Holiday in Mexico

jnbill1204 asked:


I am looking for reliable shipping company inside mexico to ship some merchandise from one city to another. They need to be reliable. What are some good ones?

Mallory

Cory Davis asked:


There are many traditions in Mexico that are fun and fascinating from an outsider’s perspective as well as to those who participate in them.

Here are just a few of them:

1. Las Posadas – This Mexican Christmas tradition is the best known manifestation of the Christmas spirit held each night on the nine days between December 16th and Christmas eve which, according to religious tradition, represents the period when Mary and Joseph long ago search for lodgings were seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus is re-enacted. Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at first, the observances soon became imbued with a spirit of fun and eventually left the church and began to be celebrated in people’s homes. The posadas have become a community affair with friends, relatives and neighbors getting together to share in the festivities, visiting a different house each evening. People carry candles, visit several houses and ask for “posada” (shelter), the adults are given a thick punch “Ponche Navideno” and at the end of the journey, the “piñata”, stuffed with candy and fruit, is broken. Christmas itself is usually celebrated on Christmas Eve in Mexico with a midnight mass and a late dinner.

2. Pastorelas - This Mexican Christmas tradition refers to events prior to the birth of Jesus with the splendor of the manger and the shepherds. The pastorelas, as a scenic and literary genre, had its roots in 16th century Spanish religious theatre. These were theatrical representations used by the missionaries to impart religious knowledge to the indigenous people of Mexico. Usually performed in the afternoon or early evenings of the last weeks of December, pastorelas are a Mexican version of Europe’s medieval miracle plays. They are most often presented outdoors in a public square, perhaps the courtyard of a church or an inn. The players may be local townsfolk, groups of schoolchildren, semi professional traveling troupes of actors during the Christmas season. The performance might last from half an hour to several hours to all night. Pastorela means pastoral or a play that takes place in the countryside and concerns the activities of pastores, or shepherds. This was first introduced in Mexico by missionaries in the 1500’s, the pastorelas continued to grow in favor among the Mexican people and today are one of the most popular Christmastime entertainments. Mixing religious teachings with Indian Mexican folklore and ribald comedy, the pastorelas all tell pretty much the same story…the eternal conflict between good and evil. The plot revolves around the pilgrimage of the shepherds to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ Child.

3. Dia de Reyes (Epiphany) - Each year, this Mexican Christmas tradition continues. The children gather at the Alameda Central Park in Mexico City to visit the Three Magi (The Three Kings) and hand-deliver letters with their wishes and gifts in the tradition of the Three Wise Men who came from the East, following the star of Bethlehem, and presenting the Christ Child with gold, incense and myrrh.

The traditional Epiphany supper of ring-shaped cake with hot chocolate originated in Spain and made its way to Mexico. The cake is decorated with sugar and dried fruit. A small figure, representing the Christ Child, is hidden inside the cake. The century old tradition states that whoever finds the “Child” is spiritually obliged to present the figure at the nearest church on February 2nd and offer a tamale-party in his honor.

4. Day of the Dead - November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day are marked throughout Mexico by a plethora of intriguing customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all, however, are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars and religious rites that are likely to include noisy fireworks.

In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.

From mid-October through the first week of November, markets and shops all over Mexico are replete with the special accouterments for the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). These include all manner of skeletons and other macabre toys; intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado; elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with paper or silk flowers; candles and votive lights; and fresh seasonal flowers, particularly cempazuchiles (marigolds) and barro de obispo (cockscomb). Among the edible goodies offered are skulls, coffins and the like made from sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds and special baked goods, notably sugary sweet rolls called pan de muerto that come in various sizes invariably topped with bits of dough shaped like bones and, in some regions, unadorned dark breads molded into humanoid figures called animas (souls). All of these goods are destined for the buyer’s ofrenda de muertos (offering to the dead).

The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast and adequate sustenance for the journey. Frequently a washbasin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.

In setting up the altar, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way.

