Casa Hogar Orphan Girl

Going to the Getty Villa was a mission. Being poor but eager for entertainment, doing something like going to the museum with free admission seems logical. We go there park in the neighborhood and walk on down ready to hike up the mountain to avoid paying for parking. (again we're poor). Then, we get stopped by the Getty Police. They stand by the gates of the Villa questioning passerby, "Excuse me, where are you going?". We answer, "up to the museum." They tell us we can't. We have to drive up in order to get in. So... let me get this straight, in order to visit the museum we need to have a car???? Yes. So I said what if I took the bus. He says I'd have to prove it. So I said, what if I was visiting a friend in the neighborhood and decided to walk down. Nope, need to drive up. What the hell? Supposedly the museum made a deal with the neighborhood that museum goers would not be able to park in the neighborhood. Is that legal? Now on Mission Mode, because it is now a matter of principal, we go down to the bus stop to see if we can salvage a bus ticket on the ground to use as our proof. A bus pulls up and I ask the bus driver, nope. I ask some guys getting off the bus. Nope. So we follow an old couple going up and as we sit next to them waiting for the shuttle to go up to the museum, I hide my face as we here THE Getty Police footsteps. OH NO! They caught us. He asks for bus proof, and I still hiding my face, wait. The Getty guy says to us after validating that we have no bus proof, "Why didn't you bring your car?" Jared replies, "because it was too heavy to carry." Oh God, I thought we are going to get thrown out by our collars. Then Jared, just tells him plainly "we're poor students. We did what we were supposed to do and got tickets. We just want to see the work." The Getty Guy let us pass, followed by "But next time....Next time you need to drive."

A little visitor on my skirt

A little visitor on my skirt
Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

3 points if you can guess what and where it is

What a farce...

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

At an Mr. Brainwash art show, where the walls blended in with the art left on the floor. Interesting portrayal of hierarchy.

Ping Pong Lessons

MVI_0921, originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney.

I realize I'm just humiliating myself in this...But I just love Paige's reaction at the end

Celebrities

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Celebrities Anna Nicole Smith and Amy Winehouse on their best behavior at Reyna's 30th

They come with the booth

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

At club Roc in Vegas, supposedly if you buy a booth for a $1000 (which is the only way you can sit down), and you're men you might get a Club Gift like this

Turning 80 in Vegas

This disco boogie cat was turning 80 that night.

I wish I had video of him getting low to the floor and shaking his head and moving his hips to hip hop. With ladies surrounding him, he was one happy senior!

Top of the Volcano

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Sunrise before our bicycle ride down

Picnic table

Picnic table
Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

As if a Keep Out sign is going to stop me from enjoying my sandwich at the picnic table. Think again!

Hawaii 4 O

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Snorkeling in Maui

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

We took a boat to Molokini. It looks like half a crater. The sights could have been better. You can see the debris around my face. Unfortunately it was as clear as I would have liked.

What does this look like?

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

At first I thought this was a cemetery, but if you really look close you will see, under each triangle, there are Roosters. Them Fighting Chickens!

some typical candies

some typical candies
Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Ahhhyummmmm For 10 Pesos you can chow down on this super yummy candied Banana. Mouth salivating, must have candy!

La Tienda Etnika in Viejo Mazatlan

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Miguel Ruiz makes stunning jewelry using silver and precious stones. I love the Frida Kahlo necklace (if only it was in blue!). He and his wife run this very down-to-earth artisan store, where everything is handmade. You can even purchase a yummy pastry and cafe on your way out!

Haunted Room of La Noria

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

The family and I visited La Noria after a fabulous finale lunch. We went inside the vacated childhood home of Rosario and listened to stories of the "Fantasma" who made appearances in this room. After all had left the room to go to the kitchen I had remained in another room to take some pictures. As I slowly and quietly walked towards the haunted room, I had freaked my cousin Jorge out who naturally assumed I was in the kitchen with everyone else. Boo!

Nights at Machado

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Walking in Viejo Mazatlan at night was amazing. I felt so safe on the narrow streets, and truly enjoyed writing in the plaza listening to live Latin Jazz. On one occasion I had just finished my coffee, and my cup had fallen to its side. A young boy of about 8 approached me, looked at me, then looked at the cup, picked the cup up and neatly placed it beside me then walked away. Ah I love it!

Al Centro

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

This is the produce division of the Mercado, where ready-to-eat packaged mangos run at 80cents. Yum! I knew I might scare some people if I were to show you the meat portion, so I kept the pic Vegan Friendly

On the Ferry

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

The Ferry ride to Mazatlan was a 12 hour journey. There was a sign that said pool up top. I got super excited, ready to swim, and when I came up, the pool was empty, so I admired the clouds instead, like this guy.

Caballo

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

At the family ranch ¨Los Limones¨, Manuel asks if I would like to take a ride on a horse. It was so hot, she just kept running to the shade. Saw some nice things on my way to the tree though.

The Memory

The Memory
Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

This the boat we took to the island in Mazatlan. I went with my cousin´s girlfriend´s brothers. The one who ran the boat jumped in the water, and I followed while we were a good mile a way from the island. We had fun jumping, diving etc. When the boat started taking off with the wind. I´m waving to his brother who is on the boat. Both of us not really understanding the danger that was happening. Meanwhile, the other bro was yelling stop, no! Off the boat goes, and here we are in the middle of the ocean. and one life vest between us. He gets the vest, because his muscles are giving out and I start swimming towards the island. We manage to yell loud enough for some boys on kayaks to hear us, and they come and get the bro, while continue swimming towards the boat, where I manage to get the attention of an American woman who after hearing me yell Ayudame! Says Como te llamas. Well eventually a motor boat picked me up and we got Estaban and went to look for his brother. Everything ended up okay and we were grateful Chuy didn´t crash into some rocks or perish!

