Visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The US is proud of its whiskey: Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and American Rye. But only Bourbon has been declared as a native spirit of America by the US Congress in 1964. Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon and creates 95 percent of the world’s supply. And today, you can visit eleven signature and fourteen craft distilleries as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, plus several more distilleries that are promoting on their own.

Over the weekend, I was with Purdue and MIT PhD students on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! We visited two signature distilleries: Wild Turkey and Maker's Mark, and a craft distillery called Willett. The fourth one, Buffalo Trace, is one of the few distilleries not part the organization but very much worth a visit.

Are you craving for an authentic Mexican taco?

What makes an authentic Mexican taco? Did you know that what many people consider a taco here in the Philippines is actually American or Tex-Mex. This is something I realized during my trip to Mexico where we got to eat at many neighborhood tacquerias. It's as authentic as it gets! A traditional Mexican dish, the basic taco is made with either a soft corn or flour tortilla, stuffed with various kinds of meat, as well as onions and cilantro, and served with lime for added zest.

Condiments are always included in any tacqueria. These include salsa roja or salsa verde (chili sauce), salsa picante (chopped tomatoes, onions, chilis and cilantro) which locals also call salsa mexicana or salsa bandera because the salsa contains the tricolor of the Mexican flag, guacamole (avocado sauce), and more lima (lime), cebolla (chopped onions) and cilantro (coriander).

The differences in the tacos are usually in the meat filling. It can have beef, pork, chicken, fish or shrimps. The meat can be grilled, spit-grilled, griddled, stewed, simmered or fried. Even the way the meat is marinated varies. You'd also often hear the term adobada. We had really great tacos at a popular tacqueria in Queretaro called Tacqueria El Paisa I which serves a wide range of tacos.

Trying out tacos in various cities around Mexico, I've seen so many terms used like pastor (spit-grilled meat, carved to order), suadero (thin cut of beef from brisket), campechanos (combined meat specifically beef or bistec and pork, including longaniza or chicharrón), longaniza (sausage), tripa (tripe), alambre (meat cooked in a skewer then chopped), bistec (seared steak), cecina (salted and dried meat) and carne asada (thin slices of grilled marinated beef steak).

Tacos al Pastor stands actually look like they're selling shawarma. The vertical spit grills were said to be brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. But the flavors are undoubtedly Mexican. We had our first taste of Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City.

Tacos de Cazo is filled with meat simmered in fat and juices usually in a large metal container, that is sliced and heated on a griddle before serving. This stand in Mexico City was so appealing, seeing and smelling all the delicious meats cook in the metal vat of bubbling oil and juices. On another side of the stall, they also had Tacos al Pastor.

Many of the tacos we got to try around Mexico were Tacos de Asador or grilled meat tacos. These delicious tacos with assorted meats are from Palenque.

There are also variations to the taco condiments like this taco served with avocado slices we had at a food stall in front of Teotihuacan. All this writing about authentic Mexican tacos is making me really hungry! I definitely miss Mexico even just for the delicious tacos!

Mexico: Pre-Hispanic City of Palenque and Cascadas de Agua Azul

As we moved further south to Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, we finally entered the Mayan Region. The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were the first Mayan ruins we visited during our trip. Palenque dates back to 226BC to around 799AD.

It was most convenient for us to take a day-tour around the ruins, which included afternoon stops at two waterfalls: Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. Expect to spend MX$420 which includes approximately MX$250 for the tour, MX$140 for entrance fees (MX$27 park entrance, MX$54 for the ruins, MX$20 for Misol-Ha and MX$38 for Agua Azul) and your meals.

We spent the morning at the Palenque ruins. Among the most important structures at the site is the Temple of the Inscriptions, the largest Mesoamerican stepped pyramid at Palenque, built as a funerary monument to K'inich Janaab' Pakal (Pacal the Great), ruler of Palenque.

Another major structure is the palace and its aqueduct, which was built by several generations of Palenque's rulers over a four century period. It is the largest structure in Palenque.

There are many other notable temples which can be found in the site. But it's interesting to note that what has been discovered and restored is only less than 10 percent of the ancient city as most of it remains covered by jungle.

The site also has a museum where artifacts from the ruins are on display.

In the afternoon, we visited the falls. Our first stop was Cascada Misol-Ha. It's not really spectacular but since it's part of the tour, might as well check it out.

But the next stop was definitely worth it. Don't forget to bring swimming gear for the Cascadas de Agua Azul since you'll be given time to go for a swim. On the way to Agua Azul, I noticed a sign saying that we were in Zapatista rebel territory, reminding us of the conflict in Chiapas.

The Cascadas de Agua Azul were a refreshing sight. It's distinct aquamarine blue waters add to its natural beauty.

We ended the day back at downtown Palenque. As always, we had our fix of authentic Mexican tacos for dinner. The tasty assorted grilled meats, onions and cilantro in a corn tortilla and a zest of lemon will definitely make your mouth water. Now I'm hungry!

Mexico: Historic Centre of Oaxaca & the Templo de Santo Domingo

The Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán in Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was one of the Mexican cities we visited during our bus trip around Central America sometime ago. We spent our first day visiting Monte Albán and nearby Cuilapan de Guerrero. And on our second day, we walked around the Historic Centre of Oaxaca.

We made sure to visit the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, a fantastic example of Mexican Baroque with its highly-decorated interior, built between 1570 and 1666. If there's one attraction you should visit in downtown Oaxaca, this is it!

The interiors kept us dumb-founded as we marveled at the fabulous details of the walls, ceilings and altars. I actually have more photos of the inside in my Oaxaca album.

