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My Best Place in Each State

Posted by golfkat on June 19, 2017
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Golf, Music, National Parks, Shopping, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

I have experienced the good fortune to visit all fifty of our states.  Some were great, some not, some in between.  But here is something memorable from each one, just off the top of my head.

Alabama 0
Alaska-the Aurora borealis, of course!
Arizona-Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Spring Training, Los Sombreros, Elote Café’, and the Grand Canyon
Arkansas-Slick Willie
California-Napa Valley, Carmel, San Diego, Tahoe, Pebble Beach, Disneyland, the beach, the wine, Yosemite,  home
Colorado-Aspen, Red Rocks, Continental Divide, Boulder, ski trips, Coors Field
Connecticut-Yale
DC-Newseum, Ten Penh, cherry blossoms, National Gallery, Capitol Fourth, National Symphony
Delaware-what did?
Florida-Everglades, Key West, Little Havana, stone crabs, cigars
Georgia-the Masters, Merri Macs Tea Room, the Varsity
Hawaii-Loco moco, dear friends, golf, Sam Sato’s, Kintaro, Hamura Saimin, Kapalua, shave ice, Aloha Stadium Flea Market, KC Drive In, Libby’s,
Idaho-Coeur d’Alene
Illinois-the Cubs, Mag Mile, Eataly, museums, Wicker Park, Marshall Fields, Ravinia
Indiana-the Indy 500, Izzy’s, Lucas Oil Stadium
Iowa-Radar O’Reilly
Kansas-barbecue, Negro Baseball Museum, Arthur Bryant’s
Kentucky-The Derby, Marker’s Mark Bourbon, Ali, Louisville Slugger, big hats
Louisiana-Nawlins, beignets, Hurricanes, Bananas Foster, Super Bowl 47, Acme Oyster House, Johnny’s.
Maine-lobster, LL Bean, Acadia, Bar Harbor, Bush 41,
Maryland-Naval Academy, Dirty Pat, crab cakes, Camden Yard
Massachusetts-JFK, the parquet floor, Salem, Boston Pops, lobster roll, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Union Oyster House
Michigan-Cheerios, Henry Ford, The Big House, Motown
Minnesota-Andrew Zimmern, Mayo Clinic
Mississippi-the river, Elvis, Delta blues,
Missouri-Forest Park, The Hill, The Arch, canoeing
Montana-Big Fork, Glacier, buffalo steak, dear friends, huckleberries,
Nebraska-Warren Buffett, College World Series,
Nevada-golf, dear friends, factory outlets, Fremont Street, TPC Summerlin,
New Hampshire-Dartmouth, J.D. Salinger, granite
New Jersey-ESPN, The Boss
New Mexico-Santa Fe, Goler Shoes, Café Pasqual, Georgia O’Keefe, Ghost Ranch, hot air balloons
New York-Yankee Stadium, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Broadway, Empire State Building, Century 21, Madison Square Garden, US Open
North Carolina-Pinehurst, UNC, barbecue, Research Triangle, golf, post grad studies
North Dakota-oil, Dokies
Ohio-Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Shawshank, the Wilkins, Pro Football HOF, cousin Walt
Oklahoma-the song, Okies
Oregon-Bandon Dunes, Lexi, Willamette Valley wines, Crater Lake, SunriverCypress1DSCN8796funny018, golf, Powell’s Books
Pennsylvania-cheese steaks, American Bandstand, Miss Pennsylvania
Rhode Island-Newport, gaggers, johnnycakes
South Carolina-Charleston, Hilton Head, Gershwin, golf
South Dakota-Sturgis, Crazy Horse, Custer, Deadwood, Rushmore
Tennessee-Beale Street, Graceland, Stax Records, Jack Daniels, Grand Ole Opry, Peabody Hotel
Texas-Salt Lick, San Antonio, Final Four,
Utah-Arches, Canyonlands, St. George, Moab, fresh powder, Bonneville Salt Flats
Vermont-maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s, Bennington chair
Virginia-dear friends, Smithfield ham, Santa
Washington-Seattle, Prosser Farms, Experience Music Project, Uwajimaya, Triple Door, Pike Market, dear friends
West Virginia-Harper’s Ferry, The Greenbrier, Hokies
Wisconsin-Whistling Straits, Friday night fish fry, Kohler faucets, cheese curds, Cheeseheads, Allen-Edmonds Shoes
Wyoming-Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, Frontier Days, really wide neckties

Feel free to give me your version!

