Long week-end get away in Mexico City

                                                                                                         
My wife, Mercedes and I selected to spend our long Labor Day week-end in Mexico City. After a relaxing flight from Los Angeles, I looked out from the plane as I was being welcomed to the valley of Mexico by its two millennial Aztec lovers; Popocatépetl whose eternal love and passion still burns today and his beautiful princess Iztaccíhuatl. These two volcanoes are the most admired and revered in all of México.

After a quick stop at customs at Benito Juarez airport, we were greeted by uncle Angel, his wife Yami and their son Alejando, "el niño". After some warm embraces, we unanimously agreed to feast on the fine cuisine Mexico city is famous for... Yami guided Angel through the asphalt jungle of this huge metropolis of 20 million souls to La Colonia de Aragon. Here we were introduced to El Montejo, a three story restaurant specializing in savory dishes from Yucatan. We selected seating in the less crowded top floor. After a few welcomed libations and good food, we were serenaded by this great quartet whose repertoire was exquisite and quite extensive.

Angel on the foreground enjoying the serenade

                                      

Alejandro, "el niño" as his endearingly mother call him joins in with a love song.

After a delicious meal and a few celebratory cheers, our designated driver tackled the congested avenues and boulevards towards our hotel located in Colonia Roma of el centro histórico. After a few more toasts, it was time to rest.
After an evening of "dolce far niente", we woke early for a morning walk along avenida Alvaro Obregon to an intimate cafe. After a light breakfast, we headed to El Templo Mayor.

On on our way to the temple, we stumbled into thousands of runners and many street closures, just our
luck!The International Mexico City Marathon was in progress. The finish line was in el Zocalo, adjacent to El Templo Mayor. After walking a few blocks and cheering some tired runners, we arrived at The Grand Temple, for those of us of Mexican descent walking through the Templo Mayor stirs a kinetic feeling, of wrapping our arms around the rich heritage built by those who came before us. According to Mexica history, the temple is located exactly where the god, Huitzlopochtli, revealed to them the sign; an eagle on top of a cactus devouring a snake. This was the promised land. This is where they would build Tenochtitlan.
The temple was built in the 14th century in honor of the Aztec god of war and water. The Templo was almost destroyed by the Spaniards during their conquest of Tenochtitlan. It was lost for centuries. It was accidentally rediscovered in 1978 by electrical workers digging trenches for the modernization of the city.

El Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor was a pyramid with many of the usual stone carvings. Most of them are now displayed in the museum at the site of the temple. In the foyer of the museum, you will observe this massive and most eminent monolith of the temple, The Aztec earth goddess Tlaltecuhtli.

Tlaltecuhtli  earth goddess, queen of the day, a deity that can be called upon difficult births

The missing piece in the center has never been found. Nevertheless, this discovery has been a source of cultural and ethnic pride for every Mexican, here and abroad. During our visit I could not help but notice the large numbers of young students with note pads, cameras and books taking detailed notes and pictures of each display.

Tzompantli 

Tzompantli walls of human skulls of executed war captives were commonly constructed to frighten their enemies. A large wall can be found on the yard of the site. This one, is a stucco relief located inside the museum. Walls like this were commonly offered to the deity Huitzlopochtli, Aztec god of war.

Coyolxauhqui

This carved round stone is the Aztec moon goddes Coyolxauhqui depicting severed limbs. According to Aztec mythology, she was slain by her brother Huitzilopochtli  because she had killed their mother. In Aztec mythology, this goddess rules the night, but she dies every sunrise; slain by the sun god Coatepec.

After a full day of visiting the Templo Mayor and museum we were fatigued and more than ready for the  Mexican buffet prepared by our amateur chef Angel and his wife Yami.

Stay tuned for Plazas de Aragon, a palatable eatery in Angel's terrace.

72 year old installs water heater

When my friend Bob wanted to borrow some plumbing tools I was suspicious. When he told me he was going to install a new 30 gallon water heater I became worried. I not only took tools to his house but also a first aid kit and emergency phone numbers. I tried to change his mind, reminded him that just a couple months ago he underwent heart surgery. But he was adamant, "...why should I pay for a job I can do myself!" he bawled. Now those of us who know Bob are aware that he is not a job creator and doesn't believe in trickle down economics. It's not that he can't afford it, he receives three retirement checks totaling over six figures monthly. But as he puts it, "... I'm not a tightwad, as your compadre Jorge claims! I enjoy the satisfaction of doing the work myself "! So... here we go.