5. Los Santos Inocentes - December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents, is a religious commemoration of King Herod’s ordering the slaughter of all male infants in his kingdom, intended to include the Christ Child. In Mexico it is celebrated as day akin to April Fool’s, an occasion for jokes and pranks. The usual tactic is to approach a friend and ask to borrow cash or some object of value. If fooled by the ploy, the victim may be given a candy or silly gift in return, along with much joking and name-calling. So beware or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!



Henry

SpicyStuff86 asked:


I want to build a small house made of block. Simple only five rooms total, the electricity will be generated, and the plumbing self run. I want to know where I can find the cost of the materials and labor in Mexico. I have been looking on the internet but I can not find what I am looking for.

Lauren

Remy Na asked:


San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a town that is rich in history and culture, and is steeped in tradition. The entire town has been designated a national monument. San Miguel is around four hundred and fifty years old, and plays an important role in the history of the entire country. In the year 1542, Fray Juan de San Miguel started a mission in the Chichimeca area, and became known as San Miguel de los Chichimecas at first. Eventually the name of the town that sprang up around the original mission was changed to San Miguel el Grande, so that it was not confused with other cities and towns named San Miguel.

 

The conspiracies which resulted in the Independence of Mexico was started in this town, by Ignacio Allende and Father Hidalgo, who happened to be the parish priest from the town Dolores Hidalgo nearby. Both these men were born in Mexico to Spanish parents, which made them creoles and considered second class to pure Spaniards born in Spain. This ignited the war which followed. After the town was given city status by the government of Guanajuato, the name of the town was changed to San Miguel de Allende to honor the hero of the Mexican Independence, who was born in the town.

 

San Miguel de Allende today is still very much a quaint town with many historical sites, buildings, and locations to see and visit. The entire town is a national monument designated as such by the Mexican government,, and is protected to keep the history and culture of the area unchanged and preserved. Many foreigners retire here or visit on vacation, because the weather is perfect almost every day of the year and the climate is warm all the time. There is a museum in town that still contains weapons, letters and notes, and other historical items that were used or written by Ignacio Allende. There is a restaurant that serves meals and drinks on a patio that once was part of a church in the past. There are homes that date back more than one hundred years, a town square that is still used every day, and many historic places to see for anyone interested in the past of this fabulous vacation spot. Some lodging houses and bed and breakfast establishments are located in antique homes in colonial and other historical styles, and buildings designated as historical have restrictions placed on what renovations and changes can be made to keep this history.

 

In the early nineteen fifties, a mineral spring named La Gruta was discovered, and this spring has proven healing qualities. This discovery turned the town of San Miguel de Allende into a popular tourist destination. San Miguel de Allende is a fascinating place to visit or retire to. The beautiful scenery and countryside, friendly people and warm hospitality, large number of variety and attractions, and the rich history and traditions make this location one that is simply the perfect choice for a trip back to the past while enjoying the present.

 



Charlotte

eldude asked:


I mean, if it’s a numbers game, the USA wins, we have almost 300m and Mexico has less than 100m, even if all the people here from Mexico illegally go back to Mexico they will still not have more than us. So, why don’t people just move to Mexico and claim it as part of the USA? Is there any good reason not too?
La tinamigra
Actually, Americans are group of people made up of different groups of people that LIVE TOGETHER in this nation.

Jake

Andy Adams asked:


It’s a new year, and in 2008 you are probably beginning to search for where you’re going on holiday this summer. Perhaps you’re thinking of broadening your horizons and trying something a bit different, these days with flights costing less and less British holidaymakers are looking further a field for potential holiday locations.

This year more people are travelling to more varied locations like Asia and South America for their annual holidays and are finding emerging tourist hotspots that are soon to become the next big thing. The following is a list of the top ten new holiday locations that British holidaymakers are going to this year, maybe it will convince you to give the usual Spanish holiday a miss and broaden your horizons!

10. Sapa, Vietnam – Sapa has recently become popular with tourists due to its Saturday markets, the town is set amongst the hills 390km northwest of Hanoi. Tribe people still come to the markets to this day but have taken the opportunity to sell goods to tourists visiting the area, it isn’t just a one trick pony either with the mountain setting it is an ideal trekking holiday location too.

