico open their third 5-star property in the capital<small></small> <div class="entry"> <img src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/imagem/fwa//1245420759322_129.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />One of my favourite hotels in Mexico is Playa del Carmen's BASICO. I just love everything about it: the vibe, the utterly quirky design, the airyness, the guests. Once I stayed there, I started to pay more attention to what the owners of the BASICO do. They have a series of cool hotels, group under the banner grupo Habita.<br /><br />They recently opened their third hotel in Mexico City, called <a href="http://www.hoteldistritocapital.com/">Distrito Capital</a> (Rua Juan Salvador Agraz, 37, tel. 5255 5257-1300) , in the Santa Fé district.<br /><br />The hip French designer Joseph Dirand did the interiors, so naked they remind one of a modernistic convent.<br /><br /><img src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/imagem/blog/boavida/mexicodistritocapitalhotel1.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/imagem/blog/boavida/mexicodistritocapitalhotel2.jpg" /><br /><br />At the entrance, dramatic cuts into the black walls let in slices of daylight.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/imagem/blog/boavida/mexicodistritocapitalhotel5.jpg" /><br /><br />The rooms are equally sober and minimalistic and come with iPod docks and amenities by Acqua di Parma.<br /><br /><img src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/imagem/blog/boavida/mexicodistritocapitalhotel3.jpg" /><br /><br />It was in 2000 the four young entrepreneurs who own grupo Habita opened their first boutique hotel, the <a href="http://www.hotelhabita.com/" title="hotel habita">Habita</a> (Avenida Presidente Masaryk, 201, Cidade do México, (555) 282-3100). It single-handedly changed the hotel scene in the city.<br /><br />The 5-story building, enveloped in a milky glass "skin", looks like a lantern when lit up at night.<br /><br />It's been a huge hit since day 1.<br /><br />In 2001, they opened the <a href="http://www.condesadf.com/" title="hotel condesa df">Condesa df</a> (Avenida Veracruz, 102, (555) 241-2600), a super cool triangular shaped hotel in the eponymous district of Mexico City.<br /><br />Their <a href="http://www.lapurificadora.com/" title="hotel la purificadora">La Purificadora</a> (Callejon de la 10 Norte, 802, Puebla, (222) 309-1920) - is another architectural marvel, with the somber grey walls made more lively by sudden splashes of purple. Oh, and there's that famous pool in the lobby...<br /><br />Their funnest hotels are the Hotel Deseo and my all-time fave, the Hotel Básico, both in Playa del Carmen. At <a href="http://www.hoteldeseo.com/" title="hotel deseo">Deseo</a> (Quinta avenida s/no , Playa del Carmen, (984) 879-3620) the rooms face a pool that's always very happening, like an outdoor lounge party. At the <a href="http://www.hotelbasico.com/" title="hotel basico">Básico</a> (Quinta avenida, s/no, Playa del Carmen, (984) 879-4448), a mere two blocks away, the décor is kooky-nautical with lots of black rubber and ivory cement tiles, with beds on stilts and other fun details.<!-- google_ad_section_end --> </div><div id="ctd_banner"> <!--Div AdSense Início--> <!--Div AdSense Fim--> </div>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-90766208797760457292009-11-14T19:39:00.000-08:002009-11-14T19:45:12.850-08:00Orozco murals are the main draw at Guadalajara's Instituto Cabañas<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201262" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_cabanas2.jpg" alt="guadalajara_cabanas2" height="598" width="400" /> </p>The Instituto Cultural Cabañas, an ex-orfanage in the Old Downtown of Guadalajara, is quite beautiful and has been declared part of Unesco's Heritage of Humanity. <p>Stone arches shade the long courtyards, and the place is used often for offical functions (Obama attended one recently).<br /></p> <p>The night I was there, local beauties paraded in folkloric dress:<br /></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201261" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_cabanas1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_cabanas1" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p>The famed Orozco murals, more aggressive than beautiful, depicting a hellish scene, line the domed ceilings of where the chapel used to be. Armed guards made me leave my camera at the entrance so I had to settle for a little video make surrepticiously, so sorry about the shaken footage...<br /></p> <p><br /></p> <p><br /></p> <p><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wr6oVnQhIvc&hl=es&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wr6oVnQhIvc&hl=es&fs=1&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></object></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201266" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_cabanas_girl.jpg" alt="guadalajara_cabanas_girl" height="598" width="400" /></p>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-54984787687379330782009-11-14T19:34:00.000-08:002009-11-14T19:39:13.411-08:00Guadalajara's Old Downtown: a photo tour<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201291" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_igr2.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_igr2" height="598" width="400" /><br /><br />Don't get me wrong: Guadalajara is far from the first city I'd recommend anyone spending time in. Most of it is kind of ugly, the traffic is bad, and... well... I just didn't really love it. Having said that, the Old Downtown is quite beautiful, its churches and government buildings impressive and imposing and a bit European-looking. Oh, and did I mention the thousands of stores selling cheap gold and silver jewelry? :)</p><p style="text-align: left;">In short, don't make Guadalajara your final destination, but by all means do stop there for a night or two and spend time wandering the old streets.<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201283" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_cape1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_cape1" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201284" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_cat11.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_cat11" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201285" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_cat21.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_cat21" height="687" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201286" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_cat31.