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Storytelling

Hasta Luego Mexico City…

Posted on by Schalonda

 

My Last Few stops

I spent most of my final week in Mexico City preparing to head south. However, I did make time to visit Coyoacán, Museo Soumaya and Biblioteca Vasconcelos and was not disappointed.

Coyoacán

Coyoacán is home to Museo Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s house turned museum. I was more interested in the neighborhood than the museum but hung around to snap some pictures of the famous blue house and the long line. Not ready to go home, I continued roaming the neighborhood & main plaza. Known for its authentic cuisine, markets and mezcal, the church of San Juan Bautista and the Watercolor Museum are also worth checking out.

It’s rainy season in Mexico City from May/Jun – Oct/Nov, so I wasn’t surprised when it started raining. After an hour or two of doodling at a coffee shop, I headed for what turned out to be a dazzling discovery. Viveros de Coyoacán is a combination tree nursery and public park. It’s also the closest i’ve come to hiking in the rain since I left California. Misty air, tall trees, and the smell of wet earth was the perfect way to end my visit.

 

Museo Soumaya

My next outing brought me to the Museo Soumaya. Made up of two buildings, Plaza Carso and Plaza Loreto, this place requires all day. The line for Plaza Loreto reminded me of Magic Mountain so I chose Plaza Carso, the pretty building with the short line.

Apparently, Plaza Loreto is 6 levels with the top level housing the largest Rodin exhibit outside of France. I did not know this and spent all my time on level 2, captivated by the “Asia in Ivory” exhibit. I did, however, manage to catch “The Thinker” and “The Gates of Hell” in the lobby.

 

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Similar to Museo Soumaya, my final adventure in Mexico City was an architectural delight. Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a MUST if you’re into amazingly beautiful things or buildings. This unique library has thousands of books suspended from the ceiling and smoked glass floors allowing you to see feet walking above you. Theres also  garden out back and window seats on the top floors offering unique city views. Another glorious way to spend my day.

 

Week 3 Navigating Mexico City

Posted on by Schalonda

Art In CDMX

Getting to Know the city. 

Exploring inside

THE SIGHTS

My third week in Mexico City was the busiest. Museums, the Zoo, a Zocalo food tour and a trip to the UNAM Central Library.

Museums

You can’t come to Mexico City and skip the Museums, you’re not allowed! There are so many in the city, no matter where you stay, there’s at least one conveniently close.

Modern Art

I forget where I was going but I remember hearing thunder rumbling, so I changed plans and headed to The Museum of Modern Art. Turned out to be an excellent decision. I spent my time enjoying great art instead of getting drenched in a downpour. By the time I got to the outdoor sculpture garden, the heavy rain had turned to a light sprinkle.

Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is a beast! It’s ginormous and packed with exhibits and artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage. Mayan, Aztec, Toltec, Teotihuacan and more. 

What set this museum apart from Chapultepec Castle or the MOMA is simple, English.
Every exhibit has an intro/description in both English and Spanish. Being able to add context to what you’re seeing makes all the difference in the world.

This is a must see if love museums. Set aside a minimum of 4 hours if you want to see everything.

Modern Art

 

Anthropology

 

Food in CDMX

Getting a feel for flavor.

Exploring  outside  

The Zoo

The Chapultepec Zoo is free but the bathrooms cost $5 pesos. I paid $60 pesos to see the insect house & butterfly exhibit.

If you’re exploring the park, check out the free zoo. If you miss it, you’ll be fine.

Metro Universidad

I love the chaotic maze and stuffy heat that is the Mexico City subway, it’s priceless! You just can’t beat the speed, reliability or cost of $5 pesos a ride, which includes all your transfers. It was the long subway ride that got me excited to visit The Central Library at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico). I was so let down when I arrived and the library was closed, most campus entrances & exits too.

Tasty Bites

The most worth while and enlightening experience of my visit to date, has been taking the Tasty Bites food tour.

