Hasta la Vista Mexico!!

Monterrey, Mexico

My trip to Mexico was surprisingly good!!
 (Apology for my English if there are some mistakes)
I really enjoyed being there for few days and I intend to go back to Mexico no matter what. people were really nice, warm and respectful. I didn't feel like being an outsider or something like that. I have to admit the agency which planned our trip did well for the flight tickets but not for the hotel reservation at all. Consequently, we had to find another one  the same night. Thanks God, we were lucky to meet a taxi driver who spoke really good English. The language spoken is Spanish so do not expect to find people who will speak English right away. You can meet some of them but there are really few. Usually those who speak English have been in the US and went back to Mexico or they have simply studied the language at school or have met some tourists...
   The idea that you have about a country or people is usually formed by TV News, the media but once you get to the place and meet people this veil fall down it's completely different and like I said I will definitely go back there. However, I must precise that everyone do not have the same experience. Others do not think the same way that I do or some actually never made back home. For instance, when I was back in the US, I read the news from Mexico and the news were not good: A group of 46 students were burnt in a car accident which didn't look like it was just an accident...I don't know but it was awful to read such news. To me and to some other people it was totally different. I have always been looking forward to visit Mexico the culture has always impressed me.
    We had to speak and understand at least basic words in Spanish. I understand but I lost so much of my Spanish when it comes to speak it because I didn't practice the language for a long time! However, memories of words were coming back to me little by little as I was interacting and talking with people. I think if I had stayed there longer I could remember most of my vocabulary but I was there for just few days. Today, I am more careful about notes in English and Spanish. When I am in the train I now read both or I try to understand what the words mean in Spanish. I am more likely to want to learn and speak when people are speaking Spanish next to me.
       We went to Monterrey the second largest and wealthiest city in Mexico. Monterrey is the capital of Nuevo Leon State. Monterrey is mainly an industrial and commercial city which explained why we saw so many international and many American companies there. Which also explained the reaction of the police woman at the international airport when we first arrived there. The city is not known to be a touristic city first. As she was opening my passport, I told her I was there for tourism with my friend and she was like...Really??!  Then I said: "Si, Senora!". In fact, We went for personal obligations added to that we thought we could use this opportunity to enjoy our vacations so...yes.
    Once out of the airport, we looked for a taxi it was 1:00 am but what really surprised me, was the presence of military men almost everywhere. It can be shocking and scary when you are not used to see military holding guns. So my first question to the taxi who picked us up was: " Why so many presence of military men in the city?" He told us that until two years ago the Cartel was striking and the Government fought to protect the citizens which explained the reason of their presence. He told us it was really way better than the previous years. When I heard the word Cartel! My blood went up and I started looking around but he reassured me not to worry.
   We were really lucky to have a taxi driver who was really nice and who has a fluent use of English. He was also honest. It was easy to communicate with him and it felt safe because the others could not be speaking a little bit of English at all which is normal but could make us (My friend and I) feel unsafe. In Mexico, they use the Mexican pesos which is the name of their currency (I know You will say: "Everybody knows that!!") Ok! But did you know that 1 US Dollar is approximately equal to 0.66 Mexican Pesos? Yes! Life is cheap there.

The Mexican Pesos!

If you read a little bit more about Monterrey you will find out that in 2008, the city has experienced violent events because of the Cartel also known as the Mexican Mafia. The Cartel is  mainly an issue for the government it's a problem of drug and crimes. I think they are also responsible for the kidnapping of people etc. I will have some links down about the Cartel if you are interested but I doubt so. Just be aware of that. That's all nothing more.
       Once we made it to the hotel a man welcomed us in Spanish "Bienvenidas Senoritas" At least I could say "Gracias! Senor." Yes I had to speak Spanish a little bit because  my friend was lost and there was no way to communicate differently after Luis (The taxi driver) left us. First, she insisted communicating in English but at the end she found herself trying to force to learn and speak some Spanish. Ha! Ha! Ha! She had no choice! Consequently, she would always have her Ipad  with her (Thank You Steve Jobs!) to use the translator anytime. Everything was in Spanish: Internet, shops, restaurants...I mean everything! Which is normal!
At night, I was like: "What if the Cartel...try to come in the hotel...and...and....kidnap us and...Then my friend was like don't worry girl, God is with us nothing is going to happen just let's pray for the time we are here."  Dios ciuda de sus hijos! The day after it was awesome!! The manager of the hotel entrusted us a tour guide.


They have some palm trees in the city

    He could not speak English at all so we communicated with hands pointing things whatever we could do to make us understood, he was really nice and patient. He took us to the place we needed to go and later we told him that we could handle the rest ourselves. In fact, I wanted to do things on my own.  I wanted to visit around and come back whenever I wanted to and  my friend was ok to go with me for the adventure. After he left us we went to the opposite direction because I heard the taxi saying the night before that there was a plaza somewhere further down in the city.  You know I don't forget what people say and I am curious I like to discover new things. We walked for approximately an hour and half maybe more until we found that place I don't remember the name of the place but as we were looking around we asked to people to direct us with our poor Spanish (lol!) but we made it safe. We probably met like only two people who could speak a little bit of English.
The weather was nice a little bit chilly but a really nice sunshine. For some reasons that I can't explain I felt a little bit like being in Africa but in another continent. People around were warm I didn't feel anything wrong or something like that. They were actually smiling. Really they were genuinely Nice people!

 At the Plaza

I liked the architecture of this bank. It looks a little bit like an old European building. That bank was in the plaza

 Once at the Plaza we found so many shops and places to eat. No need to say that some vendors raised up their prices a little bit when they heard we were not from there but that's ok. It happens everywhere. The truth is that they didn't even need to wonder because there were no Black people around (in the city in general) so...obviously we were not from here.  The other fact is they assumed we were from the US. Ok! The food were mostly Americanized then I had the idea to eat something local. I mean local really traditionally made. That was a long story...You will understand why later.
This is how it feels a little bit to be at the Plaza.

