by Alison Carr

past and present

Malaga is three thousand years old making it older than Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao combined. This city is a humble jewel and like most humble things it underestimates it’s own brilliance. Malaga’s antiquity and architectural splendour have gone largely unnoticed. Since the inception of the package deal holiday in the 1960’s millions of tourists have flocked to Malaga airport, hopped on transfer buses only to be whisked away to beach resorts ignoring this absolute delight of a city.

I cannot be impartial when I tell you about Malaga. I currently live in Ireland but Malaga City is where my heart lies. In some ways it is my true home. The language and climate may be different but in my opinion the people from Malaga share a similar psyche as the Irish. They are chatty, not great at following rules, have a great colloquial sense of humour, much of their traditions and social lives centre around Roman Catholic traditions as opposed to practicing the faith, and finally they are exceptionally laid back. With keeping these things in mind go embrace Malaga City.

Zooming through Malaga city’s timeline like this does not do it justice. However, it will illustrate the rich and varied tapestry of Architecture this city has to offer. Malaga was granted city status back in 770 BC when it founded by the Phoenicians. Malaca or Malaka 200 yrs later it fell into the hand of the Carthaginians until yielding to the Romans in 218 AD. The Teatro Romano that is nestled underneath the Moorish Fort of Alcabaza dates back to Augustine the Great. For five hundred years it remained under Roman rule. Some of the finest roman remains outside Italy can be discovered in Malaga and the surrounding mountains of Andalusia.

Looking out from Malaga Port you can see Africa . In the early 700’s the Moors conquered what is now southern Spain today. Due to its geographical location Malaga has always been a vital port throughout history. Even today it is the second largest port in Spain. Malaga was regained by the Christians in the 12th Century. From the 16th Century until the 19th the downtown area as we know it today was developed. A serious of natural disasters in the 18th Century caused economical stagnation. This enabled the Malaga city to freeze in time. How Europeans manage to bypass this architectural and archeological wonderland that is on there doorstep never ceases to amaze me.

One of the many great thing Malaga offers is that you can eat and drink 24hrs a day but to say the city never sleeps would be wrong. Most shops are closed between 13.00hrs and 16.00hrs or 14.00hrs to 18.00hrs for siesta. Family, friends and relaxation are crucial in this bustling city. So what do you do during these hours? Join them..

images: roman amphitheatre am carr, Shakespeare’s Othello (the moor) played by Ira Aldridge first African American performer on a British Stage courtesty National Geopgraphic, Pompidou Centre Malaga Port am carr

playtime

Oh where do I begin? Malagueños love to play. Incidentally a Malagueña is a Spanish folk song that derives from the Fandango. It tends to get bunched in with Andalusian Flamenco. The rest of Spain refer to Malaga residents as los Boquerones (fresh anchovies) . They certainly do eat loads of them.

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Malaga is a walkers city. You could grab a free bike, use the local bus service (it’s cheap and the wifi is great) even the taxis are reasonable however walking is the way to go. I always choose to start any visit to downtown Malaga at the Teatro Romano. In this wide open space your back is the amazing Picasso Museum https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/en. Next door to the museum is the iconic El Pimpi sherry bar. If you look down at your feet you are standing on a thick glass pavement, underneath you view the tunnels that gladiators once walked through to face the crowd in the amphitheatre that is in front of you. The Moorish forts towering over you. To your left you can amble down Arabic streets littered with tea rooms there is even a Hammam in this district. To your right the beautiful Cathedral cloaked with scented orange groves spins off to a web of narrow streets teeming with tiny tapas bars and cafes. Don’t use a map just wander.

Semana Santa is a glorious sight. The Easter processions are a riot of costumes, vivid colour and austentatious icons swaying down Calle Larios. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8JQB2fF__I

Feria Time is every Malaga boy, girl, Mamma, Papa, Grandparents favourite time of year. The Feria (the Fair) A celebration of Andalusian Dress, Music, Dance, Sherry and Fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYBZQhEp7OU. This is also a great time of year for Clubbers check out what D.J’s are in the city for the Feria. Gay Pride is usually the week before.

Biblioteca: Libraries, Spain invests heavily in libraries and social amenities. Downtown libraries have the most interesting activities, you could try a free Spanish lesson.

