Serious

This isn't shocking but it's scary.  Since I work in travel, I'm thinking of the people who are at these hotels for an interesting and new experience in a very different part of the world than where they're from.  Instead, they could be a hostage right now.  Or injured, killed, and most definitely terrified.  I'm so frustrated with these extreme fundamentalists.  I don't give a fig what your religion is, killing people isn't the answer.  

Alright, you hate the West.  You think we're assholes.  Yes, we get it.  And I'd agree that we do have an annoying tendency to be assholish.  But I don't understand where religion comes in.  I'm thinking that the people who do these awful acts are mentally unstable and have been coached into this by manipulative and controlling ones.  I could be wrong, but what I do know is that this killing innocent people lark is total crap and while I know my country isn't perfect (believe me, I know), I don't see them purposefully trying to kill innocent civilians at luxury hotels.  

Just.  It needs to stop.  

Small Town Lady

Visited the small town I grew up in this weekend and it's always amusing to see old friends and the people who live there.  

I love, LOVE, the 91 year-old waitress at the "downtown" restaurant.  She's a tiny woman with white, curly, old-lady hair and her face is painted with an orange mask of foundation.  Today she was wearing a lavender jumper with pink roses and yellow hummingbirds on it.  And the first thing she says to me is so country that I immediately fall in love with her again; "I haven't seen you in a coon's age!"  Bless.  I think the other thing she had me in stitches is: "I'm so hot you could fry an egg on me!"  I love her.

First Class to Tokyo

I have a dream to someday fly first class.  This may seem shallow and it is.  It's my shallow dream to someday sit in luxury on a really long flight to somewhere far away from Chicago.  Yes.  I admit it.  I want the chair that reclines all the way.  I want the champagne.  I want the hot towel.  I want the newspapers.  And yes.  I probably will take pictures.  Because I'm planning on flying this first class malarkey only once and I'm going to want proof of it.

I've decided that if the opportunity ever arose for first class, I'd take it anywhere, obv.  However, if I had the choice, I'd choose Tokyo.  Cause it's pretty far away from Chicago and I'd like to go to Japan sometime.  I honestly have no other reason.  Oh, except that Edamame is my favorite food.  And I like to make fun of people karioke-ing.  Anyone know how I can get a first class ticket to Tokyo for next to nothing?

More South of the Border Shenanigans

Obamarama

Am full of Obama love at the moment.  On Tuesday, there was a million people gathered down the street from me and I could hear Obama give his speech from my flat's window.  It was awe-inspiring.  I am proud of America.  And it feels good to say that.

Magic

Had one of the best times of my entire life in Mexico City.  Just got back last night after 5 days of touring, partying, and living la vida Mexicano.  I might also add that I didn't sleep for almost the entire time so I'm a bit loopy.

The reaction I received from most people after they learned I was going to Mexico City was: 

Me: "I'm going to Mexico City."

Stranger: "Yes, but where are you connecting to?  Cancun?  Puerto Vallerta?"

Me: "No.  I'm going to be in Mexico City."  Pause for an awkward pause and head tilt.  Then:

Stranger: "But...why?"  And there would be confusion clouding their eyes.

Well, because it is a fantastic destionation, that's why, people!  Especially during the wicked Dios de Los Muertos celebrations.  I stayed near the Zocalo, the famous central plaza with the Metropolitan Cathedral and other offical buildings.  I experienced so many beautiful sounds, sights, and food with my friends.  A mini-reunion with mates from Sydney was organized and I didn't hold back on running amok.  Mexico is gorgeous and has such a rich culture, especially compared to where I come from.  I'm happy to have been a part of the Dios de Los Muertos celebrations! 

Below: Video from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan with Justina and Peter.