Photo credit: KPMG

Who can attend

• Open Event/Members – Open to all members of The Koa Club for free
• Exclusive for The Koa Club members only

Presented by

Debbie Alfaro

Location/ Date & Time

Online via Zoom only:

*****Zoom link and meeting password will be sent out to registered participants*******

Date: Friday, May 21, 2021

Time: 6pm – 7 pm PT/8pm-9pm CT/9pm-10pm ET

Description

What is the Discover World Destinations Series?

Given the onset of COVID-19, most of us have had to cancel our vacations in 2020 and until the world is able to find a way to slow down the COVID-19 cases, its highly likely that various states in the US, along with many other countries, will continue to have travel restrictions and quarantine requirements, making it difficult to travel.

Not being able to physically travel to our desired locations does not mean that we cannot still find other ways to appreciate and increase our travel knowledge in the meantime. Starting from January 2021, we hold a once a month Friday evening one-hour chat about travel to destinations around the world. We will invite guest speaker(s) who may be able to share fun, interesting and useful insights about the destination.  We will share insights about local culture, not to miss food to try, off the beaten path places and perhaps even interesting details that only insiders or locals know. Do also share your experience or knowledge about the destination if you have lived or visited there before.

We encourage you to start a travel journal with us, so that when we can travel again safely in the future and you decide to explore one of these destinations, you will already be in the know!

We plan to have our favorite wine or beverage during this fun chat.

Next Stop – Mexico

For the month of May, we will have a chat about Mexico since we often associate May 5 with Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 and is therefore celebrated on May 5 every year.

There is so much to do and see in  Mexico – you can choose from Mayan ruins and lush jungles to pristine Pacific Coast surf beaches to Mexico City’s art and food scene to Mezcal to beautiful Oaxaca, Mexico. When there, you can indulge in the sensational culinary scene, learn and partake in their festive culture and meet wonderful friendly locals happy to help visitors experience what their country has to offer.

According to Wikipedia, Mexico has a population of about 126 million in 2020 and is the 10th most populated country in the world. Mexico is also the most populated Spanish-speaking country in the world and is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mexico City is Mexico’s capital with over 21 million people, and is rich in diversity and culture, offering a major metropolis that boasts a historical center, top museums, and chic shopping opportunities. Other major cities in Mexico are Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Toluca de Lerdo and Tijuana.

On 18 March, the Mexico Government partially closed its land borders with the United States as a preventive measure against Covid-19. This measure applies to non-essential travel across land borders and will be in place from 19 March to 20 May, when it will be reviewedHowever, Mexico allows visitors travelling by air for business or leisure.

Our speaker(s) will share their insights, experiences and love for the life, sights, food and culture in Mexico, so we can “la buena vida” like the locals.

Speakers

Debbie Alfaro says: “My name is Debbie Alfaro born and raised in Tyler, TX. Both of my parents came from Mexico in the early 80s. My father is from San Luis Potosí and my mother is from Guanajuato. My parents met in Tyler, TX got married and raised my siblings and I here. All of my immediate family including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins all live in Tyler, yet we still have distant relatives that all live in Mexico. We do frequently go to Mexico to visit our family at least once a year or so. My grandfather is the perfect example of accomplishing the American Dream when he immigrated to the USA. He is a successful entrepreneur with 3 Mexican restaurants that have been around for over 24yrs. Don Juan Mexican Restaurant is the place where I essentially grew up working as a kid and learned the core value of hard work along with dedication towards having great customer service.”