They called it the Plaza but also The Centro Comercial. My friend was exhausted so she needed a break then I decided to go down further on my own because I was looking for specific things such as hand crafted items, traditional clothes Anddddd!!! a local food restaurant.
I found a little store selling some nice traditional items made with hands. The ladies were nice I told them I will be coming back. Then, I joined my friend so we decided to go back to the hotel. On the way there was a man selling some nice local bracelets and necklaces. One of the necklaces had some Aztec symbols I was like Bingo!!! I have something ancient and I wanted that necklace so bad! I was so excited to see these Aztec symbols! However I was confronted to a dilemma: Should I buy it when I know it was an ancient, old belief? Should I just buy it as a memory of Mexico and a collection? Or should I just forget about it because my Faith doesn't allow me to wear ancient beliefs. It was too much on my mind I decided to just put it on the side and buy the hand crafted bracelet only.


The Aztec culture

The bracelet that I bought. It's simple, I love it!

At night, at the hotel, I kept thinking about the necklace. I thought I could go back there but we were busy the days after. I didn't know how to explained to my friend that I was also worried that the necklace could turn to be something else once back in my apartment at Dallas. She started laughing at me and told me I watched too many movies. She was probably right...I sometimes have so much imagination sometimes...Well, I don't know. So, the day before we left Mexico, I tried to find where the man who was selling the Aztec necklaces was, I couldn't find him anymore... Too bad, I was disappointed. I guess on the next trip I will buy that necklace for sure! At least for my collection.



The Aztecs Empire ruins outside Mexico City

Speaking of the Aztecs, You all know a little bit about the Aztec Empire, The Conquistadores and Hernan Cortes etc. A part of History that we learned at High school. Ok! When I first planned to go to Mexico I wanted to go to Mexico City first and then after Monterrey because I wanted to visit the Aztec Empire's ruins which are outside of the city of Mexico City. For some reasons I sometimes make confusion between the ruins of the Machu Picchu which belong to the Incas of Peru. When I told my friend who lives in Mexico City that I will be visiting her and that I will be visiting the Machu Picchu she would be amused and laughing a little bit and say: "No, Laetitia, the Machu Picchu is in Peru my dear. Here we had the Aztecs and the Mayans but not the Incas" I thought it was always nice of her to remind me that.


The Aztec calendar (The necklace that I wanted had the same symbol on it)

Or who knows maybe with that necklace on me I would be living according to the Aztecs calendar and time. O no! I am just joking! By the way, I couldn't see the Mariachi. People told us it was only at night that we could see it. As  two tourist ladies I didn't think it was safe for us to go out late at night in the city just to see the Mariachi. We had to forget about the Mariachi and I was once again disappointed. I always watched them on TV especially on Telenovelas and I had the chance to see them in real life. I wanted to see their hats closer. O well...too bad! It will be next time!

The Mariachis

 The day after we decided to eat outside of the hotel. We found a Chinese restaurant. I wanted to buy  food to go and the lady who was serving, was from China. Ok! The lady was really nice but she didn't speak Spanish not even English and I didn't notice it until I realized that something was not clear. She spoke Chinese and that's it! As I was ordering, she could not exactly understand what I wanted because of my little Spanish but I kept showing her what I wanted. Instead she kept putting something else. Then, I changed and try to communicate in English but still she could not understand and She put what I didn't want. I think she was simply guessing and my friend was laughing at the scene and it was getting frustrating at a certain point. I felt like talking to a wall. At the end I asked her can you understand French then? She kept smiling at me with no words. (I thought I just said it not because I expected her to speak French but because I was a little bit frustrated...)
   A man who witnessed what was going on came to "My rescue" He spoke to me some English and gently took my box and spoke little by little some really basic Spanish to her then she said:"Ooooo si! si!" Wow!!! That was tough! I finally had what I wanted. The lady was really nice though. I went back there few days later. After all She was a good person.
   On the way we stopped at a Subway for my friend who wanted a sandwich instead. There, we had to speak Spanish too. You know we didn't expect to speak in Spanish completely because it was "Subway". The Subway was the same as the ones we have in the US.( They just have a little bit of local spices and vegetables.) I guess we were wrong. I was already exhausted of my earlier experience at the Chinese restaurant so I didn't want to play the "translator". I let my friend struggled with her Spanish or Spanglish there at least it was a good experience for her too. That was enough for me at that point. Back to the room at the hotel I watched The Australian Open yay!!

I watched Sharapova who was having a hard time playing with the young Panova. At the end Sharapova won the match.

In town

   In Monterrey, we visited the adjoined municipalities such as: Juarez, Apodaca, and Santa Catarina ( A really nice area). There are many shopping malls the one that we went to is called Plaza Fiesta San Augustin.  The mall was nice it looks the same that we have in the US no differences only the language. We weren't disappointed at all in term of shopping. Ladies can find anything they want.We couldn't use the buses and the metro because we didn't have time for the understanding of the transportation system but we saw them in the city so we only used the taxis.

San Augustin mall

      Ok.... I think this post needs a little musical break. Discover Miriam Makeba, a well known singer from South Africa. She sings "Mas que Nada"  Translated from Spanish as: "More than Anything". "Mas Que Nada" is one of the songs that she sang that I like. ( Africa miss you Ms. Makeba)
 Si! Mi viaje de Mexico estaba Mas que Nada/ My trip to Mexico was more than anything (smiling)

      At night we decided to go to a restaurant not far from the hotel because we really wanted to eat local dishes before leaving. Once at the restaurant, they gave us the menu but we could not find what we thought we could find in Mexico. We expected to eat some burritos, tacos, guacamole etc. We also expected to eat some plantains and rice as well. Ok! Guys I have to admit that whenever I go to the supermarkets in the US I assumed that most of these foodstuffs were mostly coming from Mexico. The fact is we (my friend and I) were wrong we have never wondered about where some of these food were really coming from. When I went back to Texas I went to the store so did my friend she confirmed on the phone that the plantains were mostly imported from Guatemala and Colombia. I thought it was interesting to know. Here is something that I remember when I was working back home: My boss was a really difficult woman but I have learned a lot from her. She used to say something: "Laetitia never assume. Whatever you do, take time to check and verify the information first. Then you can draw a conclusion." Yes I guess she was definitely right!

