Suzanne's Mexico Travel Blog

The Dalai Lama will give a talk and conduct a series of teachings in Mexico City in September. On September 7th he will give a free public talk entitled "Outer Peace Through Inner Peace." Then on September 8, 9 and 10, he will be presenting a series of teachings on the The Six Paramitas at the Teatro Metropolitana. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster Mexico.

The Marquis Reforma Hotel and Spa is offering an "Enlightenment Package" for visitors who would like to attend the Dalai Lama's teachings. The package includes tickets to the three-day event, two nights accommodation, and buffet breakfast. The Marquis Reforma (Get rates) is a 5-star hotel located on the Paseo de la Reforma, a short drive from the theater where the Dalai Lama will be speaking.

More information about the Dalai Lama's visit at www.dalailamaenmexico.org (in Spanish).

Mexico City Resources:

• Top Mexico City Sights
• Mexico City Walking Tour
• Compare airfares to Mexico City
• Compare Mexico City hotel rates

_{Getty Images/Ralph Orlowski}

_{© Suzanne Barbezat}

• Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral
• Top Mexico City Sights

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The Guelaguetza is a colorful celebration of traditional culture that takes place every year in Oaxaca at the end of July. Brilliantly attired in traditional garb, representatives of each of the state's regions perform folk dances and share their local products. This year's Guelaguetza will be held from July 20th to the 28th. Besides the main performances, there will be many other events taking place throughout the month.

Read more:

• Oaxaca's Guelaguetza Festival
• See photos of a community Guelaguetza celebration
• Oaxaca City Guide

_{Photo © Suzanne Barbezat}

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has just added twenty seven new sites to its list of World Heritage sites. Two of these sites are in Mexico: the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, which was chosen for its outstanding architecture, with both religious and civic buildings built in the Mexican Baroque style; and the Monarch butterfly reserve of Michoacan, where millions of butterflies migrate every year to spend the winter in the area's rugged forested mountains. Mexico now has twenty nine sites that have received the honor of inclusion on UNESCO's list of places that are considered to have outstanding universal value.

Read more:

• Twenty seven new sites inscribed
• UNESCO adds 27 new sites World Heritage List

_{Photo of San Miguel de Allende's cathedral by Esparta Palma licensed under Creative Commons}

_{© Suzanne Barbezat}

Mexico's markets are colorful, lively, and full of fresh, delicious produce.

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Women traveling in Mexico, especially those traveling alone, have some particular concerns. Despite women's advances in the public and legal spheres, the Mexican "macho" culture is still strong and stereotypes about foreign women may affect the way women are treated. Generally this just means that women attract more attention than they may like, being subject to catcalls on the streets and ardently pursued by would-be suitors. If this attention makes you uncomfortable, there are a few simple strategies you can take to have a more pleasant vacation.

Read more: Tips for Women Travelers to Mexico

John McCain, Republican candidate for president of the United States, visited Mexico last week. Besides meeting with Mexican president Felipe Calderon and other diplomatic meetings, McCain visited the Basilica of Guadalupe. This shrine is the most visited church in the Americas, receiving over 12 million visitors each year. It houses the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe imprinted on Juan Diego's tunic from the 16th century. The purpose of McCain's visit was purportedly to win over Latino and Catholic voters.

The Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the top Mexico City sights and a must-see for any trip to Mexico City.

More about McCain's Mexico trip:

• McCain visits Mexico's holiest shrine, AZ Central
• McCain Winds Up Latin Trip in Mexico, New York Times

_{Photo of the Basilica of Guadalupe by Carlos Sanchez, courtesy of the Mexican Tourism Board}

_{© Suzanne Barbezat}

The agave plant is common throughout Mexico and is used to make three alcoholic beverages: Tequila, Mezcal and Pulque.

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There are plenty of festivals taking place in the month of July this year. Two of this month's most noteworthy happenings are the Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca, and the Short Expressions Film Festival in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato.

Oaxaca hosts a traditional folk festival every year during the last two weeks of July, called the Guelaguetza. For this event, representatives of the state's various ethnic groups perform traditional dances and celebrate the traditions that make them unique. There are many other events that take place aside from the main Guelaguetza show, and visitors to Oaxaca at this time of year have plenty of options for activities and entertainment.

The Short Expressions Film Festival takes place in the cities of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City from July 18 to 27. This is a major event in the world of film, the largest film festival in Mexico, with over 400 films screened, all free of charge. The theme for this year's festival is “Identity”, referring to the identification or representation of a country or culture through its historic film heritage; and this year's guest country is India.

Read more: July Festivals and Events in Mexico

What with rising fuel costs and the US dollar's low rate of exchange against other currencies, you may have decided it's just not feasible to travel this summer. Consider this, though, the dollar is still favorable against the Mexican peso, and some resorts are offering special deals for families to entice you to take that vacation. Perhaps you could get away, after all, even if only for a short time.

Here are some options for beach vacations that are family-friendly and easy on your wallet:

• Affordable Family Beach Vacations

_{Photo courtesy of Blue Bay Resort Cancun}