Malaga city adores children and they are welcome everywhere it is not unusual to see children on the street at 1am. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the crowds in the bustling narrow streets head for the Pier. There are lots of open spaces for them to run. There is even a beach downtown.

Check out the Carmen Thyssen Art Gallery, often on a Sunday actors from the Cervantes theatre do free story time for the smallies. Regaling them with spanish folk stories through drawing, singing and simple storytelling.

Due to the warm climate, Malaga residents spend most of their time outdoors. Their homes are quite basic. They eat and play mainly outdoor hence the abundance of amenities and facilities. Every few blocks there will be a Parque Recreo for kids to gather. Centro Comunidades Ciudad ( community centres like YMCA’s) have amazing really cheap facilities. Usually there is no charge to use basketball courts, skate parks and there is always a nice cheap local cafe or bar attached.

Art, Theatre and Film

Antonio Banderas is from Malaga city there’s even a street named after him. As a teenager he moved to Madrid to study with Spanish national theatre. A chance meeting outside a cafe with Pedro Almodóvar led to him being cast in his first movie at 19 Labertines de paciones ( he played a gay terrorist). Almodóvar bravely led Spanish cinema out of Franco’s darkness and Catholic oppression. Renowned for being an explosive artist Almodóvar has fallen out with many of his leading actors. Banderas still collaborates with him. Banderas has given so much back to his city. He spearheaded a regeneration of Malaga Port, the marginalised west of the city, he has even built a theatre. Banderas’s patronage has ensured the Malaga Film festival is now one of the most recognised in Europe. Many movies are free during the festival and you can avail of subtitles.

Antonio Banderas malaga theatrehttps://youtu.be/G5vZbSpPgG4

Dance:Bailar One of my fondest memories living in Malaga in my 20’s, was waving goodbye to 80’s pop and entering the 90’s music scene. Dance music was just kicking off. I distinctly remember a Prodigy tune belting out. When the ‘banger’ ended the Malaga dance floor cleared and the Flamenco set came on. Every Spaniard in the club grabbed their partner and took to the floor. I was mesmerised, I learnt Malagueńa flamenco quickly so I didn’t stand out anymore. Traditional dancing is like riding a bike or swimming. It is something they just all learn at an early age, male and female. That is what makes Malaga so special.

If perchance you are in to celeb culture. Here are just a few famous people from Malaga whom represent Spanish culture throughout the world. somos de Malagahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pBT6oiHAok

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eat and sleep

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Malaga city and food… this topic is too vast. Again, I suggest you get lost and stumble from tapas bar to bar discovering your own favourites. Here are a few starting points.

• Mercado Atarazanas: Malaga’s fresh food market. the Moorish doorway goes back to the 14th Century when boats could float up to enter. I will have my funeral here. This is also the bests place to eat, boquerones(fresh fried little anchovies), gambas( prawns), almequas (tiny clams in garlic lemon and cilantro)
• Sherry: Casa Guardia on Calle Alameda, try the Virgin of Malaga (Sweet) Pedro Ximenez (v.sweet like prune juice), Secco Anjeco (med dry my favourite)
• 1950’s style Bar Orellano off Calle Larios, the lamb is to die for, just ask for Cordero
• Manzanilla: New trendy tapas bar run by local boy whom did well in NYC
• Casa Mira: best ice-cream and turrón shop. (Turron is like a nougat made from Almond)
• Fish: Los Cheringuitos on the beach. Take a number 130 bus or 45 minutes walk out past Malagueta beach to Pedregalego and El Palo. The best espetos (skewers) of fresh fish grilled on the sand in front of you. Watch the sun go down here. Heaven

Sorry but..Anyone who knows me can tell you much to their amusement I am probably one of the few travellers whom does not support Air bnb. In our neoliberal society I have seen the negative effects it has had on cities with houses shortages.

There are lots of nice hostels, pensiones, and owners direct sites, house swap and hotels in general are not too costly.

The surrounding areas of Plaza Merced (remember a ‘C’ in Malaga is an over pronounced ‘th’) has plenty of refurbished apartments for rent. This are was recently regenerated and their is never an issue finding accommodation bar Feria week.

