Charlie G. Posted by Charlie G. on January 13, 1999 Headin' South from Nogales (an update) My son and I crossed the border at Nogales yesterday (1/11) and were pleasantly surprised with the eff... read more

We would like our children to visit a local school and we would like to bring some gifts to the school. Can anyone tell me what type of items would be most useful? We thought of solar calculators, writing instruments, early English readers, etc. but any ideas would be appreciated. Also, are clothes and other items (ideas?) appreciated as gifts in the hotels? read more

A tale of haunted guilt set in Mexico City and in the mind of the haunted protagonist, Pablo. . . . Omar gazed at the rifle trained at his chest, and no presentiment crossed his brow. He knew it was Pablo's gun; he had gone pheasant hunting with him and his old man in the past among the gullies of hills of valleys extending to the great volcano of Popocatépetl. . . . read more

A few years ago, I had a call from Rachel Wharton, a writer for the New York Daily News food section. She was writing an article on cemitas, the latest sandwich craze to hit New York at the time, thank... read more

Mexico Living and Travel © 1994 by Jean and John D. Bryant, Mexico Retirement and Travel Assistance, P.O. Box 2190-23, Pahrump, NV 89041-2190. ISBN 1-878061-01-1. $29.95 The Bryants are veteran ... read more

Any general information about driving a motorcycle would be helpful. Thinking about buying one in U.S., driving into Mexico, and using it as my only means of transportation. Any thoughts on safety, security, paperwork, insurance, etc? read more

Posted by alex in TJ on October 27, 1999 I noted a post by Jeff P. that calls out a very high literacy rate in Mexico. My personal observations confirm this: Mexicans who come from places that are... read more

A front page article in today's Wall Street Journal suggests that the political situation in Mexico is extremely turblulent and unstable. It also suggests that there may be politically related violence in Mexico, with the possible result a deterioration in confidence in the Mexican economy. Any comment?? read more

Mexico is running towards modernization with its eyes wide shut. In its efforts to bridge the gap between themselves and the developed world, the US’ neighbor to the south seems to be forgetting a fe... read more

At this time of year, baskets piled high with a variety of nuts are prominently displayed in Mexican markets. Incorporated into many holiday dishes, both sweet and savory, nuts have been eaten in Mexic... read more

I am curious about this place. I have heard it described in relation to the gringos at least, as a rather bitchy art colony but students come and go. What is the nature of the more permanent expat community?? Can any help?

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Tamarind fruit One of my younger daughter's most vivid food memories of Mexico was her first taste of tamarind candy. As a newly-arrived fourth grader, fascinated by the huge assortment of candies a... read more

This dish is served in the Central Valley region of Oaxaca on the morning of big fiestas, especially weddings. For this reason, it is also called higaditos de boda, "little wedding livers." Though it i... read more

Questions and answers about life in Mexico. read more

I’ll break your jaw! (Chalco) In the umbilicus (Xico) Place of the squashed serpent (Coapatongo) [1] Mexico’s place names or toponyms provide a rich and fun source for linguistic analysis. In... read more

The long, nasal cry of the ice cream vendor reverberates throughout the mercado. On a busy market day, he has some serious competition from people hawking other wares, but he trundles along with his hu... read more

In Good Food from Mexico, Ruth Watt Mulvey and Luisa Maria Alvarez tell us "legend has it that the supreme epicure Moctezuma sent runners to the heights of the volcano to bring back blocks of snow over which thick chocolate was poured, whipped, and served as a chilled froth." If this is true, it would make Moctezuma the inventor of the chocolate frappucino before anybody even knew what that was, and if not, it is still a good story. read more

Sayulita beach is stunningly beautiful, and most visitors are completely captivated by its charm. The two-mile long beach boasts soft fine sand, warm blue waters, perfect surfing waves and is adorned b... read more

Gender inequality is not an intangible aspect of life.

Mexico has never had a female head of state and has had very few female cabinet members.

The precise roles of women in Mexican society vary greatly from one region to another. More females are now enrolling in university courses, though the difference in rate between females and males is still pronounced. More women are seeking paid employment, and more are entering politics... read more

Mexico has one of the most extensive highway systems anywhere, providing convenient and indispensable connections among villages, towns and cities.

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It was a chance thing, really. We were heading for Patzcuaro, almost due south of Guanajuato where we had spent the past several days on a photography and business junket. While we were checking out of... read more

Wild Bill is a seventy-six year-old expatriate enjoying his motor home and life in relative seclusion at Quinta Alicia Trailer Park on the palm covered coast of Costa Esmeralda, Mexico. Retired from bo... read more

Huazontle is a Mexican native plant, sometimes called "Aztec spinach," that resembles elongated broccoli. It is inexpensive, grows easily from seed, and is a low maintenance-high yield plant. It is easy to see why it has been an important vegetable in Mexico for so long, and the highlight of many meatless meals. Huazontle is high in fiber and protein, as well as some vitamins and minerals. read more

One of the prizes of the revolution, a hundred years ago, was free public primary education, as mandated in article 3 of the constitution. Early education is said to be "compulsory" but that means states are compelled to offer it. In most places, youngsters are not required to attend and certainly aren't forced to learn. read more

My survey says half the households in Mexico have a dog or cat.

Our neighbors have two small, yappy dogs and one cat the color of a pale pumpkin. Another cat, mostly white, comes and goes but is not regarded as a permanent resident with full privileges. If it arrives when the food dish is full, it eats and stays a while. If its timing is bad, it apparently moves on.

Small children sometimes throw the pets around as if they were stuffed toys. I shudder. Somehow, all survive.

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