CNN en Espanol tune in!

Folks I've been on CNN en Espanol all day yesterday (my family told me first then I saw myself last night-YAY).

They just told me I'll be on today as well! Only TV, no internet. Tune in!!!

Se comienza cerrar la Cuidad de Mexico (D.F.)

My first CNN ireport Espanol!

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-251812

Mexico City prepares to shut down

I just wrote this report last night. Things here continue to get worst (with regards to service industry), as far as wide spread of swine flu - I think we have it under control. It just sucks that we have to shut a city of 20million people to keep it under control, but I've been through many hurricanes in my life and know the drill.

Here's a link to my ireport for CNN.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-251737

p.s. don't forget to rate it (5 stars are apprecited, LOL.)

My first LIVE interview with CNN

Looks like the story I posted yesterday, attracted the right producer because at about 10.30 EST I got an email from CNN wanting to interview me live via Skype! Here's the coverage and of course I am still without word. Especially since 5 minutes my interview I got an email from CNN en Espanol saying they would love to "talk" with me. Stay tuned...

Interview with CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/ireports/2009/04/28/dcl.irpt.mexico.city.flu.cnn

I posted this story today, it's now my 2nd ireport coverage!

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-251221

Today I experienced my first earthquake in Mexico City, Mexico

As if the deadly flu wasn't enough, I was sitting in the office watching TV with everyone from the office because the Sec of Health was providing needed information on what should we do. Long and behold the table, chair, ground started shaking and I was convinced I caught the deadly flu and about to faint. Thankfully, my coworkers said no it's an earthquake and I said "oh that's how that feels?". I was shook up for hours and was on CNN.com trying 2 get more details. They had a "are you there" section and I decided to click and write my story. Less than 20 minutes passed and I got an email from CNN saying THEY'RE GOING TO POST IT ON TV!!! Here's my story folks and I think I'm going to make this a habit, at least this way I can get my few seconds of fame. LOL

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-250711

81 deaths, 1000's cases and well I'm just...

partying with precautions!

here's CNN info on deadly flu happening here in Mexico City.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html

First 24 hrs in Mexico City, Districto Federal (D.F.), Mexico

4pm – I deplane and walk right through immigration and customs. Outside, I was greeted by employees of the NGO (non-governmental organization) that I came down here to assist. It was very kind of them and I felt at ease. Norma and Juan, were just excited to see me, as if were were family members that hadn’t seen each other in years. At first I felt weird cuz I’m thinking, um lady I just met you. But this like any other foreign experience I’ve encountered is just part of the learning process. I went to the first exchange rate window and got 11.5 pesos (mistake #1) for my 1 dollar. Then we went to the other side of the airport (very nice btw) to catch a legit cab. FYI: cab related crime is ridiculous here and if you don’t call a cab service, you’re chances of getting mugged increase 300%. During our walk, which took forever, over to the cab I noticed other exchange rate windows giving 12.9 for 1USD. That’s when I realized, you gotta shop around!

We finally got a cab (120 pesos – aka a lil less than 10USD) and headed into the downtown traffic. During the ride, long and behold we stood right next to another car with a CUBAN flag on it. I seriously do love Cubans, by now I hope you all get this, but in mexico city!!! LOL, I just laughed because I told myself. If I end up with a Cuban from Mexico, that would just be icing on the cake! First a Cuban in Miami, then NYC then Rio and now Mexico! Ay caramba! Traffic was horrible but no different than Rio de Janeiro, so I was just sat and waited.

6pm – We finally got to my hostel (mexico city hostels) and I checked into my single room which totally rocked! Also the location could not have been more central, we were right next to huge cathedral and the Zocalo area. But just like with any other big city downtown, it’s great during the day but at night you gotta watch out! Norma and Juan said they would take me out to dinner and I continued to feel greatly appreciated. They took me to famous restaurant, gorgeous views called Sambroso (I think). I had soup and beef tacos, along with some mix of natural juices and when the check came, they paid (yay!!). I had my first stalker at dinner, guy sitting 3 tables away with his “friend” and could not stop looking at me. I just smiled and flirted (just a lil, I mean it would be mean if I didn’t. it’s what I do best, giving back to the community – teehee).