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_cat31" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201287" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_cor1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_cor1" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201288" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_grl1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_grl1" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201289" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_hor1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_hor1" height="536" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201292" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_centro_poste1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_centro_poste1" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><br /><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxH0S_Rx9Bo&hl=es&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxH0S_Rx9Bo&hl=es&fs=1&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></object></p> <!-- google_ad_section_end -->Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-23171046544097255652009-11-14T19:25:00.001-08:002009-11-14T19:34:08.708-08:00San Juan de Dios market in Guadalajara, one of the biggest in Mexico<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201309" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_aerea.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_aerea" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p>Large is an understatement: the San Juan de Dios market in Guadalajara is paradise for foodies like myself, where you could get lost for hours exploring a million herb, spice, fruit and veg vendors. The best part? The enormous "food court" on the second floor, with restaurant after restaurant serving the most incredible food (mostly Mexican, but also Chinese, Japanese, you name it!). The market's official <span style="text-decoration: underline;">official website says</span><a title="mercado san juan de dios" href="http://www.visita.jalisco.gob.mx/espanol/principal/compras.html" target="_self"></a>:</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>“Originally created as a meeting place for merchants in 1590. Has 40,000 square meters of floor space. It's a traditional market selling articrafts from Jalisco and other states. Among the goods on offer are shirts, hats of all kinds, shoes of all styles, jewelry, articles of the home, etc." </em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br /></em></span></span></p> <p><em></em><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201310" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_bal1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_bal1" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p>Oh, and did we mention they sell birds, too?<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201312" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_peri1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_peri1" height="268" width="400" /><br /><br />And sweets for the Dia de los Muertos:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201313" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_cav2.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_cav2" height="272" width="400" /></p> <p>Deliciously ripe fruit-in-a-cup:<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201314" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_fruta.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_fruta" height="575" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201315" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_grls.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_grls" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p>And food in all its glory!<br /><br /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201316" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_lingua.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_lingua" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p>Delicious sandwiches (tortas) of pulled pork, mayo, shredded lettuce and tomato.<br /><br /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201317" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_torta.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_torta" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201318" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_sand.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_sand" height="283" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />C<em>arne en su jugo</em> stew, absolutely delicious and fresh.<br /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201319" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_sopa.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_sopa" height="277" width="400" /></p> <p><br /> <object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/kT77Xh12PLY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kT77Xh12PLY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></object><br /> Faux Gucci e Louis Vuitton for 10 bucks? No problemo!<br /><br />Toys, shirts, embroidered everything...<br /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201320" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/guadalajara_mercado_roup.jpg" alt="guadalajara_mercado_roup" height="283" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /></p>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-77834335258750440572009-11-14T14:46:00.000-08:002009-11-14T14:48:34.202-08:00San Miguel de Allende, colonial jewel: a photo tour<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201411" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_vista.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_vista" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201402" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_xales1.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_xales1" height="521" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201403" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_milho.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_milho" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201404" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_fachada.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_fachada" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201405" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_coreto.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_coreto" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201407" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_paroquia4.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_paroquia4" height="586" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201408" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_ruadusk.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_ruadusk" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201409" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_paroquia5.