The Nifty Fifty

Posted by golfkat on May 31, 2017
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Music, National Parks, Shopping, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

 

Save all to OneDrive – Personal

 

I know the Nifty Fifty Club has only a few members among my readers.  The Barnes couple have done all fifty, and many of you have achieved well into the forties, like Denise, Susie, Sandy, Denny, Maria, and others.  I saw this story today, and thought it would be interesting to get someone else’s take on the idea.

 

From reporter, Trevor Hughes:  “The rules of my visits were pretty simple: I couldn’t count a simple drive through or airport stop. Instead, I had to either sleep there, visit some sort of monument or point or interest, and, if possible, eat and drink something local. From cheese curds to Navajo tacos and lobster rolls to reindeer sausages, loco mocos (Google them!), pierogis and lots and lots of pizza, I’ve eaten my way around our great country. I’ve camped out under the stars, crashed on friend’s couches and slept in the back of my car more times than I can count. I’ve drunk chili beer and locally made wine and fresh-pressed cider and eaten an awful lot of baked goods.”

And like myself,  “Years of travel around our country (on business) have brought me to nearly every state. On this day, I set foot in the last one on my list, Wisconsin.”  My last state was Michigan, where I stayed overnight in Ann Arbor.  I arrived with great fanfare by myself on Amtrak from Chicago.  I had a bottle of Champagne at dinner that night, after trapesing around the University of Michigan campus all afternoon.  I was rather disappointed the mayor of Ann Arbor, or Governor of Michigan was not there to greet me!
Hughes again:  “But three states eluded me for years, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and I finally persuaded by bosses to send me on assignment to Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota. From Grand Forks, I walked across a bridge into Minnesota.”  My last dozen or so states were on my own dime, no business travel or reimbursement.  But interestingly, North Dakota, and Minnesota were among my last states.  So were Kansas, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Like many of you, I did not set out to do this, as it was never a goal when I was traveling on business through the late 70s and 80s.  But when I retired about 8 years ago, I realized I was very close.  I had a few golf buddies who were “stuck” at 48, never having been to the two most remote states, Hawaii and Alaska.
So, in between overseas trips, I decided to complete the Nifty Fifty, if it fit into my overall travel plans.  I visited the remaining eastern states while on a trip to Washington, DC to see friends.  The Dakotas were checked off on a trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  Kansas turned out to be a gem, as Kansas City has great barbecue, the Negro Baseball Museum, and a charm all of its own.  Minnesota was a visit that included the Great Mall, and dinner at a James Beard winner, and a concert.
I never counted a state if I changed planes at a airport in that state.  Unlike the reporter, I paid for these last trips out of my own pocket.  I had to set foot in the state, and buy a fridge magnet for my collection away from the airport, at a minimum.  But I had no rules regarding overnight stay, or a meal.  I made it to Michigan in 2014, just a month before leaving for Russia and the Trans Siberian Railway.
I would love to hear your stories, particularly if you are getting close.  When you reach the Nifty Fifty Club, I will buy you a glass of champagne!!!  The only catch, of course, is that you must visit me!505152525150

Did You Know This about the Monterey Peninsula?

