Fear of Mexico

Here in Canada, Mexico is back on the news again for a series of sordid crimes which took place in recent weeks. Murders and vicious attacks on Canadian tourists... nothing to do with the drug cartels fighting for their share of the market.

I was always one to strongly advice people to filter what their hear on the media with common sense - Mexico is a BIG country! To put it in prospective, ask yourself if you would feel safe going to Vancouver if a murder took place in Toronto (which they do... of course). Troubled areas comprise about 1% of Mexico - but for some reason, the media is all over it as soon as it happens and are quick to report it as a 'Mexico' incident. What if we replaced the word 'Mexico' with the word 'Canada', or 'United States' - with little regard on where exactly the incident took place? Would you still go on vacation in Florida if you hear that someone was viciously beaten in the United States? Do these types of crimes on Canadians happen in other countries? In other vacation destinations? Yes, they do. Then why don't we hear bout these?

This has been going on for years... and Mexico has a reputation for being a risky destination now. With these recent headlines, two of our fellow travellers have pulled out of our upcoming trip to Yucatan because they fear that something bad is likely to happen. I'm getting tired of waving the safety flag and quite honestly, I can't say that it's perfectly safe either... no inhabited place on earth is perfectly safe.

For the first time - I feel that undertaking a project in the tourism sector is pretty much doomed right now in Mexico. Especially if it involves getting out of the mainstream resort style. If most people tend to be fearful about Mexico, very few will be interested in venturing out of the beaten path and drive around the country - no matter how remote, safe and peaceful the state of Yucatan may really be. So I think that for the time being, it's wise to keep the next trip as yet another vacation - with passive research and development.

Dark Monday

A couple of days ago I heard on the radio that the third Monday of January is considered to be the worst day of the year... it's called Dark Monday or something like that. It's cold, many people struggle with their post-Holiday bills, and many have already failed at keeping their new year's resolutions. Of course, the next thing you hear is how the economy is crumbling, and how many people were killed around the world. Yay! Good morning to you too! There is a crying need for positive news in the media...

I am getting back into work mode, and getting organised for my upcoming teaching engagements. It's all looking pretty good so far, and my team is working at maximum capacity. I have a new teacher on board, and he will be starting on Monday. I gave him two training sessions, and I will be accompanying him in the classroom for as long as he needs... probably three weeks. Looking forward to seeing him at work, his teaching style will determine what type of assignments I can give him.

I am looking into sorting out our finances... with interest rates dropping so low we will be exploring our mortgage options. Tim will also sort out our phone and cable and internet cost, we can surely get a better deal - it's a drag to research that, but well worth it.

Tim is starting a hockey school for women, fantastic idea!!! It looks like it will work out... it will start on the first week of February. I hope that it will be a success, he certainly deserves it - and the cashflow will be a relief. I purchased lottery tickets last week and this week... a sure sing of financial despair for me... I don't count on luck when it comes to money. It sounds silly, but I accidentally broke 3 glasses last week and one yesterday. I never break dishes, so I figured that it might be a sign - maybe my guardian angel is trying to tell me something. Is breaking glass really a sign of good luck? I guess we'll see.

One day at the time... focus on the task of the moment... soon February... and then March, and Spring time.

Winter has arrived

Yep, on Friday, January 13, 2012 - winter has arrived in Toronto. Snow, followed by very cold days. As much as it feels normal to have true winter weather at last, it's a reminder that it's my least favorite time of the year. I get the blues... working seems much more difficult... and I try hard to focus on the task of the moment instead of dwelling on the frozen world I have to live in, probably until late March. I hang on to facts which are sure signs of upcoming late winter and early spring... like days getting longer, and Valentine's day, and bulb flowers available in stores soon after, and March Break... Can't wait until the world turns green again.

My sons LOVE winter - and it does make it a bit easier to see them enjoy the season. Tim is out with them, he is also fond of winter. I'm the one staying home to work on whatever has to be done, welcoming them in their warm and cozy home with hot chocolate.

I am also starting to loosely look at our plans for the summer - that too makes my days a little easier. I will invest some time and energy in fixing-up our backyard, it will be good for me, and everyone in the family will enjoy the outcome. I have not taken care of our yard for at least three years... a reflection of my state of mind and mid-life personal confusion. I think that getting back into gardening will be therapeutic in many ways.

Is this the post-holiday blues? Possibly... it was pretty sweet to be free for a couple of weeks.

Developments on the next trip...

The next trip is most definitely developing in interesting ways... and not at all as I initially intended to. It's a wonderful exercise in letting go, I tend to be very focused on my own vision when planning a trip. Adjusting to my friend Jeanne-Marie's concept is exciting, I know I will have loads of fun with her, and certainly some of her friends too.