Sport

Padel Malaga cities gift to the sporting world. It is a sport invented in Marbella origionally. Every one from teens, wheelchair bound and Grandmothers play. It is a cross between squash and tennis. Central and South America behind football it would be the second most popular sport.

Basketball malaga have a great team and wonderful facilities

Triathlon Triathlons run every Sunday in the city. I admire them but don’t emulate them. I sit outside with my churros and Tazo (chocolate) watching their fit bodies with painted numbers on their arms pass me by.

well being

Really inexpensive yoga in all Community centres, some are free but if you are slightly shy try here, very informal, all levels and inexpensive 3 min walk from Catedral de la Encarnación de MálagaAddress: Calle Moreno Monroy, 5, 29015 Málaga, SpainPhone: +34 626 08 80 86Province: Málaga

Cudeca (Cuidados del Cancer): The Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice Centre in Benalmadena offers specialist nursing, hospice care and support to cancer patients and their families.

• Cudeca
  At: Avenida del Cosmos s/n, Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 Málaga
  Tel: 952 564 910
  Fax: 952 564 922

https://alcoholics-anonymous.eu/meetings/?tsml-region=malaga

a list of public health centres. All European Union https://www.sspa.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud/el-sas/servicios-y-centros/informacion-por-centroscitizens are covered with an E11 form

Association for the Assistance to Victims of Sexual Assault (Asociación Asistencia a Victimas de Agresiones Sexuales)

Tel: 954 905 649

by Alison Carr

In 1995 I was living in VictorianB.C. Canada. Seamus Heaney had won the Nobel Prize for literature. Passing munroe’s book store window on Government St. a big cardboard cut out of Heaney caught me eye. Out of curiosity I bought his book , I knew nothing about poetry. I read postscript and boom my life was changed. An erratic love affair with west Clare was born. https://youtu.be/eczY3nny7fk courtesy @monkeypees

past and present

Greetings from the Wild Atlantic Way well thats what the marketing gurus branded it. A stroke of genius I may add. For years we apologised for the ferocious Atlantic ocean gnawing at our western shore. The west coast of Ireland is susceptible to the rear end of storms and hurricanes coming from the Americas, hence all the wind and rain.

When that wind subsides. Wow…it is beautiful.

The west of Ireland’s greatest export for the past 150 years were it’s people. Emigration was rife from this part of the Country. Farms are small, many contain uncultivated land. In the 1960’s tourism opened up and some filtered into this region. However it is seasonal and the winters are long.

So if you don’t come here for the weather, nor for economic gain why come to west clare?

playtime

West Clare boasts of some of the best surf on this planet. From beginners to World Class big wave surfers all levels can find the perfect wave to suit them here. In 2000 west Clare began to receive notoriety on the World’s surfing stage. From Bali to Hawaii they flocked to catch the Atlantic waves. Young men and women gave up jobs as software engineers, lab technicians, hotel managers to come and dedicate their lives to surfing.

If you are in the area. Lahinch is the best spot to learn with numerous surf schools. If you can surf already contact the West Coast Surf Club and you can borrow some gear. The surfing community has a very socialist bias. Sunday morning’s has a kids club from around 7yrs to 14 boys and girls meet with some of the most experienced veteran surfers keeping a watchful eye and honing their skills. https://www.westcoastsurfclub.com/

Instead of flocking to the cliffs of Moher car park. Try loop head cliffs further down the coast line. Less crowded and no parking fees. If it is dramatic views and height you are looking for head north. County Donegal has the tallest cliffs in Europe, Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs over 600metres high.

Music. In the 1960’s folk music began to make waves in America Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, John Prine and their cohort inspired a new generation of music lovers. Musicians went in search of roots and origins. They found what they were looking for in Clare. Seat of Irish traditional music. Willy Clancy the uileann pipe player from Miltown Malbay. http://oac.ie/site/ The Willy Clancy summer school runs in July. From the age of 3 to 103 all can learn to play an instrument, dance or sing the cannon of local folk songs in the Irish language

Music venues for drop in sessions;

Kennys White horse session Lahinch, not just traditional. From Up and coming young talents like Susan O’Neill, Wallis Bird to old school local boys The Walls, Serious Mischief reggae bands, the Fiddle Case.