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_paroquia5" height="594" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201410" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_restaurantetaur.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_restaurantetaur" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201412" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_farmacia.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_farmacia" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201413" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_sunset.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_sunset" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201417" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_rua22.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_rua22" height="576" width="385" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-201397" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_atdusk1-300x202.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_atdusk1" height="202" width="300" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201388" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_road4.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_road4" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201391" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_casaxcalderoni1.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_casaxcalderoni1" height="493" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201392" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_santa.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_santa" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201393" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_fonte.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_fonte" height="561" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201394" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_portinha.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_portinha" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201395" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_mercado.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_mercado" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201398" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_kids.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_kids" height="590" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-201400" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/10/sanmiguel_pinedacovalini-300x287.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_pinedacovalini" height="287" width="300" /></p> <p>Here, a link to a<a href="http://web.me.com/aleforbes/San_Miguel_de_Allende/slideshow.html" target="_blank"> slideshow of these and other photos.</a></p> <p><object data="http://www.youtube.com/v/aTmzrAn6mTI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aTmzrAn6mTI&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></object></p> <!-- google_ad_section_end -->Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-38868133534481979262009-11-14T12:51:00.000-08:002009-11-14T12:59:45.943-08:00Intercontinental Hotel in Guadalajara: a rare corporate hotel with personality<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201612" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercontinental_vao.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercontinental_vao" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p>This blog is not a fan of chains. Holiday Inn? Day's Inn? Best Western? Thanks, but no thanks.<br /></p> <p>That's why we were very happily surprised when we checked in at Guadalajara's Intercontinental hotel. A chain hotel that actually has a hip vibe and personality, who knew?!<br /></p> <p>We loved the streaked marble and the bege sectional couches in the lobby, which has a calming vibe.<br /></p> <p>We loved the smartly designed white lacquer furniture in the room - especially the oversize drawers perfect for keeping messes out of sight. </p> <p>The desk was pretty cool, too, with a plug dock and a skinny light above, and high-end ergonomic swivel chair.<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201610" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercontinental1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercontinental1" height="268" width="400" /><br /></p><p>Nice splashes of colour on the incredibly plush king-size bed:<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201611" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercontinental2.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercontinental2" height="262" width="400" /><br /> <br /></p><p>iPod dock by the bed, of course…</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201640" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercont1.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercont1" height="262" width="400" /><br /><br />And a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that revealed the city's skyline, pretty when all lit up.<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201613" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercontinental_view.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercontinental_view" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p>Huge bath with granity vanity and shower:<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201641" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/guadalajara_intercont2.jpg" alt="guadalajara_intercont2" height="649" width="400" /></p> <p>Oh, and they deliver free coffee to your room in the morning, and offer 2-for-1 margueritas at the lobby bar at happy hour.</p>What's not to like?<br /><br /><br /><!-- google_ad_section_end -->Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-30988556808472813342009-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:002009-11-14T15:18:37.648-08:00Fábrica La Aurora, in San Miguel: top-quality art, cafés and shops<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201578" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_paroquia4.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_paroquia4.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_paroquia4" height="586" width="400" /><br /></p><p>Surely one of the main attractions that draw North Americans to San Miguel are the beautiful colonial townhouses and the pink Paroquia facing the main square, which has an adorable bandstand and topiary trees:<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201576" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_coreto.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_coreto.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_coreto" height="598" width="400" /></p> <p>But San Miguel is, above all, an art haven, where hundreds of painters, sculpters and gallerists live and work. Most of them have studios or galleries at the Fábrica La Aurora, a beautiful textile factory turned art center, with breezy courtyards and whitewashed walls. It oozes stylishness and good taste:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201574" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_fabrica_laaurora.