 

Yes, it was fun sipping on pulque and admiring street art in the historic Zocalo district, but the best part was chatting with our guide and the Australian and German travelers I met on the tour.

Photo Extras

While I was in the Zocalo neighborhood, I snapped a few pics of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes and some street art on the famed Calle Regina.

Pulqueria

pulque 

giraffe  

wolf pups 

Churro

Ceviche Tostada

University

Mezcal

Zocalo

Week Two in Mexico City

Posted on by Schalonda

A Gorgeous
Day Trip

I found myself working more and exploring less during my second week in Mexico City, but I still manage to fit in a lovely day trip to Cuernavaca and Taxco.

 

Cuernavaca

The City of Eternal Spring

Roughly 55 miles south of Mexico City is the city of Cuernavaca. Known for its great weather, rich history and abundance of flowering plants.

My visit here wasn’t long, but plenty of time to enjoy the sun and take in some of the history.

 

Taxco

Pueblo Magico

50 miles southwest of Cuernavaca is the “magic town” of Taxco. A true charmer that should not be missed!

Know for its silver and cobblestone streets, this hilltop village could very easily steel your heart. 

I loved Taxco. The winding narrow cobblestone roads, the views, the shops, the art & architecture. It would have been a joy to stay and explore. Maybe take one of those VW Beetle taxis to a nearby cave or waterfall, visit the old silver mine or just catch a glimpse of the city at night from a rooftop terrace.

If you find yourself in Acapulco or Mexico City, you will not regret a day trip to Taxco. 

My First Week in Mexico City

Posted on by Schalonda

“Ive seen a few of these around the city but none quite as colorful. One thing Mexico City has no shortage of is colorful, artistic eye candy”

Discovering Chapultepec

I arrived in Mexico City the evening of June 19th. I’ve been exploring my neighborhood, primarily by foot, for the last week and I may have already found the brightest gem in the  City.

My first idea was to stay in the Zocolo neighborhood, the historic center of Mexico City, because it sounded like the perfect sight seeing location. But after further research, I opted for something less centrally located. Instead I chose a place close to a big park because I love parks and google maps said this park had museums and a zoo, which I have yet to visit.

Turns out this is not just “A park,” but it’s actually “THE park,” kind of like Central Park to NYC, and locals call it Bosque de Chapultepec or Forrest of Chapultepec.

Continue reading “My First Week in Mexico City” →

What’s in the bags?

Posted on by Schalonda

A Detailed list

It’s Tuesday, June 18th, the eve of my departure from the US to Mexico City. After much deliberation, My bags are finally packed for an indefinite journey and this is a list of my chosen “must have” items to start things off with. Anything else will have to be acquired along the road.

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender

Inner Suitcase

4 Tank Tops
2 Leggings
2 Skorts
3 Hiking Pants (capris)
2 Shorts
2 Tankini Tops
1 Short Sleeve Top  
2 Sports Bras
9 Underwear
5 Socks 
1 Hanging Toiletry Bag 
1 Scarf
1 Comb
2 Drawstring Ponytails
1 Chord Organizer
1 First Aid Kit
1 Sleeping Bag Liner
1 Pack 14 InkJoy Gel Pens 
2 Packs (16) Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Towelettes (10% picaridin)
1 Pack (15) Repel Mosquito Wipes (30% deet)
1 Laundry Bag
2 Microfiber Towels – M & L.

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender

Outside Pocket

1 Pair Sandals
1 Box 36 Staedtler Fineliner Pens 
1 Bag Liquid Toiletries
1 Journal
1 Toothbrush.

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS450

25 Liter Pack

1 Travelon Purse 
1 Universal Travel Adaptor
1 Canon PowerShot SX420
1 Mpow Bluetooth Earbuds w/ Carrying Case
2 iPhones 
1 Hiking Shoes
2 Socks
1 Capri Legging
1 Tank Top
1 Microfiber Towel – S
1 Laptop
1 Tablet
1 EasyAcc Portable USB Charger 
1 Toothbrush
1 A5 Soft Cover Sketchbook
1 Set 14 InkJoy Gel Pens – used 
1 CamelBak Stainless Steal Water Bottle – 40 oz. 

