mexican memories

Hey! Before you read any further, have you commented on my last post yet? Doing so might win you $100 towards your next restaurant meal. 

You know how, when you're a child, you assume everyone else's life is like yours? I was pretty convinced that all toddlers had birthday parties in parks with numerous cousins, friends, adults, and a piñata; that most dads spoke Spanish in addition to English; and that visiting grandparents in a rural town of Mexico followed by a few days on the Pacific coast was pretty standard for a family vacation.

Nowadays, I know better :) but looking back at childhood like that certainly makes me appreciate how special it was. With that said, as a result of the "unimpressive" nature of my annual trip to Mexico from 2 to 12, I've never explored the country from a cultural perspective. In one week, I hope to change that. Sure I'll be in Cancún--the ever-popular spring break destination of partying college students everywhere--but I'll also be close to Mayan ruins, Isla Mujeres, and the neighboring town of Playa del Carmen. Somehow, I intend to see it all.

 

And then, of course, there's the food and drink element to look forward to. Last week, I met my Valentine's Day dates (almost 10 months to the day!) at Chavellas. I'd been planning on a margarita, but after browsing through their tequila cocktail menu, neither I nor Leslie couldn't resist the Amor Prohibido. This tequila martini con escabeche was incredibly strong and thus yet amazing. 

For our entrées, we each ordered a taco duo. I enjoyed uno de nopales (cactus, avocado, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and pickled jalapeño) and uno de pescado (tilapia, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle salsa, and lime) alongside surprisingly extra delicious arroz y frijoles. And then, somewhere in our endless conversation, Megan mentioned how nice it'd be to be in Mexico for New Year's.

It will be. As much as Christmas at home will surely be grand, I can't even tell you how excited I am for the delicious family adventure that is sure to follow. Until then, bonus points to anyone that can identify me in the first photo ;).