Bienvenido a la Ciudad de Mexico!!

There are a lot of perks for working at a school. I think my favorite one are the scheduled breaks within the school year. We get FIVE full weeks off during the school year. Our first break was Fall Break in the beginning of October. I am so lucky that Annie works at APA as well and so get the same time off. Her family had planned a trip to Mexico City for the week and had invited me along. I was a little hesitant at first and got a lot of "Why are you going there!?" when I told people I was going to that part of Mexico for my break. But it turned out to be a great week and I couldnt have had more fun with Annie.

Annie and I loved landing into Mexico City.

There just is something so exciting going somewhere new, and although I am not new to Spanish, it was kinda exciting to see all the signs in Spanish and forcing ourselves to say "Gracias"
We arrived Monday evening and had our first stop at a Taco stand. They were 10x's hotter than an tacos I have had in America. And I've had my fair share of tacos.

The next morning we headed out to the Mexico City Temple.

On the flight we ran into some members who were coming to work on the temple. They informed us that since the city is built on water, it is constantly sinking. And since 1986, temple construction workers have had to lower the temple 14 feet because the ground is sinking so much. Yikes.
The temple is so pretty and I loved that it looked Aztec-y.

We were able to do a session and I loved listening in Spanish. Our session was filled with MTC missionaries too and they were so cute.

From there we stumbled upon a mercado, full of little stands to eat. I loved it because it reminded me of lots of places in LA, and so I felt like I was back at home.

The best part of these places to eat were the Valentina sauces so readily available!
My absolute favorite thing was everywhere.

I had huaraches and loved it.

We then crossed the street to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

It is the icon of the Virgin Mary and one of the most celebrated sights for Roman Catholics and definitely the most popular in Mexico. The story goes that in 1531 the Virgin Mary appeared three time to a Juan Diego, a peasant of the city. He told the priest, but the priest didn't believe him. It wasn't until the third time that Juan Diego went to the priest, was about to show him the roses the Virgin Mary had given him and when he dropped his robes to show the flowers was the image of the Virgin Mary, miraculously imprinted upon the front.

We visited the old Basilica, which is visibly slanted and tilted due to the city sinking, as well as the new Basilica where the original cloak is on display.

Although I don't believe in it, it was astounding to see such historic things in person. I am also always so impressed with watching people worship and seeing such impressive religious buildings and churches. Because although it may not be the correct way to worship, at least there are still religious people throughout the world.

We were then off to the "D.C" of Mexico City.
The center of town is home to yet another beautiful church building and the National Palace, where the President lives.

The main square was temporarily closed down and occupied by a large police force because of the teacher's revolt that led to some deaths in weeks past. So we saw lots of police officers caring huge guns. NBD.

The best part of the night was eating dinner on the balcony up above the main square and seeing the city light up down below.

Our night concluded by going to the movies. Which doesn't sound like a big deal. But it had full recliner chairs, waiters and a menu that included sushi.

imma model. What!?

Ok not really. 

 But kinda...!?

Remember back when I went to St. George on spring break oh so long ago?

Well during that vaca Aubry and I got all dolled up for a little modeling sesh for my roommate Chelsey. 

Chelsey Rae is staring up her own photog business and to help her out we did a little modeling shoot.

I felt insanely awkward the whole time and didn't know what do, however, Chelsey did an amazing job!

Aubs and I definitely had a fun time and really like the photos.
Check out Chelsey's website here, and hit her up if you need a photographer!! 

the STG.

Oh spring break. 

How I have missed thee. 

Having days of during the year is always the plus for working at a school. And spring break could not have been more anticipated. 

I went down to St. George with Auby and Chelsey for a few days. Our only escape from some cold weather of the wasatch front. 

We hiked Zions. What!? I hiked! Getting outdoorsy only has its moments. 

We hiked Angel's landed. Which I didnt know that it took four hours long (which I compared to a marathon) nor that fatalities have occurred here when I agreed to it. 

But it was fun and adventurous and I had my camelback so I felt pretty legit. 

Other activities in STG included Dixie Rock to talk about feelings and breaking down Aubry's walls. 

We hit up the St. George Temple, had a little photo shoot (pics to come!) and talked about wanting Chick-fil-A ... a lot.  Laid by the pool at the attempt to get some rays and ate a lot of Easter candy. 

Oh and stopped to get graham canyon from the creamery on the way back..

When we got back Aub dawg and I continued to do fun things everyday for the rest of our break. Including going running together (or longs walks...), getting a pedicure, and finding the best quesadilla cart SLC has to offer. 

Needless to say it was a great spring break. 

Now only 7 more weeks till my next day off. I dont know if I can handle that.