What I Learned from my Mamacitas in Mexico…

The year after I graduated from Butler University, earning my “what-do-you-do-with-a-BA-in-English?” degree, my boyfriend Rick and I headed for the border.  Well, Michoacan, Mexico, to be more precise.  Nestled in a small mountain village called Los Reyes–located in the central part of Mexico–we taught English, honed our Spanish skills, met some lovely people, and ate the best food I’ve ever had in my life thus far.  In addition to all the aforementioned, I also observed and learned a lot from the Mexican women in my town (and in other towns in which we traveled).  Some of what I learned I took to heart, took to action, while for other things I said, “Better you than me.”  So, without further ado, I’m going to list for you today the top five things I learned from my Mexican Mamacitas; I’m going to share what stuck like a chili powdered lollipop (that’s right, that is a popular candy in Mexico) to my cerebro.

Crowne Plaza Hotel at Historic Union Station

Events still take place in the main hall

Possibly the biggest hidden treasure in the whole of Indianapolis, Crowne Plaza is so much more than just a hotel.

This is evident as you come within 100 feet of the building – a 220-year-old structure that, on first impression, more resembles an old  steel foundry than a 4-star hotel. Indeed, its worn-in 19th Century facade is flanked either side by an underpass of equally charred beauty.

Tags: Crowne Plaza, Indianapolis, Union Station

Brazil to Lebanon in 75 Minutes?

According to Google Maps, it takes an average of just 75 minutes to commute from Brazil to Lebanon – and this is if you’re travelling by car. Seems insane, doesn’t it?

Well not if you happen to reside in, or travel through, the state of Indiana, where names such as these dot the map from east-to-west and north-to-south. On any given day, one can go cycling in Holland, appreciate history in Athens or wander through the streets of Angola and still have time for worship in Bethlehem.

Tags: Angola, Athens, Brazil, Holland, Indiana, Lebanon

Kings Island, Ohio

Kings Island draws over 3 million visitors each year

For someone such as myself who suffers from acrophobia (or fear of heights) a visit to the nation’s most visited seasonal theme park was all at once the bravest and possibly most stupid decision I have ever made. But was it worth it?

Well, the fact that Tarah and I stayed on the grounds of Kings Island from open (10am) until close (10pm) probably tells its own story. We entered the park – the sun beginning to beat down on us on this warm Ohio morning – and I knew that even if I only rode on Charlie Brown’s Wind Up (a chair swing ride for those 8 and under), it would still prove a day worth remembering. And boy, did it!

Tags: Kings Island, Ohio, rides, roller coaster, slides

James Whitcomb Riley Old Home and Museum

The Riley Museum surrounded by its well kept garden

I, for one, am a big fan of authentic experiences and encountering people who are eager to share their knowledge.  Greenfield is a host to a quaint, beautifully designed town center that plays host to many low-cost, family oriented spots that give you just this type of experience.  One of the most surprising and fascinating places you’ll find is the James W. Riley Home, Museum and Garden, located on the grounds of James Whitcomb Riley’s birthplace.

Tags: home, learn, museum

Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival

Art tents line the Pennsy Trail

On this sweltering summer’s day, I walked down the clean, paved Pennsy Trail toward Greenfield’s art fair and music festival. The festivities were separated in three parts: the arts tents on the far East, childrens’ arts and crafts in the middle, and the food stands accompanying the music tent on the West. Indiana festivals and fairs always seem to have the same core elements: tents adorned with prefab, unnecessarily-politicized Americana (e.g. “Support Our Troops” and “Never Forget” T-shirts), vendors selling light-up buttons and necklaces, homemade baskets, and the same six food carts. Though there were elements of these familiar sights, there were a few really wonderful artists’ and artisans’ works on display, and the food wasn’t terrible either.

Tags: arts, festivals, Indiana