Some cool local drinks

 The dish we ordered (there were different meat)


They were made from rice

      
At the restaurant we asked for arroz (rice) they brought us something like a tortillas made of rice. I liked the meat the way it was cooked but that thing on the side were challenging to eat to me. My friend ate some of them but I ended up eating bread instead. They also brought us some soup of beans. I was kind of a little bit...disappointed. I called the waiter who explained me that was the local food. At the end I understood that arroz and platanas were not really eaten in Monterrey. Then I asked him that they have to be coming from somewhere in Mexico. Then he replied: "Si Senorita! But from the South part of the country. I starred at him in the eyes because I was not convinced about this answer I doubted I thought He told me that because I was not from Mexico. We went at the cashier to pay for what we ordered and at that very moment a man who just came in the restaurant came straight to us and then asked me: "What are you going to sing for us tonight?" I was surprised. Then, I looked at the manager and everybody started laughing
I told him "Lo siento! Senor. No estamos cantates!" Sorry sir we are not singers. Then the man left and the manager told us: "He thought you were some celebrities." It beat me! A celebrity with no bodyguard?  It was funny!
At the hotel, I wanted to watch the African Soccer Cup because my country was playing that day I could not because there was no where to find it in the Mexican TVchannels. Then I put on ESPN to watch the Australian Open

Somewhere in town just like inside an "hacienda"

Like I said earlier the people were really nice.
The back of the hotel has a little bar and a swimming pool. So, I sometimes went there to sit to relax and to contemplate the sky, the sun, the birds. See the people on the other side of the street walking. I really enjoyed spending my time there alone. There was something I didn't understand: A lady was eating some extra super hot cheetos that she mixed up with some hot sauce plus chili plus some japalenos. She was eating and jumping like almost crying because it was extra super hot! I was just wondering what was the point of all of that?  She later proposed to me if I wanted her to make something like that to eat too. She was nice but I had to decline her offer.
Luis told us that some people like to eat extra hot there. I remember a lady at the restaurant who served me what I ordered put something like some jalapenos on the side of my plate. I was not sure what it was since she was smiling at me and told me something in Spanish that I didn't really understand. No, when I ate them  I almost passed out because it was so super extra hot! Thanks God my friend (She is a nurse) helped me . That was a good lesson so I simply ordered a glass of cold coke and I had some snacks. I also asked for the newspaper to read the news of the day and to see if I could understand something and I went to sit outside.

  I liked the weather, the sun and the view outside that day.

Then I saw this gentleman on the wall I tried to call him to have some snacks but he ignored me and later I went back to my room.

The city of Monterrey is really nice. There are many mountains and nice monuments as well. They also have good universities, good hospitals. We were a little bit surprised to see so many houses built at the bottom of the mountains. Those with many colors belonged to the low class families. It kind of reminded me of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Those which were like completely white and big were for the rich people. Their mansions were often on the opposite side but really far from the "simple" people. The hotel called us a taxi the man was a gentleman he such a nice person! When discussing with him I understood that they were not used to see Black people especially from Africa. They usually assume that they are either from the US or from countries of South America. I got it many times. When I was walking alone in the streets some men could stop me and tell me "La Senorita es Americana!" Then I replied "No de Africa!" still they didn't believe me which I understand Africa is far and there were almost no Africans there.

Puente de la Unidad

El Arco de la Independencia

 Sorry for most of the pictures the weather was not that good when we were there. In the street or in the taxi I was trying to always be a little bit careful  it was important for our safety



I liked the architecture of that cathedral in town

 There was something that I thought interesting it was when we said that we were from Africa they directly asked you where in Africa are you from? I say it because in the US many people think that Africa is a country. Some people still do not understand that it is a continent and I can't get it either. Come on! Africa is a continent! So I was really surprised of the question then I explained to him where Gabon is but...still he needed a country that he could refer to.

 It looks like many people of  Latin America understand easily when I say Gabon is next to Guinea Equatorial (The only African country speaking Spanish) then they all reply: "Oooooo I see!!" I got it many times maybe because they all speak Spanish....I don't know. I remember two young ladies from Guatemala and from Chili that I met once in Washington DC. They pointed me on the African map where was Guinea Equatorial I was really surprised. then I told them next to Guinea Equatorial is my country. Then they replied: "Now I see!" I have never thought in my life that I could use Guinea Equatorial to indicate where my country is. I usually pointed Cameroon or Congo. Gabon original name was "Gabao" which is a Portuguese word meaning: A cloak! Something that has a shape of a coat or something like that . That's why whenever I met Portuguese speakers (who know) and tell them my country's name is Gabao they smiled. The Portuguese people were the first Europeans who discovered the coast of my country but when the French came they could not say it therefore they said Gabon! Since then it remained Gabon.

  Because of the mountains, the roads are like some roller coasters. I slide on my seat and... I felt like a kid at Six Flags. So it scared me a lot I don't like it and my friend knows that. Actually she was having fun. That one was crazy!She made fun of me whenever I was using my hands to cover my eyes.

Hola! Mis amigos . Coucou! It's me!

Somewhere in the city...



Our last day before we left we decided to go back to the Centro Comercial but first we went to the mall again. We went there at 10 am and we were surprised to see that most of the main boutiques and stores were not opened. They were actually just preparing to open. So we came back few hours later so when we came back to one of the stores we had a surprising welcome really guys it was surprising to me...This is what happened: All the employees were at the entrance of one of the stores and they were all whistling and applauding ... A "special somebody." we thought and we wanted to see who was that person coming maybe a movie actress or an actor of telenovelas. Then I turned around to look back at the main entrance behind to see who was coming and there was nobody. Then, the manager pointing his finger at us saying: Yes you! So my reaction was like: What's going on here?? I almost wanted to leave.  First, I thought it was either a prank or the way they welcome customers but it didn't make any sense at all! I was thinking should we just greet them like Obama does? You know like: Yes!! yes!!! Thank you! Thank you guys!! Gracias! Gracias!

Should we be greeting them like Mr. Obama does? lol!!!

