De Mochilas [EN]

We walked into the Forbidden City and the first thing we saw had nothing to do with thousand-year-old statues or gilded murals. Without context it makes no sense. With context, it makes complete sense. After multiple visits I still felt like I had barely scratched the surface. Andrés and I got separated and lost more than once. And from a hill in a nearby park, I saw something I don't think I'll e...

In Mexico City, two metro stations is about fifteen minutes on foot. In Beijing, those same two stations are thirty minutes at a normal pace, no traffic lights stopping you. I learned that on day one, and it completely changed how I moved around the city. But the scale of Beijing wasn't the only surprise. There were also cities we wanted to visit and didn't, for a reason we didn't see coming until...

We arrived in Beijing with no breakfast, no confirmed hotel, and our bank accounts on life support. After a month in Japan and Korea, China was next, and it wasted no time with the welcome. The first thing I ate there was large intestine soup. I figured it out halfway through the bowl. Andrés was out of commission for two or three days. And I stole a cup. This episode kicks off the season of the t...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we close our journey through South Korea with one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip: attending the League of Legends World Championship Final in Incheon. What started as a travel experience turned into something much bigger, being part of a global event surrounded by thousands of people sharing the same passion. From the atmosphere outside the stadium to...

I was in León for work. Between shifts I slipped away for a few hours to walk around, visit a museum, and cross the street into the shoe and leather goods district. At the museum I found a cave inside a Mexican history hall, an exhibition on art and divination, and a sculpture by Leonora Carrington that kept me standing there longer than I planned. At the plaza I came across a pair of cowboy boots...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we arrive in Incheon and Seoul , exploring one of the most dynamic and complex cities in South Korea. From iconic places like Gangnam and COEX Mall to spaces like Starfield Library and Myeongdong, the city presents a powerful mix of modern culture, technology, and daily life. Shopping, entertainment, and K-pop culture create an exciting and fast-paced environment th...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we explore Gijang , a coastal area near Busan known for its dramatic views and the famous Haedong Yonggungsa temple, built right by the sea. What begins as a simple visit to a temple turns into a full day shaped by unexpected decisions. Walking through cliffs, bridges, and ocean views, the place stands out not only for its beauty but for how it was built in such a c...

Chapultepec has 866 hectares, four sections, and fourteen museums. I'm pretty sure most people who live in Mexico City have seen less than half of it. Myself included, and I've been here for years. This episode covers a small piece of the first section: the botanical garden we stumbled into while looking for a bathroom, the Snail Museum with its descending spiral, and the Castle itself. Plus the m...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we take a break from exploring the city to create something different: a homemade Mexican experience in Busan. After the festival, I decided to cook alambre , a traditional dish made with meat, vegetables, and cheese, to share with friends. What seemed simple quickly turned into an adventure; finding ingredients in a different country, adapting to what’s available,...

In this episode of DeMochilas , an unexpected moment turns into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip in Busan . What started as a normal day quickly changed when we discovered a beach festival happening that same night. Without planning it, we found ourselves surrounded by people, new friends, and a completely different atmosphere, sharing food, drinks, and conversations on the sand....

I went to Viveros on a Monday morning with the sky about to break. I did the full loop, walked through the flower market, and made my way to the Centro, not knowing that a few days later the park would be closed due to flooding and risk of tree collapse. Coyoacán is massive, and what most people know is just a fraction of it. On this walk I found things I remembered, some things that were no longe...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we explore one of the most visually unique places in Busan: Gamcheon Culture Village , a hillside neighborhood transformed into a cultural and artistic space. Walking through its narrow streets feels like moving inside a living painting, colorful houses stacked along the hills, murals, small galleries, and viewpoints that reveal both the sea and the city. But beyond...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we leave Jeju behind and arrive in Busan , a coastal city that quickly changes the pace of the journey. From the moment we arrive, the atmosphere feels different; more dynamic, more connected, and with a stronger sense of daily life moving around us. Transportation, communication, and planning become more relevant as distances grow and the city opens up with more op...

