Author

Natalie

Natalie was an expat living in Queretaro, Mexico for 5 years. She and her family travel as often as possible.

Mexico

The Amazing Surreal Garden: Guide to Las Pozas, Mexico with Kids

by Natalie December 4, 2017

written by Natalie

Walking through cement platforms in the jungle, you can imagine you are Indiana Jones, in search of the next big artifact. Las Pozas in Xilitla, Mexico is unique and I don’t believe there is anything else like it in the world.

On a Wednesday in November, I booked a trip for the upcoming three-day holiday weekend to Xilitla (November 20 is a major holiday in Mexico). My Spanish teacher told me she was taking a road trip and we discussed us joining her. However, I realized her plans (which included one night of camping) would not work for us right now*. Then, she told me about Las Pozas (“The Pools”).

She described Las Pozas as a crazy, surreal garden or jardin surrealista. She also mentioned there were waterfall pools where you can go swimming. Everything about this sounded perfect. Especially the waterfall pools. I should’ve checked the drive time (and weather) before committing. I did not. Thankfully!

December 4, 2017 6 comments

Mexico

The Death Defying Road to Xilitla in San Luis Potosí

by Natalie November 30, 2017

written by Natalie

On a long weekend in November, we decided to visit Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico from our home base (please note, it is correctly written as Xilitla, San Luis Potosí). Little did we know that to get to Xilitla, we had to drive through the incredible Sierra Gorda Mountains. Due to a section of the highway that was only a dirt road*, we almost turned around. I’m so glad that we didn’t!

November 30, 2017 32 comments

Language/Immersion

This Is My Ongoing Theme: Learning Spanish Frustration

by Natalie November 27, 2017

written by Natalie

“I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to understand and speak a second language,” I said today to my Spanish teacher. “Learning Spanish is hard.”

“You will. You’re doing great!” she responded. Thankfully, she’s my cheerleader, because I’m realizing just how far away I am from being able to understand Spanish. I can say things. I can ask simple, present tense questions, and order food. But understanding the language and being able to speak in a bit more complex manner is eluding me. Reflexive verbs? K(ill)M(e)N(ow) (not really, please don’t).

I feel like I’m forgetting English now, too. “El codo,” I say, looking at the chart my teacher brought. I look at the picture. “I can’t remember the English word.”

November 27, 2017 0 comment

Mexico

Don’t Fear The Bathrooms in Mexico (What You Need to Know)

by Natalie November 13, 2017

written by Natalie

This is about the bathrooms. If you are going to explore off the beaten-tourist-path in Mexico (and I recommend you do), you will need to know a few things about bathrooms here. They aren’t scary (mostly)! They are just bathrooms, like anywhere else. However, as a traveler, here are some things no one will think to tell you in advance.

November 13, 2017 0 comment

Expats Living in Mexico

This is How We Celebrated Our First Day of the Dead

by Natalie November 9, 2017

written by Natalie

Mexico has many lovely holidays. Of course, I’ve heard of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). In fact, friends of mine used to host a Day of the Dead party, which was my first foray into trying to gain an understanding. But I didn’t really understand. Now that I’m in Mexico, I will work towards understanding as well as I can. I came to Mexico to fully immerse in a different culture. Being an outsider, I can never be perfect. Even so, I am saying yes to invitations and trying to understand the important cultural and religious holidays. And eat more amazing food.

We have been welcomed into the traditions here, both in school and in peoples’ homes.

November 9, 2017 0 comment

Educational Travel Mexico

Visiting the Santa Brigida Mine in Mineral de Pozos, Mexico with Kids

by Natalie November 6, 2017

written by Natalie

When my friend asked if we wanted to visit the Santa Brigida Mine in Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato, Mexico, I said yes! Two hours later, we were on our way. This day trip, which is only around one and half hours from Queretaro, Mexico, is fun visit to one of Mexico’s Pueblo Mágicos (magical town or village). The town itself is adorable, clean and has lovely cafes and shops. But what about the Santa Brigida? Is it worth visiting?

November 6, 2017 0 comment

Expats Living in Mexico

There Are Many Stray Dogs In Mexico and It Breaks My Heart

by Natalie November 2, 2017

written by Natalie

I’m usually empathetic, so there are things that hurt my soul such as various injustices, animal and child abuse, and so forth. I’m thankful to have come from a place that (mostly) values animals, so stray dogs or abandoned or abused animals can have a safe place to live (like humane societies, if forever homes aren’t quickly found).

There are things about Mexico that have made me have to have a hard heart. While many people here do have well cared for pets and many even have multiple pets, stray dogs are still abundant. And they need help.

November 2, 2017 2 comments

Mexico

The Sad Story of the Not-So-Touristy Crater La Alberca

by Natalie October 26, 2017

written by Natalie

When I learned about Las Siete Luminarias in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, I only knew one of the seven craters was a tourist attraction. I did not know if any other were accessible. As we arrived at our second crater visit, Crater La Alberca, my husband turned to me and said, “Please don’t make it a goal to visit all seven craters.”

October 26, 2017 0 comment

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