The Kenny family along with Hotel Doolin sponsor a folk festival worth checking out every year.

The corner Stone Pub Lahinch for traditional, Eoin O Neill, Yvonne Casey, Luka Bloom in the winter on a Thursday night having a session hugging mugs of tea.

Magic Seaweed

Foraging and cooking with seaweed has become popular. This ancient old Irish tradition is making a renaissance as this super food comes back in fashion. Unlike mushrooms that can be poisonous if misidentified, Seaweed is good for your diet, your skin, hair, your garden and your general mental well being. From Flaggy shore to Kilkee there are an astounding 200 varieties to be found. Foragers meet on a regular basis in the Cheese Press cafe in Ennistymon. If you are exceptionally keen contact Oonagh O’Dwyer, West Clare Author, Chef and Owner of Wild Kitchenhttp://wild kitchen.ie

Thrift Stores and preloved clothes can be found in the town of Ennistymon. A new energy is about the town breton creperie, artisan cheesemakers, musicians, coffee roasters and tattoo artists all getting away from the big smoke are gravitating to this bijoux spot.

By Nattapong Yokteng 

A capital that started from zero from the Second World War II and passed through uncountable tough times. Today is a present and a new chapter for Varsavians. They created this beautiful city again from the wreckage. They will never forget the bravery from their heroes and heroines in Warsaw uprising in 1944. 

Life of Varsavians and the city itself are very interesting. Even though they had rough history in the past, they are always seeking the joy for their lives. If you walk in the city, you will see a lot of people sit in front of the restaurants or bars. The city is developing, classical and modernity of the city live together. People are happy in this city. 

Warsaw, Poland is in Eastern Europe where not much people would love to visit. Plus, it is not destination for tourism but Krakow (South of the Poland and old capital of Poland) is. So, What about life of people who live in Warsaw? Ans also, What the city offers for visitors to experience the real Warsaw? 

Play time

Imagine, there are 59 museums in this city. I believe that there will be your interested one. Even you are not a fan of museum, you will enjoy it because the exhibition and the way they present are not boring at all. There are museums where you can engage with the exhibitions and it could raise your experience into unforgettable experience. 

Go to the city beach where the locals are. The best way to learn the culture is blend in with the locals. Vistula is a river name that runs across this capital. On the river bank, there is a sand area where Varsavians love to hang out with friends to BBQ or play beach volleyball. Bring cans to watch sunset there is work too! 

Chill out in Praga district. Crossing the bridge to the other side of Warsaw and you will meet with the Art quarter of Warsaw where new generation of Varsavians try to create this area to where they can express their passions and feelings. There are many chic and cool bars and restaurants here. 

Eat time 

Pierogi is recommended to try when you are here. It is a fried/boiled dumpling with various of stuff inside such as pork, potato, cheese or strawberry. It could be both main or desert dish. 

Sernik, a cheesecake which is quite similar to American cheesecake style. It is the traditional desert here. So, try with the coffee or tea would be nice. 

The best place to have Polish cuisine is to go to Milk bar (Bar mleczny) where they offer you only Polish food and it is also affordable price. You will find everything from starter to desert in traditional way. Note that they barely speak English to you, make sure that you have someone with you or use the google translation because it is very local. 

Sleep time 

Once you are in Warsaw and love to sleep in the area of historical, Old town (Stare Miasto) would suite you. You will feel like you have passed through the time machine gate to 1940. 

City center (Srodmiescie) is a good area to stay over. It is convenient to travel around and also good place to observe how people here live in the morning when they go to work or in the evening when they go out to hang out. 

Warsaw offers many things for you to do and see. If Warsaw were a person, she would love to see you there. She barely asks for attention from the world. It is more likely us that we need to find her. If you have a chance to visit Warsaw, please tell the world that she exists. 

By Nattapong Yokteng

Irasshaimase is the first word that is said by Japanese when you enter their restaurants, shops or houses. It is a warm phase that welcomes you to Japan with the marvelous hospitality by Japanese. People around the world are coming to Japan because they desire to experience the cultures and understand the cultures.