Posted by golfkat on April 22, 2017
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Golf, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment
 angry seaCypress1PG Links2
These might be some Monterey area facts you did not know:
Fort Ord is a mecca for mountain biking with more than 83 miles of trails.
Gray whales put on a show between December and April, while humpbacks and blue whales fill out the rest of the year.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the famous Monterey Pop Festival.
October 7 is Poodle Day here, with a parade, cocktail party, and off leash beach play.
There are 94 seabird species that live in or near the bay.
Largest sea bass caught here was 500 pounds.
No more sardine fishing allowed until June, 2018.
Thirty marine mammals live in or near the bay.
An average adult humpback whale weighs 53 tons!
A sea otter has a million hairs per square inch, the densest in the world.
Point Pinos Lighthouse built in 1854, is the west coast’s oldest lighthouse in continuous operation.
The Monterey area is known for their great pinot noir wines.
You can still get abalone in a number of fish houses here.
They do have a 5pm rush hour traffic problem here.
It now costs $10.25 to drive into 17 Mile Drive, unless I tell you my little secret.*
The rack rate for a sea view room at Spanish Bay is $840.  We often stayed here for about a $100 when I worked at Pebble Beach.
If you do not want to lay out $600 for a round of golf at Pebble, try the more modestly priced Pacific Grove muni, with many back nine holes on the ocean.
Instead of paying over $100 for a Pebble Beach logo golf polo, stop by their factory store on Cannery Row.  I just bought one for $35!!
Cycling along the coast is great, even on Seventeen Mile Drive…..until you reach Cypress Point. From there, the road narrows, winds, and is devoid of a bike lane!
Pacific Grove has a plethora of second hand or vintage shops, as does Monterey.
Do you know the Feast of Lanterns?*  If you answer this correctly, you get my secret (above).
The first appliance connected to the internet was back in 1982, it was, according to Carnegie Mellon University,  a Coke machine!
This is the 10th Pebble Beach Food and Wine event, with Thomas Keller, Charles Phan, Guy Fieri, Nancy Silverton, Tyler Florence, Daniel Boulud, among others.  Btw, it is this weekend.  They will use 300, 000 disposable bamboo plates, bowls, and forks.
Eight tons of food will be served.  And one ton of butter in 6 refrigerated 18 wheel trailers.
Time to head homeward, I miss our little Lexi (our puppy).
I love this area, maybe we should have retired here.

Springtime in Carmel

Posted by golfkat on April 22, 2017
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment

One of our favorite places to visit when we lived in the Bay Area was Carmel.  Now that we live in the great Central Valley, it is somewhat closer to drive over to the Pismo/Morro Bay/San Luis Obispo areas.  But the charm, shopping, dining, and ocean views of Carmel entice us back, again and again.

When traveling around the world, many people mention both the Napa Valley and the Carmel-Monterey area as places they would love to visit.  And fortunately, we get to do both, whenever we want!

You know the story, we spent part of our honeymoon here back in 1995.  And shortly after, I started working a few hours a month at Pebble Beach.  They were quite generous, giving us an apartment for overnight stays, and meals at the company cafeteria.  And the drive to and from work was on Seventeen Mile Drive.  But the real kicker was FREE golf at Pebble and Spyglass!!!

But we just love the Monterey Peninsula area, Seventeen Mile Drive, a few old friends, shopping, dining out at a few local favorites, and just relaxing.  I plan to bring my bicycle for a few coastal rides, as Lexi will be at Elaine’s Pet Resort.  The best trail runs from the Monterey Wharf out to Lover’s Point.  From there, just follow the coast until reaching Seventeen Mile Drive, which will take you all the way to the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

I can tell you many stories about this area, but you undoubtedly heard them before.  Suffice it to say that the ghost of Steinbeck still haunts most areas, and locals like Dirty Harry still garner too much attention.  Back in the day, I had many famous patients, like Alan Shepherd, John Henry Deutchendorfcarmel10carmel11carmel12, Jack Lemmon, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.

