Viva Mexico!

The highlight of last week was Mexican Independence Day (September 15th). I went to a party at my boss's house and had a lot of fun. We ate way too much food, set off fireworks, and watched "el grito" on tv (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grito_de_Dolores). The holiday was especially important this year because it was the bicentennial celebration.

On Sunday I also went to a bbq at a friend's vacation house in the nearby mountains. It was a very curvy, hour and a half drive to a tiny, tucked away town (population ~500). The house was very cute, with typical Mexican architecture that you can see in the photos. My friend's mom cooked a delicious meal of roasted potatoes and pork (each person received an entire pig calf!). I felt like I was enjoying a Christmas dinner. Afterwards we went apple picking in a nearby orchard. It was a very relaxing Sunday.

Of course, I've tried some new food:

• alfalfa water (with lemon): This is water mixed with alfalfa and lemon juice. It's very refreshing! The only downside, as a friend pointed out, is that it tastes a little like grass. haha You can find it at any place they serve aguas frescas (flavored waters).

• buñuelo: This is Mexico's version of an "elephant ear." Thinly rolled, fried dough, topped with sugar and cinnamon. Of course they're delicious! Buñuelos are served on special occasions, like Independence Day.