Nov 5 - 6 Birthday abroad & altitude sickness

November 6

Another reason why travel is not all glam: Altitude sickness. It's 5:38 am, morning after my birthday, and I've still not slept. 34 hours of nausea from the altitude change from my move from one week in lower-level Oaxaca to Mexico City has about done me in.
My birthday was nice but... I was certainly ill. (It's the price one pays!) At least I held the brownie and coconut ice cream down!

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There are 90,000 police officers in Mexico City. That's a ratio of police:citizens of about 1:100 within the city boundaries, one of the highest ratios in the world.
The police presence was impressively strengthened about two years ago, and crime has dramatically fallen since.


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November 5

*sigh*
first birthday out of the country and away from friends.
i love you, people.
(and i'm with my dear friend Pablo in Mexico, so i'm not completely alone!)
I spent most of my birthday with intense altitude sickness. I stayed indoors as much as possible other than lunch with friends, and had some pretty lame sushi for dinner. Overall, the day sucked, but my friends sure rocked.
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You guys overwhelmed me with posts on facebook. I'm not sure how many - maybe 75? Needless to say, I certainly did not feel forgotten. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you.
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I took a shot of homemade Mezcal for a friend yesterday... in a party... in a cemetary. One of the best
parties I've been to in my life. More later. (Dia de los Muertos)

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A birthday wish:  "I wish you loads of ice cream!  - Sten
P.S. By ice cream I mean something sweet and enjoyable that takes your attention and makes you feel useful and at the same time relaxed and happy."
Oh, Sten, you are wonderful.

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Quote:
"Geography has little to do with the difference you make. What matters is that you are making the best use of your life by loving the people in it. This is the difference that endures."
Absolutely true to my life experience.

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If a story of someone's life is written, then it is also co-written by the lives of the friends it intersects. I'm delighted to be a part of your story and I'm delighted that you are a part of mine. And I'm delighted that our stories continue.
(adapted from dear friend Jordan's words left in my journal)

Thank you for your love and wonderful birthday wishes. It is indeed overwhelming.
Love from Mexico City -

Oct 24 - Nov 3: Arrived, Conference, Food, and In Oaxaca

October 30 - November 3

caldo de nopales
elote con mayonesa, queso, limon, chile, y queso
quesillo (!!!!!!)
mole
tortillas fresquitas
agua de horchata
maiz con leche
tlayuda de verduras
mole rojo
chocolate mayordomo
chapulines (grasshoppers)
jugo de... cosas nuevas
margarita
mezcal
:)
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I've reached the moment when new foods are no longer named something straightforward, and I simply ask for what I've never heard of before, eat whatever is served, and smile at the results. :)
Sorry, I can't remember any of the new foods I've eaten in the last days!

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October 29

I am honestly astounded at how safe, civil, and clean Mexico City is. I've not seen much, but have been delighted with what I've discovered.
Love from Oaxaca -
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OH WOW is it gorgeous! I'm in a state south of Mexico City and having a phenomenal trip.
Dia de los Muertos.  I owe you a journal entry.

Why I'm using facebook instead of blogging

It's simple:  Blogging intimidates me, facebook is quick, and you interact with me constantly there.

Sitting down to write a blog means I need to write several full paragraphs with a well-developed idea, and post a photo or two to accompany it.

I prioritize living my life over documenting my life.  I simply do not have the time or energy to write like I wish.

Instead, I am grateful to use facebook.  Snippets of quick observations or musings only take a second to post, and I don't need to mess with the login and creation of a new blog post.  I decided to blog my fb posts and edit them with additional comments as a sort of journal.  I hope you enjoy the tidbits.

Thanks for understanding, and by all means "friend" me on fb using my email address.
I LOVE to hear your comments and encouragement.

Love -
r