Sidebar:  Speaking of John Steinbeck, did you know he was born just 30 miles from Monterey’s Cannery Row in the Salinas area?  He won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize for Grapes of Wrath, and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.  Seventeen of his works were made into Hollywood movies.  He actually attended Stanford, which might explain some of his eccentricity.  He and his first wife actually lived in Pacific Grove next to Cannery Row, where he gathered much of his inspiration and information.  He died in 1968 in New York City, but his ashes are in a Salinas cemetery.

We have a few places that we like to visit.  For breakfast, Toasties (seafood Benedict) in PG.  For dinner, Peppers (corn chowder), or Taste Bistro (lamb chops) also in PG.  Some good French pastries (almond croissants) at Paris Bakery in Monterey. We also enjoy Abalonetti’s on the Monterey Wharf for their crab Louie or their crab and angel hair pasta. We have been to the fancy places, and just don’t enjoy them as much as these “hole in the wall” places.  And good golf clothing at a discount at the Pebble Beach Factory Store down on Cannery Row in Monterey.  It is always fun to make a run up and down Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, even if we don’t buy anything.

Driving over from the Valley, rather than the Bay Area, the scenery will be much different.  We can see how much water is stored in the San Luis Reservoir (back to normal).  And maybe stop for hot cinnamon rolls at Eddie’s (NOT) in Los Banos.

Unknown Vegas Facts

Posted by golfkat on May 15, 2016
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment

Update from 2013.  Vegas changes rather quickly, as you know.  I am only here to stay with dear friends, play cards, an maybe some golf.

So, you have all been to Vegas a bunch of times.  What can I possible write about that might pique your interest?  This is it!
Up to a thousand people live in the underground tunnels beneath the city of Las Vegas!

The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino was the very first in Vegas, 1905.  It was home to the 99 cent shrimp cocktail for decades, until the food was taken over by DuPar’s from Los Angeles, a few years ago.

Forty million of us visit Vegas each year.  Some of you visit even more than that!

The average person gambles only four hours per day! 

The average length of stay is 3.7 days.  Remember, what you did, stays in Vegas!

The average gambling budget for a visitor is $560.

The MGM Grand alone has 18,000 doors.  Pity the poor soul who counted them.

Over 315 weddings per day are performed in Las Vegas!  I wonder how many divorces?

Over 60,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed daily in Vegas.

There are 37 public golf courses in the area.  I have probably played about half of them!

Vegas boasts 17 of the 20 largest hotels in the world.

Some people think the best view of Vegas freaks occur at breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Are they looking in a mirror?

Tonopah, Nevada is home to the Clown Hotel.  The obvious question, does Bozo get to stay for free?

The Mermaid Lounge is located at the Silverton Casino.  Rather than stare at Daryl Hannah look-alikes, I suggest shopping at the Bass Pro Outdoor Shops.

Two “only in Vegas” problems are gambling too much, and drinking too much.  Can you think of anything else?

Why would anyone in their right or left mind want to have their bachelor party in Vegas?  Too dangerous.

Ladies, do not dress like a slut in Vegas!!  The goal is to dress “sexy.”

Nevada is one of seven states without a state income tax.  Hooray!

The light canon atop the Luxor is a whopping 30.2 billion lumens.  A projection TV runs at 1000 lumens.  It can be seen from space, much like the Great Barrier Reef.  In fact, the Vegas Strip is visible from space.

