UPSIDE DOWN AND BRASSY

We're off to Mexico again today. So much going on it's hard to get attention, so some guys even twirl upside down. On Saturdays there are "markets" every few blocks, but don't expect to see much in the way of fruits and veggies. More and more it's "artesan breads" or "local thatch-woven baskets" or "organic salsas and peanut butter". It's a Disneyland for foodies. I wonder if Christy back home would sample "Cristy's Holy Mole"?? --- that might move up her due date!!

 A Mexican tradition that seems to be dying out is celebration of Epiphany, or the "Twelve Days of Christmas" after Christ was born. Kids get presents on this day, to commemorate the 3 Kings bringing gifts to the newborn. There's a traditional squarish cake that's at Mexican tables, with a good luck baby baked inside. We see some cakes here and there but not the big deal of even a few years ago.

One tradition, though, that goes on is the wandering brassy bands that serenade in parks and at sunsets. (In my family, that would be Randy on symphonic tuba, old Uncle Bill on ethnic accordion. me on smashing guitar. and insert name here on noisy drums!!)