Japan has a long history in the past since the Ice age period and it appeared in many history books such as in World War I and II. If you are interested in Japan’s history, these are keywords: Shogun, Samurai, Edo, Meiji, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, etc. Another fact is Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan.

Plenty of interesting activities could be found in many places in Japan. From culinary to anything. Japanese are very open-minded, neat, respectful and helpful. If you are getting lost, just be chilled and do not panic. They will walk you to your hotel. People are also the selling point of Japan. You will love them.

Play time

Origami, is a paper folding traditional activity associated with art and culture for many hundred years. A typical type of origami is a bird then it could develop to Samurai helmets, flowers, boats, and animals, etc.

Attend Sumo events while you are in Japan. Japanese wrestling is very interesting and it is a traditional sport since 720 AD. And, the life of a wrestler is also remarkable. They are required to live in a training camp and very strict to the tradition.

Onsen is a must-try activity in Japan. Soaking and relaxing in hot spring water is the best feeling on earth. It is a natural treatment. The spring water will balance and heal your body. You will be able to find Onsen all around the country. Just do not miss it.

Eat time

Sushi and Sashimi represent the art in cutting fish and molding rice for Sushi. It looks simple to make but the original way it does not. The way of making is meticulous. So, appreciate every Sushi that you are going to eat. And of course, it is a healthy meal. 

Soba, a hot noodle dipped with cold sauce or pour the hot soup over. It is different kinds of noodle soups that you might have known before for instance, Raman or Udon soup. You will not have much soup in your bowl. The noodles and soup are served separated in the dish.

Another hot dish is Sukiyaki. The combination of Protein, Carbs and Veggies in one pot. It is a dish that you would like to try when you see how it is served (All those ingredients in one pot!). It is mainly served in Winter or cold weather however you can have it all year round.

Sleep time

RyoKan is the best way to experience and learn about Japanese culture. You are required to wear a Yukata (Japanese style outfit). Usually in a Japanese’s house you will sleep on a Tatami-mat upon the floor. And of course, Food and activity in the RyoKan will be very traditional and authentic. There is no better place to stay than in RyoKan!

Japan offers a lot of authentic things to do. They are retaining their Culture without being swayed by tourism despite the demands of growing numbers of tourists. They manage to preserve their culture very well. More importantly, we should respect their cultures, people and places wherever we go. If not, we will not be able to see these anymore. 

By Nattapong Yokteng

Kiriwong village, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Let’s take a break from the hustle of the city and head down to the south of Thailand, Kiriwong has the freshest air quality in Thailand. Green mountains, streams that run across the village and local people live a slow-paced life. This is a place for relaxing your body and refreshing your soul. 

The first settlers arrived in Kiriwong 200 years ago. Previously it was known as “Ban Khun Nam” because of its location near the river going upstream from the Khao Luang Mountain (The tallest mountain in southern Thailand). Later, they changed the village’s name to “Kiriwong” which means a village surrounded by mountains. 

Peace and tranquility are the jewels of Kiriwong. The villagers and nature are living together perfectly. Villagers need nature to live and Nature needs them to retain this synchronicity. It has been like this for centuries that’s why the terrain is so fertile.

Play time

Explore Srithammasokkrarat cave in Kun Talay district. There are incredible stalactites and stalagmites to explore here. The historical site of Nakhon Si Thammarat is an archeological dream, as they have discovered many artifacts here. You can also visit their museum nearby. 

Nharn Hin Tha Ha is a canal where you can soak your body during the day. There are also coffee shops and restaurants for you to enhance your happiness by having Thai or local foods.

Visit small communities that gather together to make a sustainable living. There are many small producers in the village. For example, the Look Mai group who create products from seeds and craft Batik items from ancient Tie Dye methods. Tie Dye originated in Indonesia in the 8th Century

Eat time

Kanom Jeen is a must-try local food from Southern Thailand and it is well-known especially in this province. It is a rice noodle served with different kinds of curries (Spicy and non-spicy) and vegetables. You definitely cannot miss this.

Khao Yum is like a rice salad with spicy curry paste and herbs on top with sweet sauce. This Menu and style of cooking is specific to the South of Thailand only. All of the local foods are made for preventing diseases therefore this diet has incredible health benefits.