These are all the tools need  grip pliers, small and medium adjustable crescent wrenches, pipe  joint compound or plumbers putty.

Shut off the gas line yellow and remove from the old water heater, take off the brass nipple from the heater housing, you will need it to attach to the new water otherwise you'll spend $12.00 for a new one. If the old gas line is aluminum or has kinks you must replace it with a new yellow gas line.

With the water shut off to the old heater, red valve, disconnect  the connecting pipes. Note, rust is an indication of water leaks. Disconnect the  flue, center metal tube. Take the old connecting pipes to the hardware store to insure you get the right size replacements.

With everything disconnected drain the water from the old heater. Note Bob's daughter Melanie, who is studying nursing, is standing by in case daddy needs to help.

With everything disconnected Tommy, Melony's boyfriend, helped Bob lift the old  heater out and put the new heater into the closet. Bob quickly began reconnecting the gas, water, flue and safety straps. The last step was checking for water and gas leaks. Everything was OK.

Here it is! the finished work. In no time at all Bob installed his new water heater. He recommends taking of the plastic drain valve that comes on the heater and installing a brass faucet. This makes it easier to drain the heater every few months.  Calcium deposits build up inside the tank, this deposits are the major reason for heater failure.

Upon completion of the job, he treated all those assembled to a wonderful lunch of fish tacos and cold libations. " Price is no object "! he said, " order anything you want ". I can't argue with my friend's logic. He was content and satisfied with his accomplishment.

Fishing the Eastern Sierra Nevada 2012

Mt. Whitney, eastern side, the highest summit in the contiguous US 14,505 ft. considered the gate way to the Sierra
Nevada. An ideal place for rest and relaxation remote yet beautiful.

The allure of the Eastern Sierra Nevada has always been powerful. Its majestic peaks, abundant lakes, clean air and impressive vistas remind me of  Horace Ode 3.3, monumentum aere perennius. To me, Mount Whitney is a monument more lasting than bronze.

Our pursuit of rainbow trout strengthens the seductiveness of scenic places which keep us returning annually. All anglers recognize and willingly yield to the experience. Peripheral to nature's delights  is the enjoyment of being with family and friends before these majestic panoramas.
On this fishing trek we had planned for three father and son teams Javier and Javi, Jose and David and Bob and Bobby, unfortunately young Bobby was not able to join us.We departed the "City of Angels" with our gear, tackle, anticipation and the dream of catching the big one. Four hour later we were casting our lines into a familiar, unfailing  fishing hole, intake two. Bob and Javi, the two experts, briskly caught their first trout, David followed with his first catch in the sierras. Javier and I sputtered  in this sure-fire hole, I spent my time changing metal and Javier taking care of malfunctions with his reel, line and technique. I found it prudent to move away from him and closer to those catching fish with out much success. I moved away but, unfortunately, his negative karma followed me.

After our less-than-satisfactory first day fishing, we headed down to Bishop for dinner and hotel check in. Our concierge for dinner engagements, Bob, made reservations at one of his favorite Italian restaurants. He had been singing praises, of the fine wine and authentic Italian dishes. To my surprise he passed on all the great food and wine. Javier and Javi ordered a medium size pizza and Bob joined in. I thought it lacked visual appeal and it seemed rather small for three hungry man. He failed to order wine and settled for soda and water. The most hilarious part of the dinner was to see who would devour the last slice of pizza. David and I made a side bet, I said Bob, David said Javi. I am willing to wager if you know both of them, you know the answer. After  Bobs' first attempt a coordinating dinner activities, the group found it difficult to accept his culinary suggestions. Everybody was on their own from then on.

Each morning we got an early start we tried different lakes and streams, when we caught fish we stayed there until it slowed down them we would go to other locations in Bob's list. This system guarantees to challenge, entertain and deliver our daily quota; five fish for 5 anglers gave us a limit of 25 fish per day.

David as a chef is a happy man already thinking of new and savory ways to prepare his catch.

Javi, a  fish biologist, is vigilant for the well being of fish. He is becoming a catch-and -release angler, but not this time.

