Traveling with Biden on My Mind

Imagine my surprise when I turned on the news a day before I was set to leave Mexico for the United States, and I heard our Vice President, Joe Biden, creating even more hysteria with his rash advice to avoid commercial airplanes and subways. I didn't have to wait too long for his more level-headed advisors to quickly come on and interpret for the general public what the V.P. really meant to say...ha!

I must admit, I was more than a little nervous to be confined in a small airplane cabin for hours at a time sharing recycled air with my potentially infected fellow passengers, but I refused to give in to the panic of pandemic disease! Armed with my white tapabocas (mouth covering) and the biggest bottle of hand sanitizer I could find, I made my way to the surprisingly crowded Guadalajara airport. I'm happy to report that some precautionary efforts were being made (more than I would see on the other side of the border). Before passing to security, each passenger was required to fill out a piece of paper with their name, address, phone number, and then check any suspicious symptoms that they might have been experiencing. After turning in this papelito, a laser-esque tool was used to take each traveler's temperature. If you were deemed healthy by the red laser gun, then you could proceed with your journey.

Once past security, I made my way through a sea of masked faces to the gate. My plane left on time, without fanfare, nor another mention of the dirty pig flu. A couple hours into the flight however, I was disturbed when the portly American woman next to me sneezed over my water glass and then acted like nothing had happened. I glared at her with my eyes (the only part of my face exposed thanks to my ill-fitting mask) and she obliviously turned her head and took a nap. Apparently she hadn't heard Biden's grave warning.

Finally, the flying germ incubator...I mean airplane, landed in Atlanta and its stir-crazy occupants scurried off and headed toward Immigration. Now for my second biggest surprise in two days...I was expecting long lines, medical equipment, intense interrogation, or some sign of proactive disease control, but when I handed my passport to the burly Customs agent, he simply looked at me, looked at my picture, and told me to have a nice day. That was it! No "What was the purpose of your trip?", "Are you aware that you could be a carrier of swine flu?", "Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?" I made my way to the baggage claim stunned and also a little perturbed. So much for border control.

The rest of my trip was uneventful. After four days back stateside, although I've endured more than my fair share of swine flu jokes from friends and family, I think it's safe to say that I am pig flu free :)

A Pig Free Saludos,

Cati

No Kissing Piggies!

While a kissing culture has finally decided to be more careful about contagious diseases, the non-kissing culture is panicked about the possible Swine Flu pandemic. However, Mexico can't just stop functioning! Mexicans have to go to work to provide for their families. Many of them do not receive sick days...they don't have that option. The tourist economy has already suffered a major loss as a result of the panic. So what should they do? School closings? -Check! Wear masks? -Check! Avoid crowded areas? -hmmm...not so easy. Public transportation is heavily relied upon and cannot be avoided. You can't go to any public place these days without encountering a sea of masked people. Every third or fourth car is driven by someone trying to protect themselves by covering their mouths and noses. Some experts say that the masks are not effective at preventing the Swine Flu. We, personally, are taking it one day at a time; gathering as much information as possible from reliable sources.

We feel like we are living a scene from a movie. Our lives are surreal. However, like the Mexicans, we can't stop functioning. We are going to the store, cooking for our families, and my husband is still going to the office. Today we went to Tonala, where we scout for new Artists, and the closest we got to the Swine Flu was a piggy made of clay! Tonala was calm, the people were going with the flow. We are choosing to be calm and rational amongst the flood of misinformation that we are receiving. Some of us are even trying to put a little bit of humor back in our lives by circulating emails and websites that try and get a laugh.

This is one of my favorites: "Top 5 Things that Won't Prevent Swine Flu"

http://tuccioholic.com/swineflu.htm

In the end, we have no control, really. What's the point of panicking? That's the only thing we CAN control, right?

Saludos,

Cati and Kim

Cati's Story...You live WHERE???

This is the question I most often get when talking about my current living situation with friends and strangers alike. After almost three years of explaining and rectifying erroneous stereotypes(you'll hear about these in another post), I still enjoy the look of shock on people's faces. I have to admit that when I first came to Guadalajara, Mexico almost five years ago to study, I brought the same superior attitude and ignorant misgivings that many Americans have about our neighbor to the south. Upon arrival, however, I quickly changed my opinion. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the bright colors, the rich culture, the delicious food, and my now, fiance. For the aforementioned reasons (namely, my Latin Lover), I returned to Mexico as quickly as I could after college graduation to try my luck as a Gringa in Guadalajara.