There are so many delicious foods that you should try, such as the sticky preserved durian, this is how they preserve fruit here, Mangosteen is the queen of fruit and here in Kiriwong, they have the best or sometimes the most expensive mangosteen. So, try it once you are there.

Sleep time

Homestay is a must place to stay and sleep in one of the villagers’ houses. It is a way that you can learn and see how they live and really experience their culture. For example, when they go to the local market to buy their food, when they go to temple to pray the Buddha on special days or when they can take you to local events.

Visit and experience this small village once in your lifetime. To be aware that this place exists, and to see people who are living happily and enjoying life so much is wonderful. There are many places in the world like this place where people and nature live together in a sustainable way. But, remember that wherever you go, please do not leave your footprint on that place.

by Alison Carr

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Past and present

The unfairly maligned Mexico City is one of my favourite places on the Planet. Growing up in Dublin’s north-side in Ireland during the 1970’s and 80’s I experienced snobbery and stigmatisation instigated by poor media coverage and framing of my community. This stayed with me, inspiring me to seek out the unique personality and character of wherever I visit. I bring my kids with me when I travel, inviting them to view the World through a wider lens. Mexico City is a beautiful beast with a huge heart.

Mexico City sinks one metre every year according to Ramón Alguirre Diaz who runs Mexico’s Municipal water system. Built upon five lakes ironically the city is running out of water.

The original city consisted of a diverse confederation of indigenous people ranging from Tenochtila, Maya, Tlaopan, Texcoc, Xochicalco tribes to name but a few. These people developed intricate irrigation systems and canals that even today astound archeologists . There are over 55 indigenous languages spoken in Mexico City today.

The Aztecs arrived in the 13th century, they developed and expanded their Empire. The city of Tenochtitlán was founded in around 1324 and remained the centre of the Aztec world until Spanish colonisation in the 17th century. Mexico gained independence eventually becoming a constitutional republic in 1917. However, like many post colonial countries it remained impoverished in the following years. The 1960’s saw a new middle-class emerge. Sky-scrappers like the 44 floored torre latinoamericana signified a new era. May I suggest using here as a landmark to get your bearings. http://torrelatinoamericana.com.mx/

October 1968, just ten days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics games the army opened fire upon protesting students. Dozens were killed, hundreds disappeared never to be heard from again. This atrocity is known as the Tlatelolco Massacre. Mexico endured single party rule until 2000. In 2001 the new democratically elected president Eduardo Foxe delivered the city into a new era of reconciliation and openness.

Today Mexico city recognises it’s indigenous cultures, deals with it’s colonial past and celebrates it’s cultural contribution to the world through Art, Culture, Sport and Food. This city is teeming with art galleries and museums that aid you in understanding Mexico’s diversity.

Images courtesy of Museo Nacional de Antropología and am carr. Plaza Major: The city’s past, present and future in a square…

Playtime

Mexico city’s public transport is easy to navigate, comfortable and cheap. The city is divided into Zonas.

Lets start at the centre of the universe, at Templo Mayor. https://www.templomayor.inah.gob.mx/english Zona Zócalo is where you will find the original Aztec city beneath the Spanish colonial grandeur of Plaza de constitucíon. Here, adjacent to the Cathedral is the Palacio Nacional where the walls are dressed with Diego Rivera’s famous murals. This area is simply heaven for Architecture and Archeology enthusiasts. Entry to Museums are free on Sunday. There’s a mind boggling 150 museums in Mexico city. The museum of Anthropology is considered to be one the best in the world.

Art is the very soul of Mexico city

For many, the city’s focal point is either food or archeology. For me…it’s the art. Art exudes from every pore of the city. Whether it is street kids using sculptures for goal posts, or an unexpected pop up gallery in a tobacconist’s shop, Mexico City is art. Like the museums there are too many to mention but here are a few I think you should check out.

