Where Next?

Our bid list is LIVE, folks!

Strange to think I've barely been here half a year and we're already deciding where to go next.

Unlike the first time, we won't have to bid on ever open post - just our Top 30. Stills seems pretty broad.

There are hundreds of jobs on this list, spanning every part of the world. Here goes nothin'...

Don't Thinko de Mayo

Every year on May 5, millions of Americans down margaritas and wear oversized sombreros. But do they have any idea why they do it?

Isn't it Mexican Independence Day?

Nope. That's September 16.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, May 5 1862. Mexico's war of independence had incurred massive foreign debts, most notably to the major European powers. France, Spain and Britain formed an alliance and invaded when Mexico refused to follow the payment schedule.

The French army marched on Puebla, expecting an easy victory due to their greater numbers and superior weapons. The Mexican army drove them off, inspiring the nation and standing as a symbol of the country's resistance to foreign power.

It should be noted that the French did eventually win the war, forcing Juarez out of Mexico City  and einstalling Austrian-born Duke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico.

What, you didn't know there was an Emperor of Mexico? We're going to be here for a while...

Guadalajara Guide: Parque Metropolitano

Any decent city will have a sizable amount of green space. Nothing quite so unpleasant as long, dusty walks in the heat without a tree for shade or pleasant lawn for picnicking.

Guadalajara, on the whole, does pretty well in this regard. Parks large and small dot the landscape. One of these is Parque Metropolitano.

I have to say - not what I was expecting. The park feels more reminiscent of the African Veldt than a lush greenscape. Large barren patches free of grass are broken up by large shade trees.

There's no denying the trees are impressive,  But there's just not enough verdure and shade for my taste.