Tacos de Canasta

May 4th, 2012 jarrod

I posted a pic of me and a guy who sold tacos de canasta from his old bike in Santa Fe on Facebook last weekend.  Here is the whole story:

I have made many friends here in Mexico…both professionally and personally.  Relationships and trust mean so much here so when you make a friend…you really get a brother or a sister.  Fortunately for me, Gabriel, with whom I have worked with as well, is one such friend.  He knows I am a cyclist and that it’s my passion.  Especially cycling history as well as how cycling and bicycles play an integral role in a country’s culture, commerce and/or transportation.  Mexico, although not entirely bike friendly (watch my youtube vid of my ride home from the office to get an idea of what I mean), has a great eco-bike program and the inner-city and the main agendas are bustling with commuters every day.  So, with all of that being said, last Christmas he presented me with the coolest gift.  It was a collectible model of a bicycle used to vend tacos de canasta.  This bike was a perfect model.  Working chain and all.  It was also very detailed:  Dual cotter pin cranks, big chain ring, pigeon bars, brake bar and all the other stuff…even rubber tires and old steel rims.  Just really cool.  It was mounted in a glass case.  I have it in my office where it is proudly displayed.

 

Replica tacos de canasta bicycle

Replica tacos de canasta bicycle

I had never seen one of these bikes or these vendors before.  Gabriel assured me they existed.  Well, until last weekend, I had to take his word for it.  On my training ride on Sunday of last weekend, I headed up hill past the Samara mall and there, on the side of the rode, was one of these bikes.  The guy was selling tacos to a taxi that had stopped in the street to patronize him.  I stopped and snapped this quick picture.

Selling tacos de canasta streetside

Selling tacos de canasta streetside

On my way back down this same climb after my ride, I saw an older guy with one of these bikes, catering to a construction site.  I seized the opportunity to interact with the locals and get a pic of me with the bike and the vendor.  I thought it would be a great shot since I was in race gear and on a mountain bike while he was in regular clothes and standing by his bid from the 70′s.  I waited for him to finish selling tacos to the construction workers then I cruised in and asked him if I could get a picture with him.  I handed him twenty pesos and I stood next to him.  A young construction worker jumped from his truck to come snap the pic…I didn’t even have to ask.  I asked him his name (Reynaldo), thanked him and I rode off.

Reynaldo and I...the ultimate juxtaposition

Reynaldo and I...the ultimate juxtaposition

So there you have it…a short, yet very Mexican moment that I will remember for a long time.

 

Reynaldo serving the construction workers

Reynaldo serving the construction workersReynaldo, the bicycle tacos de canasta vendor

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Spring 2012

May 1st, 2012 jarrod
View out to the volcano from my office...15th floor

View out to the volcano from my office...15th floor

This is kind of a catch-all post for the past month or so.  Nothing real exciting going on but we do a fair amount of getting out and about in the city.  We had a birthday party for one of my Mexican friends and that was an experience.  Karaoke, food, drinks and a really late night.  Party started at 7..people showed up at 930pm and it was still going strong at 3am when we finally left.

I spend most of my free time on the bike.  I ride 4 to 5 times a week.  On weekdays, I ride home from the office…the time changed so I can still leave at 6pm with enough daylight to get home.  Yes, it’s still dangerous and yes, I still get flak but hey, it’s me and it’s what I do!  On the weekends I am usually at Desierto de Los Leones…riding road, mountain or single-speed.  I found a great new bike shop here in Santa Fe as well and it appears as though I’ll be joining them for group rides and such coming up.  It’ll be nice to get back in with a group/team.

Castillo de Chapultepec

Castillo de Chapultepec

I also take exploratory rides which at times, find me in places I probably shouldn’t be.  But, I do find some interesting sites and really get to experience the real Mexico.   I posted one of my Easter rides here.

On Labor Day here in Mexico, I took a ride down into the city…down Reforma.  I ended up touring Zona Rosa, Chapultepec Park and then riding back up Virreyes to Reforma back into Santa Fe.  Got some interesting pics of the architecture that we pass everyday but also got to witness a march on Reforma.  It was the Taxistas protesting about something.  I was on the edges as I am clearly not supposed to be anywhere near these types of things.  It was interesting.  Not nearly as aggressive or scary as the one I was in in Barcelona a few months back.

So, we are preparing for our trip back to the summer in June and just biding our time.  It will be nice to spend some time back in the states.  Jana and the kids are so ready for a taste of home.  Greyson asks us every day how many more days until he gets to see Grammie.  Right before that though I go to Dallas to the AT&T corp offices for training and then I fly to Corpus Cristi for some red fish action!  That will be great seeing as I’ve never fished for reds or in the Gulf of Mexico.  We’re also coming up on two years here in lovely Mexico…hard to believe the time has gone by so fast.