• MUSEO JUMEX (MEX MOMA) 1st image
• PROJECTOS MONDOVA CLIMA ROMA 55 (A CONVERTED POOL HALL)2nd image
• MUAC  Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo 3rd image
• MUNAL http://www.munal.mx/en/visita largest collection of Diego Rivera’s work
• MUSEO ARTE MODERNO OVER 3K PIECES RIVALING NYC http://www.museoartemoderno.com/

Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo museum is a pilgrimage for any art aficionado. Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco are often hailed by art critics and connoisseurs to be Mexico’s greatest artists. Frida Kahlo only had one major exhibition in her life time. Yet, Frida is the people’s choice. She belongs to them. On a crowded rush hour bus scowling teens don Frida t-shirts, exhausted domestic workers have Frida’s monobrow emblazoned on their mesh shopping bags. She is neither cool or uncool she is…Frida

above images from Casa Azul (the blue house) Visit. https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/

If anyone is conflicted about visiting big cities with their children, just remember this.. Children live in cities. Lots of them.

Here are just a few ideas to do with Los Niños. Immerse them in community activities, it’s inexpensive and they always have more fun.

Lucha libre, Mexican wrestling is held most nights in the Arena Mexicana, Buy your ticket on line or directly from Arena Mexicana when you arrive as opposed to a third party vendor is cheaper. It is chaotic, there are no rules and it is definitely not for those who adhere to political correctness. Mexican families pile into the Arena to shout laugh and sing. https://youtu.be/9uDAl_MmQb4

La Fragata, Sports Park and football centre. If your partner or kids are beginning to grate on your nerves. This amenity is fantastic, play grounds, pitches, outdoor gym equipment, drop in soccer games open to anyone of all ages. Free, fun and if this is not your thing, there are lots of little neighbourhood bars and taco stands nearby where you can ‘mind the bags’ and sip a beer.

Art classes and activities are held at weekends in several museums and gallaries. Art Club CDMX run great art and design projects for kids. Carlos Slim a mexican billionaire built Museo Soumaya in memory of his wife. Being one of the largest private collections in the world Soumaya prides itself on making art accessible to all. There is always something interesting to do for kids here. http://www.museosoumaya.org/

There are a plethora of football clubs in Mexico City. Pumas, Club America, and Cruz Azul are the big three. If you are finding difficulties getting a ticket for a game just go into any bar or cafe, kids are welcome. The atmosphere is sometimes more exciting in a corner bar… GOOOOOOAL!

Eat and Sleep

Where does one begin? Mexico has one of the most diverse kitchens on the planet. Each region has it’s own distinct flavour and style. Where’s the one place you can discover them all? Mexico City.

Contrary to the racial stereo typing perpetrated by North America, Mexicans work the second longest working weeks in the world according to the World Economic Forumhttps://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/01/the-countries-where-people-work-the-longest-hours/ Hence working class Mexicans tend to eat on route or returning from work. All hail the taco stand and Jugo (juice) stands.

Food tourism is big in the city. People are drawn from all parts of the Globe to this culinary melting pot. In my experience the best way to sample everything and satisfy everyone’s palate in your gang is to go to a food market. Tamales, tacos, tortas, gorditas, mole con carne, dulces it’s all there.

For the foodies…Mexico city is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world. Enrique Elvera’s Pujol is considered one of the world’s best restaurants. https://youtu.be/IHP6lyLKfhQ It’s located in the swanky zona Polanco. Another of Pujol’s chefs , Karime López made history in 2019 by becoming the first woman in Mexico to win a Michelin star. She now heads a restaurant in Florence, Italy.

ZZZZzzzz

There are ample hostels and high end hotels in the Zona Histórico. I prefer to stay in the Zona Roma or in the Gaybourhood of Zona Rosa. https://www.travelgay.com/destination/gay-mexico/gay-mexico-city/. Zona Roma (as in the academy award movie) is an eclectic mix of artists writers and hipsters these days. We tend to stay at the Hotel Geneve, https://www.hotelgeneve.com.mx/en/history/ this bizarre establishment is like staying on the set of Wes Anderson’s Grand Hotel Budapest . Also, you never know whom you might bump into at the breakfast buffet, as the girls were coming in from the night shift we were starting our day site seeing.

Well Being

There are various NA and AA meetings in all city zonas in multiple languagehttps://www.thenews.mx/living/aa-spoken-here-english-meetings-in-mexico-city/s

Cancer support CIMAB hold regular support groups (Spanish-english) in Mexico City for women with cancer.