What is Javier fishing with? I don't see a fishing pole in his hands. Bob made a time and motion study in an effort to improve his productivity. His result revealed that Javier spent 66% of his time  untying knots, fixing tangles, loosing baits, crossing other anglers lines, contemplating his surroundings and getting lost in the bushes. Now I know why his moniker is "el perdido"

Bob and Javi just keep bringing them in at lake Mary in Mammoth.

On the third day we ventured out to Lundy lake resort, a beautiful locale with all services an angler would need, lodging camping marina, general store an ideal place for those seeking pristine mountains, blue sky,, leisurely strolls, canoe rides ,or just fishing. This is the place for you. They also have designated signs for old anglers.

Every year late spring and early summer the Eastern Sierra Nevada is the place to be for fishing enthusiasts. Always searching for  endless opportunities for fun and adventure. And of course the dream of catching a rainbow trout in the 6 pounds range.This is the allurement that keeps us coming back each year.

New dynamic fishing duo dominate @ Jenks lake

All living forms, above and below Jenks lake froze. And the fish trembled at their approach.
The new fishing duo, Robert and David.

Bob and his new fishing buddy David have certainly become a dynamic duo. They wasted no time in their first endeavor together. At the onset of their debut they proceed to read the environment; weather, wind and lake conditions. They settled themselves in the north-eastern part of the lake under the cover of shrubs and trees.  David quietly approaches the edge of the water. Bob had inculcated on his young apprentice on the proper method of walking around the edge of the lake, " fish have ears they  can hear and sense your approach..." he said. Well... it must be true because David caught the largest fish ever taken at Jenks, 8.5 pounds. His bait was prosciutto, on #16 hook and 4lb., green Shakespeare supreme line. He fought the fish to the edge of the lake and his mentor, Bob slid the net under it.

David was obviously very happy with his first catch of the day. After weighing it he blissfully  put his prize
 in the cooler filled with ice.

" I know exactly how I am going to prepare this, it will be a mouth watering delicacy ". 

 After a few hours in their original spot they moved over to a section of the small fishing pier and began to explore the water with jigs, flies, and power bait. Failing to get the desired results, they experimented by mixing different scents and colors of power bait. David was most successful mixing power bait with prosciutto. Bob uses his green and salmon mixture to complete his limit.

happy angler

The fearsome twosome were so successful that other anglers approached them asking for fishing tips. Bob sure seems to enjoy sharing his expertise.

 As the afternoon shadows begin to embrace the pier it's time to say adios. Until the old sage, Robert, extends us another invitation to fish his favorite places in California. He mentioned something about the high sierras.

the largest of the season

Agua de Jamaica - Hibiscus Tea Cooler

Spring is a welcomed time of the year; all around us we are treated to new colors and aromas of vegetable, fruits and flowers. Amateur gardeners are busy with their organic gardens. My friend Bob, for example, is  busy refurbishing his vegetable garden beds, which he raised, with exotic varieties of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and a wide assortment of  herbs and spices. This is his overture to an annual conception of exotic and delightful salsas picantes, or hot sauces. Spring is also the time of the year in which, in any given Sunday, in any given city, and in any given park in Mexico, you're sure find vendors of aguas frescas. After a stroll through the park, there is nothing more refreshing that a flavorful agua fresca. These inexpensive drinks are prepared with fresh fruits. The most popular choices are: limón, piña, sandía, orchata, tamarindo, jamaica and others. They are usually displayed in large glass barrel type jars, fraught with chunks of fruit and ice.
They are inexpensive in Mexico. But here, in any Mexican restaurant they are likely to be more expensive than our traditional brand name soft drinks. Recently, I paid $2.69 for a 12 once glass of agua de Jamaica, mostly filled with crushed ice, at a local restaurant.

Earlier this week, on a shopping trip to my local Mexican market, I noticed a huge pile of flor de jamaica,  or hibiscus flower. Considering that our weatherman forecasted a hot spring day, I took the opportunity to prepare my own hibiscus tea cooler. I purchase a 1/4 lb. for .39 cents. Upon my return home, I quickly started preparing agua de Jamaica, hibiscus tea cooler.  The following are the steps I took to make a delicious and refreshing agua de jamaica:

 Rinse the hibiscus flower and place it in a good size pot. Boil them for about 20 minutes. The result will be an aromatic dark crimson color tea. Strain the tea into your jar or container. Dilute it, fifty-fifty ratio and add sugar to taste.