2014 and 2016 updates:
Janet Airlines is one that you will probably never fly.  Why?  It is the code name for the non-descript airplanes that ferry civilian workers to infamous Area 51 out in the Nevada desert.  So, if you see a white, unmarked 737 departing from a restricted access terminal, it is flying people, and maybe a few extra-terrestrials around the state.
The Black Book is not for dating, but a list of people with an “unsavory or notorious reputation” according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.  If you are in the book, you may not own, manage, or even enter a Nevada gambling casino.  Do you know anyone in this book?  I think I know a few of you!
Thirty four percent of cheating and theft are done by casino employees!  Sad.
I will bet that you never heard that Vegas is the Mississippi of the West. I have not ever seen a large river running through Vegas.  Back in the 1930’s when gambling was first legalized, gamblers from the South complained about the racially mixed atmosphere.
So, the Vegas city council voted to force African-Americans to live on the west side of the city.  The Rat Pack, led by Frank Sinatra played a big role in desegregation, when they insisted that Sammy Davis, Jr. stay in the same hotel as the other members.
The atrium of the Luxor Hotel and Casio can hold NINE Boeing 747s stacked on top of each other.
The largest amount ever won on a slot machine in Las Vegas is $39 million.
How crazy is it that the gambling based state of Nevada does not allow a lottery?  Churches and charitable organizations may have a lottery to raise money.
With 300,000 hotel rooms in the city, occupancy runs about 90% most of the time!  It would take 288 years to stay one night in every hotel room in Las Vegas.
There are 15,000 miles of neon tubing in Vegas, along with a Neon Museum.
Elvis sold out 837 consecutive shows at the Las Vegas Hilton.
The slot machine, in the shape of the iconic Liberty Bell, was designed by Charles Fey in 1899.
On an average day, 500 couples get married in Vegas, making the yearly total around 100,000.
A mere 60,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed each day in Vegas, which is more than the entire country on a typical day.
The Stratosphere Tower is the tallest man made structure west of the Mississippi River, at 1149 feet.
If you stacked all of the casino chips in Vegas, it would circle the earth almost 3 times. **
The three biggest public corporations in Nevada are: 1) Las Vegas Sands Corp. ($61 billion market cap), 2)Wynn Resorts, and 3) MGM Resorts.  Who said gambling does not pay?
Why so many Hawaiians here in Vegas?  The tour operators offer great junkets from the islands, which include airfare, hotel, and meal vouchers.  Why not spend a week here for under $1000 each?
There you go, weird statistics about your favorite city to get “lost” in.  I am sure you have your own bit of useless trivia.  By the way, I made up ** the next to last one!!

Mexico City Secrets

Posted by golfkat on April 25, 2016
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Music, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment

The Mexican capital won an impressive number of categories among Latin-American cities: culture, shopping, and cuisine. And while plenty of readers come here, no doubt, to visit the Zócalo, or Plaza de la Constitución (it gets about 85 million visitors per year), a few restaurants are destinations in themselves. One is Pujol, featuring chef Enrique Olvera’s forward-looking takes on authentic cuisine, like a suckling-pig taco with chickpea puree, coriander, and red jalapeño. Voters commented on the city’s New York City-style fast pace, but they also raved about its parks. One not to miss: the ancient, waterfall-filled Chapultepec Park, which provided a relaxing green space for the ancient Aztecs.

Mercado de Medellín

In Colonia Roma sits a little gem, el Mercado de Medellín. Much like other markets, all types of fruits, vegetables and meats are sold. However, suitably located in the area of Roma which is called La pequeña Habanera (the little Habanera), this market almost acts as a representative of Cuba and other Latin American countries when it comes to gastronomy. When a desire for Cuban ice cream, good-quality Colombian coffee or Venezuelan arepas strikes, this is the place to go. Alternatively, for those who do not have the chance to explore beyond Mexico’s borders, it is a great chance to sample authentic Latin American cuisine. Look out for Frutería Rafael (a Colombian fruit stall) and Helados Palmeiro (a Cuban ice-cream parlor).

Mercado de Medellín 234, Roma, Mexico City, Mexico

2.

Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas

Tucked away on third floor of a perfume shop is a wonderland of folkloric handicrafts. Pilar Fosado Vásquez has taken over the small company Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas, founded in 1944 by her father Víctor Fosado Contreras. Thanks to this artistic and hardworking family, the most beautiful crafts have flourished and come to life, handmade using resources from all over Mexico and with love for each individual item. Materials include silver, tin and many textiles, whilst designs vary from traditional Huichol art (a skill slowly disappearing) to Frida Kahlo inspired styles. Hand-painted glass pitchers, combs made from horn, and dolls made from papier-mâché are but few of the delicate and colorful crafts sold here.
Victor Artes Populares Mexicanas, Isabel la Católica 97, Centro, Ejido delCentro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5512 1263

 
3.
 

