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Me time (how strange but wonderful)

 Today my friend and upstairs landlord, Luis took me to the local cellular phone provider so I could change my chip in the iPhone to one that is provided by a local carrier. But before that he had to play volleyball at the Y (which in Spanish they call La Guay) and so I headed out for a 15-minute walk to the historic square of Coyoacan, as I had my mind set on eating breakfast at Sanborns, a chain of stores with restaurants all over Mexico that is owned by one of the richest men in the world, and Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Sanborns and would get lost either in the toy section, the candy section, or in later years the music and souvenir section. The food is safe and cheap and very Mexican.

When I got to the Sanborns in Coyoacan I was surprised to see patio tables set up, because when I was last there in 2019 they did not exist. So naturally, I sat in the sun, had my cappuccino, my huevos rancheros, and a bottle of water for $12. 


After breakie, I met Luis back home and we walked to a mall to get my phone chip changed so I can have a local number. If you ever do come to Mexico, it is much cheaper to get a pay-as-you-go chip and then top it up as the data runs out. I got a 15-day plan which I will top up every 2 weeks. The total cost including unlimited phone calls and texts within USA, Canada, and Mexico is $129 pesos which is about $8 for 2 weeks of usage. I may just call you soon!

After that Luis had to work seeing patients so I called Andrew and we talked for an hour and a half. Then, I walked around and found a Japanese restaurant and had a lovely patio lunch by myself. It was a great time to devote just to me, to give thanks for the blessings that are obvious and those that are not. Below is a picture of my beef stuffed mushrooms in tempura with edamame, which cost $15.



 This area also boasts some lovely tree gardens that are gated and protected as a public park with trails for walking/jogging. Everyone wears a mask here no matter where they are outside, so it is good as the virus is pretty widespread here, but also I think the heat may make the virus less spreadable. Below are photos of Los Viveros de Coyoacan.



One of the few buildings visible from the tree gardens is under construction and will apparently be one of the tallest apartment buildings in the Americas. Luis had mentioned that during the last earthquake the building swayed for much longer than the actual duration of the earthquake. Penthouse anyone?


 

On the way home I stopped to take a picture of a coffee shop across the street from the apartment. The shop really went to town in terms of decorating for the Day of the Dead. Below is a picture of the beautiful altar. 


After lunch, I stopped to take a picture of a display of mini cactus pots that are custom-made by a very big Star Wars fan!


May the force be with you, hasta maNana.

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