Add ice, these are all the ingredients you will need. If you prefer to use sugar substitutes, I would recommend that each person sweeten their own individual drink.

Spring and summer are the best times of the year to enjoy a sweet, refreshing agua fresca. I suggest you try making it. The amount that I used yielded three gallons, enough to invite families and friends to carne asada on a warm week-end. Bob is sure bring ten to twelve jars of his salsas.
Agua de Jamaica has other beneficial effects. According to traditional healers in Mexico, because of its' diuretic properties, it helps lower blood pressure, relieves upset stomach and a source of vitamin C.
Now that spring and our warm weather are here, it's time for outdoor activities, enjoy them with chilled hibiscus tea.

Targeting rainbow trout @ Lake Gregory

Our friend Javier aka (el perdido) has been lost for months with real estate agents searching for the perfect vacation home in the San Bernardino mountains. This endeavor took him to the small community of Crestline and lake Gregory. Not far from the resort area of Arrowhead Lake where he finally procured his dream retirement compound. At his urging we headed into the small mountain village of Crestline to test the waters for the elusive  rainbow-trout. Our fishing party for the day's trip consisted of Javier, my son David, the old sage Bob and his son Bobby, who lives in this mountain community and volunteered to be our guide.

View @ 6:30 am above the clouds on rd. CA-138, San Bernardino Mountains

We headed east on freeway 210, exited on  waterman  ave. left turn towards the mountains on CA-18 to CA-138, continued on to Lake Dr.  took a left turn. Welcome to Crestline: Lake Gregory. We got to the lake in less than an hour from the 210 freeway exit. Bobby Jr had a wealth of information: geography, wind currents, deep and shallow areas, walking trail as well as hot spots.

From left David, Bobby Jr., Robert and Javier at the first spot to begin the day.

As always, the old sage with the first one of the day

After striking out on a couple of hots spots we made our way into deeper waters. As usual Bob, the old sage, was the first one to shout, "fish on". Jr. quickly ran for the net to helped his daddy bring-in the first one. David quickly followed bringing in a couple large ones. He couldn't contain his exuberance, "This are my first fish in many years!" he added with a big smile. David is a happy man. Being a chef, he quickly guided the conversation to the art of good food preparation and his culinary skills. And  volunteered to to prepare a sumptuous lunch with the morning's catch.
After a couple more trout and the mouthwatering, culinary conversation, Javier invited us to is compound. And placed his gourmet kitchen at Davids' disposal.

David calculating the weight of his first catch of the day.

A view from the kitchen where chef David prepared our  lunch.

Brimming with excitement and uninhibited style David searched for the knives, spices and other ingredients. In the meantime Javier guided the rest of us to a  small room adjacent to the kitchen and introduced us to a vast array of brews and world class libations. He proudly handed us our favorite choice. "This is where I plan to build my wine cellar"", he added. As he chaperoned us through his capacious mountain retreat and commodious family rooms. He asked us to share with him some monikers or names for the compound. "My wife is planning to have our priest baptize our home and we are searching for a suitable name". He added.

Javier and Mercedes' mountainous vacation compound @ Lake Arrowhead.

 After our wonderful lunch experience of  exquisite rainbow trout, it was evident that chef David had gone to great lengths to ensure a unique creation in offering a lake-to-table specialty. After a repose in Javier's beautiful home we returned to lake Gregory for the afternoon trout run. Again the novice angler, David hooked on a few large specimens until our coordinator for this trip, the old sage, called it quits. But not before Alice, Bobby Jr's mom, a long time resident of Crestline, treated us to a welcomed batch of excellent and tasty homemade cookies. Over all a very enjoyable and relaxing day of fishing with family and good friends.

A Poltergeist @ Jenks lake?

Robert has become a fixture at Jenks lake.Visitors mistake him for the caretaker.  He is on first name basis with the regulars, most of them retired anglers, who spend long hours fishing for rainbow trout planted here on scheduled basis. He is familiar with all the roads and dark trails leading in and out of the lake. He is usually the first one to arrive and the last to leave. He can be found at his favorite fishing spot with no other soul in sight.

The essence of a place blossoms or decays by the actions, of its people, past and present. It is filled by echoes of complex human interactions. The passing of time adds layers of human cross-pollination. Some positive, loving and happy. Others scarred by conflict, pain even death. And so it is for my friend at Jenks lake.

