Virtual SA: Mexico...Mayans...And Hot Chocolate

 

Perfect timing...as both my mug from Los Cabos and my ring from Tijuana have arrived!

Today we will explore Mayan Chocolate...and in particular the Mexican Hot Chocolate picture above in my new mug.

Mayans believed it to be the drink of rain god, Chaac.

The hot chocolate drink is made from pulverized, fermented, roasted cacao beans mixed in hot water with corn meal and chilies some sugar or honey can be added for sweetness...but overall the original thick hot bitter drink was...well...hot and bitter.

I have added sugar and a bit of chili power.

The aroma is nice.

So is the flavor.

The chilies bring out something surprisingly hidden...an earthy tone you don't usually get in hot chocolate.

Very nice surprise.

Truly a beverage fit for a god.

Love the ring. Heavy and hand-made at a fraction of the cost you would pay here in the states!

Mayan Bar Chocolate for Sale.

https://www.zotterusa.com/product/100-maya-cacao

May have to try one!

 

Next time we will check out Cancun.

Virtual SA: Mexico....Mayan Chichen Itza Ruins

 

Opened the news this morning to learn that four American travelers in Mexico were kidnapped at gunpoint on the way for a minor cosmetic surgery...and are STILL missing.

Another plus of virtual travel...no one forcing you into a truck at gunpoint.

You're all welcome.

Anyway...here we are.

The Mayans constructed this pyramid and the surrounding city between 600-900 AD and it remained bustling and a focal point until roughly 1200 AD.

The Mayan name means "At the mouth of the Itza well"...and is pronounced Chet-chen  Utzah.

National Geographic 360

https://youtu.be/zJCrrTk-dLQ

https://youtu.be/kyvw6G9Max0

 Drone Footage

https://youtu.be/m7LFODaiyE4

Full Tour

https://youtu.be/u6_B695UPxE

I hope you've enjoyed this tour of Chichen Itzu and next time we will try Mayan Hot Chocolate!

Until then...

Update: Two of the four kidnapping victims were found dead...one more is shot and the fourth uninjured.

They are back in the US and Mexico is currently holding/incarcerated the five cartel members responsible.

Weekend Update

 

This week has been a week of ups and downs.

John was having a lot of trouble with shortness of breath...not good.

Then we got the results of the complete PET scan.

At first we were terrified that what we were seeing was a spread of the original cancer...but thankfully...not so.

In fact- the tumor is very very small and (we think) dead at this point...so that is good!

But...the immuno-therapy is causing lung irritation and inflammation per the doctors and he has been removed currently...and is being given steroids to stop the response and heal the damage.

sigh

He will remain off the immuno-therapy until at least mid-April.

Hopefully they will keep him off it, altogether.

Yeah, it has been a fairly stressful week..

 Taking this weekend and pretty much relaxing.

                                               "You scairt us, Dad!" - Gadget

 

Busy month shaping up...birthdays...brunches...and a small trip later.

But today we rest.

Watched a movie KB suggested for me last night

Which was absolutely outstanding.

Now I MUST read the book!!!

Great twist at the very end.

The weather has been all over the place, too. From lows of 25 to highs of 73 and everything in between...but Spring is coming.

Saw my first robins today, and boy are they FAT!

Must have spent the whole winter somewhere warm, just eating. 

...kind of like me...

Off to a deep bubble bath!

Have a Great Weekend.

Love,

Carla & The Sofi-Cat

 

"...very funny....now can you just roll me over toward the feeder..."

 

Virtual SA: Mexico...Cenotes

 

What is a Cenote?

(pronouced Ce-No-Tay)

This is a cenote...a limestone erosion or collapse creating a cave or a sinkhole of water.

Mexico is dotted with them...open and closed.

In the US we call them Blue Holes, and have several. 

The cenote above is one of the most popular and is called Ik Kil. It is known for the array of flowering plants and vines that trail over its edge and its clear blue water...perfect for an afternoon dip and escaping the hot sun.

Once used as a water source for the Mayans...as well as a place for human sacrifice to the rain god, Chaac.

They were known as the Gateway to the Dead.

Some of these are quite deep and gold, silver, jade and many human remains have been found by archeologists.

The water can be freshwater, salt water or a combination of both...a many types of marine life and fish are found in them.

Cenotes

https://youtu.be/kTY9Ou1Xyho

 

They can range from very small to open and sprawling, and the water remains a cool 77 degrees.

Diving Cenotes

https://youtu.be/rmnQLcOMz50

Ik Kil is also close to the next tourist attraction we will visit...

The Mayan Ruins.

Until next time...

March...

 

 

And we've made it through another Winter!!!

Looking forward to decorating for Spring...

Caturday...

 

And yesterday there was a blizzard in LA...

But yeah...you just keep telling yourselves there is no climate change!

We have possibly had the mildest winter on record, here. Only 3 light snows...one week of extreme cold...and already some 60 and 70 degrees.

Africa is experiencing some bad flooding.

And everywhere worldwide you are hearing about bizarre weather patterns.

 

We got very lucky a few days ago when this went through...from coast to coast...up north.

Here in Indiana we got some rain off of it.

Wednesday, our temperature was 70 degrees, and it was sunny.

All signs point to an early Spring, here. The birds are back, as well as flies and bees!

Some of the trees are budding. The moss is bright green, now...and the willow tree is starting to get that yellowish green veiled appearance.

And I have this insatiable desire to plant...anything...almost time to play in the dirt!

Of course, it is still too early....but I can PLAN.

Finished the weekend Cinderella-ing yesterday...so I could have a complete Sat/Sun to relax...get a bubble bath...fix food.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Love,

Carla & the Sofi-Cat

 

 

Virtual South America: Mexico...Los Cabo

 

 Cabo San Lucas...(Cape of Saint Luke)...known by most as Los Cabo (The Cape) is located in Baja (...pronounced Ba-Ha)

It is a predominate tourist destination noted for its beaches, spas and diving.

In the winter it is also known for its pods of whales and whale-watching.

Whale Watch

https://youtu.be/bkpLH_zARKY

This well recognized archway of rock is known as El Arco de Cabo San Lucas...which I will begin painting while in Virtual Mexico.

...must have a beach painting...

This is the view from the air.

https://youtu.be/CXyJbrSM3r8

This is the home of the Cabo Wabo bar...owned by Sammy Hager and the other members of Van Halen...named after the song.

https://youtu.be/VigGZasX8bk

Cabo Wabo

https://youtu.be/zlgNPfijzAg

and the song...

https://youtu.be/Ab1MI9nHXcA

Billed as the cleanest beaches in Mexico!

The Top Five Beaches in Cabos

https://youtu.be/0vbIfd8WF6I

And, the diving...

Diving Los Cabos

https://youtu.be/7o8LRh04x8Y

 

Also ordered my bit of silver and turquoise from Tijuana this week...and it should arrive soon.

Amazing...genuine and less than 10 USD.

More soon!

 Found this and ordered it (used)

A souvenir mug from Cabos!