The Adventures of YOUNG FUEGO

Currently on Hiatus

Hey folks, just letting you know the Adventures of Young Fuego is still happening and currently under construction.  Courtney’s out working on these Degress so Fuego could really have some Fun.

Coming soon…….

This time I traveled deep into the City to one of its Treasures.  Firstly to get there is an Absolute Adventure in itself.  The Metro system of Public Transportation of millions of people is about as busy it sounds.  Each metro station is a world upon itself.  You may see, smell, taste, hear, or feel almost anything, ranging from screaming people , to delicious tasty treats, non working A/C, to arriving to just about anywhere in the CDMX you may want to go.  But I think the stars of the show are the street vendors. Sometimes it can seem a lil sketch, but all in all, there are trying to make money like you, I get it.

Teotihuacan is a new world upon itself.  I read up a bit about it before I actually got to go.  I felt a bit more prepared the average tourist.   This is one of the Big Things to do on my To do List, while in Mexico City, and I am very glad I did.  It is the Mayan Ruins of the Temple of the Sun and Moon.  They are Massive Structures of Human Architecture that has and will continue to Baffle the Billions.  It is one of Mexico's best Tourist Attractions, and I can absolutely see why.  I posted a link to a another blog here about how she got there, and some of the tips really did help (( http://thegirlandglobe.com/how-to-visit-teotihuacan-without-a-tour/ )).  Get there early, its definitely worth getting up early to beat the Heat and the People, and not on a Sunday. Pack Water

The Temple of the Sun is a Massive Giant that at first seems like its not really there.  If you get dropped off in the front, be ready for a good hike there  The Lane is called the Avenue of the Dead.  If you are into that kind of thing like spirits, and ghost it is interesting. There was known human sacrifices on and throughout some of these structures.  

It is known that is it still very much unexcavated about 75%is still uncovered.  Scientist, and Archeologist know there are things and structures that are uncovered.  It would be a very expensive and immense task to uncover more.  It would be very difficult to get there. The excavation cost, and similar to Palenque the mountainous terrain of Mexico are difficult to travel on.  I believe it is very possible but the Government uses the money to do other things.

 Lots of Steps, good Steps.  You will definitely feel it.  I say Go all the Way to the Top  It gets sketchy, but it is possible. Take your time, and hold on to the rails.  hahahah .

If you have a fear of heights,  I wouldn't recommend going up, my Legs felt it going up, There are great picture spots going up. Take advantage, I left my water at the bottom because I didn't want to carry it.  I think it was a good decision but at those moments I wish I had some. But Up the way you go and eventually you get there. You rest, there's other people taking selfies, resting, drinking water, contemplating if this is high enough.  Me I just sweated a lot, and it was still cool. I too enjoyed myself at the top of the Pyramid, you can see the pictures too.  I felt good.

Then as I stood there looking at the Temple of the Moon, and How did they actually build these Beacons of Energy.  One of the Wonders of the World.  Very impressive.

As your passing people going up, one person may be helping another, lots of people realize their limits real fast, so soon you have some space and make your way, There was this chubby little girl, just so miserable.  she was complaining, she was tired, she was mad. It was so very funny.  Her mom was right there, trying to entice her to come on not that much more.  But it was funny, I laughed and she snapped at me.  hahah it was cool, the mom laughed, and now the dad is up a few steps resting too.  I heard the mom say I heard the mom trying to entice her and bribed her, ironically she used food, and I'm not at mad at her hahahah.  

   Going DOWN is just as challenging, some of the ledges, or steps are unstable going down too, and you start wondering what would happen if I tripped or fell?? Me I was focusing on making my way down Lol, Focus.  As you start getting to the end and you change levels of sight, looking up or down you realize how large this structure is, and how did they do this?  A lady heard me joking  its Aliens, and she pointed and joined the conversation.  It's an absolute marvel.  

Heading over the Temple of the Moon, one mind starts to wonder, and it did not disappoint. The temple of the Moon is absolutely smaller than the Sun, not by a lot, but it is. It is so very similar, but the same way the Ying, matches the Yang. The temple of the Moon Shines with a quiet confidence.  As if it knows its Power, but allows the Sun to take the forefront.  The Front of the Temple of the Moon is ending of the Avenue of the Dead, and where known sacrifices were known to happen.  They are still discovering new murals, and parts of the site as  early as 1990's.   As I type this and think more about it, I think I like the temple of the Moon for different reasons.  It is said that on the Summer solstice the at noon the Temple of the Sun is in perfect celestial alignment with the peak of the Pyramid.  