Packing My Bags

Posted on by Schalonda

 

An introduction

Im almost ready to pack my bags and these are the ones that will get me started on this journey.

 

 

Gonex Extensible Compression Packing Cubes –
$37, Amazon

Organization

This is a 6 piece set with XS, S, M, LG, Slim and a laundry/shoe bag. I’m new to packing cubes so I wanted a variety of sizes. I picked gray because it’s my favorite color and none of the other colors were to my liking.

 

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender –
$150, E-bags

Carry-on 

I chose this 22 inch wheeled backpack over the 45L Osprey Sojourn because this one came in a color other than black. As my luck would have it, not only did I get it on sale, I also got 20 airline rewards points for every dollar I spent on my eBags order by using a rewards shopping portal.

 

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS 450 25L –
$119, Amazon

Backpack

I read a in a Facebook group about someone getting their backpack slashed and I became obsessed with getting an anti-theft backpack. I wanted something with room enough for an extra pair of hiking shoes, clothing essentials and my camera, that also came in a color I liked. Comes equipped with a pocket that blocks RFID readers from scanning passport and credit card information.

 

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody –
Gift from a friend

Purse 

My favorite kind of purse is a backpack, but they can be cumbersome when you’re out for a quick walk. I thought about getting a small Pacsafe crossbody purse, but decided to find something while on the road. As my luck would have it, I had lunch with a friend who gave me this Travelon crossbody as a happy travels/birthday gift. This one also comes with RFID blocking pocket.

 

Sifting through stuff

Posted on by Schalonda

 

First it hurts, Then it changes you.

– D. Hendrix       

I’ve invaded my Mom’s house and spread what’s left of my worldly possessions all over the place while I figure out what’s coming with me, what goes in storage and what to let go of forever.

I know 95% of what I brought to Texas will be left behind. Although I’m looking forward to living with less, some things are harder than others to say good-bye to. 

Im storing all my old journals and sketchbooks, I have a collection of pens & markers I want to travel with and i’m determined to bring at least two of my six scarves.

Now that the hard part  is done, it’s time to pack. I know i’ll regret leaving without my beloved stuff, but i’m counting on making awesome discoveries along the journey.

We need much less than we think we need.

– Maya Angelou

The Journey Begins

Posted on by Schalonda

Los Angeles, CA

I’ve lived in Los Angeles since 1998. 21 years ago I moved from San Diego to Los Angeles so I could finish school, get my BA at CSUN and defer repayment on my student loans.

On Wednesday, May 15, I caught the 10pm Amtrak from LA to San Antonio. I thought a 2-day train ride would be a great way to get my thoughts together before leaving the US for my first international stop, Mexico City. I also really love the train and the fact that it’s a great place for drawing is an added bonus.

When I arrived at LA Union Station I was feeling nervous. Maybe because I was leaving behind most everything I’ve known for over 21 years, maybe it was fear of all the unknown ahead, maybe it was both or maybe it was something else all together. Instead of trying to figure out why I was nervous, I decided to use that energy for good.

I met a fellow blogger and train enthusiast name Rick, who was on a 23 day Amtrak adventure through the US. Rick snapped this pic of me and my sketchbook.

Continue reading “The Journey Begins” →

For Sale: My American Dream

Posted on by Schalonda

I Bought it, the American Dream

If I’m honest, I’m not sure where the dream came from, but I take full responsibility for adapting it to fit me and pursing it to the best of my ability. I did everything I was supposed to. I went to schools, including 2 jr colleges, 2 Cal States and a trade school. I bought a diploma and a BA. I bought 20+ years of student loans, credit card debt, car payments and dreamiest of all, a home that came with HOA dues, property taxes and 2 mortgages, yay!!

Continue reading “For Sale: My American Dream” →