Taste of Cultue Series: A look at things to do in the United Kingdom and Mexico

United Kingdom

The National Gallery is marvelous place to visit in London. The gallery has a variety of Western European paintings from the thirteenth century to the nineteenth century. It holds paintings from renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer and others. After a tour of the museum, take a break and visit the National dining rooms for a tasty meal. For dessert or a small treat, go to the National Café for espresso, muffins or a sandwich.

Then, head to Hyde Park for a walk or jog down the serpentine river or have a picnic and enjoy the scenery with family and friends. Take a look at beautiful sculptures or feed the birds or ducks. Get on a boat and have a splendid  time going from one place to another on the river or ride a horse. When you get hungry, grab a bite to eat at Ja' Grill or Pizza Capri.  

Victoria Albert Museum of Art and Design, a must see, is a renowned museum of arts and designs in England. It houses a wide range of works including sculpture, textiles, fashion, contemporary design, photography, ceramics and others. The museum also has a shop where you can purchase toys for kids, jewelry, accessories and many more.

                                                              Victoria Albert Museum

In Scotland, one can find yummy seafood from salmon, lobster, haddock, oyster, crab, herring and other seafood to make mouth-watering meals such as Herring in Oatmeal and Cullen Skink made with smoked haddock, potatoes, milk and onions. Another meal to prepare and serve with mashed potatoes and neeps (turnip) is the scottish national dish, haggis pudding, cooked with sheep’s stomach, heart and liver, lamb, oatmeal, onion, oatmeal, spices and salt.

Visit Jen’s den in Edinburgh for toys, playtime with mini houses, painting, imaginative games, food and others for the little ones. Journey to Edinburgh castle in Scotland for sightseeing of the canyons, historic landmarks and artifacts in the castle. Immense yourself in the surroundings from above at the castle. Observe the swords and shields inside the great hall. 

Crag Cave, Kerry in Ireland is an enchanting cave over a million years old with stalagmites and stalactites to explore with the family. The Crazy Cave Activity Centre is alluring for children up to twelve years to have exhilarating indoor games with Mega Slides, climbing frames, ball pools, ball guns, and Crazy Maze. Furthermore, delight in the outdoors at Kingdom Falconry viewing hawks, falcons and eagles as they fly around or come perch on your arm.

Mexico

The Palace of Fine Arts for theatre and museum of popular arts is a place to explore and experience live Mariachi music in the neighboring area. The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico is also a stunning venue in the evening to listen to lineup of folklore music from various states in Mexico.

Take a trip to the phenomenal Chapultepec park also known as Bosque de Chapultepec, the biggest parks in Mexico and Latin America and unwind in the park feeling the breeze from lush trees and flowers. Stopover at the Chapultepec Zoological Park to catch a glimpse of exotic species from the Aztec period. Some animals to gaze at the zoo include pandas, jaguar, scorpions, gorillas and others. You will also see breathtaking views of the lake. At the Chapultepec castle, enter the National Museum of Cultures to get immersed in the history of Mexico and take the kids to the Papalote Museo del Nino children’s museum for an interactive day of fun with the museum’s exhibits or watch movies at the IMAX theatre.

A common salad sauce usually eaten in Mexico is Pico de gallo. It is a favorite of a native, Jesus Jimenez, concocted using a blend of tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, salt and lime juice. Often eaten together with tortillas, tacos, rice, potatoes and other dishes.

                                                                             Tacos

                                          

Savor a hefty barbecue with Carne asada marinated beef, which could be eaten together with pico de gallo and cucumber in lime juice. Another popular Mexican meal is Coctel de camarones prepared with a combination of shrimps, tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, cucumber, Clamato picante tomato cocktail, Tapatío hot sauce and salt. Dip some tortilla chips into this cocktail for a blissful meal. Muy deliciosa!

Organize a family get together to the magnificent mountains in Durango with nice and cool weather. View dazzling sights on the mountains. Dedicate some time to camping and hiking while there. Be sure to carry food and water and take great photographs along the way.

Spend the day or weekend at Majahuitas in Puerto Vallarta. Explore the Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay) as you go kayaking reveling in the ravishing scenery. Treat the children to the Los Veranos Canopy Tour above the forest peeking at the monkeys, squirrels and radiant river in the woods.