The Mayan and Incan had some powers in their day.  I wouldn't mind accidently finding Sea Bola "The City of Gold". At some point now The Great Pyramids of Gyza in Africa, and the Ruins of Tikal in Guatemala are my ideal destinations in the next few years.  I will feel Great.  I am so very blessed to be be able to do some of things, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store

Courtney Reddix

So I have learned that one of the more famous people and Women in Mexico history was an Artist by the name of Frida Khalo.  I have seen her picture, and heard her name before but didn’t know much about her.  

She is often depicted and recognized by the Famous Thick UNIBROW.  I personally am not a big fan of it.  But she made it work.  Her home and Garden  with her just as famous husband Diego Rivera is one of the definite stops to see while in CDMX.  I noticed while being there is was not only foreign tourist but also domestic, and locals who visited the museum.

Word of the wise buy your tickets online before for a certain time slot.  Otherwise the Lines are ALWAYS long to get in.  I bought mine in advance.  A friend of mine is a big fan of Khalo and her works so i got to learn a lot before even going.  It the experience more enjoyable because I had an idea of what was going on.

I had some Blue or black Tortillas from a restaurant in Central Coyocan.  The Best tortillas I every tasted.  They were going so fast at our table a person may bite your hand you keep reaching jajajaj.  I honestly was too busy eating them I forgot to take a picture. Delicious.

Así que he aprendido que una de las personas más famosas y mujeres en la historia de México fue un artista con el nombre de Frida Khalo. He visto su foto, y he oído su nombre antes, pero no sabía mucho sobre ella.

Ella es a menudo representada y reconocida por el Famoso grueso UNIBROW. Yo personalmente no soy un gran fan de ella. Pero lo hizo funcionar. Su hogar y jardín con su justo como el famoso marido Diego Rivera es una de las paradas definitivas para ver mientras en CDMX. Me di cuenta mientras estaba allí no era sólo turistas extranjeros pero también nacionales, y los lugareños que visitamos el museo.

Palabra del sabio comprar sus boletos en línea antes de un cierto intervalo de tiempo. De lo contrario las líneas son siempre largo para entrar. Compré la mía por adelantado. Un amiga mío es un gran fan de Khalo y sus obras, así que aprendí mucho antes de ir. Es la experiencia más agradable porque tenía una idea de lo que estaba pasando.

Tuve algunas tortillas azules o negras de un restaurante en Central Coyocan. Las mejores tortillas que he probado. Que iban tan rápido en nuestra mesa una persona puede morder su mano que seguir llegando a jajajaj. Honestamente estaba demasiado ocupado comiendo me olvidé de tomar una foto. Muyyyy RIcccco

I was definitely surprised about how many very Tall buildings there were in Mexico City.  It is the largest city in North America.  I heard someone describe it  as the New York City of Latin America with the buildings.  I actually checked it said there are approx 500,000 more people in CDMX than NY.  For me it was the busiest place I've ever been.  

I lived right along one of the most famous, and historical Boulevards in the country.  The people who planned the city knew it would be a metropolitan area, but I don't even think they knew what to really expect. Reforma is along the Royal stretch of the Castle that has a straight direct line to the very Center square the Zocalo.  There you can find almost anything, literally and figuratively.  A very Large space that holds all kinds of Events.

The Transportation in the CDMX is actually quite efficient, in terms of where it goes.  You can almost always be within a 5 minute walk to either one of the Subway (Metro) or a very long bus system (MetroBus).  So I feel like I'm always willing to try. I got my backpack strapped and zipped i'll be fine. It can get busy, and very uncomfortable JAJAJAJ Sweat, heat, and hundreds of people packed on.  You just have to squeeze on in, or you will never get there. I got  cursed by an old woman, because apparently there is an entire section of every bus, or train that caters to only Single Women, or Women with kids under maybe 7 years old.  Needless to say I learned real fast this OLD, frail, woman let me know I wasn't supposed to be in that space  hahahahah

The City is actually at the bottom of an old lake that was drained and as I learned more I noticed in my neighborhood most of the small streets were named after rivers. Tigris, Amazonas, Euphrates, Rhin, and so on.  The city is actually in the Valley of 2 Volcanoes, one that still has activity. I did not get to go to them but you can definitely see them at different points throughout the city.  Also if you're in the mountains you can see them good.   I think I got a pic from the plane.  

