Mexico CIty: Episode 1

Today was my first full day in Mexico City.  I gotta say- I like it.  Well, of course I do.  I'm staying on the South side con mi amorsito corazon... he tells me it's the place of the upper-middle class.

Abel driving me from the airport-

...some cereal treats we bought from a vendor passing car to car

We spent the day consuming tacos and catching up on some much needed sleep... Hey- before you judge, know that I have been sleep-deprived for the majority of last week completing several photo projects before my flight out of the country!  (Nice to have a day off, no?)

We picked up his younger cousin from school (They were let out early, because it was the last day before their two-week Easter vacation), exchanged some money at the bank and walked a bit around the mall near Abel's apartment.  It is nice- 3 stories and it appears to be the same as any other mall found in the states- even some of the same stores.

Windows down. Music off.

The past few days I've been driving to work with my windows down and the music turned completely off.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE music, but there is something nice about feeling connected to your surroundings: listening to the sounds of your atmosphere.

I remember about a year ago I went through this phase where I did the same thing; I would turn the music off, roll the windows down, and just listen to the tires on the pavement.  The sound of the air rushing into the car almost reminded me of the beach.  For a moment I could convince myself it was so close- just out of view...

My favorite beach... Ala Moana

I could even convince myself the wind and the tires were the sound of waves crashing consistently against the side of the ship... I could imagine the walks I took on the promenade deck- the days spent smelling sea air.  I could almost smell the sea air over the smog... almost.

Houston skyline

Weather Weenie

So... today after zumba (and a bite to eat with my mom and Aunt Maisie) I found myself rushing to the car with my jacket zipped up and my hood thrown recklessly over the top of my head.  I jumped in the car and turned the heat up... I was just a touch surprised when I looked at the temperature... 73 degrees outside.  Oye- how could I ever survive in Canada?

...I'm going to say it had something to do with the workout... my body was still adjusting.  ..I clearly belong in a tropical climate.

My father, the inventor.

Yesterday, after another invigorating zumba class, I stopped by my parent's house to pick up some mail and see my dad for a bit (Mom is in Florida visiting her youngest brother, Jody). 

I noticed a pair of bungees hanging from the second-story balcony when I walked in, but I just shook my head as I passed them on the way to the beans and sausage on the stove.  (The smell of it was divine)  I helped myself to a bowl and chatted with a customer service woman on the phone -Dad couldn't understand her through the accent, so I was the interpreter... explaining the problem of a lost package.

After finishing my meal, and determining that we had been speaking to the wrong department for a while on the phone, Dad offered an explanation for the bungees.

"Want to see my traction device?"
"I was wondering about those bungees... I was afraid it was something like that."
"Yeah, it beats spending $3500 for the chiropractor to fix me...so I just use it for about an hour a day... look at this..."

I watched, slightly horrified, as my father strapped a belt and a couple bungees around his head... it looked a bit morbid, but he seemed content with his contraption.  He noted the ease of movement of his neck and smiled at me...."You want to try it?"  I paused, looked at the way the bungee hooks seemed to dig straight into his head, and answered in a single word, "Yes."

 

Bollywood Take 2

Today was the second rehearsal for the Bollywood fashion show.  The first part was just a review of last week, and the second half was a quick put-together of a finale.

It's really funny to me how difficult some people make the process.  I am so used to working with professionals... where silence is golden and you hang on the choreographer's every word.  Most of the participants are new to the performance game- this is just something fun for them to participate in.  I am all for fun participation, but it astounds me how some people speak during direction and scoff at what they're told- it makes the process so much longer and more redundant.  ::shrug:: I will just remain the silent listener and see how the show develops.

On a side note, I was asked to perform a Bollywood dance for a wedding in New Orleans on April 8-9... I had to regretfully decline, because I will be shooting a wedding here in Houston on the 9th.  I gave them my card, so they could keep me on file, but shucks... that would have been great!  The bride is white, so they were really hoping I could participate to sort of represent her in the dancing... hopefully they'll ask me to join in other dance events around town.

Also, I was asked to possibly photograph the event after I walk in the fashion show on March 20th... :)  It is the festival of colors, so I should be able to take some really vibrant photos!

*Funny note* I was asked if I understood Hindi... half the direction is in English, half in Hindi... I guess I fake it well enough- lol

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Today I went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!  Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob found themselves in the possession of 6 tickets to go see Sugarland, so I -along with my friend, Dezarae- were able to tag along!  We arrived, ate a loaded baked potato and funnel cake, and sat down to watch the cowboys ride!

After some heart-pumping action, Sugarland took the stage and gave an amazing performance.  It's events like these that make me glad I'm from H-town.  :)  ..a little bit of country meets city.

Our stadium converts into a rodeo utopia!

Linda asked me to take this pic- Bob's company is a rodeo sponsor

Bullfighters work as clowns to help the riders dismount after they ride-

Buckin' broncos and ragin' bulls!

Covered wagon races!

The teens getting ready for the calf scramble...

...catch a calf and you get to raise one!

Sheep readying themselves for the kiddos-

My favorite part- the mutton bustin'!

5 year olds hang on for a wild ride!

Yep... we do fireworks INSIDE!

Sugarland was AMAZING!

Jennifer and Kristian were completely dynamic

Check out this great vid to learn a little rodeo history: http://sugarlandmusic.com/news/26383

Zumba

Today I attended my first zumba class with my mother at the John Wesley United Methodist church.

To be honest, I thought it would be a bit easier than it actually was.  It was basically an hour of aerobics with a song on each end to warm-up/ cool-down.  I thoroughly enjoyed the workout and was a bit surprised at how hard my heart was pumping... way to go zumba... you had me red as a tomato and sweaty as a fat kid in a sauna.  :)

PS- Classes are only $6 (or 10 for $40), everyone should try it at least once!