9. Can Tho, Vietnam – The number nine spot stays in Vietnam with Can Tho, situated on the Mekong Delta, The “nine dragon river delta” where the Mekong river empties into the South China Sea it also has floating markets on the canals can offer shopping as well as pleasant boat rides along the river, while it’s a four hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City it is well worth it to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Puerto Madryn, Argentina – Founded by the Welsh in 1865 Puerto Madryn is a port town with a lot of history and since industry grew in the 1970s so has the population to 57,571 in a 2001 census with the average age of 25. There are a lot of scuba diving opportunities in Puerto Madryn boasting its title as the National Capital of Scuba Diving. Once done with diving for the day tourists can take a relaxing bike ride through the city and eat at one of its many waterfront restaurants.

7. Sayulita, Mexico – A quiet fishing village, Sayulita has a modest tourism appeal with friendly locals mingling with tourists without the hustle and bustle of larger Mexican tourist hotspots. Home to picturesque beaches and great local food people who want to visit Mexico on their holidays without all the crowds would do well to visit Sayulita, for a change of pace Puerto Vallarta is only 30 minutes away too.

6. Koh Lanta, Thailand – Keeping with the relaxed vibe Koh Lanta is a group of 52 islands in Thailand, the largest of which being Koh Lanta Yai. The unspoiled beauty and absolute peace and quiet means you are destined to find relaxation in this retreat from modern life. Only 20,000 people live in the Koh Lanta area and its multi cultural people still make a living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing as well as some tourist centred businesses on the islands perfect for quiet holidays.

In the next part of this article I’ll continued counting down the list of top emerging holiday locations for 2008. Remember to keep your eye out for deals on cheap holidays this year both in the usual tourist hotspots and the further a field locations too.



Alexander

Alfie James asked:


The very name Mexico reminds the place where ancient ruins, as old as a few thousand years, stand side by side the luxurious star hotels. Bordered on the north by the United States and on the south by Guatemala and Belize, Mexico is a melting pot of traditional lineage and modern culture. With a lot of things to see and do, Mexico holidays are sure to be one of the best of vacationing one can take delight of.

Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and desert landscapes, Caribbean Mexico offers ancient ruins, age-old villages and a plethora of vibrant beach-side resorts among which mention must be made of Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. The specialty of the country is that besides providing excellent facilities for tourists, it has a variety of attractions on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Hence, Mexico holidays may be time consuming if one wants to enjoy the country to the fullest.

Mexico has something to offer to visitors of all ages and types. If families can make the most of the sandy beaches and excellent diving, snorkelling and water recreation facilities, single visitors can take pleasure of exciting sports and vibrant nightlife. The facility of swimming with dolphins is certainly a great attraction of Mexico holidays. Yet, other attractions like 50 golf courses and a wide variety of historical and archaeological sites do not lag far behind.

The fact that Mexico has more than 6,000 miles of coastline is enough to ignite the wanderlust of any frequent flyer. If you have a special interest in exotic foods, Mexican cuisine can be highly suitable to you. Though traditionally spicy like the dishes tacos, tortillas and quesadillas loaded with meat, cheese and chilli peppers, they are tasty and satisfying. Mexico Holidays will be incomplete if you do not taste the tequila, Sol and Corona.



Gavin

alberto’s Parents asked:


Mexico has urged the US to alter its plans for expanded fences along their shared border, saying they would damage the environment and harm wildlife.

The fences threaten unique ecosystems, Mexican environment officials warned.

Mexico was ready to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice over the matter if the US did not respond, the environment minister said.

The planned barriers aim to curb illegal immigration, a highly divisive and controversial issue in the US.

The fences, planned along a possible 700 miles (1,125km) of the border, are to be equipped with hi-tech surveillance equipment, including sensors and strong lights.

“The eventual construction of this barrier would place at risk the various ecosystems that we share,” Mexico’s Environment Minister Juan Rafael Elvira told a news conference.

Those areas include Baja California, Sonora and Arizona, home to one of the world’s most important desert ecosystems - the Sonora Desert.

Cactus fences

Officials said Mexico was prepared to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice but wanted to explore alternatives first.

