Home, Sweet Home!

It was great seeing Spot again after being away for 90 days.

Dear Boys and Girls,

Mr. P has done it.  He has made his way around the world.  Visiting 12 countries along the way (Can you list them all?  Can you find them on a map or globe?) I have learned a lot of new things, met a lot of interesting people, and yes, eaten a lot of yummy food! 

I am glad to be at home with my family and friends for the holidays, but I am gearing up for some more travel in the new year.  Going around the world has made me curious to learn more about Canada, the country that I call home, so I am hoping to visit as many provinces and territories as I can over the next few months, and of course I will be asking for your help along the way, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I am enjoying exploring Toronto, spending time with Spot and hopefully seeing you soon!

Keep Smiling,
Mr. Pimentel

A Kid's Guide to Toronto

So great to be back home.  I can't wait to start baking again!  

I Am Here - Toronto, Canada

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Kid's Guide to Mexico City

After all this travel I am feeling a little tired, so climbing the smallest volcano in the world is a challenge that I am up for!  Thanks for all the tips.

Mexico Celebrates

Every year, citizens of Mexico remember loved ones that have died through a special celebration called "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead".  On November 2nd people gather together in homes and cemeteries, they pray, make offerings and celebrate with a big party that involves lots of eating and drinking. 

Day of the Dead banners decorate the streets of Puerto Vallarta.

Similar to All Saints Day, which Catholics celebrate on November 1st, Dia de los Muertos is much more festive.  People will dress up in fancy clothing, some even in costumes.  Villages and homes are decorated with images of brightly coloured skeletons and skulls.  You can see these decorations for sale in Mexico all year round, they have become a symbol of the country and Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead figurines can be bought at most souvenir shops.

Photo from travelpod.com

Unfortunately I wasn't able to experience Dia de los Muertos firsthand as I arrived in Mexico at the end of November, but maybe we can have our own Day of the Dead celebration in our Canadian classrooms?  Any excuse for a party is a good idea by me!

Ox Eyes For Dessert

Boys and Girls,

You know that I have never been one to walk away from a sweet treat, so when I came across a bakery in Mexico I just had to walk in and buy something to eat. 

It is overwhelming when you are staring at racks full of baked goods, all of them covered in frosting and sprinkles, and each one looking more tasty than the next, but when I saw the "ojos de buey" I knew I just had to try it.

It looked so disgusting, I just had to try it!

"Ojos de buey" means ox eyes in Spanish, but if you ask me I think the dessert looks more like ox brains! 

Boy oh boy, was it ever sweet.  Two semi-spherical vanilla doughnuts with chocolate icing holding them together, wrapped in a sugary sweet red paste and then coated in sweetened coconut, my teeth are hurting just thinking about it.  I had one bite of the "ojos de buey" and had to save the rest for later...it was just too sweet.

Something tells me this isn't a healthy snack.

What happens to you when you eat too much sugar?

I hope I can find some more tasty treats to eat in Mexico!

Mr. P

A Kid's Guide to Puerto Vallarta

It is the end of November already, but you would never tell by the beautiful and warm weather here in Mexico.  Today was hot and sunny with a high of 28 degrees Celsius.  I wonder what the weather is like back in Toronto?

I am looking forward to enjoying these last few days of sunshine and warmth before returning home to a Canadian winter.  Here are some of the things you think I should get up to while in Puerto Vallarta.