La ultima cerveza — the last beer

Post Title: My new project: Faces of the Line. The birth of an idea.

Post Date: August 30, 2014

I’ve started a new page on Facebook. It’s called Caras de la Linea, or Faces of the Line. I feel that the general public has a preconceived notion of who is crossing the U.S. and Mexican border every day. I hope to show the diverse wave of humans that pass through this gate/fence one by one every day at the average rate of 50,000 people every 24 hours.

I plan on giving out little cards to each person in line, starting at the end and working my way to the front, explaining my project. Then if they would like to participate they can sign the card and I will shoot a photo!

I will get their name and country. I want to ask five questions... Why are you crossing? What’s the longest you’ve stood in line? What is the one thing you never leave for the line without? Would your life change drastically for the best if the border was more efficient? If you could change something in your life what would it be?

Post Title: Still here.

Post Date: August 25, 2014

In a few days, I will have lived in Playas de Tijuana for two years. There have been barren, deserted moments and unfolding, enlightening sunsets along the way. So I thought I would compile some of my favorite things, in no special order: 1. Frequent, inexpensive public transportation with live music. 2. Street food vendors. 3. Water delivered to your door with fresh fruit and other goodies. 4. Affordable utilities. 5. Sobre Rueda (Swap meet/ farmers’ market).

Also, some things I could do without: 1. Homeless dogs. 2. Getting gringo prices. 3. Trash/dog poo.

So here’s to another year south of the border! Living on the ocean, getting my Baja on!

Post Title: Dia de los Muertos 2012

Post Date: lunes, 5 de noviembre de 2012

Took a multi-taxi to town, where I found a few tucked-away markets with eager vendors and Day of the Dead (or Dia De Los Muertos) decor galore!

Dia de los Muertos is a national holiday, so the market was full of leisurely shoppers and families picking out items to take to the cemetery for decorating the tombs of loved ones passed.

Marigolds, or Cempasuchils, are laid out; in small villages, a pathway will lead from the cemetery to the altar in the families’ homes, so that the dead can smell their way back home to the physical plane. The dead are offered Pan de muerto, a special bread made for the occasion, along with water and salt to nourish and purify along the journey. Favorites of the deceased will be added as well, possibly a favorite spirit from the material world, such as tequila or the popular Mexican Buchanan’s Whiskey. You might also find a photograph, a favorite toy for children, sugar skulls (or calaveras), personal belongings, candles, and incense.

This celebration of the dead has roots that reach as far back as the Aztecs, and it is steeped in Catholicism as well. On October 31, All Hallows Eve, the children make a children’s altar to invite the angelitos (spirits of dead children) to come back for a visit. November 1st, considered All Saints Day in Mexico, is known as “Día de los Inocentes” (Day of the Innocents). It honors children and infants passed. On November 2, the adult spirits will come to visit. November 2 is All Souls Day, Dia De Los Muertos. This three-day celebration is a time for families and friends to share stories, traditional foods, and camaraderie with one another and their ancestors.

As the sun was setting in the sky, I set out to explore the cemetery.... The afternoon light reflected off the marble, and the angels seemed to be smiling. Families were [on] their way to the graves of their ancestors, with buckets in hand to clean the headstones, and with all the makings of their ofrendas.

The roving mariachis were playing sad songs of days gone by. Children rolled around in the grass, and the spirits were rejoicing, I’m sure! It was the perfect way to end my day: reflecting on my own ancestors and those I love who have passed before me.

Title: La Sirena | Address: lasirenasightseeing.blogspot.mx

Author: Sirena Sisco | From: Tijuana | Blogging since: 2012