 

 

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AMON AMARTH!

April 8th, 2012 jarrod

Another great concert here in Mexico City…my first of this year.  The show was sold out so it was packed but it was fantastic.  They brought their A-Game.  Nothing like Mexican metal fans to F sh*t up!  It was nice to get a dose of real Pagan Viking Metal to off-set the mythology and magic that is Easter!  I went with a colleague from the office which was good since it was at a venue I am not supposed to be visiting.  But hey, I was safe and we had secure parking.  I’m crazy, not stupid.  Anyway, here are some shots and vids.  They put on a great show.

 

Some concert footage….

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Zombie Lepus Day (Easter)!

April 8th, 2012 jarrod
Easter Morning....

Easter Morning....

Hard to believe we had another Easter here in Mexico.  Now, I am not religious as most of ya’ll know so Easter is lost on me….completely.  If you want to know what I think about Easter, just read my post on Nickel Pony.  That should let you know where I stand.  But what I do like about Easter and all these weird and cult-like rites and rituals (mainly Catholic) that got along with it, is all the days off I get!  The kids get time off of school here for two weeks and we don’t work most of the week coming up to Easter.  Thanks to the Catholics for Good Friday, Semana Santa and all that magical resurrection stuff!  So, what do the non-religious Barnes’ do on Easter?   We do NOTHING!  We enjoy having the city to ourselves and we eat great homemade food (Thanks to Jana) and just spend time together.  No trips, no get-togethers and certainly no boring and fantasy-filled sermons.   This year I made the trek back from the US with a TON of Easter goodies for the kids….they made out like bandits.  Jana made Blueberry muffins and I spent most of my day on the trampoline with the kids, on my bike exploring the little towns at the top of Santa Fe and near Desierto and messing with the new iPad.  Was a great day.    I hit an Amon Amarth Concert on Saturday night before Easter and we went to the Toluca outlet malls before that.  The rest of the time…we chilled at home and I rode the hell out of my bike.  On Friday, I rode from La Loma all the way to the top of Desierto and down the other side.  There were a ton of people out there picnicking but the weather was awesome so the crowds weren’t that big of a deal.

Pics from Easter:

Ride details for routes I took during Semana Santa

ride 1 mapmyride

ride 2 mapmyride

 

 

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Havasu Bass Tourney – 2011

April 3rd, 2012 jarrod
El Paraiso

El Paraiso

Every year for the past four years I have fished the San Diego Bass Fishing Club’s  Tournament at Lake Havasu.  The past two years I have flown up from Mexico specifically for the event.  It’s a great trip and gives me a chance to put the boat and the travel trailer through their paces after being in storage since November the year prior.  We need to make sure that the toys are in tip-top shape for the main trip to the lake in June. It’s great to hang with the family as well.

This year, I flew out to AZ the week of the tournament…the Monday before.  I prepared the trailer and the boat and then Joe met me on Tuesday night.  We left around 10am on Wednesday and made it to the lake by 2pm.  We set up camp and got settled.  Trevor and Christina had taken Brian’s boat out for some pre-fishing and came back in around 5pm.  We chilled that night in camp preparing tackle and visiting.

I was fortunate enough to fish on Brian’s boat this year…my second time.  We make a great team and his boat is trick!  We fished the North part of the lake with a launch at Windsor on the first day then back to Cattail Cove where we stay on the second day.  Brian and I found the fish…just not big ones.  We limited both days but just couldn’t seem to get a bag with a 3.5lb average.  That is what it would have taken to at least be competitive.  Oh well, there is always next year an we did score some nice fish.

Lorelyn and Greyson...best buds.

Lorelyn and Greyson...best buds.

After the Tourney on Thursday and Friday, Grammie, Grandma D, Uncle Johnny and Greyson showed up and we spent the rest of the weekend on the Bayliner with the two bass boats out at satellite cove on the south side of the lake.  Greyson and Lorelyn played so well together and were best-buds.  Trevor’s dog, Leroy, treated us to his usual antics and Debi and Brian even invited us over for a pasta dinner!  We hit Red Robin for Lorelyn’s b-day as well.

All-in-all it was a fantastic trip.  Great to spend time with the family and really, a bad day fishing is ALWAYS better than the best day at the office.  Next up is a Redfish trip with Omar in Texas then back to Havasu in Late June…..  Next year I should have my bass boat…we shall see. It was hard to come back to Mexico this time.  Almost two years down here now and every time I go back to the states, the organization and convenience really impress me.  Takes a little longer each time to re-adjust to Mexico life.  Greyson and I flew back the next Tuesday.  He sure is a great travel buddy.

