Discovering Ollin Ixtli and Aztec Fitness

Remember the Yoga trend? And now the Zumba trend? 

Well during my breif stay in Los Angeles a friend invited me to an Aztec Fitness workshop. What is aztec fitness? (my thoughts exactly) is an up and coming excercise which uses ancient Aztec dance moves as a hardcore cardio workout. Let me tell you, it was insanely good! I left with 1,500 calories less in a one hour class. The creator and director of this Aztec fitness workout, Aida Landeros has been workig on this project for over two years and has gained recognition from various television channels as well as the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. 

Not only is Aida looking to expand this great workout to the masses, she is also looking to introduce the beauty of this sacred dance in various ways theough art, photography and special events. Here are some pictures to prove it!

Ollin Ixtli Aztec Dance Company & Fitness Program

Aida Landeros

Instructor of Aztec Fitness

aidalanderos@yahoo.com

www.aztecdanceworkout.com

Under these Umbrella's

I cannot begin to explain the sight of these beautifully colored umbrella's in the small city of Getafe (South of Madrid Community). 

I was walking to the Cercanias train station (Getafe Central) and at the moment I turned the corner I couldn't help but smile. Doesn't it look like a dream?

The purpous of these bella umbrella's is to keep the hot heat out as much as possible, given that spaniards love to eat and drink outdoors in the summer. 

Want to visit this sight and at least get some awesome pictures to show-off to your friends? Here is how to get there:

1)  Take a plane to Madrid :p

2)  At the train/metro station at Vodafone Sol take the Cercanias Renfe in direction to Parla. It is a twenty minute train ride to Getafe Central. 

3)  When you arrive to Getafe Central you will walk to Toledo Street and folow that street to the right until you see the Umbrellasssss 

Have a happy day!

Mercado de San Miguel

This weekend I enjoyed an amazing walk through the neighborhood of Opera (metro station) in the heart of downtown Madrid! I wanted to show my mom this remodeled market which has become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. It is a gourmet market that offers typical Spanish cuisine in a 'foodcourt' setting. They have everything from oysters to fruit, paella to mojitos and desserts galore!

If you are visiting Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel is a must see!

Plan to spend about 15€-20€ per person since it can get pricey. Nonetheless, you will not regret the pictures, ambiance, people and FOOD!

Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel s/n
Madrid

Schedule:
Monday - Tuesday, Saturday - Sunday
10:00am-12:00am

Wednesday-Friday
10:00am-2:00am

http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Madrid!

When I feel motivated to go for a run (which is not very often because of the lack of time) I like to mix a nature run with an urban run.

Yesterday I passed by the beautiful Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas (bull fighting colliseum) here is Madrid. It was so nice to see this architectural marvel among the modernity of the rest of the city.

Although I have not attended any bullfighting events here is Spain, I have seen them in Mexico.

If you would like more information about this venue, feel free to visit the following website
 Plaza de Toros Las Ventas

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Cuando me siento motivada para salir a correr (lo cual no es muy seguido por falta de tiempo) me gusta combinar una corrida por areas de naturaleza al igual que por la ciudad.

Ayer pasé por la Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas aquí en Madrid y me encantó. Dió gusto ver este lugar con tan hermosa arquitectura en medio de una ciudad con arquitectura más moderna.

Aunque no he visitado esta Plaza de Toros por dentro, sí he tenido la oportunidad de ver un espectáculo en México.

Si estas de visita por Madrid y te interesa ver una corrida de toros, puedes visitar el siguiente enlace para más información. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Calle Alcalá 237
28028 Madrid
Tlf 91 356 22 00
http://www.taurodelta.es/

A Walk through Barrio Alonso Martinez

What a beautiful Saturday! It's a bit chilly in Madrid but that does not stop me from taking a walk through my favorite neighborhood of Alonso Martinez!

This place is the hippie chic part of town with a lot of cool and independent stores, nice coffee shops and artsy decor.

If you like Venice CA, Berlin, or La Condesa in México City you will definately like this area of Madrid!

New Year NEW Travels! Seville Spain!

Hey Everyone!

I know, I know...it's been a few months since I worked on the blog, but it hasn't been because of any laziness, it's more of a lack of time. Anyway, I want to share with you my first trip of the new year! Seville Spain!

This city amazed me as soon as we drove in because of its intricate arquitecture and variety.  It felt as though the créme de la créme of Spain had lived there with so many mansion-like houses and beautiful views everywhere you turn!

The food was nothing but amazing! This is a great place for those who enjoy typical gastronomy  and culture WITHOUT the touristy feel.

The center is like a beautiful promenade with a trolley and people walking and riding their bikes everywhere! I could definately live here!

Planning a visit to Spain? Visit  Sevilla's City Website for more details and tourist information!

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Hola a todos!

Ya sé, ya sé... han pasado muchos meses desde que subí algunas fotos a este blog pero no ha sido por flojera/pereza!, sino por falta de tiempo. Quiero compartir con ustedes mi primer viaje del 2013, Sevilla España!

Esta ciudad me impresionó muchísimo en cuanto llegué por su increíble variedad de estilos arquitectónicos. Se sentía como si la crema y nata de España habían vivido aquí por la inmensidad de las "casonas" y vistas a cualquier lugar donde se volteaba.

Si quieres visitar una ciudad que tenga la esencia de España sin ser tan turístico, tienes que visitar Sevilla! La comida es increíble y la cultura de la ciudad no deja nada más que pedir.

El centro de la ciudad es hermoso ya que se facilita el poder caminar y andar en bicicleta. Es un paseo tranquilo y hasta con un tranvía que te lleva de un lado a otro.

Si estas planeando una visita a España, no dudes en visitar la página del Gobierno de Sevilla para más información!

Visiting the little town of Chapala, Jalisco

Hola a TODOS!

This is the second week of the Empowering Places blog and I would like to share with you the enchanting town of Chapala Jalisco.

Chapala is visited primarily on the weekends by those who live in the city of Guadalajara (which is 30 minutes away from this lake town). Nonetheless, Chapala has a large expat community of American and Canadian retirees. Many have built beautiful colonial houses close to the lake and have created a community atmosphere within this small lake town as well as the neighboring town of Ajijic, Jalisco .

Fun Facts
Chapala has a population of close to 70,000 people.
The famous American writer Tennessee Williams settled in Chapala for a while to work on the play A Streetcar Named Desire.

View from the small pier

Fisherman fountain looking towards main street

"Chapala Corner of Love

Town Hall for the municipality of Chapala

Little shop in the center of Chapala with beautiful and colorful Mexican handmade art.

Handmade tortilla holders and wind chimes

Handmade artisan hammocks