8pm – Instead of the traditional American thing to do, point the visitor in the right direction and say bye. Norma/Juan walked out of their way and took me back to hostel. Gotta say it was a lil annoying at first but I appreciated what they did and also took that as a sign that this neighborhood is not that safe. So I stayed in and caught up with my emails/facebook/etc.

10 pm – went nite nite

8am – I woke up and eat the hostel free b’fast (yuk but it’s free so can’t complain). I went online to research the location of the CL apt ad I had been communicating with since the past week. I noticed that it was really close to the gayborhood and near all the gay bars/clubs I would go. I was seriously hoping it would turn out fine and I could sign the lease. I got on the metro and headed to Col. Juarez.

9am – As I ran to the metro, the office took her hands and held mine pushing it away from the subway car. She screams “Mujeres solamente” and I said inside, NOT FCUKING AGAIN! The same exact thing happened in Rio! Apprently they have women only cars during rush hour and I had to wait for the next one, ughh! I got off the station and was completely lost but I love it. Eventually I got there, had to ask 2 times for the directions – teehee (to my defense, I had no map just an address), but I noticed the area was nice/secure (unlike zocalo).

10am – I was roaming around in Col. Juarez, finally found the apt and start chatting w/ lady, Silvia. Silvia looks like she is in her mid 70s, her niece and grandchild were there. He was just adorable! I held him and took care of him while she made me coffee. We discuss the important stuff first, who r u, what r u doing here, then just chatted and hung around. She mentioned that her daughter was going to show up on TV soon, and then pointed at someone. I didn’t think twice cuz I figured it was a figure of speech. After about 40-50 minutes, I was sold and went to nearby ATM and took out $2,500 pesos for the month (avg 190USD). I got my keys and as I was about to leave and the lady on TV was walking in! We greeted each other and she said, sit down and let’s have a chat. I was like :-O – OK! She’s part of some morning talk show in DF (I’m not sure if it’s local or national, but eventually I’ll find out and post on blog).

Noon – It was finally time to head home and I said my goodbyes. 2 trains later I was back in Zocalo, I was a happy bee because I loved the apt and especially the location. Now I can finally focus on the tourist stuff! At the hostel, I signed up for the Pyramid day tour and the part I’m most excited about is the night tour to LUCHA LIBRE! Oh I just can’t wait, seriously! Since I booked my Friday, I wanted to know how to get to work (DEMYSEX) and decided to head over now.

2pm – In no time, I was at demysex and Norma continued to give me the VIP treatment.

3pm – I was reading information on demysex and did some gmail/fb/linkedin catching up.

4pm – It was finally time to head home and I got some McDonald’s on my way home, oh yeah, I went there.. I’m loving it! LOL

Last day in Miami, Florida - USA

My last 24hrs was full of emotions. I was anxious and scared of my move to D.F. For the first time in my life I was going to a foreign country without knowing anyone or traveling with someone that’s familiar. I felt like the 1.5 week I was in Miami just wasn’t enough. My grandmother (98yr old) was in the hospital for most of my stay and she was just hilarious the day I was leaving. I shed a tear when I said goodbye because I knew this could be the last time. I mean she’s def strong, but one just never knows. My mom, aunts and gm had apparently saved up all their energy for the last 24 hours because it was nonstop advice on what I should and should not be doing in DF. I am def way too old for what they were saying, but the lil kid in me appreciated the attention and love I was receiving so I just sat back and took it all in with a smile. I also visited old friends and family members I hadn’t see in well over a year. Those are always good times.

Let’s not forget that the beginning of my Miami stay, started out with a weekend family trip to Orlando, Walt Disney World. Followed by Miami/SouthBeach’s gayPride weekend festivities where I got to also hang out with friends I hadn’t seen in years!