Para mis lectores españoles. Disculpa mi español, trato = ]

Me sorprendió sin duda acerca de cómo muchos edificios muy altos fueron en la ciudad de México. Es la ciudad más grande en América del norte. Escuché a alguien lo describen como la ciudad de Nueva York de América Latina con los edificios. Realmente comprobé que dijo hay aproximadamente 500.000 personas en CDMX que NY. Para mí era el lugar más ocupado que he estado.

Viví la derecha a lo largo de uno de los más famosos y bulevares históricos en el país. Las personas que planeó la ciudad sabían que sería un área metropolitana, pero aún no sabían qué esperar realmente. Reforma es en el tramo de real del castillo que tiene un derecho directo al centro Plaza el zócalo. Allí usted puede encontrar casi cualquier cosa, literalmente y figurativamente. Un espacio muy grande que tiene todo tipo de eventos.

El transporte en el CDMX es realmente bastante eficiente, en cuanto a donde va. Casi siempre puede estar a 5 minutos a pie uno del metro (Metro) o un sistema muy largo de autobús (MetroBus). Así que siento que siempre estoy dispuesto a probar. Tengo mi mochila atado y comprimido va a estar bien. Que puede ser ocupado y muy incómodo JAJAJAJ sudor, calor, y lleno de cientos de personas de. Sólo tienes que apretar, o usted nunca conseguirá allí. He maldecido por una anciana, porque al parecer hay una sección entera de cada autobús o tren que atiende únicamente a mujeres solteras, o mujeres con niños bajo tal vez 7 años de edad. Ni que decir real rápido aprendí este viejo, frágil, mujer me dejó saber que no se supone que en ese espacio JAJAJAjaja

La ciudad está realmente en el fondo de un antiguo lago que se vació y como aprendí más noté en mi barrio la mayoría de las pequeñas calles fueron nombrada después de los ríos. Tigris, Amazonas, Euphrates, Rhin y así sucesivamente. La ciudad está realmente en el valle de los volcanes 2, que todavía tiene actividad. No puedo ir a ellos, pero definitivamente se puede ver en diferentes puntos a lo largo de la ciudad. También si estás en las montañas usted puede verlos buena. Creo que tengo una foto del plano.

I have learned that Mexico City is a very old place with lots of history.  Spanning back to the days of the Ancient Mayans and Aztecs.  I also think that is why is it so large.  You can definitely see the European influence throughout this city.  

These are just a small few of the very many monuments, structures, museums, bridges, areas, in the countries long standing history.  Mexico also has a very dark underside for which many things happen also.  Mexico City has always been a Strong Hold for the countries preservation, but also practicality for the millions of people that live here.

There are so many different things I notice on my commute that just getting from one place to another is an adventure in itself.  The metro train will get you to where you need to.  But it can be Brutal hahah the Sardine can of Smushing body sweat is something I don’t like.  More to come about that later. 

Enjoy

Placio de Bella Artes

Monument a la Revolucion

Fuente de La Diana Cazadora  “ Diana the Huntress” - I like that Name lol

At a Tamale Fest of Coyocan, DF. Mexico

So apparently there is a Day of the Tamale in the Spring every year!! These are the preview venues where you go try and taste.  

When i Say there were all kinds, I am so serious.  Firstly I did not know there were so many different kinds ingredients.  But they all have some kind of Maize or corn base, we’ve all seen them wrapped in that green Banana leaf.  

There are some many different kinds its sometimes tough to choose.  I ate my fill of all kinds.  There are also sweet, dessert types of tamales with fruit, sugar, chocolate, leches, and more than I know.  

I ate my fill of tamales on that day, and had to save room for churros, which did not disappoint.  I was on hunt for a Mole tamale when I came across one that also incorporated cheese and meat.  So that one had me sold.  Understand there are a lot of people in a certain space, so there were unknown line rules that I did not understand at all.  It was sometimes tough and or you had to wait, because they were making these at the tables.  That was interesting to see, because at least i knew it was Fresh and hot.

