The Red Tree House • 6 comments • What can I say about The Red Tree House that hasn't already been said? They are consistently highly reviewed by guests, and with good reason. It was the first place we stayed, of what became an extensive list of B&Bs, during our "around-the-world" travels. The Red Tree House sets the bar high. Every morning you're greeted with a fresh, authentic, home-made, hot breakfast - Mexican style. If they had their own restaurant on the premises, I honestly wouldn't leave because it's that good. If nothing else, you have to go here for the breakfasts. So as not to exclude less adventurous folk, they also have fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, croissants, churros... you name it. We've talked to so many different travellers from all over the globe at the breakfast tables. Exchanging travel itineraries with others is a great way to start the day. If you're not a social butterfly, the staff at The Red Tree House is always equipped with maps, tips, and ideas of how you can spend your day. As I've previously mentioned, we chose to go back here because we didn't have to do any planning whatsoever. After a long day on your feet, in the sun, you return to a dimly lit, cozy space. A player piano sits in the corner and the wine is flowing. Alcohol and I broke up a long time ago, so I'm content with a chamomile tea, while going over the day's stories with your new BFFs (for the few days you're there, anyway). Since the last time we were there, they've expanded to include another property, across the street. It is as impeccably decorated as the first house, with stunning, local artwork. You almost feel as if you're in an art gallery. Carlito Dalceggio is a friend of The Red Tree House and his mesmerizing murals grace many of their walls. It's tough not to wax poetic about a place that gives you so many great memories. The beautiful people at The Red Tree House helped make my birthday a night I'll never forget. I've said that I don't care to re-visit places, but I have a feeling we'll be back.
Blurry Birthday // Feliz Cumpleaños • 6 comments • It's my half birthday today! Remember "celebrating" the 1/2 mark when you were a kid? I'm too old to be doing that, but I'm going to use today as an excuse to put up these pictures/videos from my actual birthday. As if celebrating in Mexico wasn't enough, Alex surprised me with a Mariachi band! I'm so thankful to some new Australian friends for capturing these moments. These are pretty great shots, considering how dark it was, and the impromptu nature of the situation. Alex couldn't have done this without the amazing folks at The Red Tree House (which I'll be posting about soon - that place deserves a million accolades). The quartet started off with some slow, crooning songs, like Besame Mucho (a longtime favourite of mine). It was equally romantic and awkward to be serenaded in front of a group of people. The guys picked things up at the end, so, we all shimmied a little. They also sang a traditional Mexican birthday song, which a lot of people seemed to know the words to and started singing along. I gush about Alex far too often, but how can I not? What a great birthday and even greater guy. - Mina "Did you know about this?!" They got me trick candles and proceeded to make fun of me when I was a little slow to realize it. Take One...
the red tree house • 11 comments • When we were looking to book our accommodations for Mexico City, The Red Tree House seemed to be the best choice based on it's glowing Tripadvisor reviews. In addition to our cute room and patio, every detail of the rest of the house was fantastic. We can say, with confidence, that the only place to stay in Mexico City is The Red Tree House. It doesn't matter that we haven't experienced another accommodation there, we can't imagine finding anywhere better. The owners and all of the staff genuinely care about your well-being and were incredibly helpful. From providing us with restaurant recommendations, to printing maps, to arranging transportation, we felt as if we could depend on them for anything. Every evening, after a day of sightseeing, we could relax in the spacious living room where there would be lovely music and lighting to set the ambiance. We met several other travelers and swapped travel tips. Bonus: there's a player piano! On our last day there, we learned that The Red Tree House would be unveiling some of Carlito Dalceggio's work, the following night. Dalceggio is a French-Canadian painter who has a studio in Mexico City. We watched them set up, and then got to view all the paintings prior to the unveiling! It was interesting to be able to meet the artist and chat with him about the mediums he used and what the paintings mean to him. Thanks to everyone at the Red Tree House for making the start of our trip so comfortable and memorable!