Or just stay like some alive mummies? It was difficult to know what could be the right reaction to not frustrate and to not be doing too much. So we quietly stood up in the middle and kindly smiled at them all until they were done and the manager took us to visit the boutique and to show us what they were selling. It was really overwhelming I have to admit and I ended up laughing alone. I later talked to my friend who is living in Mexico City and asked her if that is the way they welcome customers in Mexico? Because we went to some other stores we didn't experience it at all. She was really amused and she told me: "No we don't! Well, I guess you had your 5 minutes of fame girl! They confused you with some kind of celebrities. I just wonder who?" Wow!!! That was the best funny experience I had in my entire life! Celebrities with no bodyguards like really??? I can't even figure out to who they were comparing us to. At the end we did a little bit of good shopping
       By the way a little parenthesis: While I was doing shopping in one of the boutiques there, I heard that beautiful song and I really loved it.  It's from Sam Smith "Stay With Me". Like any music lovers I discovered him last year when He sang one of Whitney Houston's song "How Will I Know". I like the song Stay With Me

     When we went back to the Plaza de El centro commercial I found the store which sells traditional items and hand crafted souvenirs or objects. The ladies looked surprised to see me back there ( I told them that I would be coming back) I bought some of these items: three bags, a little wallet...all hand made

Bag 1

 Bag2

Bag 3 is so original!

That is a little wallet for coins!
and the bracelet of the man selling outside!

A Mexican traditional top as well (I will put the picture)
Before leaving a country I always want to get some souvenirs. I was satisfied with all of the choices that I made. Unfortunately I could not buy some postal cards I didn't find them. We had not enough time we even postponed the trip to Mexico City. I found a fine hand made Mexican poncho that I wanted to buy too. Once again I hesitated It was so nice and original but I think next time when I will go back there I will buy some nice original ponchos this time!
    The last day Luis went to pick us up two hours before the flight. We discussed about what happened at the restaurant. We also talk about the story of rice and plantains in Mexico. That was really interesting. Yes, the waiter was right, they only eat them in the South part of Mexico, the other taxi driver said the same thing too and my friend who lives in Mexico City has also confirmed it to me...Wow! I didn't know that. I learned something. They mostly eat them in the South part of the country and other countries of Latin America

     After telling him what happened at the mall, he also said that the people thought we were some "celebrities". Amazing! Even thinking about that today makes me laugh. It is so funny! How in the world they could think such thing!? Celebrities with no bodyguards or assistants?! He told us that people watch TV and they got ideas that was probably the reason. Well, that was interesting...Once again the media have played their part. I guess next time I am going to wear some sunglasses a nice scarf on my head and play the busy celebrity in the rush (Laugh!!! I am kidding)
At the international airport we arrived safe and everything was fine!  There were no military men at the airport this time. I had enough times to buy a magazine, a sandwich and a drink.


Reading ELLE Magazine at the airport

My friend looked at my shoes she was surprised and asked me what did I put on my feet? I put some types of fancy little socks lol! yes it happens I do some funny things sometimes especially when I feel inspired.


Trying to stay fabulous from my feet (smiling)

At the airport.

As we were walking through the gates, my friend was repeating all the words that she learned in Spanish during our trip and guess what!? We finally met an African guy at last! A rare bird at the end of the trip! He was there for an American company and was leaving Monterrey too. The trip was done. Everything was perfect! Mi viaje estaba muy perfecto!!
Bye! Mexico. Hasta la Vista Mexico! I really enjoyed the new year trip. Most of the people that we met there were really nice. I will come back for sure but I will first go to Mexico City next time and I want to go to Cancun!!!!
In the plane, I asked my friend: "If you were asked to choose a country in South America to visit for vacations what would be your choice? She told me...Brazil!!!!" That is a really good choice! As if she read in my mind. Brazil has always been my country of birth in my mind and in another world (smiling) Henceforth, I will learn and speak Spanish more often. A Spanish lady told me once that it is easy for a French speaker to speak Spanish but not for a Spanish speaker to learn and speak French. I don't know but I have to agree that French is really not an easy language. Some pronunciations phonetics etc. are not easy at all. I was impressed to meet some English speakers who speak it fluently. For instance, here in America my English teacher that I had, was speaking good French. I am truly impressed by such language skills. "Je leur tire mon chapeau!" (hats down)


In the plane leaving Mexico and I was still reading my Magazine

 Now I am back to Dallas and life goes on. My sister was a little bit worried about me being there in Mexico but I was "cool!" I know that if I have read the 2008 event in Monterrey I would have been surely reluctant and change my mind about going there but for some reasons I did unintentionally read everything. Cartel or not I was back. Hello! Like I said we all have different experiences. What can I recommend people to do:
 To learn and speak some basic Spanish is important
Plan your trip in advance always help.
Make sure that the agency organizes your trip correctly
Check the recent news
Make sure that information are right and sure
Try to be opened and discover the culture is a good thing
Buy some souvenirs
Always see the good side
Oulala! That was a long long post! pffffiu!

PS: Sorry...I can't post all the pictures...

I also thought I could share with you ladies the way I styled  the bags and what I bought at the mall. I went to Zara. I really like Zara's clothes.
Sorry for the quality of my pictures and videos.

As you can tell they like American music there too! (Wink)
I really liked this Zara's olive pants. My hand made Mexican bag with Elle Magazine Mexico. I thought the combination would be perfect!

It looks like this (I made the pictures myself so...not perfect...Sorry):

 I love that polka dots blue dress. A red belt from Forever 21. By the way I have a new post on the polka dots style)

A nice Zara bag that I liked a lot. The color and the design. But especially the shape and the nice pockets inside plus the fabrics that they used. Elle Magazine Mexico

The nice black leggings is from Zara the yellow top is H&M and the little nice hand made bag from Mexico. Fossil Necklace and bracelet

I bought this body cream there. A lady sold that to me. She told me that it was good for skin. I don't know I just bought it because she was nice to me. So far I can say it's smells good and it's light on the skin not too much. I think I saw that brand here at Galleria mall too. I don't remember

If you are interested: http://www.orogoldcosmetics.com/

A grey jersey skirt from H&M that I really liked with a white Celine tee shirt

I fell in love with this Zara colorful stripped pants. I also like this nice Parisian tee shirt. Good for a nice Summer too!

It looks like this:

I love that Zara's polka dots blue dress and I put on it my little purse from Mexico too

I thought I could pair my nice white dress from Missguided with my cute little bag from Mexico and it gave this:

I liked this white polka dots dress from Zara. Hola! Mis amigos. It's me again! That dress made feel like...wait... I am going to show you who

That lady here: You got it! Kate Middleton! Just a little bit! I didn't think about her until I saw that  picture recently.

