If last week was a light week, this week I tuned into who I really am and did everything under the sun 😭
What a week!
First things first… THANK YOU!
I have been met with an overwhelming amount of support these past two weeks…
1000?!?! just 3 blog posts… 1000 times someone has clicked in just to read something that I put together. My brain is having a hard time wrapping my head around it.
and… +25 new YouTube Subscribers, 150+ views on my first video ever.
I am truly humbled and so so grateful. Although these numbers may not seem overwhelmingly large to some, they are to me!
I am grateful for every single person who has sent a message, read the blog, watched the videos and shared anything I’ve worked on. It is a testament that someone, somewhere cares.
When I left my job I kept hearing one consistent message throughout every goodbye I recieved, impact + legacy.
Those words really stuck with with me, I feel that at times – we get so robotic we fail to realize the way we touch others lives.
These numbers as I’m just starting this journey of mine is confirmation to me that allows me to realize and affirm that what I’m saying is impacting someone in whatever way they see fit.
Inspiring someone to do whatever it is they want to do.
That is all I want from this. So thank you, truly.
Week 2: Immersion
Last week I was focused on acclimating myself and getting comfortable, this week… we were OUTSIDE! I was walking around these streets like I grew up here. Even put away the google maps at times because I knew the way now haha. (¿or jaja?)
Here’s a glimpse at all that happened this 2nd week in Mexico:
- Tuesday:
- Architecture Sketch Tour @ Centro Historico
- Wednesday:
- New weekly flowers
- First YT Vlog Posted
- First oil painting art class!
- First nightlife experience in CDMX
- Thursday:
- Explore Bosque de Chapultepec
- Draw + Paint Sesh @ Libreria Porrua
- Friday:
- Chapultepec Castle
- Museo de Antropologia
- Raw Figs event @ Apple
- Saturday:
- Cooking Class @ La Prosperidad Luncheria
- Sabado Bazaar @ San Angel
- Sunday:
- Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez @ Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Finished my first book while I’ve been here!
- Domingo de Soul Party
I’m tired just typing that in.
I’ve enjoyed being able to explore at my own pace… and finding unique experiences to enjoy the country in my own way.
So let’s talk about it!
Tuesday:
Architecture Sketch Tour:
This was such an amazing experience! One of my favorite ways to learn about where I’m visiting is through their historical architecture.
My tour guide Erika, was born and raised in Mexico City. She is a graphic designer and illustrator who curated this unique experience to share her hometown’s history in a fun and creative way!
We visited two historical buildings:
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Casa de los Azulejos
I was able to learn many interesting facts such as the fact that many of the buildings in CMDX Historical District were actually designed by Italian architects and which is why they have a large european appearance.
Most of the marble to complete these buildings came from Italy and the marble used in el Palacio de Bellas Artes is the same marble that was used to create Michelangelo’s David statue.
This was definitely a challenge for me! As I’ve developed my drawing skills, I’ve focused primarily on drawing faces.
This was my first time drawing a building but, I am proud of myself for pushing through and getting out of my head – I loved how they came out in the end!
No drawing experience is necessary for this tour, so if you are ever in CDMX, I highly recommend booking with Erika! You can book through AirBnb Experiences at this link:
Wednesday:
I mentioned last week I was taking my first oil painting class this week and ah!
First of all, painting always gave me anxiety LOL
I was so scared to mess up, I went years without starting. So I’m happy to say, I’ve finally picked up a brush and I’m excited to progress over time.
This video was me real life learning how to trust the process.
I had NO faith in this painting! I was staring at my starting point like what the hell..y
BUT! I was pleasantly surprised!
I have been learning grace and patience with myself as I develop my skills as an artist.
I am constantly reminding myself that the fun in is the process of it… to let go all ideas of perfection. It is okay to not be an expert at something you have literally never done before.
Can’t wait to see how she turns out! 💐
First night out in CDMX!
My solo trip to Chicago def prepared me for this lol
For weeks before my trip I dug deep through instagram to familiarize myself with DJs in the area and parties that happen throughout the week with music I like.
There’s something for everyone in CDMX, from house, to techno, to hip hop, R&B, Amapiano and everything in between.
There is a page on IG: @themovecdmx that posts weekly events and “the moves” – life saver. This page connected me to all the DJs in town, what parties happen when – and where to pull up!
Wednesday I officially hit 1000 views on the blog, I edited the vlog, I was in the mood for a drink and vibes. I was a little nervous but I knew that I would feel better once I was actually there.
I went out to Wallace Whisky Bar in Roma Norte for “Vibe Junction” an Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall and R&B party on Wednesdays. All the things I likeee! I had a time!