MUCHO Mundo Chocolate

Chocolate was originally consumed by the people of pre-Columbian Mexico and Guatemala, so what could be better than to visit the new museum on this delightful product in the place where it all began? Inside a beautiful house from the early 20th century is Mexico City’s first ever chocolate museum, Mucho Mundo Chocolate, which teaches the historical and gastronomical importance of cacao through interactive exhibits. Alongside are displays of chocolate masterpieces and coffee pots, as well as the opportunity to glance into the kitchen to see the production process. Be sure not to miss out buying souvenirs at the cafeteria and the shop.
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate, Milán 45, Juárez, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 55 14 17 37

4.  Behind the famous landmarks and frequently visited tourist attractions in Mexico City, some marvelous secrets are hidden. Just as there is a well-known attraction in every neighbourhood, there is a treasure round every corner of the capital. New cultural points of interest appear every day, month and year in this mysterious city, whether it is an Aztec artifact, an art exhibition or a bookshop, there is always something else waiting to be discovered.

Mexico City | © Kasper Christensen/Flickr
Mexico City | © Kasper Christensen/Flickr

Museo de la Memoria y Tolerancia

Horrors and victories of the past should never be forgotten and the Museum of Memory and Tolerance will not allow it. Opened in 2010, this museum narrates and shows the suffering and pain of people when minority groups are oppressed, whilst promoting acceptance, tolerance and responsibility within society. Exhibitions are often praised for being powerful, intriguing and informative. The exhibitors have not shied away from the terrors of genocide and other crimes against humanity, but have brought these issues to light as well as showing the dangers of indifference and discrimination. Do notice the care and thought put into the assembling of the exhibits.
Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Avenida Juarez 8, Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5130 5555

Museo de Memoria y Tolerancia | © PetrohsW/WikiCommons
Museo de Memoria y Tolerancia | © PetrohsW/WikiCommons

Mercado de Medellín

In Colonia Roma sits a little gem, el Mercado de Medellín. Much like other markets, all types of fruits, vegetables and meats are sold. However, suitably located in the area of Roma which is called La pequeña Habanera (the little Habanera), this market almost acts as a representative of Cuba and other Latin American countries when it comes to gastronomy. When a desire for Cuban ice cream, good-quality Colombian coffee or Venezuelan arepas strikes, this is the place to go. Alternatively, for those who do not have the chance to explore beyond Mexico’s borders, it is a great chance to sample authentic Latin American cuisine. Look out for Frutería Rafael (a Colombian fruit stall) and Helados Palmeiro (a Cuban ice-cream parlor).
Mercado de Medellín 234, Roma, Mexico City, Mexico

Mercado de Medellín | © Marrovi/WikiCommons
Mercado de Medellín | © Marrovi/WikiCommons

Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas

Tucked away on third floor of a perfume shop is a wonderland of folkloric handicrafts. Pilar Fosado Vásquez has taken over the small company Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas, founded in 1944 by her father Víctor Fosado Contreras. Thanks to this artistic and hardworking family, the most beautiful crafts have flourished and come to life, handmade using resources from all over Mexico and with love for each individual item. Materials include silver, tin and many textiles, whilst designs vary from traditional Huichol art (a skill slowly disappearing) to Frida Kahlo inspired styles. Hand-painted glass pitchers, combs made from horn, and dolls made from papier-mâché are but few of the delicate and colorful crafts sold here.
Victor Artes Populares Mexicanas, Isabel la Católica 97, Centro, Ejido delCentro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5512 1263

