We're back home!
So strange to say it, but returning to Mexico City from Pittsburgh felt like coming home. Dar was the first to say it, but I definitely felt it as well. First time returning from a vacation to a place other than San Antonio in more than 22 years. Felt pretty neat. I was tracking our progress on the in-flight entertainment system and we flew right over SA. Now, that was strange.
Moving out
Our trip to Pittsburgh was amazing! We had so much fun. Given all we had to do before leaving, the trip up there was uneventful. What did we have to do? Well, we timed our stay at our last AirBnB to end with our Pittsburgh trip. So we moved all of our "leave behind" stuff to the storage, then took only what we needed, plus things too valuable to leave behind, to Pittsburgh with us. This meant we packed all the leave behind stuff on Wednesday and moved it to storage; graciously provided by our next AirBnB. Then on Friday, we moved out of the old AirBnB and took off to Pittsburgh.
The only issue we had during the trip was our cheap-ass tickets. We were sitting all the way in the back, so by the time we boarded, they had run out of overhead space. This meant I had to check our carry-on. No big deal, right? Well -- this carry on contained not only both my laptops, but all of our "can't leave behind" stuff: jewelry, etc. I had to carry all this stuff in my arms and put it under the seat. Worked out fine, as it turned out, but still a little stressful.
Pittsburgh
What can I say? We love Pittsburgh! We had a lovely time here once again. We enjoyed seeing our friends Rudy and Lina, and, of course, watching the Steelers beat the hated Ravens. The game was another heartache, but it was worth it. Our seats were great. Close to the field, but far enough up to see everything. We were outside, but it wasn't an issue. Dar and I laid in cold weather supplies to ensure we were comfortable. Those chemical heat packs are a dream! We had two small issues -- one was the super drunk guy in front of us who kept pouring beer all over himself while hollering at the crowd. It was pretty sad. The other was the guy behind us that yelled at Lina for standing up and dancing at a time he didn't think it was appropriate. Also sad. I guess both babies needed to go night-night. Regardless, we had the time of our lives. Rudy really lit the place up with his Steelers Mexican Wrestler mask. The World's Biggest Mexican strikes again.
Other than the game, Dar and I enjoy the company of our friends, ate Pittsburgh meals, good and bad, and generally acted like tourists. I had to work on Monday, but it wasn't a big deal.
A note on American. We flew on two newer planes, which provided nice amenities free. Lots of movies available via WiFi and every seat has a charging station to keep our favorite digital companions alive and kicking. The flight attendants were pros all the way and we generally felt taken care of. There was in-flight medical emergency as we descended into Mexico City which delayed our deplaning by about 30 minutes but the passenger was OK, so alls well that ends well.
Also -- the VIP lounge at Pittsburgh Internation is one of the best we've ever been to. Really, really good food. Super clean and well attended. Awesome!
Our New Home
So here we are, moved into our new AirBnB. We've moved from the border between the Juarez and Roma Norte neighborhoods to the border between Roma Norte and Condesa. We've been here a few days and generally like this apartment better than the last one. For one, it's much quieter. It also has a bigger TV and the bathrooms are brighter. I'm still sorting out a lingering Internet issue -- not a big deal just not getting the 100 Mbps I paid for. Other than that -- great place! There's a restaurant called Salon Riviera around the corner that's nothing short of amazing. Great food and service. Well attended too. Plaza Insurgentes is literally across the street from us and Medellin Market is three two blocks away. Man, I love living in the city!
Christmas!
We have few plans for Christmas so far. We're putting up a few decorations for now. We're going to attend a Pastorela. There are lots of decorated streets and plazas to check out. Maybe a plan with friends will materialize. Who knows? I sent my mom a gift and am giving my nephews the gift of Uber. I'm asking my sisters if there is anything they need for her kids. As we continue to minimize our belongings, it doesn't feel right saddling people with any -- but what if there's a real need? I don't know.
One bummer is our new place doesn't have an oven, which means I won't be able to cook a traditional Christmas meal. A nice Christmas stew and store bought cookies will have to do. I'll update everyone on how it all goes.
Ho Ho Hold my beer!
Presently somewhere,
Andy
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