Ok! That is a little bit all about the shopping that I had in Monterrey, Mexico. I was not disappointed at all. I think my post is completely done. That was a long one. I just hope that you liked it! I wanted to share with you two Spanish Worship songs that a friend gave me in Cd. It was back when I first came in the US I met a nice student from Mexico who invited me to his church here in Texas. They were speaking in Spanish only and I liked it a lot They were nice people. I also liked the worship songs that he had in his car and I told him I liked them all even though I didn't know who was singing. Then he told me I can have the CD. I was so glad I had the CD. In fact, it was Jesus Adrian Romero's album and I still keep it with me. Jesus Adrian Romero he is from Mexico as well. I wish I could go to his church in Mexico someday. I like the songs especially these two and I hope you will like them too!

1/ "Es mas Que Una Cancion"  Jesus Adrian Romero ( It's More Than a Song) Mas que palabras (More than words)
Gracias Dios por Tu Amor

2/ Jesus  Adrian Romero ft Marcela Gandara "Tu estas Aqui"  (You Are Here) You God

Gracias Dios! Mi Corazon puede sentir Tu presencia.

Thank you for passing by!!

New Year 2015! (Gifts)

Hi! Guys for the new year I once again was blessed to receive few gifts.
 I thought I could simply share with you what I got. I really like them because they were given with Love. I guess you all had family members who thought about you and maybe offered you something special for Xmas or/and New year. Gifts or presents are sometimes important because it's a way to show our love and they make us happy. I like presents and I also like to offer some to those who are closed to me.
      Last year I had few things like authentic gifts from Africa and Germany. This time around  it's a little bit different: For example, I received a special hand crafted bracelet that my little nephews made for me. They thought about surprising me by sending me this little nice bracelet and I don't know how they made it but it's very nice! My sweet nephews are gifted. The colors are green yellow and blue which are the color of my country's flag (Gabon)

Gabon's flag colors: Green, yellow, blue

The bracelet is really nice and it's flexible and easy to wear. I simply like it and I will definitely have it everyday on me.
Then, once again I received another gift from Germany. This time I got some cork-coaster. Yes! six pack. My sister who was at Frankfurt sent me some as a new year gift. I like the pictures that they put on them, I simply like everything!

I don't think I will put something on them. I will just keep them as a decoration or I will keep them safe somewhere until I know what I will do with them because I can't put glasses on them because the water can damage the material with time. For the moment I enjoy looking the pictures at least I have a little idea of how Frankfurt looks like. They are like postal cards and I like postal cards in general that's why I have a collection of different countries 'postal cards with me.
Meanwhile I read some brochures that I got to prepare a trip to Germany. Interesting! Yes they are really interesting I will maybe visit at least one city of Germany during this Summer 2015 I really want to be a little bit adventurer. My Carnet de Voyage must have more nice stories and discoverings (wink!) It's always good to be prepared in advance before traveling who knows? It can be the best trip ever. I would love to go to Spain. I want to see la Corrida, la Sagrada Familia, the Antonio Gaudi's Art work and many other things and monuments.Yes... I know I still have to work on my Spanish. No problema!

I keep some brochures to prepare a trip to Germany

Then, I received some Jo Malone's perfumes samples. Yes guys! I like these samples. Jo Malone makes many goodies such as candles, perfumes, colognes, body and hair care. Perfumes samples are no longer easy to get I remember some sellers telling me that samples are expensive to make now so you can imagine how happy I was when I opened my gift box and saw them inside. You know how much I like and love perfumes and candles. Jo Malone's perfumes smell so good and fresh! I like the fact that her perfumes can stay all day long because they are concentrated.

 The ones that I got have a fruity scent and others have a floral scent. I am Not disappointed at all, I simply like them all!

Some of the Jo Malone's perfumes samples that I received

I will definitely buy my own bottle of perfume from Jo Malone soon. I have never tried her candles and bath products I guess they are as good as the perfumes that she makes.Talking about candles have you ever tried Whitney Houston's favorite candles? If you like candles like I do then why don't you check out the website of these candles. Her sister in Law Pat Houston, makes them in memory of Whitney. Those candles are inspired by Whitney Houston so if you are a fan I guess you will like them especially if you like God (Just read the description of each candles). I like the design I like everything about those candles really! Here is the website: http://www.marionpcandles.com/ I guess Marion is Pat Houston's other name (Whitney's sister in law who is in charge of these products but correct me if I am wrong)
 You can buy one or two in order to try them if you want and to have an idea of the smell (Scent). You see what I mean? Like how good it smelled in Whitney's house with these candles around in her place. Yes! they are fine ones you know she had fine taste.

Whitney Houston's favorite candles

Like I always say, I like to discover new things. So I had a hand crafted soap made by Amara with natural ingredients. For my new year gift, I also got that natural soap made of Chocolate and Mint and you can actually smell the chocolate and mint on you. It's amazing and natural! The company that produces it makes different types everything is naturally made and if you are curious to visit their website and see what they sell here it is:  http://www.amarasoaps.com/ They also have a Facebook page you can like it! I also got some essential oils in a nice little box. My family knows about my passion for scents since my young age. Early on my age I was always looking at my mum's perfumes and try to remember the name or the brand with the smell. My mum had a really fine choice of perfumes. Once she bought one I could just opened it smell and remember the name. Whenever I met a woman wearing a perfume that I remember the smell I would tell her the name of the perfume on her. They (Women) were usually amazed. I guess I lost a little bit of my nose ability anyway...Yes! Essential oils are important I can do many things with them...

Amara soap (chocolate and mint)

Some essential oils and my chocolate&mint soap



What else did I get? Ok...I got these two nice scarves of Alpaca Diana. Diana Alpaca is from Peru . I received a purple and a blue one. Once again it's a finely hand made work with a nice shape I am not disappointed at all. It feels so soft on your hands, on your skin and it is really good for a chilly or cold weather. It's like holding a teddy bear in your arms. That type of fabric is so nice and good it's like a lama's fur. I need such scarves to protect my neck properly because I easily catch cold. I just recently went back to Texas and I have already caught another cold. I first caught it in December and it was so bad I could not do a lot I was stuck at home. Then here I am again with another one.

