Souvenirs

[joellybaby]

Here's a topic that I think might be a nice thread for today.

What are your favourite Mexico souvenirs either to keep for yourself or to bring back for friends and family? These could be consumables too. What treats do you like to take home? :)

[AdGuy]

My vote...

Hammock
Tequila
Mexican Candy
Vanilla & Spices
Gourd Lamp (not sure why I like these but I think they're neat)

[Gale in KY]

definitely Vanilla..have to replenish my supply each time I go. It's wonderful!

Pottery/Tile
There is just nothing like the pottery and Mexican Tile..I hope to bring back a sink next time down..lol..that's definitely a carry on item though. Wonder what kind of looks I am gonna get from security carrying a sink thru the airport?:D

Hand carved items..My favorite piece is one that I watched an elderly gentleman carve while I waited..a monkey..with a tail that is shaped like a hook so I can hang him...he is hanging from a peg shelf above my desk right now!

Hammock! I got one at the prison at Valladolid several years ago and it is still in pristine condition..an excellent value!

Tequila and Xtabentun for morning coffee..much better than Bailey's (no way I spelled that right..lol)

[bluestraveler2]

This last trip didn't include more than 30 minutes shopping time. But Stephen did find a sun/moon outdoor ceramic for one of our decks. And I, at the last minute, unpacked my large wrap around (can't remember what it's called?), so I bought 3 colorful wrap arounds. They are great for the beach and the humidy.

But, for those who haven't had the pleasure of shopping......... Some of my favorites included
1. Hammock ; This is one of my most favorite purchases and it has a funny story behind the purchase that my friends bring up every time we talk about that trip to Barra de Navidad. Just let it be known, that I've never tasted a margarita as good as those I consumed that day in Tennacatita!

2.) Ceramic Pottery; Every region has it's own special designs and colors. Stephen really doesn't want to carry anymore home. But, I'm always tempted. Now, a sink, that would be an awesome purchase.

3.) Paintings on the paper made from the bark of a tree.

4.) Wooden carvings. I love my dolphin!

5.) Colorful beach wrap arounds!

[bellydancer]

One of these days...hopefully this next trip...I'm gonna buy one of those cool looking jellyfish hanging lamps that are everywhere in PDC for my deck!

[AdGuy]

I hope to bring back a sink next time down..lol..that's definitely a carry on item though. Wonder what kind of looks I am gonna get from security carrying a sink thru the airport?

Gale...OMG...my brother heads up the TSA at the Ft. Lauderdale and Key West airports and is often telling me of the strange things people try to bring through security to bring on board (chainsaws, swords, etc.). He described it as "everything including the kitchen sink"! What I'd give to have you connect through Ft. Lauderdale on your trip home!! :D

[minniemex]

I think I have brought home all of the above - each trip I seem to find some new trinket that they have not had before - I guess may favorite though is my hammock!!http://www.postsmile.net/img/8/867.gif

[sonofabeach]

an orange-ish and black leather wallet with an ancient mayan on one side and a ruin on the other. It says "Mexico" on it as well.

[minniemex]

Hey, SOB - how is your backyard doing?? Any pics yet??

[sonofabeach]

Hey, SOB - how is your backyard doing?? Any pics yet??
It's basically finished with the exception of a little sod I need to put down.
I sit out there all of the time,with a cold one, playing some pretty cool mexican flavored cds that I bought at Walmart and Target of all places.
Gimme a couple of daze and I'll have 'em up.

[AdGuy]

It's basically finished with the exception of a little sod I need to put down.


Finished!?! Ah man...I wanted to bring my latest toy over...an excavating Ditch Witch with an 8 foot Earth Saw!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/c4f7_1.jpg

Oh well, guess I'll have to spend the day putting in water lines around the farm. Maybe next time!!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_11_4.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[Gale in KY]

Lee..it is possible for me to connect via Ft. Lauderdale..heehee..I could easily carry my sink thru customs there..just for you..as long as you don't ask me to connect in Miami...NEVER again. That place was horrible.

I wish I had access to your new toy when we were putting our privacy fence in around the pool area..who knew that just a few feet below the surface we would hit solid rock..does that thing have a jackhammer attachment?:rolleyes: That's what we ended up using to get the postholes deep enough to be below the frost line..lol..something I guess you don't have to deal with in Florida.

I swore right then and there, if I ever bought another house, I would first go out in the yard and dig a hole..see what was underneath!;)

The garden is tilled, will be planting tomorrow. It's been rainy..and clay/water don't make for good soil to work with..it turns to concrete..lol.

Most important thing today is DERBY DAY!!!

What's DerbyDay without a Mint Julep?

Mix some up, I'll be right over!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves
Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw.

And you must serve these in silver..lol..just not the same if they are served in silver!

http://media.npr.org/kitchen/2006/derbyjulep200x300.jpg

[AdGuy]

Gale...thanks for the recipe...we're big Derby fans and will be watching when they start coverage. We pull out our Derby glasses that we picked up when we visited Churchill Downs several years ago (yes...we're nerds) and will tear up when they play Dan Fogelberg's Run For The Roses and show the baby colts galloping in the pastures. :rolleyes: We're less interested in who wins and more concerned that no one (man or beast) gets hurt!

Enjoy the race!!

[Gale in KY]

For sure Ad Guy...a safe race for both horse and rider is MOST important today!

I get a bit teary eyed myself when they play "My Old Kentucky Home"..heehee..silly huh? :o We joke about Ky being the hills and hillbillies, but, it's really a wonderful place rich with history..guess it's the best of the best.

Barbaro will be in our hearts today..what a gem he was..

Can't wait till post time! Most exciting 4 minutes in all sports!

Tip: I know the Derby recommends Early Times KY Bourbon..but I think Jim Beam makes a much better Julep! It's Ky too..so you aren't cheating!

[jvhaas]

Pottery/Tile
There is just nothing like the pottery and Mexican Tile..I hope to bring back a sink next time down..lol..that's definitely a carry on item though. Wonder what kind of looks I am gonna get from security carrying a sink thru the airport?:D



Ha! I carried a bathroom sink once--a friend bought it in Progreso on a cruise we took a few years ago. They boxed it up for her and taped a carrying handle on it. People cart all manner of stuff home!!

[PhyllisB]

Gosh, what don't I like to bring home from Mexico!!!! :D

Hammocks are definitely on my list - also got one at the prison outside Valladolid - fantastic!

First time we went, it was early November... I bought Mexican blouses and shirts/ponchos for everyone in the family for Christmas. After the first two or three, folks started sensing a trend.... LOL! I am a sucker for the really nice embroidered blouses though. Just love them.

Have gotten a lot of ceramic stuff too, either for ourselves or for gifts. Not a sink yet, but I have my eye on those too Gale! I want one soooooo badly!

I haven't taken a gourd lamp home with me yet, but I am sure there will be one coming... maybe next trip!