I was feeling a bit like the odd girl out since most of our fellow travellers are JM's friends who know each other - when surprise surprise... One of my sisters is joining us! And she will be staying with me in Mérida as well - Fantastic!!! She will meet me here in Toronto, and we will fly to Mexico together. She was able to book the seat beside mine! I'm thrilled.

Furhtermore... my old friend Jose-Luis will be in Merida in early May, and is looking forward to getting together when I get there! Jose-Luis is the very first person I met the very first time I went to Mexico for a vacation - in Cancun, 26 years ago. A few months later when I moved to Cancun, him and his wife Neous took me somewhat under their wing. Jose-Luis introduced me to his French circle of friends, we would go out on various excursions, I eventually rented an apartment with Jose-Luis's brother in the house of one of those good friends, Christian and Yvonne. It was my first home base in Mexico.

And to add to the excitement, there is the pilot project I will be able to explore with my partner in crazy ideas... my sister Céline who is joining me on this trip. In terms of structure and itinerary, it's the perfect opportunity to investigate every angle, on site. It feels like the start of the outcome - fifteen years of planning and assessing... something is about to happen!

With all that of course comes the price tag, and I do have to pedal hard for cashflow until my departure in late Apri. After my return in mid-May too no doubt. All worth the extra effort and coordination of course, very much so.

Flipping the page to a new year

We had a great party on January 1st, all afternoon and until about 8pm. Such a collection of good old friends show-up every time, it's a happy tradition. Good food too of course, most guests bring something and I prepare some plates too. Eating party style is wonderful, tasting a little this and a little of that, good wine and good company, I like it. I guess it's a matter of mood too of course, so does that mean that I'm into the Holidays? Maybe... the eating and the sleeping in parts anyway : )

Today is January 2, and I am transitioning back to work this week. Already sent a bunch of invoices today, and sent a few emails to confirm new students. I still have to prepare for my teacher training session of January 9th, with my two French Music Teachers 'Extrordinaires', preparing the team for the winter program. New seasonal activities, making sure that they have a good plan in hands and the material they need. I took a look at some employment contracts... I'll have to give it my best shot and prepare a draft. After all, I do have some HR experience from a past life.
I also have to prepare for a meeting with the principal of Le Collège Français, they lost their music teacher and I will propose a couple of programs to address some requirements of the provincial curriculum. They expressed interest in my application for the full time job, but as crazy as it may seem - I am not interested at this time. I very much enjoy being a free agent.

On the Mexico front, an old project has resurfaced as the prime opportunity for the next trip. I actually have started drafting that project before I was a music teacher - and eventually decided to put it aside and see if the future might revive it. It seems to be the time! The main idea is to offer a vacation package in a beach house instead of a hotel setting. I'm very excited because this trip will allow me to run a test drive for a 5 day program, and get valuable feedback from a fair size group of guests. Showing off Yucatan and its lifestyle as I love it is most definitely a fun project!!! I would also like to link this project to Telchac Education, an important ethical component for the full blown version of this idea - and in any foreign business activity, in my view.

2012 is looking good so far!!!

Family Escapade Recipes - Sweets

Haaa, Fooood! As I was thinking of the past year, it occurred to me that our big trip did influence our eating habits - as anticipated. For one thing the kids have a much wider food palette now. The trip gave me the opportunity to explore new recipes with local Yucatan foods, and it was a pleasant part of our adventure. I posted recipes over the past year, but I thought it would be a good idea to make a 'best of' compilation, in different categories.

Here is a collection of dessert recipes that I have discovered in the past year, part of which consisted of our 3 month family escapade to Mexico, in late 2010- early 2011. I added some recipes that I have discovered after we returned home, and here I share only what I deem deserving of our attention... of course.

Our first escapade destination in mid-November 2010 was Xcalak, a very remote and idillic spot in the extreme South-East of Mexico. We were in cozy Casa Caracola (www.casacaracola.com), with solar power and rain water, in the heart of the Xcalak National Reef Park. It was us, and the pristine sea - a snorkeling paradise. Food wise, the produce truck came by twice a week, and except for tortillas baked goods were particularly rare. So my cooking quest began with desserts while in Xcalak, and I found an apple cake and banana cream pie which I kept making later at the ranch - and all along our Mexico trip, and thereafter. Enjoy!