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_fabrica_laaurora.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_fabrica_laaurora" height="415" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201569" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_cacti.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_cacti.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_cacti" height="443" width="400" /></p> <p>This was one of my favourite galleries, the Galería Manuel Chacón:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201573" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroragaleria1.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroragaleria1.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laauroragaleria1" height="675" width="400" /><br /><br />And here's one of the many art studios, which are open to visitors:<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201563" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_atelie.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_atelie.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_atelie" height="277" width="400" /></p> <p>I was immediately drawn to these paintings by Leonard Brooks, a Canadian expat:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201564" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroraleobrooks.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroraleobrooks.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laauroraleobrooks" height="282" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201565" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroralbrooks.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroralbrooks.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laauroralbrooks" height="305" width="400" /></p> <p>But to me the most beautiful art of all were the ceramics by Jaime Goded, a bit reminiscent of Picasso:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201566" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram1.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram1.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram1" height="572" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201568" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram2.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram2.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_ceram2" height="190" width="400" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jaimegoded.com">Jaime Goded</a> was born in 1945 in Mexico City, to Spanish parents. He's lived in San Miguel since 1983, and has eight grandchildren.<br /><!--StartFragment--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The non-artsy can find plenty of other goodies to buy:</p> <p><!--EndFragment--></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201562" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroragaleria2.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laauroragaleria2.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laauroragaleria2" height="253" width="400" /></p> <p><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal.dotm 0 0 1 26 151 freelancer 1 1 185 12.0 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><br /><!--StartFragment--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Especially at the Pineda Covalini boutique, selling gorgeous shawls and a myriad other luxury things - even Samsonite bags custom-designed by her. All stunning and quite pricey:</p> <p><!--EndFragment--></p> <p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201581" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_pinedacovalini1.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_pinedacovalini1.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_pinedacovalini1" height="442" width="461" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201582" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_xales.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_xales.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_xales" height="521" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201570" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_pinedacovalini.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_pinedacovalini.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_pinedacovalini" height="417" width="400" /><br /><!--StartFragment--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not in the mood to spend? Well, that's what the wine bar is there for! :)<br /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201571" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_winebar.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_winebar.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_winebar" height="613" width="400" /></p> <p>As I wandered along, I also found this charming café:<br /></p> <p><!--EndFragment--></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201572" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_cafe.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/sanmiguel_laaurora_cafe.jpg" alt="sanmiguel_laaurora_cafe" height="268" width="400" /></p> <p><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal.dotm 0 0 1 23 135 freelancer 1 1 165 12.0 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><br /><!--StartFragment--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Fábrica also offers art classes, studio visits and workshops.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">In short, one simply can not go to San Miguel and not stop in for a visit!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.fabricalaaurora.com/" mce_href="http://www.fabricalaaurora.com/" target="_self">Fábrica La Aurora:</a> tel. (415) 152-1012</p>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-58735347158883320352009-11-05T19:08:00.000-08:002009-11-08T19:44:45.584-08:00Oaxaca hotels and colonial architecture<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201518" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_fachada.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_fachada.jpg" alt="oaxaca_fachada" height="266" width="400" /></p>Oaxaca, beautiful Oaxaca. The colonial town that Americans are totally enamored with. Arid outskirts, old churches galore...<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201519" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_igreja.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_igreja.jpg" alt="oaxaca_igreja" height="534" width="400" /></p> <p>This is the must-go-to place for serial shoppers who are into ceramics and tapestry.