My two Alpaca Diana scarves
 

And the last one gift are two boxes of chocolates!! Chocolate can never be forgotten right? I think I am really addicted to the Ferrero Rocher I am sure you know what I am talking about. When  I start eating one I can be done with an entire little box the same day. I know it's scary I should be careful with it. Really they are addictive because they are so good with the hazelnuts! The others are some Ghirardelli dark chocolate with mint. I love it! Talking about mint and chocolate I remember president Obama said once that his favorite ice cream was mint with chocolate chips. Well, I thought it was funny and a good taste! I was not into mint with chocolate I mean I have never thought trying it until I decided to do so and I like it since then. Yes, now I understand

 

This Summer (My summer) should be better prepared than the one I had few years ago. Last year it was a little bit on a rush. I have now many brochures that I read and this time around, I will get the best out of my vacations. I will see if I can make it all but I will first visit my family I miss them so much! So the first destination this Summer will be France and the rest will follow.... and...What about...London? What about Spain? In Spain there are so many nice monuments, great artists. What about Burkina Faso in Africa? I like this country too. Hum....Ok! I will see how, when and where.

 

Have you ever been in Iceland? I wonder how it is there...Just curious I have never been there maybe someday. I am sure it's a cold place but the pictures of the natural landscape are so nice! I read on a document in internet that Iceland is one of the best countries in the world where life is good. I mean by good, economically like everybody lives well there. Sometimes it's good to be a little bit adventurer . I mean like being opened: Exploring that country is also a good thing maybe there are many opportunities who knows? However it's always good to gather information first before jumping in the adventure. My brother in law shared us a nice link about Iceland. Interesting! I read it you might want to check it out: http://stuckiniceland.com/places-to-see-in-iceland/icelandic-road-trip/ 

A calendar and Magazines with pictures of Iceland.



I think I share a lot about the beginning of this year 2015 in this little post. I hope you like what you saw.  This Is It!!! Thank you for reading!

 

  MJ "This Is It"



New Year 2015!

It's a new year and I am glad to see this new year. Always glad I am at the beginning of the year. I hope many of you spent good times with your family.
To me it was totally different but I like the fact that it was different! Sometimes it's good to change your habit a little bit. I just came back from Mexico at Nuevo Leon and I really enjoyed the trip. People were really nice there! However my Spanish was...kind of poor I mean I lost a lot...Listen to that if you want to hear that "Spanish" according to Laetitia (Smile!) The word "bonita" was not supposed to be used for the description of this monument but hey! He understood what I meant! Probably I could be saying esta bonito...

Well! No comment but now I am going to go back to my Spanish book. It has been a long time that I have practiced this language. I will definitely be going back there to Mexico I really liked the country, the people. I will have a post on it. I have few pictures to share and little funny stories about the trip! I can't believe I have already some subjects to write about. For this trip I am like a "mini reporter" for you guys.
     For this year, I also have a post to share with you about the Polka dots style. I like it so much! I didn't think about posting it until now. Let's say after the stripes and jeans fever, I have the Polka dots fever coming now yay! We all like the polka dots right?! Look at this nice picture:

(Yes! That's what I am talking about! Something like that! The polka dots...There is more coming!)

Then, I will have something else but it's going to be step by step work.
This new year I decide to change many things: I will do my best to avoid stress...Gosh! I dislike stress. It has so much bad effects on people. Ok! No stress promise no stress this year  I am going to stay Zen! Yes I will keep trusting in God no matter what. There is something that I want to say: Don't hesitate to "turn the page" when things tend to get you nowhere. It hurts but it's better than going nowhere, turning around. Also, I have learned that it's better to try than to have never attempted something. If it works good! But if not ...well... It's not the end of the world at least it was an attempt. Always ask for help or for information. It doesn't hurt You never know what you can get I am serious about that. I realized how much fear and shyness can mislead life purpose and destiny. I don't want to say that life is short I do not agree with this term "Short" It depends. No I will simply say life is precious so...let's make the best out of it! (A quality of life)
    I am from Africa and I like the African culture It is so diversified and I love it I don't know if sometimes you listen to my playlist. The music are all from Africa excepted maybe two or three of them which are Caribbean, they are so diversified. I like music from Africa a lot! But I must precise this: I am also glad that I learn about other cultures It's amazing! Our world is nice and wonderful!
For this new year I am also going to work more on the "Who I am". There will never be two "You" so make sure that you like yourself the way God has created you. Every new year means there are  new and different decisions to make plus challenges but at the end, we are the ones who make things happen.
  This is an example of notes on new resolutions (In French) for some of us I found them interesting. It's from the Facebook page "Do It in Paris"

The notes are not all my complete concern because:
1/ I don't smoke but for those who do 2015 should be a year of no cigarettes guys! really. We all know the bad consequences of smoking how it affects lungs and it reduces the ability to have a good health some people died from it. So in orange it's written: "Stop smoking"
2/ In blue "Take up sport!" There is no need to repeat that sport it's important for our well being. everybody needs sport! Children and adult we all need it. I will definitely do that this year. When I found the picture that I just post below I literally loved it! It is from a women's magazine. The expression of the body of that woman who posed for this picture is incredible! Ok! Ladies it's time for gym now. I have to admit I was a little bit lazy at the end of year 2014. This picture should help to motivate you and me! To those who are already doing gym, keep doing the right thing!

3/ The last on the note pad in green, it's written "Find a lover" Hummm....lol!!! Like really?!!! I think they are probably right I should do that this year. Well... I guess it will be challenging because I have been on my own for years now and...It didn't bother me that much especially that people are "not True" nowadays so... I should take this green one lightly even though I must admit they are right for some reasons. No pressure! I am taking my time and during that time, I am reading to learn what is a successful relationship from interesting authors . I have an answer to that green note too and I read it somewhere: "Being Single is smarter than being with the wrong person" so...I will see...However I will say to myself "Find a sweet and cute little pet" for an unconditional love.

Voila! Voila!! Thank you "Do It In Paris" for sharing this nice little note paper with good ideas for this new year! Gracias! Gracias!
    This is my year no matter what, "I'm Coming Out" (Diana Ross a Lady that I like so much)
I will get stronger than ever. I wish you once again Happy New Year 2015 full of success, love, happiness, good health, children...All the good things.
Thank You Ms. Ross for the lyrics of that song, I take them and believe they are mine this year. No more negativity. Staying positive, staying Fabulous and staying Zen!