US Army personnel install sections of the US-Mexico border fence July 2007 near Puerto Palomas Mexico. Most of the illegal immigrants enter the US via the Mexico border

A report prepared for the Mexican government by experts and environmental activists from Mexico and the US said the barriers could isolate border animals into smaller groups, affecting their genetic diversity.

These include jaguars, Mexican black bears and the endangered antelope-like Sonora Pronghorn.

The use of intense lights and radar could also affect nocturnal species, they said.

The report suggested ways of minimising environmental damage, including “green corridors” of wilderness without roads.

These would allow wildlife to remain connected but not provide an easy route for people trying to cross.

Another proposal was “live” fences of cactuses, or permeable barriers to allow water, insects and pollen to cross the border.

The US Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, has said that the fencing is needed. He has rejected arguments that the Rio Grande provides an adequate barrier as water levels in the river often drop, allowing people to wade across.

An estimated 12 million illegal immigrants are in the US, where attempts at a comprehensive overhaul of immigration law have repeatedly stalled in Congress.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6924475.stm

I’m sure the animals will adjust. The birds can fly over, the rodents and lizards can burrow under, and the rest of them will just have to make do with whatever piece of that desert they find themselves in after the fence is finished. They make it sound as if the poor things will need conjugal visits.
The fences threaten unique ecosystems,

Right. The mexican raw sewage deoes not “threaten unique ecosystems”

The hundreds of mexican trash piles in national forests located on the mexican border does not threaten unique ecosystems.

The foot trails that go through restricted wildlife areas do not threaten unique ecosystems

The border industries that have little to no pollution control do not threaten unique ecosystems.

I bet our fellow Americans can post photos of various Mexican items not threatening unique ecosystems.

But, of course, a stainless steel/galvanized steel professionally installed fencing system will cause immediate, extensive, catastrophic, irreversible harm to those very same unique ecosystems
It couldn’t be as harmful as hundreds of thousands of people throwing trash everywhere and stomping down fragile vegetation.

Bailey

Cookiemobsta asked:


Hi! I’d be interested in donating some money to a good Christian charity that works in Mexico. Bonus points if it’s small so it really needs the money. Thanks!

Eugene

Tuks Engineer asked:


Boasting some of the best beaches and surfing in Britain, Newquay is one of Cornwalls premier holiday sites. Unsurprisingly, it has now obtained a reputation for being Englands surfing capital but there’s much more to Newquay than being just a surfers paradise.

Beach lovers will want to head to Fistral Beach - this is in fact the best known surfing beach offering fast, hollow waves for surfers. Another popular beach in Newquay is Watergate Bay although this beach is more suited to beginner surfers. Beginners may also want to try Crantock Beach as it is sheltered. There are numerous places in Newquay to hire surfing equipment and surf schools are also available for those who come only to ride the waves.

Food & Drink In Newquay

As you would expect, Newquay offers a wide variety of cuisine options for just about every pallet. Local specialities include cream teas & Cornish pasties offered by the many tea rooms & bakeries. Cornish ice-cream is also very rich and creamy to taste. Newquay is also well known for it’s seafood and has a huge range of international cuisine restaurants from Indian and Chinese to Mexican and Italian. One things for sure, when your visit to Newquay is over you’ll probably have to start a strict diet!

The Blue Reef Aquarium

If you’re interested in tropical marine life then a visit to the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium is a must - one of the highlights is a fascinating underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through while witnessing the marine animals swim around in their natural habitats.

Other Things To Do In Newquay

Golf lovers will enjoy the scenic course overlooking Fistral Beach. Aside from the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay also has a good zoo containing a wide varierty of animals over 10 acres of land. Other activity based entertainments include pool, snooker, bowling and a range of other sports and activities. Also popular (especially with children) is Newquay Water World - containing a tropical pool, simulation waterfall & volcanos and even state of the art gym facilities for adults. Looking for something a little different? Try the Tunnels Through Time museum (a very novel way of looking at and learning about the past).

Fishing - this is one of the most popular activities in England - at Newquay there are some excellent opportunities for a wide range of fishing from fly-fishing to deep sea fishing.

Close to Newquay is the town of Bodmin - once the capital of Cornwall, it’s now an elegant little market town well worth a visit.



Sydney