<br /><br /></p><p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201522" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_tapetes.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_tapetes.jpg" alt="oaxaca_tapetes" height="276" width="400" /></p>I stayed at the Hotel Victoria, nice and secluded but, in the other hand, totally annoying for those who like to be in the middle of the action. Sits on top of a hill and you have to cab it to the downtown, or walk 25 minutes or so. Nice view, though... <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201521" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_hotelvictoria.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_hotelvictoria.jpg" alt="oaxaca_hotelvictoria" height="273" width="400" /></p>As is the case in most Mexican towns, the Zocalo (main square) is the center of it all, so just pull up a chair and order a mezcal and beer combo. Tequila is SO not the thing to drink here. <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201520" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_mezcal_zocalo.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_mezcal_zocalo.jpg" alt="oaxaca_mezcal_zocalo" height="621" width="400" /></p><p><b>Hotels in Oaxaca:</b></p> <p><a href="http://www.oaxaca-hotel-group.com/camino.htm" mce_href="http://www.oaxaca-hotel-group.com/camino.htm">Camino Real:</a> Rua 5 de Mayo, 300, (951) 60-732<br />An old convent turned into a luxury hotel, considered by most the top in town.<br /></p> <p><a href="http://www.hotelvictoriaoax.com.mx/" mce_href="http://www.hotelvictoriaoax.com.mx">Hotel Victoria:</a> Rua Lomas del Fortín, 1, (951) 515-2633<br />Almost a country hotel, with extensive gardens, pool, tennis court, etc. Bad location.<br /></p> <p><a href="http://www.oaxaca-mio.com/trebol.htm" mce_href="http://www.oaxaca-mio.com/trebol.htm" target="_self">Trebol:</a> Rua Flores Magón, 201, (951) 516-1256<br />Much simpler than the other two, but has a great location, right near the Zocalo<br /><br /><a href="http://www.casaoaxaca.com.mx/" mce_href="http://www.casaoaxaca.com.mx/" target="_self">Casa Oaxaca:</a> Rua Garcia Vigil, 407, (951) 514-4173<br />The cool kid on the block, with an excellent contemporary Mexican restaurant to boot. Here are some of their PR photos:</p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201529" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca4.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca4.jpg" alt="oaxaca_casaoaxaca4" height="400" width="300" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201534" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca1.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca1.jpg" alt="oaxaca_casaoaxaca1" height="300" width="400" /></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201535" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca2.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_casaoaxaca2.jpg" alt="oaxaca_casaoaxaca2" height="300" width="400" /></p> <a href="http://www.casaoaxaca.com.mx/" mce_href="http://www.casaoaxaca.com.mx/" target="_self"><br /></a><p><br /></p> <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal.dotm 0 0 1 170 920 freelancer 22 8 1192 12.0 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]-->Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640691267524287907.post-35134469633171602902009-11-05T19:06:00.000-08:002009-11-14T13:31:45.005-08:00Oaxaca: the moles and the best hotel, Casa Oaxaca<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201530" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_igrejasantoantonio.jpg" alt="oaxaca_igrejasantoantonio" height="583" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Upon arriving, I felt a sense of disappointment: the outskirts are dry and poor and blah. The Old Downtown is where it's at: it's pretty, well-preserved, rich in churches and food markets and crafts stores.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Oaxaca is famous for its dark green and black ceramics, sold everywhere. But I had more fun wandering the streets and checking out the locals, many of whom are Zapotec Indians (they look it, too).<br /><br /><br />Women tend to be short and wear long braids tied with colourful ribbons, long skirts with aprons, while the men favour wool ponchos. The Zapotecs and other local indians speak nearly 50 different dialects!<br /></span><br />The greatest oeuvre of the Zapotecs still stands today.<i> <b>Monte Albán</b>, a 20 minute taxi ride from town, are amazing ruins. Not only have they withstood the test of time, but the pyramid-shaped structures are proof of the power, wealth and engineering prowess of the ancient Zapotecs.<br /><br /></i> <p><i><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201531" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_montealban1.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_montealban1.jpg" alt="oaxaca_montealban1" height="260" width="400" /></i></p> <p><i>They've left a heritage of a strangely delicious cuisine: fried grasshoppers, chayote and corn soup, pork and beef stews, and tortillas stuffed with huitlacloche, a fungus that grows on corn and has a truffle-like depth of flavour. My favourites were the memelas, open-faced tortillas topped with a myriad things:<br /></i></p> <p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center"><i><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201532" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_memela.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_memela.jpg" alt="oaxaca_memela" height="289" width="400" /></i></p> <p><i>Then there are the famous moles - thick sauces made with 10, even 15 different spices, such as chocolate, chilli and onions. They're usually served over chicken, beef or pork, with rice on the side:<br /></i></p> <div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter"><dl id="attachment_201541" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"><i><i><img class="size-full wp-image-201541" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_frango_mole.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_frango_mole.jpg" alt="Frango com mole, molho grosso tipico de Oaxaca" height="272" width="400" /></i></i></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd"><i><br /></i></dd></dl></div> <p><i>The local drink is the mezcal, a lesser-known cousin of the tequila, which sometimes comes with a worm (gusano) in the bottle. It's complex in flavour and quite delicious:<br /></i></p> <p><i><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201533" src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_mezcal.jpg" mce_src="http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/blog/boa-vida/files/2009/11/oaxaca_mezcal.jpg" alt="oaxaca_mezcal" height="272" width="400" /></i></p>Alexandra Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16277136673835698236noreply@blogger.com