I had a Pineapple tamale with some sugar sauce drizzled.  it was Phenomenal i forgot to take a pic, and it was pretty much gone by the time remembered to take one. its okay.

I did this same Photo shoot with my Students while in the Marshall Islands (( scroll down a couple pages ))

it is a great way to remember my students a few years from now. (( the blue is the Nursing student classes, and the white shirts are the Nutrition ))

I have had a lot of Fun this semester, they were Awesome

Enjoy.

-Maestro Reddix aka Y.F.

So currently I am in the “city” of Juchitan, i use the term very loosely.  

Short quick background story.  i Like FOOD!! all kinds, i think its an awesome way to experience living, culture, and an opportunity to learn.  Mexican is arguably my favorite food genre.  Being from LA i have had some “muy Ricco” Mexican food.  

So at the opportunity to live and stay in the Mexico for an extended amount of time.  The food was a definite positive, and tbh is hasn't disappointed either.  I can have Tacos of all sorts, all with their own little variations.  Introducing TLYUDAS, pronounced CLYUDAS!! (( Post coming soon ))...

Back to the Salsa.... So I always try any of the restaurants, lunch carts, side stands, street Meat type of places.  hahaha Idk sometimes you catch some really good food for the Low! Lol

So the Red salsa Looks like regular stuff you may see in a jar or something, good consistency, color, smell, freshness. Pretty good, and they have Buckets of it, I’ve actually seen the lady making it one morning.  My first time there I asked for two tacos and they were a little standoffish not the first time this has happened to me since being here.  But I just kept ordering in Spanish, and they were like okay.

I get the tacos hella hot on a plate, I reach for the Salsa and start dumping spoonfuls on my taco.  the guy is like watching, like Whoa slow down Por quito salsa.  I’m like back UP i got this, I Fks with salsa, hes like Okay no problema.  I bit in my Taco with some force, and started chewing... bruh 8 seconds late my mouth is almost itching hahah... I take another bite.. just trying to chew NOw. at this point I must be showing signs of fatigue.  My eyes are watering, my nose is running, and im trying to keep it together. but i am failing!! Lol

Here is one such said stand that is right across the main “road” through my city.  I live like right across the street.  its right near where I get on a bus/moto taxi/ car.  Hella convenient.  

So it seems to me the Meat always ranges.  They EVERY PART of the animal haha. Mostly Pigs ( carnitas ) or Cow (Asada ) but there is Chicken, Lamb, Goat, and even Igunana.  My students talk about it a lot, I might be willing to try... maybe post coming soon Lol

Heres some Pics: hopefully it helps 

So i have discovered a new food, that is a very popular late nite, or lunch time food.  Tlayudas, actually pronounced with a “c” sound it is “Clayudas.” i made a comment to someone that it was similar to a Quesadilla, and they got a little butt hurt haha

But it a flat, more crunchy tortilla, with a layer of beans, and your choice of meat, covered with a type of string cheese.  You can fill your Tyladua with just about any type of ingredients. Vegetables/meat/cheeses/salsa/rice/whatever your heart desires..  it is Muy Ricco!!

I’ve been laughed at a few times because I don’t eat it the “correct” way.  I break or cut mine into smaller pieces, and I have got my share of people staring and snickering. 

But it really is a good filling food, that is often really cheap, and easy to spot most the time.....

I give you TLAYUDAS!!   

So while here in Juchitan I quickly noticed the importance of the air here, and how its generated.  I quickly realized this because is in the middle of a Wind Farm.  Legit wind Farm, they depend, and Air Generators “Aero Geneadores”. To me, honestly they look like very Big Fans.  The word for fan is Ventilandor, which is very similar to Geneadores, I think you get the point Lol.

They depend on the Wind, it actually powers the city I’m in, and could possibly be what is being used to type this post... Pretty Cool = ]

When I look out the window in my office I see Hundreds of these very large Air Generators, its actually really beautiful on nice clear days 

I find it absolutely amazing that I have now met more than a few people who has NEVER seen in person a Black person.  I recently got stopped in a store and asked by a very timid, or nervous girl to take a Picture with her.

I initially started to take offense to what she was asking, this actually is not the first time this has happened to me.  I realized upon first arriving here that I was different.  I walk different, talk different, and genuinely are from a different world.  It is not as noticeable in the more Touristy areas in Mexico, but being in this small southern city/ area, tourist are not that common.