I want to stay fabulous and Zen this year! (picture from a Magazine)

That video has pictures of me and Ms.Diana! Yay!!! By the way guys I have a post on her if you are curious to read it. I wrote it in November 2014 the title is "Diana" Check it out if you are interested. She will be doing some concerts around the country this year starting February I think. I should check it to make sure. Her Tour for 2015 Maybe you will be interested to go.
An inspiring quote that I found and want to share with you

Little memories from the...90's. That was when we were too young and too fond of these three guys for those who remember. Ok! Ladies you need a man who thinks like that. He would do anything for you I am serious. Just Listen to the lyrics of the song. If somebody tells you that "he loves you" then he Has to prove it. Do not believe the words until he shows you something real and that is how it is supposed to be. Personally I don't believe words because many people can say words and think differently. Politicians are good at it so...No! My friend was complaining recently that some men are no longer courteous and gallant nowadays. I think she is right.
          That song also reminds me of the time when my friend at school had her first runway for her aunt who was doing Fashion. Her aunt made some clothes and she walked for her she picked that song for it. We went to support her.

Thank you for passing by...

Poemes pour Notre Chere Afrique

(Poems to Our Dear Africa) My reading version

Pour debuter cette nouvelle annee dans mon blog, J'ai pense une fois de plus  a partager ces beaux poemes Africains que j'aime beaucoup qui m'ont aussi bien inspires (Confere: Ma page de l'annee precedente "Poems to Our Dear Africa") My reading version of my selected African poems. I have a youtube channel where I share some of these African poems if you want to hear some more
             J'ai tenu a les partager d'une maniere plus vivante c'est a dire en les lisant pour vous telle une poete, quand bien meme je n'en suis pas une (sourire). L'inspiration que j'avais etait de mettre quelques images dont je ne prendrais aucun credit car elles ne sont pas les miennes, de les mettre de facon a ce qu'elles puissent nous emporter vous et moi dans l'univers de nos chers poetes Africains.
Pour se faire, J'ai commence par le poeme de David Diop bien evidemment : "Afrique mon Afrique." Une tres jolie introduction que j'ai juge bonne tout comme dans mon article precedent. Ce poeme  a de la vie. J'ai essaye d'expliquer par mon analyse du poeme la fenetre d'espoir pour le continent qu'ouvre David Diop a la fin de ce poeme
"Afrique, Mon Afrique" (Africa, My Africa) by David Diop  (From Senegal/West Africa)

Je ne pourrais pas faire la lecture de tous j'ai tout simplement fait une stricte selection. Cette selection comme vous pouvez le voir comprend des poemes connus de nous tous. Je n'ai pas mis de poemes en Anglais. J'ai essaye de mettre la diversite malgre tout.

Le deuxieme poeme est le suivant: "Femme Noire" de Leopold Sedar Senghor. Pouvais je poster des poemes sans mettre au moins un de Leopold Sedar Senghor? Impossible seuls les connaisseurs savent. Senghor est bel et bien un incontournable de la poesie africaine. Alors ecoutons Femme Noire, femme Africaine:
"Femme Noire, Femme Africaine" (Black Women, African Women) by Leopold Sedar Senghor. (From Senegal/West Africa)

Mon autre version que j'ai essayee d'ameliorer dans la lecture. Qu'en pensez vous?

N'etait ce pas beau? Comme je disais les femmes Africaines dont je fais partie devraient s'inspirer de temps a autres.
Les suivants sont ceux de Soni Labou Tansi et de Ndouna Depenaud. Deux poemes assez speciaux qui nous poussent a analyser les idees derrieres leurs ecrits. Je les ai mis dans une meme video parce qu'ils ne sont pas longs. J'avoue qu'ils ne me laissent jamais indifferente chaque fois que je les lis. C'est du talent! Parfois je me demande si l'on aura encore ce genre d'auteurs en Afrique dans les annees a venir. Voila: Les Mots parlent ensuite "La Honte et La Peur"
1/ "Les Mots Parlent" (Words speak) by Sony Labou Tansy (From Congo/ Central Africa)

2/ "La Honte et La Peur" (Shame and Fear) by Pascal Ndouna Depenaud. (From Gabon/ Central Africa)

Appreciez!

Mon favori de tous les temps "Le Chant des Rameurs" de Birago Diop. Je me suis rendue compte avec un peu de recul que Birago Diop est certainement un de mes poetes Africains preferes. Le choix de ses poesies n'ont jamais ete un choix intentionel sinon que chaque fois quand je me retrouve a les lire je ressens une connection speciale avec ses ecrits. Je n'ai pourtant aucun lien ou jamais visite sa terre natale mais je pense que c'est cela la magie de la literature et de la pensee . Birago Diop a cette capacite de m'emporter a travers ses poemes.
"Le Chant des Rameurs" (The Song of the Rowers) by Birago Diop (Senegal/ West Africa)

Un poeme dont je viens de decouvrir enfin le nom de l'auteur :Village Natal. J'aime beaucoup ce poeme car il me rappelle qu'on n'oublie jamais ses origines, ses racines et sa terre. Ces moments passes dans mon village je les garde precieusement dans mon coeur. Je me souviens que mon pere voulait toujours qu'on debute chaque grande vacance au village dabord avant d'aller en France. Ca faisait qu'on apprenait les deux cultures.
Les soirs avec d'autres enfants, on se retrouvait pour raconter des histoires. Ca pouvait etre des contes africains ou des histoires mysterieuses ou tout simplement ce qui se passait a l'ecole etc C'etait toujours un plaisir d'ecouter les plus grands. Il y avait aussi les moments a la riviere: C'etait un peu la competition de celui qui nageait mieux et on pouvait entendre les echos de nos voix, le bruit de la maree et les eclaboussements bref! des moments merveilleux que je manque aujourdhui. Je les revois encore comme si c'etait hier. Maintenant je comprends mieux l'importance de tout ca...
   Parfois en soiree avec mon pere on pouvait aller visiter des parents ou des voisins du village. Je me souviens que j'aimais souvent regarder la lune en marchant en attrapant sa main et l'on pouvait voir de loin la fumee blanche qui montait des cases, les enfants qui jouaient devant, les chiens que les proprietaires chassaient souvent  devant l'entree des cuisines traditionelles et puis les chasseurs rentrant epuises. Certaines femmes rentraient des plantations des paniers plein au dos. Je suis contente d'avoir eu la chance d'apprendre a planter avec mes parents on allait aussi a la peche c'etait des experiences bien enrichissantes. Lorsque j'etais en Afrique de l'Ouest j'ai eu l'occasion de visiter des villages mais c'etait pas tres long. J'ai constate qu'il y avait des petites differences mais c'est pareil en general parce que cest l'Afrique avant tout
Voila...Cetait un tout dans le village natal. C'est la raison pour laquelle j'aime beaucoup beaucoup ce poeme
"Village Natal" (Native Village by Pr. Jean Louis DONGMO)

