August 18, 2011

Tijuana, Mexico

Hotel Lausana, Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico is a vibrant and beautiful city full of adventures around every corner.  In order to experience this bustling city to the fullest, you must drop any pre-conceived notions of Mexico altogether, as too often these ideas have been influenced by a xenophobic media cog. This is a topic I find crucial to address as I have encountered way too many people (who have never been to Mexico mind you) that feel inclined to say I am going to be robbed or murdered while on vacation.  This is not to say that I don’t acknowledge particular crimes in Mexico, but it doesn’t compare to how the media portrays it.  Like with any trips to another country, you have to be smart and play it cool; travel light and have an agenda.

A question I often receive is “how do you manage to travel so much?” I’ll break it down for you in case you were curious as well. You don’t need to have a lot of money to have a fantastic time; I want you to know so that you’ll feel inspired to take these kind of jaunts as well. This impromptu trip across the border looked like this: hotel ($90), gas ($40), food (under $10 each meal).  Now split that between friends, boyfriends, or spouses and you have yourself a cost efficient weekend vacation.

If you want a clean place with a nice pool, I recommend Hotel Lausana which is located near the Otay border entrance. We had everything we needed for a quick trip like this and it was nice knowing this was the place we were coming back to.

Fashion Intel Travels: Tijuana, BCS, Mexico

Fashion Intel Travels: Tijuana, BCS, Mexico

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August 16, 2011

Taqueria La 6ta Faena, Tijuana

Tacos in Tijuana, BCS, Mexico

Tacos! Tacos! Tacos! That’s what our Tijuana party of 3 was chanting as we drove across the USA/Mexican border.  We had tacos on the brain and growls in our stomachs that only freshly made tortillas packed with juicy meats could cure.  Tacos in Tijuana, Mexico are unlike anything you can eat here in Los Angeles, seriously.  After cruising Revolución (a popular street for shopping and nightclubs) we walked a couple blocks south and let our noses do the decision-making.  My senses finally led our group to Taqueria La 6ta Faena where we enjoyed a delicious meal for about $8.

If you haven’t sucked on grilled spring onions before (like the photo above), I recommend you do so as soon as possible.  The taste is so fresh and with each bite your mouth enjoys an audible burst of flavor.  From my gastronomical experiences in Mexico, taquerias always have fresh ingredients on hand and are ready to serve you up something tasty. Never have I been disappointed. Just take a look at those spectacular radishes!

Tacos in Tijuana, BCS, MexicoTacos in Tijuana, BCS, MexicoTacos in Tijuana, BCS, Mexico

Al pastor has become my choice as of late; my eyes and stomach cannot say no to juicy meat turning on a trompo (spit).  I seek out tacos that make juices stream down my face and when I ate these beauties, I achieved that high.  Juicy slices of pork paired with cilantro, onions, chile and avocado makes for a happy young lady.

Tacos in Tijuana, BCS, Mexico

Taqueria La 6ta Faena
Corner of Flores Magon/6TA
Approx. 2 blocks South of Revolución
Tijuana, B.C., Mexico

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August 2, 2011

Paletas, Baja California

Paletas in Calfirnia Baja Sur, Mexico

Paletas (Latin American Popsicle) have been one of my favorite things to eat since I was a little girl who bought them from the “paleta man” on my street.  The delicious ice treats are made with fresh fruit and are either cream-based or water-based; my preference has always been the water-based paletas as they make me feel so fresh.  I was excited  to travel to Baja California Sur knowing that paletas would be available at my finger tips.  Never will I forget about the incredible flavors that burst in my mouth at each paletería that I visited.  I am ready to go back!

Paletas in Cabo San Lucas

Paletas Cabo San Lucas

Paletas Cabo San Lucas

My first paleta stop was at Paleteria y Neveria La Michoacana in Cabo San Lucas. Located on a busy corner surrounded by what seemed to be the only trees on the street, we cozied up on some benches and enjoyed some tasty ice pops.  I ordered guyaba (guava) and proclaimed that it was the best paleta I had ever tasted.  It was packed with fresh juices, pieces of guava and pure deliciousness. For less than $1.50 I was momentarily taken to a magical place.