Footage of a few bed-fish and a catch (Brian and I on the first day north end of the lake)


Watch it in 720p here: http://youtu.be/GMmCBeBF5fI

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Earthquake

March 25th, 2012 jarrod

We have had our second decent quake here in DF since moving here almost two years ago.  This time though, I was in my office on the 15th floor of Torre Telcel.  Was quite the ride.  We all evacuated to the area around Museo Soumaya.   It wasn’t that big of a deal but the memory of 1985 is still fresh for many Mexicans.  Jana had to grab the Flatscreen TV to keep it from laying over…she was at home.

We had a small aftershock the day after this one but nothing to write home about.

CNN posted this soon after.

7.4 earthquake hits Mexico

By the CNN Wire Staff

updated 4:01 PM EDT, Tue March 20, 2012

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • NEW: A pedestrian bridge collapses on a bus in Mexico City, the mayor says
  • NEW: Resident near epicenter: “We are feeling constant aftershocks”
  • Residents rush into the streets in Mexico City, about 200 miles from the epicenter
  • The quake’s epicenter is about 15 miles east of Ometepec, Guerrero

Mexico City (CNN) – A strong earthquake rattled residents in southern Mexican resort towns and the nation’s capital Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a magnitude of 7.4.

The epicenter was about 15 miles (25 kilometers) east of Ometepec, Guerrero, the USGS said, and its depth was about 12.4 miles (20 km).

More than an hour after the quake, residents of the town were feeling aftershocks, said Francisca Villalva Davila, a prosecutor there.

“Tiles are falling. We are feeling constant aftershocks. It’s shaking right now,” she told CNN en Español.

The USGS initially reported the magnitude of the quake at 7.9, but later revised that figure downward. Mexican President Felipe Calderon said in a Twitter post it was 7.8.
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Cycling in Mexico

March 19th, 2012 jarrod

When I moved down here almost two years ago, people told me I shouldn’t ride my bike.  They told me that if I did ride, to ride an old dirty bike with no clipless pedals or fancy shoes.  Well, since cycling is an integral part of my life, I was NOT about to heed that advice or warning.  HELL NO!  Besides, when I ride, it’s my personal time and I am not exactly a beginner so F the warnings.  I have a life to live.  And what better way to see and experience Mexico but on a bike?  So, when people heard I was riding home from work in rush hour traffic, they freaked a little.  People here talked behind my back and really, to me anyway, tried to make a big deal about it.  But, I persevered and didn’t let them get me down.  So here I am, 20 months later, still riding my bike and pushing the boundaries.  I ride in places that most expats never see. Is it safe?  Probably not.  But, the experience and the knowledge and cultural impact I get/see make all the difference.  And before you label me stupid, I do take precautions, map out my route first and always obey the laws of the road.  Not much different than riding the cities of the states or the Freeways of AZ.

I wanted to share a few videos of some of these controversial rides:

Plaza Carso to La Loma – Rish-hour traffic in the rain: This one is my ride home in rush hour traffic in the rain…it is from Plaza Carso to my house in La Loma.  This was causes the most angst in the expat and management community.  Now, I would not condone beginners trying this…it’s dangerous and dicey and Mexican drivers are not used to guys in spandex darting in and out of traffic and frankly, going faster than they are.  I usually do this ride twice a week.  1000ft of climbing in 9 miles…usually on the single-speed.

 

Route Map (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/54893590/)

La Loma to Villa Progresista: This one is my MTB ride from my house up to the top of Santa Fe and then over to the other side on Avenida de Las Poetas.  It crosses the valley that separates La Loma from Santa Lucia.  I proceeded to ride all way down the other side and then decided to explore one of the little villages that we always see on the hillsides in Mexico.  This was in the area near Villa Progresista.  The streets are steep, the sound is dampened…it is eerie.  I saw a few people and stray dogs.  I can safely say I felt out of place and when i saw people they looked at me like I was from another planet.  But, when a gringo in spandex on a bike worth more than their car ventures into their world, I guess I can’t blame them.  I felt safe though…not nearly as dangerous as folks make it out to be.  Besides, this is the real Mexico.  Most people live like this.  It is an interesting juxtaposition as the views from their houses is to Santa Fe where wealthy folks live.  But, they seem happy and they take pride in what they have.  This was a cool experience.

Route Map (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/62703870)

 

This last one is my ride to Los Encinos from La Loma and back.  I was told it was too dangerous and that bikes were not allowed on the cuota.  Well, I simply viewed this as a challenge.  So, on Sunday, 06JAN2012 I did the ride.  70K and 4000ft of climbing.  Not to mention I got to experience roadside food right before La Marquesa on the way back and even mounted a horse.  Yep…sure did.  I will certainly be doing this ride again.  This ride/route is not for the inexperienced.  You will jockey with semis (double-trailers), high-speed traffic, no shoulder and tunnels plus long climbs and crazy descents.

