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As Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated all over the Americas, I thought it would be great to talk to you about my wonderful trip to Mexico City! But before I do that I want to
introduce you to my friend and expert barman, Josh. He manages the bar at Fatfish restaurant in West Hollywood, (www.fatfishla.com) California. Fatfish is a wonderful sushi restaurant I frequent. Many times I'll meet a friend and have a bite at the
Lounge next door.

The Wednesday night before I was to leave for Mexico, I was there with my friend, Krissy Lindquist, and as we were talking I noticed this amazing video playing on the monitors behind the bar. It was imagery of animals and humans playing together in the most interesting settings.

Josh told me it was from an exhibition called "Ashes and Snow". Why am I mentioning this? You'll understand in a bit. He told me I could probably purchase the DVD online. Here is a picture of Josh and me at Fatfish.

The next day I was on my way to Mexico City. I hadn't been there in more than 10 years so I was really excited to see some great friends. I stayed at the Hotel Condesa, D.F. (http://www.condesadf.com/ ). I absolutely loved it there. I used to live in this neighborhood and was happy to see how it had developed into one of Mexico City's hippest places to be! Here are a few pictures of my room.

The reason for my visit to Mexico City was to celebrate the 40th birthday of my great friend, Mauricio Olivera, and the 40 something birthday of our friend, Ramon. Here is an old picture of Mauricio and I about 12 years ago! I had it framed and gave it to him as one of his birthday presents. Can you believe it? I lived and worked in Mexico City from 1993-1998 as a recording artist, Telenovela actor and VJ. My trip back there has allowed me to reconnect to Both my personal life there as well as my professional life.


The night I arrived, so did many other friends from all over the world including The U.S., Spain, Israel, and from all over Mexico, of course. Here I am with Mauricio and Ramon on the roof of the hotel catching up on
Thursday night with a group of friends who flew in from all over the world for the party!


On Friday, a group of us decided to go into the historic center of town. As we approached the main square, there was a huge tent in the middle. I was bothered because I felt it blocked the view of the amazing cathedral, but as I got closer, I realized that it was the exhibition, "Ashes and Snow", the same exhibition Josh had told me about only days before! We went into the exhibition and I was mesmerized. I purchased the DVD after going through ¿the exhibition. For info on the exhibition, check out the website,
www.ashesandsnow.org/


After sightseeing, shopping and walking through the exhibition, we decided to retreat to a terrace café behind the cathedral. The restaurant served traditional and exotic Mexican cuisine. The dish in the first picture in
this blog is called escamoles. It is actually ant eggs sautéed in herbs! I had them in a corn tortilla with guacamole and hot sauce. It was delicious! Here we are on the terrace of the restaurant after our meal. Notice the amazing architecture in the background!

The next day would be the birthday party, and after waking up at a very comfortable hour, my friend, Carlos, invited me to have an afternoon Campari and soda on the roof of my new friend, Justino's place in the Colonia Roma. Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, currently home to more than 30 million people, but even in the middle of this big city, people live a very balanced lifestyle of work and relaxation. Here is Carlos and Justino on the roof.


Saturday night was Mauricio's big night! The theme of the party would be "Cabaret" and everyone had to come in costume to attend. The party was held in an old event venue in the middle of the colonial area of downtown. The party was absolutely spectacular with live music, a dj, dancers and delicious drinks. It was "the party to be at" that night! Here are a few pictures from the party. Notice the very cool CABARET sign behind the dj!

The day after the party was the last day all of the international visiting guests would be together, so we organized a bon voyage get together at a great restaurant to say goodbye! Happy birthday to Mauricio and Ramon! Ramon is in the center in the blue and stripe shirt below.


Upon my return to Los Angeles, there was another birthday to celebrate. My niece Monet was turning 4 years old. Here she is with her friend, Riley, at her birthday party.


My sister decided to have the party at an intimate local park and she hired a theatrical performer to entertain the girls. She played games and created a fantasy world where Monet and her friends could be princesses!

Here is the performer with Monet and her court of little princesses!



Well it seems like many people I know are celebrating birthdays. In fact, my next entry will be about another great birthday party. Until then, I hope that everyone is enjoying the Spring!

Eduardo