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.