Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/30 sec, ISO500 “Taco” Mexico City, 2025
Mariko and I had such a blast today at a Mexican Cooking Class. We kicked things off with a trip to the local market, where our instructor showed us how to pick out the best tomatillos, limes, peppers, and all the other fresh ingredients. I loved learning those little tips that make shopping so much easier.
Back in the kitchen, the real fun began. We got our hands messy making corn tortillas from scratch, learned how to use a molcajete the proper way, and whipped up a delicious spread of guacamole, salsa, milpas soup, and chicken enchiladas. Everything tasted amazing, and by the end we were completely stuffed.
To top it off, we even got to sip some craft mezcal. It was the perfect finishing touch to an already awesome class. I’d definitely do it again! The instructor said that a second class would have more advanced techniques and of course different dishes.
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/40 sec, ISO1250 “Sopa Milpas” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO800 “Chicken Enchiladas” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/30 sec, ISO800 “Cooking Class” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/160 sec, ISO200 “Desayuno” Mexico City, 2025
We worked from our Airbnb this morning and did a co-work stream, then we headed out for brunch at Craving Crown. Coffee was a must, of course. I went for chilaquiles and Mariko had huevos al gusto – both hit the spot.
Once work was wrapped up, we wandered over to a nearby mall. It felt just like being back in the US, which was kind of funny. We had sushi at Moshi-Moshi (not very good, but not awful) and couldn’t resist grabbing ice cream at a little McDonald’s kiosk for about ten pesos (0.50 USD). Such a steal!
Later, we strolled around the neighborhood, picked up some fun socks from the street vendor as souvenirs, and found a cute little pot for plants. A mix of work, food, and exploring made for a pretty fun day. And also, a successful first day of workcation in a different country!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250 “Chilaquiles and Huevos al Gusto” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/200 sec, ISO50 “Helado” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160 “Helado” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/500 sec, ISO80 “Museo Nacional de Antropología” Mexico City, 2025
We kicked off the day with coffee at Camino a Comala. I had an Americano, Mariko had a Macchiato, and we shared an amazing Aguacate Toast that was just right for breakfast.
After that, we grabbed an Uber to the Anthropology Museum of Mexico. The museum is huge and full of incredible exhibits. We only managed to see about half of it, which gives us a great reason to come back to CDMX again to explore the rest.
Later, we took another Uber to meet up with our tour guide, Carlo, along with another guest, for a food walk. We tried so many delicious things, including chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, enchiladas en mole, and refreshing horchata. To top it off, we had churros filled with cajeta, wandered through the Zócalo, and picked up some pastries at Pastelería Ideal.
We ended the night with tamales and a taste of artisanal chocolate, which was the sweetest way to close out such a fun day.
The food tour was fun, though most of the dishes were ones we were already familiar with, so I think we’d enjoy a more “advanced” food tour next time. What really made it worthwhile, though, was the cultural background and history behind the foods, along with the little details that only a local could share. For example, our guide explained that Mexican Independence Day is coming up on the 16th, but the big celebration actually happens on the evening of the 15th. At 11 pm, the president appears at the official residence in the Zócalo, which sounds like an amazing experience to see in person. Maybe we will brave the crowds to see!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO125 “Macchiato and Americano” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO100 “Aguacate Toast” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/320 sec, ISO80 “Enchiladas de Mole” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/170 sec, ISO64 “Churreria” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/3400 sec, ISO80 “Zócalo” Mexico City, 2025Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO160 “Chocolates” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/40 sec, ISO800 “Tacos al Pastor” Mexico City, 2025
Today was the start of our workacation to Mexico City!
We started our trip flying from Austin to Dallas and then on to Mexico City, and we were lucky enough to get business class seats. So nice to be able to stretch out and enjoy decent food and adult beverages while getting hyped for Mexico. After landing at MEX, the Uber to our Airbnb was fast, easy, and inexpensive.
Once we checked in, we set out to explore the neighborhood. Our first stop was the grocery store to pick up a few essentials (Mariko’s toothpaste was removed by TSA in Austin), then we made our way over to Mercado Roma.
We found Mercado Roma on Google Maps, and had thought it was a market, but it’s actually a food hall. The food didn’t look too enticing, and we didn’t like the vibe so much, but we did enjoy some mezcal and chatting with the host about the different types of mezcal. She recommended us to go to Taquitos Frontera for dinner. The food was incredible – Volcanes Arrachera y Queso, Tacos al Pastor, Brocheta de Champiñones, and a variety of salsas. To go with it all, I had a Michelada Cubana. A perfect meal to start the trip!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO640 “Michelada Cubana” Mexico City, 2025
What a full day! We left our hotel in Chicago, grabbed breakfast at the amazing Lula Café, then drove back to Indianapolis to meet Koa at the airport. Our flight to Austin was non-stop (always a win) and I passed the time with music and my Kindle. We made it home around 8 pm, which feels pretty good after such a packed day. Time to crash!
Today we made the drive from Indianapolis to Chicago for some sightseeing and friend time. First stop after rolling into town was brunch at Avec, and wow, those chorizo-stuffed dates were super-flavorful!
Once we were fueled up, we checked into our hotel and strolled over to Millennium Park to see “The Bean.” It really is such a fun sculpture to walk around and snap photos of. Then it was off to The Art Institute of Chicago, where I geeked out over Monets, Picassos, Kandinskys, and Matisses. There’s something magical about standing in front of the very paintings you once studied in college.
Next up was the Architecture Boat Tour, which was equal parts fascinating and gorgeous. Floating down the Chicago River surrounded by all those incredible buildings felt pretty unforgettable.
We wrapped up the day with friends at The Purple Pig for a delicious dinner. Honestly, it was the perfect Chicago day!
Tonight was Koa’s final performance of his DCI career! Before the big show, Mariko and I took one last walk around Indianapolis. I’m not sure if we’ll make it back here again, but over the past four years we’ve really grown to love this city. It’s been such a special backdrop for so many unforgettable memories. Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/4400 sec, ISO640 “Canal Walk” Indianapolis, 2025
The Blue Devils’ finals performance was absolutely incredible – their best of the season, in my opinion. I couldn’t be prouder of Koa. To think that he earned a spot with the Blue Devils his very first year, went on to experience two championship seasons, and then finished his career in the center marimba position with a leadership role – it’s just amazing. Watching him grow through these years has been such a joy.
I truly believe that joining band back in middle school was a turning point in his life. The friendships, the lessons, and the community have shaped him in such a positive way. Band kids really are something special, and I’m so grateful Koa has been part of that world.