• CIMAB
  Tel: (55) 5574 9058 / (55) 5574 9073

Mental Health Support

A national helpline, in Spanish, is available for those seeking emotional support.

• SAPTEL
  Tel: (55) 5259 8121 / 01 800 472 7835

free yoga and tai chi classes are held regularly in the Parques de Bosque every morning.

‘Nattapong Yokteng and Alison Carr hail from very different parts of this wondrous planet.  Yet, they share an affinity for a particular style of travel that connects them directly with local  communities in the regions they visit.  

 Nattapong Yokteng is from Southern  Thailand. Nattapong now resides in Poland and Ireland where he studies Journalism.   He bounces back and forth between Asia and Europe. Nattapong is drawn to the road less travelled.  His affable manner and curious nature enable him to engage with local people through sport, art, and culture.  

Alison Carr is  based in the west of Ireland with her two teenage children.  Alison has traveled the Globe extensively for the past 30 years through work, often with her children in tow.  She also shares a passion for connecting with local communities when traveling. Both Alison and Nattapong like viewing the world through the lens of the Communities they are visiting.’ 

                                                                                   Brian McDowell, Writer and Editor.

What is…

Roamers is a travel blog with a difference.  We want you to experience the places you visit. Just step off the beaten track for a minute, immerse yourself in the communities you visit.  Enjoy and connect with local Art, Culture, Sport, Food, while looking through their lense and participating and interacting with the people who live in the communities you are visiting.  Roamers also puts your mental health at the fore by connecting you with a support network in the areas you visit. 

PAST AND PRESENT: A brief insight into what makes the community tick.  A morsel of history and a social overview of what drives the community now. 

PLAYTIME:  Local Art Scene, Music, Sport, local events that will enable you to really experience the place you have visited.  Connecting via community activities that also benefit the community you are visiting.  

EAT AND SLEEP: This category will be subjective.  It will range from budget eats, foraging walks, to guerilla gourmet foodie spots.  Accommodation will range from couch surfing to spoiling yourself . Some people love to sleep under the stars.   The roar of the ocean beside their tent they have pitched for €15 in a farmer’s field. While others dream of staying in a local Castle or renting a Villa for their  large family. 

WELLBEING: All of us at some stage of our lives are affected by depression and anxiety.  Fighting it, denying it, ignoring it, is futile. Depression and anxiety are part of the human condition .  Acceptance is our only liberator. Anxiety shouldn’t be a barrier to traveling so we will always have some support contacts in the communities you are spending time with. Perhaps it is a drop in free meditation class or an NA meeting. We’ll hook you up.

Why…

In an age where social media  enables humans to communicate instantly, why are we feeling so disconnected? Ironically the more we travel around the world,  the less connected we are from each other and society. Like many things on the planet right now, traveling and tourism has become  polarized.

Due to oversaturation caused by unsustainable and intensive tourism,  there is a need to offer an alternative model. A travel blog that distributes travellers more equitably.   Both Nattapong and I believe the current ‘tourism model’ is flawed. It is reliant on turning humans into a commodity by globalised  ‘re-branding’ and untruthful marketing of regions. This leaves it’s visitors unsatisfied and disconnected. Like a human zoo, there is  something about it that just doesn’t feel right. It breeds ‘them and us’ interactions. Unconscious subtle cynicism and resentment sneaks into areas of over saturation.  

The instagram pic didn’t relay how apathetic the staff member on the ‘entrance’ desk was.  They may have taken payment for over 400 people already today but that’s not your fault. They may  have been asked the same questions repeatedly despite the fact it’s not their job. After a 15 minute line-up to purchase  some ‘local fayre’ that has been assembled  in an industrial kitchen,  this is not how it is meant to be…

So let’s start connecting with the people who actually live in these communities  when they are not at work.  

Where…

Instead of casting our nets too broadly we will write on specific regions.  Instead of regurgitating a guide book or randomly posting narcissistic unrealistic images,  we want to connect you with people and communities we know well.  

Nattapong: Thailand, Japan and Poland

Alison: Mexico, Spain, Ireland, United Kingdom, B.C Canada