We left Mexico City on a Tuesday morning and less than two hours later we were walking down cobblestone streets that felt straight out of Tuscany. The place is called Val'Quirico and it's in Tlaxcala. What looked like a simple day trip for the aesthetic turned out to be a lot more interesting than I expected. There's something behind this village that most people don't know, and it completely chan...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we explore one of Jeju’s most iconic natural landmarks: Dragon Head Rock, a volcanic formation shaped by wind, sea, and time. What seems like just a rock at first quickly turns into something more when you learn the legend behind it. Local stories describe it as a dragon frozen while trying to ascend to the sky, giving meaning to a place shaped by nature but enriche...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we explore Mexico City, Gustavo A. Madero through a visit to Acuario Michin, a place that blends education, entertainment, and a connection to nature. Located inside Plaza Tepeyac, this aquarium features multiple ecosystems like jungle, reef, and open sea, where you can discover marine species, reptiles, and even rescued animals under special care. Beyond simply obs...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we explore two completely different museums in Jeju , each showing a unique side of culture and society. The first stop is a technology-focused space centered around video games and programming, where we learn about the evolution of computers and interactive entertainment. It’s a place that reflects how modern culture is shaped through innovation and digital experie...

In this episode of DeMochilas, I travel to California, San Diego in a trip shaped by decisions, unexpected delays, and meaningful moments. What started as a choice between attending an event in Brazil or celebrating my brother’s birthday turned into a journey full of lessons. From the chaotic experience of getting to AIFA to long waits along the way, everything tested my patience before even arriv...

In this episode of DeMochilas , I arrive in South Korea for the first time, starting in Jeju , a volcanic island known for its calm atmosphere and natural landscapes. From the moment we landed, the experience felt different. Instead of rushing, we walked from the airport, discovering a quieter rhythm of life—unexpected wildlife, empty streets, and a sense of peace that set the tone for the trip. O...

In this episode of DeMochilas , I travel to Hidalgo, Huasca de Ocampo, combining a wedding trip with an unexpected exploration of nature and geology. What started as a quick visit turned into a full experience at the Prismas Basálticos, one of the most iconic natural sites in the region. Walking through waterfalls, rock formations, and peaceful paths gave me a chance to slow down and enjoy the mom...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we reach Osaka , the final stop of Japan’s first season. It’s a chapter filled with mixed emotions: excitement for what’s next and the quiet realization that this part of the journey is coming to an end. After leaving Gotemba, we arrive at our apartment near Kyobashi Station , unsure of what to expect. Osaka immediately makes an impression — from the unexpected view...

In this episode of DeMochilas , I explore Parque Bicentenario in Mexico City, Miguel Hidalgo, a place where nature, culture, and everyday life come together. Going in without expectations turned into a full experience: sports areas, family gatherings, picnic spots, and spaces like the Orquidario, where passion and knowledge transform a simple visit into something memorable. This episode is a remin...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we finally make it to Dotonbori , although not in the way we originally planned. What started as a random metro ride with the intention of getting lost turned into an unexpected arrival at one of Osaka’s most active and social districts. This chapter is about chance and curiosity . From trusting a stranger’s directions to realizing we had arrived at the exact place...

In this episode of DeMochilas , I share a different kind of experience in Mexico City, Miguel Hidalgo, working behind the scenes at Expo Citibanamex during “The Logistics World”. Instead of traditional tourism, this chapter focuses on what happens behind large-scale events: coordinating routes, transporting hundreds of people, and dealing with the constant pressure of time and movement across the...

In this episode of DeMochilas , we visit Nara , a place where the boundaries between nature, people and everyday life feel unusually close. After the structured calm of Kyoto, Nara offered a softer, more open environment that encouraged interaction rather than observation. This chapter is about coexistence . Wide paths, open spaces and a slower rhythm create an atmosphere where encounters feel nat...