Mexican Cooking Class

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, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO800
“Chicken Enchiladas” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/30 sec, ISO800
“Cooking Class” Mexico City, 2025

Work from CDMX, Chilaquiles, and Helado

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, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/200 sec, ISO50
“Helado” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
“Helado” Mexico City, 2025

Café, Museo Nacional de Antropología, and Food Tour

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, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO100
“Aguacate Toast” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/320 sec, ISO80
“Enchiladas de Mole” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/170 sec, ISO64
“Churreria” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/3400 sec, ISO80
“Zócalo” Mexico City, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO160
“Chocolates” Mexico City, 2025

Semi-Finals Night

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/550 sec, ISO640
“Age Out Ceremony” Indianapolis, 2025

Tonight we watched Koa and the Blue Devils perform in the DCI Championship Semi-finals, and wow—their show just keeps getting better! Even though they’re too far behind the leaders to make a run for the title, I couldn’t be more impressed. To me, their performance is simply wonderful.

Afterward, there was a special ceremony honoring all the members who are aging out this year. Seeing Koa out there was such an emotional moment. He’s been with the Blue Devils for four incredible seasons, including two undefeated championship years, and the memories he’s made will last a lifetime. I’m so proud of him for everything he’s accomplished and so glad to see him truly soaking up this final year.

Day 1 in Indy

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO640
“In the Lot” Indianapolis, 2025

We flew to Indianapolis today for the DCI Championship weekend! This is a big one—Koa is performing in his 4th finals, and it’s also his last year since he’s “aging out.” We met up with him and the Blue Devils front ensemble in the lot before their prelims performance, which was such a special moment. Wishing them the best of luck this weekend!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
“Sunset” Indianapolis, 2025