The short 1.5 week I stayed in Miami was an intense stay, which ended with a much needed 30 minute nonstop sobbing session. It had been months since my last “session” but I believe that crying is healthy and was so excited it was finally happening.

I’ve had some memorable times in Miami (per blog) and this was once again, one of the most memorable times in Miami.

Another not so typical 24hrs in Melvin’s life (Rio de Janeiro --> Miami --> Orlando)

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was packing for my 2 month “internship” at a nonprofit in Brazil. I met some amazing individuals at the nonprofit and made some new friends. I shed tears as I said goodbye to the beautiful people I met and those that have been long time friends. I can honestly say I could see myself living in Rio de Janeiro but alas the time to leave was here. I now flip the last page of this chapter and a new one begins. I learned so much about how a nonprofit can function internationally and made invaluable connections during last week’s global symposium (aka conference).

4p.m. – Tuesday (April 7, 2009)
It is 4pm and our cab was outside waiting to pick us up en route to Rio’s international airport. It took me about 2 hours of packing but I finally had all my possessions in 3 big size luggages. We had one of the most smoothes ride to the airport and made it in record time, less than 40 minutes. Walked right into through security/custom and got to the gate 3 hours early!!! LOL, we did a quick run through duty free and while passing a different gate I ran into an old friend, Trisha, from NYC (full-brighter in Rio) as she was waiting for her flight too. She’s been in Rio for over a year and was key in introducing me to my Rio “posse”.
We sat for over an hour catching up because for the past 3 weeks we just couldn’t find time to meet. Ain’t it funny how you can live so close and not have time to hang, kinda like NYC, huh?

8p.m. – Tuesday (April 7, 2009)
After chatting with Trisha, we sat down at the airport bar and started drinking Skol beer cans (R$3.5o) until we ran out off local currency. LOL. Funny part was that we still had $R12 left that just goes to show you how cheap things are in Brasil. Needless to say we got to our gate pretty buzzed and I fell asleep as soon as we sat down.

3a.m. – Wednesday (April 8, 2009)
The b’fast cart slammed into me waking me up and I screamed Apple Juice! LOL. Apparently the flight caught the right wind and got to MIA 30 minutes earlier. We landed at approx 3.30a.m. and sat on the tarmac because US Customs in Miami does not open until 4am – ugghh. Despite my mood, I cruised right through customs and found myself saying goodbye to Claire too soon. She went through the reboarding doors and I through the exit. And as soon as I opened those doors I cursed in 3 languages because the weather was in the 50’s. Apparently, some kind of cold front was going through Florida. After 20 minutes of waiting my cousin outside, I was finally in the car en route to my aunt’s house (Melvin’s temporary digs).

6a.m. – Wednesday (April 8, 2009)
I was graciously provided 1 hour to unpack and repack my dirty cloth (to be washed at the hotel). I slammed the back door after packing the SUV with our luggage and we were en route to Orlando, Florida. Luckily it was only 3 of us, there was one car driving from Jacksonville and another from Homestead, Florida. In total, there was 12.5 family members about to embark on a 3-day all park access to Walt Disney World. I can’t remember the last time I was in Disney. It was either on GayDisney (The one day out of the year that Disney makes special accommodations to the homosexual community) or 5 yrs ago at my lil cousin’s 5th birthday. We were here this weekend to celebrate her 10th b-day.

10a.m. – Wednesday (April 8, 2009)
We finally arrive to the hotel and join the other 9 family members. We checked into our hotel, but our rooms weren’t ready (shocker!) and got our 3day park passes. We jumped on the hotel bus and headed to Epcot! Oh yeah, we stayed at a Disney hotel – All Star Hotels (Music).

3p.m. – Wednesday (April 8, 2009)
After eating at a Chinese restaurant on epcot’s famous circle of countries, we headed back home for a quick nap, b4 the evening festivities began.This ends yet another untypical 24hr in Melvin’s life.

Next blog will about the nonprofit in Brasil and my work in the global conference.