Location
Direccion: José María Morelos y Pavón Sn
Colonia: Ildefonso Green
Telefono: 6241473515

Paletas in Todos Santos

While making the drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, we stopped in the beautiful town called Todos Santos.  After chowing down on some delicious asada tacos, I treated myself to a ice cold mango paleta.  I wish I knew exactly where this place was but so many of the streets don’t have signs.  If I figure out the location I’ll make sure to make an edit here.

Paletas in La Paz

Paletas in La Paz

La Fuente paleteria is known as the B E S T  spot to scoop up some paletas y ice cream in the beautiful La Paz.  My cousin took us to this waterfront parlour, located on the Malecon, and I was almost overwhelmed by the amount of tasty treats on their menu.  They had freshly made ice cream, paletas, raspados, and tostilocos.  This colorful spot is for locals and tourists alike, and you don’t need much in your pocket to enjoy something tasty.  Since I wanted to try a different paleta flavor at every stop, this time I opted for sandia (watermelon).  The flavor of this pop was like biting into a frozen watermelon.  Perfection.

This is an easier spot to find, just look for the big polka-dot tree out front.

Location
cnr Paseo Obregón & Muelle Downtown

Posted in: Food, MEX, MEX, Mexico, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , , ,

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August 1, 2011

La Paz, BCS Mexico

La Paz Vacation

La Paz, BCS Mexico is such a beautiful city that it was incredibly difficult for me to leave.  The city is surrounded by beautiful sand and water, has delicious food on every corner, and isn’t overrun by tourists.  La Paz holds a special place in my heart because my grandmother always escaped down there for a little relaxation and a cold beer.  While staying with mi familia, they showed us an album they kept of mi abuelita that contained photos of her visits in La Paz and correspondence she sent them from the states.  It brought tears to my eyes and was a bittersweet moment for me.

If you follow me on twitter you have read about how much I LOVE agua frescas; I could live off of these Mexican juices and paletas alone.  While visiting a typical open market in La Paz I scooped up a delicious cup of sandia (watermelon) and couldn’t have been more happier.

La Paz Vacation

Todos Santos, a town we visited on the drive to La Paz is famous for its dulcerias (candy shops).  I enjoyed browsing the vibrant packages of candy, marshmallows, and empanadas.  Shops like this really had me wishing that we had something like this back in the states. Just look at those herbs! It was all so beautiful.

La Paz Vacation

La Paz Vacation

It was such a great feeling being able to swim at a beach in the evening.  The sun was out, the wind was blowing and the water was warm.  Just looking at that landscape photo brings total relaxation and makes me appreciate how lucky I was to be in such a beautiful place.  This beach was one of our cousin’s favorite spots and it was easy to see why.  I wish I was there right now.

Asael found this puffer fish skeleton while hanging on the sand.  How amazing is that little face?

 

La Paz VacationPaletas, a perfect way to end a day at the beach

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May 17, 2011

Mexico on My Mind

via flickr

Every day my sister and I text each other about how excited we are about our family trip to Mexico. At least twice a day we are exclaiming margaritas via our phones!  Of course our travel involves more than just drinks; we have been planning this amazing trip in honor of my Mother’s Birthday this summer.  The resort suite is booked, my Spanish is better than ever and I’m already shopping for a new bathing suit.  I am beyond thrilled to head down to Baja California and take in everything Cabo San Lucas and La Paz (to see familia) awaits us.

I have been collecting images that have inspired me and this trip to Mexico.  I’m taking notes left and right of sites we will see and of course, food we will eat.  Just imagine how fresh the mariscos will be!  I am even tossing around the idea of making my way to Mexico City this Fall for a short residence with friends of the family.  This trip is definitely going to help me decide if it will happen or not. ! Viva Mexico !

via Vogue Mexico

via Gatronomy Blog Twitter

Posted in: Mexico | Tagged: , , , ,

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