Huichol Art | © Wonderlane/WikiCommons
Huichol Art | © Wonderlane/WikiCommons

Foro El Bicho

Foro El Bicho, a newly appeared haven for cine-philes and theater-lovers, is a small theater with only 45 seats dedicated to the support and promotion exclusively of Mexican experimental and modern drama. Mexico has seen a vast number of successful artists, yet society still often overlooks the gifted and makes it almost impossible to make a living from theater. Knowing this, Foro El Bicho works both with budding artists and more experienced dramatists to nurture theater and cinema, producing excellence and offering the local community the chance to explore and reflect on modern Mexican culture.Watch out for up and coming directors, actors and producers.
Foro El Bicho, Colima 268 Col. Roma, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 2623 2220

Courtesy of Foro del Bicho
Courtesy of Foro del Bicho

MUCHO Mundo Chocolate

Chocolate was originally consumed by the people of pre-Columbian Mexico and Guatemala, so what could be better than to visit the new museum on this delightful product in the place where it all began? Inside a beautiful house from the early 20th century is Mexico City’s first ever chocolate museum, Mucho Mundo Chocolate, which teaches the historical and gastronomical importance of cacao through interactive exhibits. Alongside are displays of chocolate masterpieces and coffee pots, as well as the opportunity to glance into the kitchen to see the production process. Be sure not to miss out buying souvenirs at the cafeteria and the shop.
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate, Milán 45, Juárez, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 55 14 17 37

Cacao Hall | Courtesy of MUCHO Mundo Chocolate
Cacao Hall | Courtesy of MUCHO Mundo Chocolate

Momumento y Museo a la Revolución

Over the years, Mexico has experienced much civil unrest and does so even today. The Monument and Museum of the Revolution, built between 1910 and 1938, stands as a reminder of the tragedies of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Five heroes of the Revolution, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Francisco I. Madero, Plutarco Elías Calles, Venustiano Carranza, and Lázaro Cárdenas are buried under this impressive landmark, which acts as their mausoleum. Climb the arch to have a wonderful panoramic view of the city, day or night, or take a stroll around it and the beautiful fountains before the monument.
Monument to the Revolution, Plaza de la República S/N, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5592 2038

Monumento a la Revolución | © Haakon S. Krohn/WikiCommons
Monumento a la Revolución | © Haakon S. Krohn/WikiCommons

Jardín del Arte

Art and creativity is inexhaustible which is what makes Jardín del Arte a never-ending joy. The idea is that artists sit along the path of a beautiful park to show their work. Some frequenters even become well-known, as was the case with Rodolfo Morales. The artists work on their pieces, whether it is a painting, sculpture, or wax-work, sharing and selling their work with on-looking passers-by. Walking down the Jardín de Arte is a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon, whether you intend to buy a painting or prefer to only look.
Jardín del Arte, Villalongin 46, San Angel, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico

So far, this hotel, the Marquis Reforma is quite nice, but appears to be party central for gringoes.  The traffic is horrendous, so I cannot wait until they close the main drag for Sunday bike day.  The food has been above average, the people very friendly, and the sky managed a partial blue.  TV sucks, I miss my Warriors and Giants!!!



