México Appreciation Thread

[HAL 9000 96]

OK... We have the US and Canada... and Japan. I am starting this to remind ourselves, in the same manner, all the incredible contributions that México has endowed upon the rest of the planet, geographically, culturally, and in culinary areas.

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Canyon hunters will love Copper Canyon. Recently I saw an ad for some hard to get to natural parks east of the central mountains that were completely georgeous in the number of lakes, rivers, and canyons, and I hope to be able to make it sometime.

Being a fan of whale watching, the Pacific Coast boasts some beautiful areas to catch early morning pods frolicking in the rising sun. Surfers can rejoice along the Baja California peninsula, but a not so secret Puerto Escondido much further south along the coast has a consistent swell that varies from mid-size 8 footers (huge for most beginners) to humongous 40+ footers out to sea during winter swells.

Divers and sailors can enjoy the more calm waters off of the Yucatán, and traverse one of the world's longest reefs. Great sights! More mature Spring Breakers can hit Cozumel or save some cash at Playa del Carmen instead of the wild Cancún, but even here you'll find excellent, relaxed locations to base a Yucatán adventure.

Many friends ended up studying medicine in Guadalajara for some odd reason... and upon learning of the med school's reputation for producing solid, high quality physicians I understood why... along with the relatively low price tag. One thing I did not know was the time of mandatory civil service to the poor that these new doctors are asked to provide. An excellent consideration that could be used elsewhere where health care costs are high. But Guadalajara has much more, beyond mariachis, and tequila and hot ladies... indeed I think a trip is in order to catch up.

Having friends in culinary circles I can vouch for the incredible legacy Mexican cuisine has had and will have on the food of the world. And its not just Tacos and Flautas and Refried beans either. Recently I had something like empanadas, fried and then dunked in a spicy tomato broth, all topped with shredded lettuce with cotija. This has a specific name, as the masa is very specific, and even other Mexicans I know had a hard time identifying the recipe made by our friend. It is a regional specialty literally specific to the area of a small city close to Puebla. Also... the varieties of chile peppers makes for incredible takes on the Poblano and stuffed peppers we may know here. Finally, where would all of us be without cacao? Chocolate is the bittersweet product of the cacao seed... and every day I eat some or drink some I think the Mayans and Aztecs for cultivating it to the point of export.

I also thank the Mayans for the numerical concept of 0. Without it, so many mathematical processes would be almost impossible to resolve. With great regret I lament that our worldly astronomy and even climate science has yet much to learn from what the Mayans were semi-mystically practicing centuries ago. Much like with Euclid's Egyptian theories of geometry, if the conquering Spaniards had used Mayan knowledge it is quite possible our modern society could have had much better climate models, potentially giving us much better insight into the issues we are dealing with both on the scientific front and on the often misinterpreting lay front.

Definitely there is a universe of things out there from this rich neighbor to our south that deserves much more positive attention.

Please share your positive experiences and specific wonders with the rest of us.

[Carlawarla 1]

I've travelled to Mexico just once, but had an incredible vacation. It was to Cancun, in the 70's, well before it became a tourist destination as we see it today. The people were the most generous that I've ever seen. The food was incredible. The beaches pristine. I'd love to go back!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I've been to Cozumel lots of times, it's a pretty cool place.

It's been a while since I was there though, so I kinda forget most of it

[BishopMnA 0]

BrotherH9G...today is a good day to start a Mexico Appreciation Thread because....

Hoy es 20 Noviembre 2009. Happy 99th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution!

And special to our favorite ChopMexiCanadalita, Hermana Len

I grew up in Texas so Mexico was our vacation land, and I also worked in Mexico City for one year. It truly is a wonderful country.

Edited November 20, 2009 by MarkNAam

[HAL 9000 96]

BrotherH9G...today is a good day to start a Mexico Appreciation Thread because....

Hoy es 20 Noviembre 2009. Happy 99th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution!

And special to our favorite ChopMexiCanadalita, Hermana Len

I grew up in Texas so Mexico was our vacation land, and I also worked in Mexico City for one year. It truly is a wonderful country.

Brother Mark... indeed... a most beautiful country and excellent people. So we can call you an honorary chilango as well??? LOL

And look at that coincidence... 99 years!

!!Que viva México!!

[Scott & Lai 12]

I also thank the Mayans for the numerical concept of 0. Without it, so many mathematical processes would be almost impossible to resolve.

Actually, although the Mayans did invent the zero, they were not the only ones to do so. Western European civilization got the zero from India via the Arabs.

[almaty 19]

[justashooter 430]

not much action in this thread. where's pedro?

I also thank the Mayans for the numerical concept of 0. Without it, so many mathematical processes would be almost impossible to resolve.

Actually, although the Mayans did invent the zero, they were not the only ones to do so. Western European civilization got the zero from India via the Arabs.

i guess this means that mayans, indians, and arabs are used to having nothing?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

My life would be empty without Mexican food.

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

ME B)

hmmmm where do i start,

TACOS AL PASTOR (look even this gringo approves this message )

Pozole

Tacos sudados

Mayan Riviera

Chichen Itza

Hermana Len

My momma

Edited November 20, 2009 by TävôLuDô

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Carlos Santana.

[almaty 19]

[Kevin and 10]

Jarrtos Soda

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

*sigh*

Coca-Cola made with REAL sugar

[HAL 9000 96]

I have to hand it to Mexican soap operas too... they are a good benchmark for others to be the best they can be.

Thanks Scott. We can also go back to the Babylonians too, I guess for their work on the concept of using a 'space' in their numerical cuneiform. But the numerical concept itself is Maya and maybe even Olmec if I am not mistaken. Maybe they had contact with Indians... ?