Je vous parle de souvnirs de mes vacances dans mon village en m'inspirant de cette poesie

Ce poeme que j'ai souvent qualifie de mysterieux pour des raisons que je ne saurais expliquer. Ce poeme eveille en nous ce quelque chose qui n'a rien de charnel c'est plus profond que ca. Bien evidemment nous ne sommes pas obliges d'accepter la pensee de l'auteur mais l'on peut analyser son oeuvre poetique et comprendre sa pensee en partie.
  "Souffle" de Birago Diop ("Breath" The Dead are not Dead by Birago Diop) from Senegal/ West Africa

Un poeme de Cheik Alioune Ndao "A l'Afrique" Voila un poeme court et simple pour notre mere Afrique
"A l'Afrique" (To Africa) by Cheik Alioune Ndao

 Voici un autre poeme que j'ai longtemps aime tres tot dans mes annees lycee. Un poeme que j'aime toujours et qui me procure une emotion tres speciale chaque fois que je le lis. Nous le connaissons tous pour la plupart. Il s'agit du poeme d'un grand auteur Africain d'origine Guineenne Camara Laye. "A Ma Mere" (To My Mother) a poem that he wrote to his beloved mother. Un poeme qui nous rappelle l'importance de l'amour partage entre une mere et son enfant. 

"To My Mother" by Camara Laye (from Guinea/ West Africa)

Un joli poeme d'un auteur Ivoirien appele Bernard Dadie. Il est un romancier, conteur il a ecrit pas mal de pieces de theatre. J'ai vraiment aime ce poeme et le message derriere. Prenez le temps de l'ecouter avec ma petite analyse selon moi
"Les Lignes de Nos Mains" Bernard Dadie/
(The lines of our hands palms Bernard Dadie from Ivory Coast /West Africa)

  Un poeme de Francis Bebey auteur compositeur, guitariste et journaliste d'origine Camerounaise. Dans ce poeme il nous emporte dans le coeur d'un jeune griot. Je pense qu'il a voulu dire a travers ce poeme l'importance de garder notre culture Africaine. De ne pas se sentir different puisque nous sommes Enfants du meme continent.
Francis Bebey "Qui Es Tu?" ("Who Are You?" Francis Bebey from Cameroon/ Central Africa)

J'ai voulu mettre une poesie Afro Caraibeenne parce que les Antilles et l'Afrique ont beaucoup de liens en commun. Ceci est une poesie de l'auteur Guadeloupeen Guy Tirolien. La premiere fois que j'ai eu a l'apprendre je l'ai aime tres vite et ca n'a pas ete difficile pour moi de l'apprendre par coeur. C'est l'histoire de la priere d'un petit enfant Noir de la Guadeloupe. Une poesie tres engage denoncant le changement culturel de la race Noire. J'ai aussi mis ma reflexion par rapport au message de l'auteur
Priere d'Un Petit Enfant Negre de Guy Tirolien (French Caraibean/ Guadeloupe)

Ce poeme suivant est celui de Pierre Claver Akendengue "Le Coupeur d'Okoume" Un arbre tres geant que l'on retrouve au Gabon et qui fait l'objet d'exploitation forestiere, une importante activite economique.
"Le Coupeur d'Okoume" ( Okoume cutter) By Pierre Claver Akendengue (from Gabon/ Central Africa)                   The Okoume is a gigantic tree in central Africa.

Et le dernier poeme est dedie aux jeunes ecoliers Africains. Ce tout petit poeme intitule "Pour l'Ecole" est de l'ecrivain Gabonais Pascal Ndouna Depenaud.
"Pour l'Ecole" (For School) by Pascal Ndouna Depenaud (From Gabon/Central Africa)

Il ya plusieurs autres poemes Africains dans ma chaine youtube. Donc si vous voulez vous pouvez faire un tour rapide (sourire)
J'aimerai conclure cet article avec une chanson poetique d'une chanteuse d'origine Tunisienne que j'ai vraiment aime! Amina Annabi. Sa chanson: "C'est Le Dernier Qui a Parle Qui a Raison" a eu du success dans les annees 90 notamment en France. J'ai jamais cesse d'ecouter cette chanson a cause des paroles et du style de la musique (La melodie). Je poste sa presentation  a Eurovison en 1991 parce que j'ai apprecie c'est  vraiment dans un style poetique meme s'il y avait beaucoup qu'elle exprimait derriere les mots.
(I just wanted to end this post with a great Tunisian singer named Amina Annabi. Tunisia is a country in North Africa. I love this poetic song "C'est Le Dernier Qui a Parle Qui a raison" ( It's The Last One who has spoken Who is Right) the way I can translate the title.That song had  a great success in the 90's. The first time I heard that song I was on vacation ever since  I kept listen to it whenever I am alone at home during my free times.You can see her performing it at Eurovision in 1991. Enjoy!

Voila! Je pense que c'etait une bonne facon pour moi de debuter cette nouvelle annee 2015. J'ai desire debuter cette annee "poetiquement" (sourire!!) si je peux le dire ainsi. Non seulement poetiquement mais surtout en debutant dans mes sources. J'espere que que vous avez apprecie. Je vous invite aussi a decouvrir plus de poems Africains sur ma chaine youtube.coma Laetitia Meyo.
Merci pour tous les commentaires si vous en avez . Merci!