Mini Gulf

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

The boys taught me how to hit the ball, without it flying at the people next to us. I even managed to get a hole in one, after many chants of concentratè!

Helado

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

The ice cream is awesome! They are homemade pops. I had the vanilla, and chocolate cookie one. Yum!

Moments before the show

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Mateo and Imilio get ready for a High School Musical performance. They even threw in some break dancing. I loved it!

A little visitor on my skirt

A little visitor on my skirt
Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Sofia was up and down and all around the floor in the kitchen. She saw me looking at her strangely, then told me to come to her. There was a little tiny lizard! So cute. After the little guy escaped our hands quite a few times he jumped on my lap.

Outside the Ortiz House

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Call me cheesy, but sunsets make me happy.

Try to figure this story out

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That boot wasn´t made for walking!

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

What Mexicans wear when they really want to kick ass!

Sofia and pets

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

I love how the pets of the house all get along so well. Nuria was telling me that they used to have mice. The dog would protect the mice in his arms, while the cat would carefully approach to observe. The mice would come in and out of their cage as they pleased, and eventually would be observed hanging out with the cat and the dog at the same time!

Walking on Stilts

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Among the many things to do in Mexico . . . Authentic food, boat rides, fishing, fiestas, and of course stilts.

What are you really buying?

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

When the guy on the street tells you, he can sell you a silver necklace for a dollar. . . you have to think. . . is lead poisoning on my agenda today?

Making Do

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Before the bus driver stops packing people in like sardines, a few guys make do by sitting on the luggage racks. Why not?

Carrot Soup

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

This soup was amazing! So simple too! I was eyeing Charal´s soup that sat in front of him for quite a bit of time. I was just about to take it over when a series of roars came out of his mouth. It must taste better after a bit of time.

Chivalry

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Another observation: It is still customary to give up your seat to a mother and child on the bus, as I have witnessed. Here, the boy sitting on his mother´s lap to the right, gave up his seat for me. He saw me standing, looked me in the eyes and smiled as he stood up and slowly walked towards his mother. Que Lindo!

Comida

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

Among the many differences I have noticed in Mexico, one is that friends or relatives do not have to announce their arrival. When they come they are welcome to join the meal being served. Several of the visitors in this picture are teachers from Educarte, a Montessori school in San Jose del Cabo. The meal was prepared earlier by Sofia, Mariana and Paco.

Tongue twister in Spanish

Tongue twister in Spanish, originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney.

Zara is the champ when speaking fast

Santa Maria Beach

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Originally uploaded by butterflyseekshoney

You can drown in its beauty!

Sand Dancer

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This guy was throwing his arms out furiously to the music he was listening to. He must have been listening to some intense classical. I have to admit, he´s pretty ballsy.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Tres hermanas

From top: Mariana, Zara, Sofia

Zara hooping

Watch out Sara, you´ve got competition!

No more fish guts. . . Thanks

We´ll take a drink

me and Rocìo

The fish that just didn´t make the cut

Just not big enough

Dangerous Icecream

Ever wonder where the ice cream wagons went after they retire?

When boogie boards go wild

How can you say no to a conversation with two cute missionaries

We digressed into the subject of daughters shopping with mothers.

Have you ever been to the mall and noticed how young daughters are happy to walk side by side with their mother?

But something changes in the daughter when she's a teen, mothers just aren't cool anymore. The teen walks ahead lest she be associated with mom's.




I was actually waiting for a better picture but the missionaries brought me back to the original subject. . .

Psyching out the Competition

Leaf Wars continues....

The Lion's Victory

Leaf Competitor "The River Pirate"

Leaf Battleship "The Lion"

Michael Brown turns 21

I was hoping to see a bit more struggle, but he was dumped into the pool with his chonies on...

What's better than watching Tyson vs. Holyfield?

Two bros after some shots. . . pay attention to the couch at the end

Brides on Tour

Read an article in the paper about a woman who did a traveling art piece on the faith and peace of humanity. She wore a wedding dress to symbolize the marriage of cultures and hitchhiked through Turkey with a friend. When they separated to travel alone, Pippa hitchhiked with the wrong guy and was murdered. Check out her site: http://bridesontour.fotoup.net Scroll to the bottom for the English version.

Sopita

Gotta love good manners

Chocolate

I found my new favorite hand jive

Sara and her friend showing me a clapping game

Women in Mexico

I am seriously considering staying in Mexico for a while. While observing the school I noticed how the mothers who came to pick up their children had an air of complete security. They are totally comfortable in their bodies. The children are as well. When you are greeted, no matter what the age, it is with a hug and a kiss by the cheek. They walk with an air of confidence and self-acceptance. Women in L.A. walk completely different, with caution and self-observation. There is more insecurity. The confidence just enhances their beauty. I love it!

Montessori in Mexico

I love the school I am visiting in Cabo San Jose. This school is in the hills and is located in yurts, circular buildings that provide tons of natural light. The children were so welcoming. During lunch a boy named Lalo set up a placemat and silverware and served me soup. When he got up to serve himself more juice, he also refilled mine. I love it! The materials on the shelves are beautiful! My head is spinning with ideas! I´m touching up on my Spanish as well.