Jenks lake is located on that back side of the San Bernardino Mountains From San Bernardino (10 fwy) to Ca 38 Just go up the mountain on 38, about 45minutes, turn right at the Jenks Road exit

Robert told me of his gift, hearing conversations when no one is around and often seesing shapes and silhouettes in the dark  forest. When I asked him why he enjoys being alone at the lake, he told me that he is not alone; he senses many spirits, vitality and unexplained forces all around the lake. Robert has accepted that he has a special relationship with the enigmatic.

On a particular cloudy and rainy day, Robert invited me to fish with him. There were only two other souls present, foolish enough to brave the inclement elements rain, wind and cold. This type of weather, according to my friend, is supposed to be the best for fishing. So we went searching for his favorite spot.
As we were crossing the parking lot, a sudden chill seemed to grab hold of Robert.  "Did you feel that," he asked. "Feel what?", I answered. "That sudden chill...it made the hair on back of my neck stand up". " I didn't feel a thing," I answered. We continued walking along the bank of the lake to his spot. I noticed that  every few yard he would turn as if to see if someone was following us. Finally we arrived at the spot and began preparing our fishing poles and casting our lines into the water.  We opened our folding chairs and sat down to drink some hot tea.
After a long period of silence, Robert told me that a few weeks back he had been startled by apparition of a young woman. She materialized in a alluring white dress and veil with gold trim, in the style of wedding dresses worn  by women from wealthy families in eastern countries. Her radiant olive skin contrasted beautifully with the rays of the sun peeking through the morning mist.  "I thought she was speaking to me but I could not hear a sound". I asked him what else happened. "Nothing, after we scrutinized each other, she just passed me by and disappeared through there", he said pointing to the shadows of the thick tall pine trees surrounding the lake.  "Now that I think about it",  he mused,"she didn't appear to be walking, it was more like gliding close to the ground. "  "When I reached the waters edge, I looked for her but she was nowhere to be seen," he added with a trembling voice.  I could not believe what he was telling me. This rational man whom I have known for over 40 years, who always questioned everything and dissected every argument or thesis, was telling me that he was left aghast by an apparition.

I showed this picture to Bob to see if I could jog his memory. He said the dress looked
similar but the face was covered with a veil and she was not a Catrina

I informed Robert that I had read that at times the spirits of the dead are nostalgic about places they visited when they were alive. They make their way to earthly places that gave them pleasure. At times without realizing it, they become visible to friendly, kind persons who also have an affinity for the locale. I asked Bob if he remembered any particular scent, color, symbol or feeling. He was not sure but he told me that he began having dreams of orchids and started growing them in his greenhouse. It became obvious to me that he was being earnest about the apparition. Orchids, especially wild ones, it is said, are the flowers of the soul. Their scent attracts lost souls.

My intrigue with my friend's account of the lady in white led me to consult with a relative who has studied this phenomena. It is believed that at the time of death,  the soul begins its journey or birth in another plane. Hence the importance of correct placement of the body during burial ceremonies. The body must be placed correctly, taking into account the four cardinal points. The head is always to the west where the sun sets or dies. The feet are positioned towards the east where the sun rises, marking the life force. The correct position is with the left side to the north, cold and the right side south, warmth.

Consequently when a person dies and is properly buried the soul lives happily in its new plane. However, when a person has died through foul play and the body is haphazardly buried, the soul is not able to find its way home and it begins seeking assistance by making themselves visible to whom they perceive to be a kindred spirit. They do this, anticipating to entice a mortal to follow them to where the body lies or is buried in the hope that you will help them find their way home, in their new plane.
I urged Bob to consider this and to help this poor soul.  He asked, "Why me?" I reminded him of his relationship with the supernatural, his preference for lonely dark placed, his ability to listen to conversations when one is around his receptive nature of shadows and moving silhouettes.I suggested to him that he must  take incumbency for his special gift and do what is right, oblige "the lady in white". A lost soul looking for help to find her way. The body probably met foul play or was in an accident somewhere in the forest and her spirit is entrapped to area about the lake.

I showed  Bob a print of this famous painting, Dream of a Sunday in Alameda Park, by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico's greatest muralist in the attempt to shake his recollection of the woman at the lake. He said no, but it did remind him of another woman he knew very well, whom he considers to be a modern day Catrina. By the way, Bob looks very much like the rendering of the artist standing to the right of  la Catrina ( the lady in white)