I found a job teaching English at an American school, but I didn't find satisfaction. I wanted to be out and about interacting with the people and experiencing the culture. When the opportunity arose to work with Kim on an export business, I was thrilled about the challenge! I knew we were in for a crazy experience (see post on that later). Through our frequent trips to craft towns like Tonala and Tlaquepaque, I've had a chance to familiarize myself with a whole new side of the culture to which I had not been exposed. Kim and I have discovered the most skilled artisans, the most unique artesania, and created an eclectic collection of pieces, which can be found on our website, http://www.collectionsofmexico.com/. With each shopping trip we take, we find more and more items we want to offer you, so be sure to sign up for our E-news to receive the latest news, product updates, and special offers. Follow us as we continue on this exciting adventure.


Saludos,

Cati

Kim's Story...How I Ended Up in Mexico

In 1998, I became engaged to my now, husband, whom I shall refer to as "McDaddy." I bartered with him: "I move to Mexico, YOU marry me!" By the way, a dog and a cat were also a part of that agreement (more on that later). My husband decided to start his own company and we ate rice and beans for 6 years...eh hem...not quite, but in all seriousness, I am very proud of him and his success. During those years I was just an observer of all things beautiful that I encountered in Mexico: pewter bowls, martini glasses, sculptures, gorgeous Talavera pottery, rugs from Oaxaca, rustica furniture, amazing paintings, and that's just to name a few! I drooled over these things and redecorated my house in my dreams. I was being taunted and tortured, but I knew that I would own these things one day. Eleven years and three little boys later (that's another post!), I had made countless trips around Mexico and especially here in Guadalajara to Tonala and Tlaquepaque where all of these beautiful things originate. Mexico is an artist's playground! There is so much that inspires you here: the colorful streets, varied landscapes, blue skies (most of the year), warm oceans, the kind people, and the emotion that you can not only see, but you can feel. My heart has been exposed to an amazing and talented Mexican culture.



The day has finally arrived! The kids are a little older, life is a little more generous and the idea came to me: Why not start your own export business? Why not share your love of Mexico and its artesania with the world?

My friend Cati was in a rut; an English teacher at the time, she explained how she wanted to do something more exciting with her life. That's all it took. I suggested that we collaborate and Collections of Mexico was born. Now, here we are, doing what we love. Our days are filled with scouting and interviewing Mexican artisans with unique talents, and perusing the tianguis (outdoor markets) to find beautiful and distinct pieces. Our collection, which is solely comprised of authentic, unique artesania can be found on our website http://www.collectionsofmexico.com/.

Our goal is to work exclusively with other small business owners like ourselves. The search has led us to discover beautiful pewter pieces, Talavera pottery, sculptures, amazing tiles, rustica furniture, barware, and other home decor items. It is our passion to support the Mexican artisans and their craft (another post to follow, further explaining this). With so many commercial choices out there, the need for artisans and their skills is depreciating. If you find yourself wanting something that we can provide, please choose Collections of Mexico or another authentic, reputable company representing Mexican artisans.

Saludos,

Kimberly McDaniel

My Passion for Mexican Pewter

I just finished an article in Squidoo titled, "Why You Should Buy Pewter from Mexico" and realized, after putting my thoughts on paper, how passionate I am about supporting Mexican Artisans. I've been living in Mexico for 11 years, and own quite a bit of Mexican pewter. It has also become one of the favorite things our friends and family like to receive as gifts.

My friend Cati and I have fallen in love with the Mexican Culture and its People. We feel it is important to support Mexican Artisans and protect their craft by buying Authentic Mexican Pewter. Sure, you can choose to buy trendy, highly marketable copies from the fancy chain stores, but we fear that without continued support of Mexican Artisans, their age-old-art will be lost in a sea of commercial wares.

Increased attention can save and bring support to Mexican small businesses. We encourage you to support Mexican cultural traditions. Don't settle for copies. Buy Mexican! You will not be disappointed. What are ya waitin' for? Start now by going to our website Collections of Mexico and placing your order.

Saludos,

Kimberly McDaniel