The F.D.A. would have a cow...and so did I!

Whilst in Mexico we had the auspicious opportunity to sample some legitimately authentic Mexican cuisine. As previously mentioned, we initiated our voyage with Carl’s Jr at the airport, so our point of reference was presumably distorted. However, if the food was anywhere close to Monica’s cooking then I knew we were in good hands! It was my aim to capture every meal on camera for this very purpose. Does anyone know how to say “It’s for my blog” in Espanol?

The next morning we ate at Quetazallcoalt, which means "feathered serpent" which was the white God that was supposed to save the people. The Aztecs thought Hernando Cortes was Christ, which is why they greeted him so eagerly. So, basically, we ate at Christ.

This juice was seriously celestial. This wasn't a pitcher for the whole group, it was my cup!

The fruit had a "tree-of-life" quality to it! If this was any indication of the rest of our trip I was gonna have to break out the elastic waste band. We went to a market in Tepic. These were positioned right between the typical obnoxious Mexican knick-knacks (i.e suggestive mugs and tequila glasses) and the knock -off handbags.

After the market we stopped for some Auga Frescas.

Again, heaven in a bag!

The flavors of choice were Pina and Strawberry.

After the market in Tepic we headed to Club Del Valle (the valley sports club) for some more food and family fun. Almost a billion people showed up- all related to Monica. I don't even think she knew all of them!

This was a banana from their back porch. Delicious and adorable. A winning combination.

Late one night we ventured up and down the curvy streets of Tepic and ended up at a "house-by-day-taco shop-by-night" It was called tacos el guero. Which means "best-tacos-from-a-garage-I've-ever-had. period"

I had uno chorizo, uno asada, uno pollo, and a fresca! James had all of the above, plus a chili dog. And two Frescas. And whatever I didn't finish. And then he proceeded to spend the rest of the night keeled over in misery.

At the playa (beach) we had shrimp and chicken and some other types of fish. And fresca. And probably a little sand as well.

In Puerto Villarta on the boardwalk we sampled some tacos al pastor. They were twice the price and half the size as the "from the garage tacos". Still delicious though. Oh, yeah, we also had Frescas and Coke.
Later on the boardwalk we were hungry again. This time the team opted for some less traditional Mexican. We ate the Hard rock cafe. Can you guess what's in the glass? More FRESCA!!!

I had macaroni and cheese. I had been craving cheese. Cheese on tacos, cheese on burritos, cheese on enchiladas is more of a Carly thing...not a Mexican thing.

On the trip back from Villarta we stopped at a fruit stand for some pina and coconut.

The fruit is grown and picked across the street. Can you get any fresher?

James was quite the sport to put up with my camera antics. I rewarded him with a fresca.
You can purchase the fruit like this, or you can pick your own and they'll slice it up just for you. All the real Mexicans doused their fruit in chili. I personally like my fruit, well fruity!

If I recall we ate this for breakfast. It was supposed to be lunch, but we didn't get around to eating it until the following day. Long story- look for future posts to explain why. I don't remember exactly what it was, except that it was good and spicy.

The picture doesn't do this indulgence justice. Deep-fried banana wrapped in a tortilla and covered in caramel. By this point in the trip zippers are not only down, they've popped off!

Although we didn't actually partake, I had to capture this "ornament." Yes it's a Christmas ornament. Yes, it's ginormous. Yes, it's on a tree. Yes it's in a mall. Yes it's a Corona.

Snow Cones anyone?

This is Stephanie. My new favorite person. She is Monica's niece, and I tried to fit her into my suitcase and bring her home. Shhhh, don't tell I.C.E...I had the pina. It was good, but different than your run of the mill American version.

This is the guy who made them. Yes, he made them. Not a machine. That's the shaver he's holding and all the flavors are in the jars. Again, this was another shop right out of his home!

Just before leaving Tepic we had to sample Jorge's Tacos for dinner.

And for breakfast!

the salsa: too hot for my Gringo blood.

Did we mention we love Mexican Fresca. We ultimately had to upgrade to the 2 liter

bottle. Salsa in a Gatorade bottle. Why not!

These were the breakfast tacos. By the time we were done at Jorge's we had downed over 75 tacos.

In Guadalajara the Crowne Plaza offered a deluxe buffet breakfast. The juice and fruit were my favorite. Here, the women were cheaper than the men.

In telepaque there was an auga fresca called zarzamora. We're practically celebrities down there!

Yes that a snout. Yes that's fur. No, there is no administration to keep this from getting cooked and served to unsuspecting travelers such as ourselves.

Ice cream cones! Just like the golden arches makes 'em. I think we probably paid 5 pesos each. What a steal. It was the highlight of the day for James!

I know, it looks reminiscent of prison slop. Some taxi driver recommended this place. Apparently they hold the world record for speediest food-to-table service. Unfortunately, it was reminiscent of prison slop... I guess you can't win 'em all! You may be asking yourself, "self, where are the churro snapshots? Surely, no one could go to Mexico and resist the compelling lure of the churro?" And you are punctilious! I couldn't resist the churro, however, I captured my churro experiences on video! Besides, they didn't last long enough to even take a picture. And, as soon as I figure out how to get the video off the camera and onto the computer you have the chance to share the memories with me. Side note- we have a digital camera, and I spent an hour searhing for the eject button for the tape. I'm that smart.