What does Cuban food taste like? Food in Cuba has no taste! There, I said it. It sounds harsh, but it is true. I am that girl who grew up in a family where my Mom would barely put salt in the food she cooked once she had … more »
Mexican Lucha Libre
I have never really cared for fighting sports. Actually, it puzzles me that now-a-days, some fighting modalities are still so popular and people follow the careers of individuals who make a living smashing each others faces. I get that, looking back in history, fighting might have had a very important … more »
Murals with Metaphors
A 13th century orthodox Christian mural in Gorgora, Ethiopia. There was a wedding at the Church on the day that we happened to visit. The orthodox cross on top of the church is made out of ostrich eggs! The ancient carpets are full of lice, fleas and other amazing creatures. … more »
Selling and Socializing in Havana
All jobs in Cuba are controlled by the government. Aside from some taxis, Casa Particulares (Cuban home stays), and Paladars (family run restaurants) you’ll rarely find someone who doesn’t work for the government. Folks in Havana sell flowers or other odds and ends to make some extra money. In a … more »
Airbnb Gone Wrong: 2 nights at the Addams’ Family house
I am a fan of Airbnb. A true one. I think it’s absolutely great that someone has created a platform that allows individuals to rent out spare rooms in their homes, to budget travelers like us, seeking to mingle with what I like calling “the real people of the real … more »
Luis Miguel: the 7 year old guide to the caves in Mexico
Luis Miguel lives around Lagos de Montebello in Chiapas, and we found him in the street offering his services as a guide to some cave. One comes to this location to see the lakes, take a boat ride and walk around. There is no mention to such cave in the guide … more »
My first view of the Pacific
Sometimes the moment gives meaning to a picture. Like the first time that you see the Pacific. The largest ocean on our blue planet. To quote a singer and a poet, it did look like a thousand diamonds. The water is warm and wonderful!
Step in to the light!
She walks along a street in Central Havana. It’s Wednesday, time to collect the government rations. The streets are smoky because of the old cars. She walks swiftly to get to her destination. She likes her yellow slippers. They’re sunny!
Lagos de Montebello: forget the Mexico you’ve seen in the movies
When one thinks of Mexican landscapes, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a dry terrain populated by cactus (thank Hollywood for that, by the way). Alternatively, one could also think about the transparent waters and white sands of the Mayan Riviera. I have written times before how … more »
Follow that car!
Follow that car! In Cuba your transportation options are quite interesting! Due to a shortage of vehicles, regular cars often double up as cabs. Blue, smoky and noisy! Truly a trip back to the 60s!