While visiting the Riviera Maya I saw many remarkable species of birds such as a turquoise-browed motmot, a black-headed trogon, white-fronted parrots, and flocks of olive-throated parakeets. However, none left me with such a lasting impression as the common yet special endemic Yucatan jays.

As an expatriate living in Mexico, one has three methodological options in applying for Social Security retirement benefits. Since November 2011, one of those options has been applying online. Am I ever glad that I chose to do so online from the convenience of our home!

The Pacific Central Mexican state of Michoacan has a distinguished, primarily indigenous, culinary history. Although its most famous traditional dish may be pozole, for me its best gustatory creations are its masa-based antojitos/snacks like corundas, stuffed gorditas, uchepos, and tacos al vapor.

In Mexico, there are two culturally traditional dictums that serve to limit the potential and opportunities of its residents, especially women. One is QUE DIRAN!/WHAT WOULD PEOPLE SAY! and the other is NO HAGAS COSAS BUENAS QUE PARESCAN MALAS/DO NOT DO GOOD THINGS THAT LOOK BAD.

"Traditional" Mexican rice is a staple in our household. However, by incorprating additional ingredients into it and by frying it a second time, I have created a nutritious, flavorful, colorful, simple yet multi-textured dish that I call "Untraditional Mexican Fried Rice."

Pet birds are the most popular and most common type of mascota/pet in Mexico. However, as exemplified by the kind of care provided for by the bird "owners," they could rarely, if ever, be called "bird lovers."