Mexico Lindo y Querido
Before I started this blog campaign, I knew that I wanted to write about the town where my parents were born and raised. Leaving it last was the plan from the start, I wanted to end this campaign with a place near and dear to my heart. I’ve visited and seen many places, but Jerez holds the ultimate place in my heart. Jerez de Garcia Salinas is a small town in the central state of Zacatecas in Mexico. Declared a “Pueblo Magico” (Magic Town), Jerez is known for its musical heritage (we love Tamborazo!!), its colonial architecture, and amazing food. It is also surrounded by the Sierra de los Cardos, a beautiful mountain range that offers opportunities for adventurous activities. But what’s the best part? The people! The people’s warm hospitality and cultural pride make this place a home for everyone. This blog will be centered around some of the best memories and places in Jerez that have shaped me as a person. This is a special one, thanks for reading!
Home Away from Home
For as long as I can remember, my summers were always in Jerez. My parents would ship me and my siblings off to Mexico for months in the summer, in hopes of us learning their language and culture. My parents were both born and raised in Jerez, and both their families still reside there to this day! It is a small town— everyone knows everyone, so it’s hard to walk without seeing an extended family member on a walk. I remember my grandmother putting my sister in art classes, and me in dance classes when we were little. We both have very fond memories of bonding with my aunts and uncles while there. The picture to the right is my aunt and I in my great grandmother’s house. Since my birthday is in the summer, we would always celebrate my birthdays in her house, with the whole family coming and celebrating!
What’s your favorite food?
My answer to the ages old question is simple: TACOS! On every personality quiz, icebreaker, and about me blog, the answer has remained the same. My love for them started in Jerez. In Mexico, eating together is a time of bonding, and food brings everyone together! Going to a taco shop at 10pm is a tradition, and its the best way to get everyone together. My favorite is on this little side street off of downtown, called Rodolfo’s. They are cooked by steam, and the tacos are so small that you can eat like 10 in one sitting! The photo to the left is the tacos—- YUM! You can choose to drown them in the spicy green salsa (I don’t, sorry), and eat them on the curb with a cold Mexican coke. There is truly nothing better. Some honorable mentions: Asado de Boda, flautas, and birria tacos!
Familia
The pictures above show some of my immediate family on both sides. Both of my parent’s brother and sisters and their kids are featured above. I love Mexico for the food and culture, but what really makes my time there is my family. I have no relatives near me in the US (shoutout ND!!), so going to Mexico and being surrounded by tens of family members is something really special for me. Some of my fondest memories as a child are meeting the distant family members, learning their names, and going through photo albums at their houses. Everytime I go, I feel like I discover a new part of my parents when I meet someone new.
Tita <3
Above all, the woman who made my experience feel like home was my grandmother. My Tita (her nickname) has been nothing short of a superhero in my life. She embodies energy, resilience, faith, and an undeniable zest for life—all qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody myself. With nine siblings, she comes from a large and loving family that has always felt like an extension of my immediate family! Her dedication and selflessness shine in everything she does. She would travel to the U.S. to be with us, then endure the long journey back to Mexico by bus just to accompany us there. Tita is the epitome of care, attentiveness, and unconditional love. If I can be even half the grandmother she is one day, I’ll consider it an extraordinary achievement.
See it for yourself!
I have 10 years worth of photos from my visits to Jerez. The following section is a photo exhibit of some of my favorite memories.
Thank you all so much for joining me on this blogging journey, it has been therapeutic to share some of my fondest memories with the world. If you got anything from my blogs its this: TRAVEL! Try that weird food! Take pictures of everything! Talk to someone new! Be open to new experiences! I have, and I’m a better person for it. Thank you all for reading! ❤️
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Saludos!
Cristy 🙂