I really start freaking the people out when I start speaking Spanish and they can actually understand me.  There’s a certain expression that Most get i find it comical.  Back to the picture, it wasn't even the girl that wanted it initially, it was her friend that asked.  The friend was definitely more shy, but curious.  So i smiled said sure and stood next to the girl.  Being Y.F. all the way i reached and put my arm around her, and pulled her close.  I felt her super tense up, so i pulled closer.  I looked and she was extremely red and blushing in the face.  Then she surprised me and put her arm around my waist. Lol

We took the picture, and they actually asked me for my number.  I’m not gone tell you if I gave it or not.....Lets just say Young Fuego is in full effect. Lol

I DO NOT like the constant staring I think its a bit Rude.  I wear sunglasses a LOT so I see people just staring...

I guess it just comes with the situation right.

Just a quick story, i thought I’d share.

Sincerely,

Y.F.

So I’ve had a few people ask me, what am I actually doing in Mexico?

  I think they were indeed curious, but also kinda nosy, and just want to know something Lol.

I heir on the side of Optimism, and give the benefit of doubt.  I took it as an opportunity to share some ideas I've been having about this anyway.  I am currently a English Professor at the University of Del Istmo, Juchitan, also known as UNISTMO.

I am an Professor of the English language at the University of Del Istmo - Juchitan Campus.  This is the specialty college in this area for Nursing and Nutrition.  Each of the 6 sister colleges all specialize in something different.  “Business/Marketing, Engineering/Technology, Tourism, etc” 

I have quite a few students in approx 4 different classes.  We are nearing the end of this Semester, and I cant wait Lol. I am so ready for Summer, don’t get me wrong I have learned a LOT and my students have definitely responded to me.

I think I am a great instructor with lots to learn, but also really good tangible skills.  Mind you I have had a crash course in Espanol, and learning each and everyday.  This is why these post are so late, because I have literally been busy everyday.

I attached a few pictures of my different classes, Its amazing to compare and see the pictures from my classes while in the Marshall Islands.

Enjoy

Maestro Reddix aka 

Professor Reddix

Y.F.

Anyone who knows me, knows I like to eat.  I know you do too, don’t even try to deny it.  Its our fuel, its what pushes us to keeping going.

I think I can actually cook, I got a couple of skills.  They call me “Young Chef Boyarre C.” in the streets Lol. But I hope this continues to be a running idea, where I showcase some of the local favorites, and some of the good grub (insects included).

I hope to actually learn and share ideas, dishes, and recipes, all the while eating Good Food. Can’t beat that!

“If it looks good, eat it” - A. Zimmerman (Travel channel reference)

So here in MEXICO i learned you can make Super Friends asking/ suggesting “Mariscos” which is Seafood! Personally I’m not the biggest Fan of Seafood, but ask any local or person here to go eat Mariscos and they become Nice as Mr. Rogers! hahahah 

So I quickly realized I had to adjust telling people my name.  To me Young Fuego is easy, straightforward, and clear.  But with “Fuego” actually being Espanol, and the Y sound not translating properly, I have had to adjust.

Now here i often go by Y.F. because its short and easy to say.  They seem to pronounce Young, with a J sound, making it “Joung Fuego” with “Joven, being the Spanish equivalent “Joven Fuego” just didnt sound right. Lol

Y.F. if you know me Lol

Lets be Clear, its always Young Fuego Forever. that will not change, I can adapt, im pretty good and readjusting, and keeping it Rolling Lol

- Y.F.

Hola.

Como Estas?

As for me, I’ve been Bueno Bueno... As you can tell a lot has happened since our last encounter.  I've been Grinding, Living, Growing, Expanding, Giving a Lot of effort at life.  While Enjoying myself and having a Good Time while doing it.

Currently I am in a very Small town in Southern Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca, which is only a few hours away from the Guatemalan border. 

As you can see right near the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. This does indeed make a difference. As later post will explain.

Dont want to make this Intro too Long, just keep scrolling and join me as it has already been in full swing.

There is no particular order to these post while in MEXICO because things have been slightly chaotic, and that is where the tardiness comes from.  Ill explain as you read on.

YOUNG FUEGO

** its Y.F. is you know me**