The whisky sours hit, the music hit, they had a disco ball (IYKYK) and I actually met some people! There is a large expat community in CDMX, so the people at the party were really friendly and I was embraced pretty quickly. I was really glad I came!
Thursday:
Like I said… the whisky sours hit 😭
As a tequila gworl… that is what I will stick to moving forward!
I slept in Thursday and used it as an opportunity to clean up the apartment and also get my life together.
I wanted to take some time to read, paint and get some fresh air so I headed over to el Bosque de Chapultepec and went to Libreria Porrua to relax, have a nice cup of coffee and paint.
I was able to use this super cute tiny watercolor set I got from Hobby Lobby and had so much fun!
Friday:
Friday I had the most special guestttt 🥹
One of my best friends was coincidentally also going to be in town with her mom while I’m here, so we were able to coordinate and spend some time together this weekend!
I guess subconsciously, I had not put much thought into the fact that it was approaching 2 weeks without having seen any of my loved ones. The second I hugged her my body reacted and I started crying LOL
We had the loveliest afternoon, we explored El Castillo de Chapultepec, El Museo Nacional de Antropologia and had lunch at the museum.
- Castillo de Chapultepec: The Chapultepec Castle
- Located in el Bosque de Chapultepec
- $100MXN ($5USD) entry fee
- Wear comfy shoes! Lots of walking involved.
- The castle has been transformed into a museum of national history, it covered several time frames of Mexican history, art and culture.
Raw Figs @ Apple Antara
Raw Figs is a figure drawing pop up that actually consistently hosts events in Miami and several major cities!
I was always too afraid to attend their events in Miami for fear of “not being ready”… but as I told myself earlier, the fun in art is in the process!
My friend Kristen shared the event with me on Friday morning and I knew I had to go!
I was so glad that I did!
The event was held at the Apple store with a live model, artist and demonstration on how to use procreate on the new iPad pro. I’ve been practicing drawing on my iPad and this was so helpful, fun, lighthearted and something I will always remember. My drawings were far from perfect, but I’ve been noticing my improvement over time, I can’t wait to continue to attend their events when I go back home!
Saturday:
Saturday I feel like I ate more than I ever have in my whole life.
We took a cooking class in the restaurant “La Prosperidad Loncheria” in the Roma Norte neighborhood. We booked this experience on AirBnb and it was SO much fun!
Haz, the restaurant owner walked us through the significance of the ingredients used to create traditional Mexican dishes. We learned about the farming practices, the history behind each dish, chiles, corn and everything you can think of.
We made tortillas, salsa, guacamole, sopes, quesadillas and got to try mole!
If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to learn more about Mexican cuisine and support a local business, absolutely look into this experience, I’ve linked it below!
Bazaar Sabado
If you are looking for a market to shop, I absolutely loved this one in San Angel.
This neighborhood was about 25-30 minutes outside of Mexico City, but well worth the drive. (approx. $10USD uber)
The market was in the center of a neighborhood with lots of boutique shops, artisanal market, art and restaurants. Perfect way to spend the afternoon! We got some beautiful unique jewelry and art pieces to bring back home!
Sunday:
One of my favorite experiences in CDMX thus far 🥹
I woke up bright and early to attend the Ballet Folkorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez @ Palacio de Bellas Artes.
As someone who truly appreciates music from across the globe, I was moved by this performance! The energy in the building was electric, filled with pride, joy, community and emotion.
The dance focused on highlighting the different life experiences of the people in multiple regions of Mexico, from their costumes to the music selection. The performance was incredible and the building only magnified how beautiful it all was.
After this, I stumbled across china town which is actually just a block away from Palacio de Bellas Artes!
I’ve legit been dreaming about fried rice, so I’m going to say the universe sent me there because I was actually walking around waiting for my uber to come get me, then once I realized where I was I canceled that uber so quick. & yes, I did get my fried rice 🙂
Domingo de Soul
To close off a great week – we had to celebrate!
Before Yaz left, we met up one last time at a local party that was happening. We were able to enjoy some music, meet people, dance and have some good drinks.
Exploring by myself has been great, but moments are always so special when you have your people there to enjoy them with you💗
& that’s week 2!
This week was truly, jam packed. Unintentionally!
I am loving being able to tap into so many different parts of myself, but I am mostly enjoying having the time to find confidence in expressing in my art.
I can’t wait to share with you all everything I create.
Thank you so much for reading, you can watch this week on the YT Vlog below! Cheers to week 2 🥂✨
xo,
Nani
Go with Nani 
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