Just the Mexico City Facts

Posted by golfkat on April 25, 2016
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Health, Music, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment
Heading south of the border today.  Was there a song with that phrase in it??   I have been to Mexico several times, but only to touristy places like Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Tijuana.  Friends in the know say Mexico City is a hidden gem, though it is hardly small.  What do we really know about it?  In my case, very little.  So, I embark with little expectation, but as always, great anticipation.
These may or may not be some things you know or even car about in Mexico City.  I certainly would not, unless I planned on visiting this huge and interesting city.
1.  The World’s Richest Man
Carlos Slim of Telcel, Mexico’s largest phone provider with 70% of the market, was the richest man in the world for four years.  Bill Gates overtook him this past year.  He also owns Sanborn’s, a chain of pharmacies, restaurants and retail goods.  His net worth is estimated at $71.4 billion.  He is worth 7% of their GDP.  Maybe I will meet him at the tequila bar?
2.  Help!  I’m sinking!!
Yes, Mexico City is sinking at the rate of 10 centimeters (4 inches) per year!  Over the past 60 years, the city has dropped about 10 meters (32.8 feet) according to a recent government report.  I guess the guy who owns the street paving company is the second richest man in Mexico.
3.  Pulque?
Most people know what tequila and mescal are.  Do you know pulque?  It is a 2000 year old drink of the Aztecs, made from fermented but undistilled agave juice.  But you are correct, all three drinks are made from the agave plant.  And I hear there is a severe shortage of the blue agave!
4.  Don’t drink the water.
Drink bottled water.  Brush your teeth with bottled water.  What about showers, pools, and spas??  Be warned as well about crushed ice, ice cubes, and tap water washed produce.  They say Mexico has a “gastro god” that will punish you for gluttony and over indulgence.
5.  Some Like It HOT!!!
Mexicans love their chilies, so do not under estimate their power.  Cooks wear gloves to handle the capsicum contained in the chilies.  The general rule is the smaller the chile, the hotter the burn!
6.  Retail is for suckers!
Yes, that is true, do not take the first price offered in the market.  Shop around, and even then, offer below what you think the item is worth.  A good starting point is half of the first price!
7.  Carry small bills.
And do not reach into your wallet in busy places.  Beware of the various peso scams out there.  If you hand the cabbie a 2,000 peso note, he will hand you back a 200 peso note, telling you that the fare is more!
8.  This is BIG!!!
Do not expect toilet seats outside of the tourist area!  Enough said.  Bring your own ass gasket, or learn to squat without falling over!
9.  Big city.
Can you believe Mexico City is the fourth largest city in the world, behind Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai?  Populated by 22 million people, it has the same population as the entirety of Central America.  But it is the 7th wealthiest city in the world.
10.  Getting high.
We are a mere 2.2 kilometers above sea level.  Some people get altitude sickness on their first day or two here.  I have this evening to get acclimated.
11.  Four UNESCO sites.
Four places here in Mexico City have been declared World Heritage sites:  the historic center, Xochimilco, UNAM’s campus, and Luis Barragan’s (a prominent Mexican architect) home and studio.
12.  The Caesar salad was invented here.
Despite the fact that Julius Caesar never visited Mexico, the famous Caesar salad was invented here by Caesar Cardini, an Italian chef in Tijuana.  But an employee of his, Livio Santini, claims to have brought the recipe to Mexico form his mother in Italy. Believe what you want!  I am still waiting word on who invented the garlic crusted croutons.
13. A Mexican hipster?
What do you call a Mexican hipster?  A Cholombian.  They wear wacky, asymmetrical hair, spikey on top, with a rat tail.  BTW, I do not have enough hair to do this!
14.  Toy Time!
A Japanese-Mexican, or is it a Mexican-Japanese named Roberto Shimizu claims to have the world’s largest collection of antique toys.  He owns more than one million items, with 60,000 on display at his Museo del Juguete Antiguo Mexico.
15.  Big Place!
Mexico City is 600 square miles large, and covers roughly the size of Houston.  I hope I don’t get lost!
16.  Lunch can last until 7pm!
The work day begins at 10am, lunch begins around 3pm.  Many restaurants are only open for the mid day meal.  They are not interested in turning tables.  I may already be asleep when dinner time arrives.
17.  The Mexican Starbucks
The place to meet is Conejo Blanco!
I think that is enough history, geography, and useless facts for one day.  Let’s go have a cold beer!!!!
Addendum:  ATT must know their customers.  I was able to add Mexico to my regular plan at no extra charge.  This includes unlimited text, and voice, and a gig of data.  They must know the border between us exists only in the mind of people like Jan Brewer or the Trumpster Dumpster.