My Walk to Mega

By Beverly Landfair

It took me about 1.55 miles to walk to Mega this afternoon.  I captured some favorite restaurants and some haunts along the way to give you a sense of the scene on The Ancha.  It was a little dusty in some spots but not bad.  I was armed with my shopping bags and pesos.  I wish I would have remembered my water.

Hecho En Mexico (Made in Mexico) is a favorite eatery of many who live here.  It is consistent and tasty and has excellent taco chips and live music on Saturday nights. I am a sucker for their Blackened Fish.  Michael and I have had many a great time here. 

The Instituto is a very long stone affair with restaurants, shops and The Organic Market open Saturdays early morning until 2 PM.  I will be going there this Saturday to pick up some homemade Pesto, some of Derek's yummy dips to bring to our friend Sheila's party this Saturday evening and maybe even an orange donut still warm and worth every calorie!  My picture shows the locked door with just a tempting sliver of a look see.  This Saturday market deserves to have it's own separate post.

Luna De Queso (Moon of Cheese) is a favorite place to buy cheese and other delights.  As I am approaching Luna De Queso, the nicest guy is selling wonderful fruits, etc. just outside the cheese shop.  Every week I buy a quart of the best baby cherry tomatoes for 20 Pesos = $1.33 or less. That's a steal!

Look, a new restaurant is opening next week, Longhorn's!  I checked out the interior and it looks welcoming and new and old.  They will be serving Ribs, etc. Hope it does well.  Can you tell I am hungry and can't wait for Michael to fire up our bar-b-q tonight?

La Cuenta, Por Favor

The difference between factura, cuenta and recibo from...in Focus monthly newsletter
 
We thought this was an excellent explanation of the difference between factura, cuenta and recibo. Hope it helps you also.
Factura (invoice) is the proof of payment with tariff schedule; this is used among companies to know what they spent and taxes they payed.
Example: If Coca-Cola buys a truck, it requires the invoice to prove ownership and payment of government taxes.
Other example: When companies send you out of town, you are required to ask for the invoice to prove the expenses you made with the company's budget.
Cuenta (bill) is also a proof of payment, but is more related to a restaurant environment.
Example: if you go to a restaurant, you ask for the bill to know how much you'll pay as a total, NOT how much tax is charged.
Recibo (receipt) is also a proof of payment, but, in this case, it is usually used by small businesses when you make a purchase.
Example: When you buy something in GAP, ZARA, Bath and Body works, Steren, etc
Source: wordreference. com

Five Types of Global Minds You Meet Abroad

From InterNations, the first international online community for people who live and work abroad, comes this article about the five types of global minds you'll meet:

The Explorer - Explorers are like nomads, roaming the globe because there is so much to see, learn, and experience, with each trip or stay abroad an adventure to somewhere new.
The Escapee - The escapee is less driven by a love for the unknown, and more by a desire to flee their home. I would fit here, wanting to escape the cold and rain, and the high costs.
The Foreign Partner - The foreign partner is living abroad not because of a love or hate for one country, but simply because of love, period.
The International Local - They may hunger for familiar accents and opportunities to speak the language, keen on sharing experiences, news and stories about the former host-country, or simply hoping to get back this feeling of travelling and experiencing foreign cultures.
The Classic Expatriate - There are three kinds: The alien sticks out in his host country and culture like a sore thumb, whether by choice (e.g. culturally insensitive behavior), or by circumstances (e.g. outward appearance). The elitist similarly does not integrate in the local culture, but spends most of his time, both at work and at home, with fellow expats. The assimilator, on the other hand, does their best to blend in by speaking the local language and adhering to local customs.

These are broad catagories. People you meet abroad may share characteristics of more than one type.