From Santo Domingo, we walked through its cobblestone streets to reach the Plaza de la Constitución or Zócalo. Many important buildings including the State Government Palace and Federal Palace can be found Oaxaca's Zócalo.

On one side of the plaza is the Catedral de Oaxaca (Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion), seat of the Archdiocese of Antequera, Oaxaca. The cathedral was constructed between 1535 and 1733.

Since we were on the run, I had some empanadas and tacos sold by a hawker in the plaza. Right after our street snack, we walked back to our hostel to prepare for another long bus ride. Our hostel was right beside a small church called the Templo de San Matias Jalatlaco where we noticed a wedding. What caught our attention was the marching band and giant papier-mâché figures worn by dancers which are called mojigangas. Mojigangas are quite popular in Oaxaca.

By 5 p.m., we began our fifteen-hour bus trip to Palenque.

Virginia, USA: George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate

Mount Vernon near Alexandria, Virginia, was the plantation home of George Washington, first president of the United States. The estate was owned by the Washington family (beginning with George's great-grandfather John Washington) since 1674. It was inherited by Washington when his half-brother died in 1752.

The highlights of any visit to the estate are the wooden mansion built in the Palladian style, its construction personally overseen by Washington between 1757 and 1778; and the family crypt where George and Martha Washington are buried.

When you purchase your ticket, whether online or at the ticket counter, a time to enter the mansion line will be printed. Make sure to be in line at your designated time. During spring, summer and holidays, you might have to wait for two hours before you can enter the line (so best to purchase online and arrive a few minutes before your line up time). It's also best to visit in the afternoon since most school tours happen in the morning.

Unfortunately, taking photos is not allowed inside the mansion. The house had been restored to how it would have looked in 1799, the year Washington died. But everywhere else, it is encouraged. Among the interesting items inside the house are the key to the Bastille given to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette, and the chair used by Washington during his presidency. Make sure to see the spectacular view of the Potomac River behind the house.

Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year. Depending on the season, it opens at 8 or 9 a.m. and closes at 4 or 5 p.m. Tickets cost US$17 for adults, US$8 for ages 6-12, US$16 for 62+ and free for children 5 and under.

How to get to Mount Vernon
Take the Metro Yellow Line to Huntington Station. Exit at Huntington Avenue and take Fairfax Connector Bus No. 101 (Fort Hunt Line) at Huntington Station. It's a 20-minute ride to the gate of Mount Vernon.

Driving directions to Mount Vernon are available in their website. You may also opt to join the Grayline Bus Tours from Washington, DC which includes other DC attractions.

USA: Around Washington, D.C.

Since I'm in Washington, DC, I might as well write my long overdue post on America's capital city. Washington, DC, is a city with so much history, so many activities and things to see, do and eat, it would take several days to explore even just the highlights. On top of the list would be the memorials and iconic landmarks that the city is most known for.

You can opt to tour on your own. My family did that when we first visited in 1993. And we got to see many off the beaten track attractions including Ford's Theatre were Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the US Mint and a tour of the White House (which unfortunately is not available at this time). In fact, we arrived just in time for the famous DC cherry blossoms which I'm waiting for as we speak.

But there are convenient tours that take you to all the major sights. And I got to try one during my last visit two years ago courtesy of a family friend who worked at a local hotel. If you book with your hotel, the tour company can pick you up there which is very convenient and brings you to the Old Post Office Pavilion where the tour starts. Our first stop was at the US Capitol for a photo. From the Capitol, we walked through some of DC's landmark buildings such as the US Treasury Department and parks and squares on the way to the White House. Security was tight that day because of the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister.

Part of the tour was a cruise along the Potomac River where we got to see more of DC. It also serves as a lunch and snack stop since they sell sandwiches and drinks on board.

After the cruise, we visited the various memorials beginning with the National World War II Memorial. It was opened quite recently in 2004. The frontage actually offers a really nice view of the Washington Monument across the street.

The World War II Memorial is one of several memorials which honors the role of the Philippines in US history. It features 56 granite pillars each with the names of the 48 states and 8 territories of the US during the war. Major battles in the Philippines are also memorialized including Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, Luzon and Manila.

While walking around, I got to see Senator Bob Dole chatting with veterans.

We then proceeded to the Jefferson Memorial built on the shore of the Potomac River Tidal Basin. An elegant neoclassical building, it ranked fourth in the American Institute of Architect's list of America's Favorite Architecture. The White House ranked second and the Washington National Cathedral was third. Other DC buildings also in the list are the US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, the US Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art and Daniel Burnham's Union Station among many others (six of the top ten and 17 of the total 150) making Washington DC a truly iconic city.

Another relatively recent memorial is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. At the time I visited in 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was being constructed nearby Roosevelt's and was opened a few months later. So that's one memorial I plan to visit during this trip.

We then visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial (the Philippines is also listed among the countries that sent troops during the war). We then proceeded to the famous Lincoln Memorial. And yes, expect the crowds!

Our next stop was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the main feature of which is a wall containing names of US service members who were killed in action (KIA) or missing in action (MIA) in the Vietnam War. Relatives and friends of those who died often visit the memorial to get name etchings as a memento.

We then visited Marine Corps War Memorial, more popularly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It honors members of the US Marine Corps who died in defense of the US since 1775. This is why among the campaigns listed is the Philippine Insurrection (notice the corner). But I do hope they change that to Philippine-American War. The memorial is just outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery. And you can opt to proceed there after.

So many things to do in DC, and this is just one of them. Another thing you can do is explore the National Mall (no its not a shopping mall but a vast public open space) and the museums of the Smithsonian. But that's for another post.