I did not have my iPhone to map the ride this time….maybe next time.  Route is here:

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Barcelona

March 5th, 2012 jarrod

I spent the last week of February in Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress.  Fortunately, I was able to find some pretty cool things to do and people to hang out with to escape the monotony of the congress.  The congress itself is boring, busy and just annoying.  I had meetings with many partners and vendors and discussed mobile strategy and the latest products and visions.  Yep, just as boring as it sounds.  Nothing like feeling like a piece of meat passed from vendor to vendor in hopes you buy their wares or at least distract you long enough prevent you from spending time with a competitor.  A shallow, insincere experience.

Now, on to the good stuff.  I arrived the Saturday before the conference.  I flew from DF to Miami then from Miami directly to Barcelona…Business class all the way which was nice.  Although, Iberia is a shitty airline with old A340s.  Oh well.  Once I landed in Barcelona, I had a car waiting for me to take me to the hotel.  I stayed at the Hotel Fira right next to the conference venue.  That was very convenient.  Once checked in on that Saturday I took a walk to explore the city.  I went to the Museum of Art and a great little cafe near the Theatre behind my hotel.  Lucky for me, Les Miserables was playing!  I purchased a ticket in the 12th row for that night. The show was amazing.  At intermission I met two of the main actors….great experience.  After the show I walked to a street side cafe and had an espresso.  There I met 4 college kids and we struck up a conversation.  We hit it off and bang!  I had my own personal tour guides the whole time I was there.  4 out of the 6 nights I was there I was with them.  They would meet me at my hotel after the conference day and we would take the subway to malls, the port and other locales.  They were very nice, spoke very little English and best of all….very sincere.  I had a great time seeing restaurants, bars and hat shops that were way off the beaten path.  I spent a few evenings with some vendors and had some great food.  I also saw Ken and Lisa which was great!   I hadn’t seen them since they moved to Seattle in August of 2011.

I left the Friday after the conference in the afternoon.  Getting home was a bitch.  The plane left Barcelona 2 hours late….which ate into my already close connection window in Miami.  On our approach to Miami, the pilot botched the approach so we did the touch and go.  And man, on an A340, that is something else!  :)  We circled another 20 minutes, then finally touched down.  Fotunately, being in biz class, I was off the plane quickly and American Airlines had our fast pass connection tickets all ready to go.  So, I hauled ass through immigration, customs and then through security….again.  I ran to the gate and literally made it 5 minutes before they closed the airplane door.  All my Mexican Colleagues missed the flight due to hold ups in customs.  I landed about 10pm and was finally home about midnight on Saturday morning.

This trip was my last in a 9 country tour in as many weeks.  Enough traveling for a while…at least for work.  Select images of the trip are on my blog at SLIVER-PHOTO.COM.

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Treasures of DF

February 25th, 2012 jarrod

Treyton had a scavenger hunt project this past month and we visited some pretty locales throughout the city.  Hotel Geneve, Angel de la Independencia, The Zocalo, Castillo de Chapultepec, etc.  Many places with lots of great sights and history.  I spent one weekend visiting a few locations on his assignment list:  Hotel Geneve and the Angel on Reforma.  The Angel is where lots of marches (protesters) terminate and it always packed with tourists.  I have ridden and driven passed it many times but never really stopped to examine it.  We toured the base and took some pictures.  We had lunch at the Sanborn’s across the street after that.

Then we hit the Hotel Geneve.  This was a really cool old Hotel with lots of old things on display.  Great style and even better atmosphere.  Just a really cool place to visit.

Here are a few pics of our outing.  It was a beautiful day and it was nice to have Grammie with us too!

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South America

February 18th, 2012 jarrod

Work once again took me to Bogota, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.  Not much to write about since this was my third time to each of these places.

In Bogota I stayed at the same hotel I did the first time…Hotel Cite.  Great hotel and near a gym.  JT and I crashed a spinning class one night and we had a great Mexican dinner at a Mariachi place in Zona T.

Sao Paulo was pretty chill too…we had a great dinner at a Churrasceria and followed that up with a great Japanese dinner the next night.  I got some great Brazilian cigars and went to the Santos store to get the boys an outfit.  Baedon is really the one who loves soccer and has since signed up with a team here in our housing development.

Buenos Aires was a touch crazier.  We landed on a Wednesday night so we checked in and then went to a club.  After the club we went to yet another club…was a late night.  The next night we went to an amazing dinner at a early 20th century yacht club.  They had Cohibas for me…  :)  We left after work on Friday.

Here are some pics this tour….

Next stop is Barcelona…

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