EASY APPLE CAKE
2 cups diced apples (small cubes)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 egg, beaten
1 cup flour
1tsp baking soda
1/4 sp salt
Cinnamon and vanilla to taste
-Mix the diced apples with the sugar and let sit for 30 min. Add oil and egg, cinnamon and vanilla and mix, add dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into a prepared 8'' or 9'' pan, bake at 350F for 40 to 45 min. To add a special touch after it cooled a bit, I poked the top with a fork and drizzled maple sirup on it. Yummy yummy! You can also make this cake using pears or peaches, or mangoes. Makes a great breakfast or afternoon snack!
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BANANA CREAM PIE
3/4 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter, 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
4 bananas, sliced
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt. Add milk in gradually while stirring gently. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly. Keep stirring and cook for about 2 more minutes, and then remove from the burner. Stir a small quantity of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks (to warm them up), and immediately add egg yolk mixture to the rest of the hot mixture. Cook for 2 more minutes; remember to keep stirring. Remove the mixture from the stove, and add butter and vanilla. Stir until the whole thing has a smooth consistency. Slice bananas into the cooled baked pastry shell. Top with pudding mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes (I cook it for at least 20 min. for a firmer result). Chill for an hour.
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Moving along - We spent the last week of our 3 month escapade in Tulum, where we met a wonderful couple who are building a house in the jungle inland, near Coba. She gave me a big bottle of local honey, so when we arrived home I started to search for ways to use this precious sirup. Here are a couple of good finds :

HONEY GINGER CAKE
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp grated lemon peel (I used orange peel, very nice too!)
4tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Blend sugar and honey into butter, add yogurt, eggs, lemon peel and ginger - Mix well
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
Fold liquid ingredients into dry mixture.
Pour into greased 9" pan (a 'tube pan' - as for angel cakes - might actually be best since the centre of my cake was uncooked), bake 30-35 minutes
Cool and remove from pan - Dribble with Honey (optional) and serve.
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HONEY GRANOLA BARS
1 cup granola
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup raisins1/3 cup toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

-In a large bowl combine granola, oats, flour, coconut, almonds, raisins or chocolate pieces, wheat germ, and brown sugar.
-In a small bowl combine the egg, honey, butter or margarine, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients. Stir together until all ingredients are moistened.
-Spread evenly in a greased 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until light brown on the edges.
-Cool completely in the pan (I always set the pan on a cooling rack). Cut into squares or bars. Makes about 24.
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And at last, here are a couple of my home favorites :

BERRY POUDING CAKE (from my childhood in Quebec city)
Poor 2 cups of blueberries (or other berries) in a 'crown' baking pan, and sprinkle with sugar or honey. In a bowl mix together 1 cup of sugar (or half and half white and brown sugar), 1 cup of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt. In a measuring cup, melt 3/4 cup of butter, add 2 eggs, and fill with milk up to 1 cup. Mix with dry ingredients until smooth and creamy, and poor evenly on the fruit. Spread the dough with a fork as needed, and bake in the oven at 350F for 55 minutes. Let it cool for 10 or 15 minutes, and serve with ice cream - or with yogurt! Oh yes!
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BEST BANANA BREAD EVER! (discovered this one only last fall - simple and super good!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix 1/3 cup of melted butter into 3 or 4 ripe mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in 3/4 cup of sugar (or a little less), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt over the mixture and mix in. Add 1 1/2 cup of flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

On the other side of Christmas

On the other side of Christmas, there are peaceful and lazy mornings stretching to the afternoon. Kids playing with their new toys, and adults drinking way too much coffee while listening to their new music. I'm planning on cooking over the next few days. Both for our family needs and for our upcoming traditional Levy - a fair size gathering of good friends on January 1st.

The Holidays are nice so far, but still strangely too green for the end of December. Worrisome. We humans must change our idiotic ways of not respecting our limited resources. We are living on a self sustainable island, and based on our current state it appears that we're quite the devastating pest infestation... Call that intelligent????

Okay... back on a positive note, as Jack Layton once said - 'let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.'

And more on the positive side, I will be in Yucatan in 4 months and I am very much looking forward to it. I put some time into the April to June schedule for my business, and my work is perfectly timed around the trip.

Still no news about the Merida teacher training project - no development whatsoever. So I will no longer try to get this one going, and my expectation is now to simply go and shake hands with some key contacts in Merida. Trust my instincts, go with an open mind, and see what happens. Sometimes it takes a little longer to find how the puzzle pieces fit together. There is something brewing over the years, and I shall get to it eventually! Yucatan will always be part of my life.

Well well.. with that it's already 1pm and I'm still in my jammies! It's a cold crisp and sunny day in Toronto - and I'm gonna get myself some of that frozen vitamin D!!!