De Mochilas [EN]

There's a market right across from the Forbidden City that I went into more than five times. Not because I got lost. Because every time I left, I found something new. The last time was right before leaving for Shanghai, to finally buy something I'd been thinking about since day one.

Musical instruments I'd never seen before in my life. Bugs on sticks I ate without asking what they were. A silk dress with a golden dragon I couldn't afford but had to price anyway. And a fan shop where I had to physically stop myself from buying everything.

In this episode I stay in the area around the Forbidden City, but the story shifts completely.

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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 ever forget: the entire Forbidden City with the capital surrounding it.

In this episode I talk about the many laps we did around one of the most important places in the world, and what it actually feels like to be inside it.

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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 were already there.

In this episode I talk about distances: the ones I walked, the ones we underestimated, and the ones I wish we'd understood before leaving Mexico.

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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 trip that started this whole podcast. China has a lot to say, and this is just day one.

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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 the intensity inside, every moment felt charged with energy.

Despite challenges like overwhelming sound, packed spaces, and long hours, the experience was unforgettable. Being there, witnessing the final live, and sharing it with friends made it one of those moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

This chapter is about passion and opportunity. How sometimes travel brings you to places and events you never planned, but that become some of the most meaningful memories of all.

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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 made for a one-year-old that I definitely did not see coming.

A short León, but León nonetheless. And with the Hot Air Balloon Festival still on the list.

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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 that feels constantly in motion.

But beyond the surface, there is another side. Walking through subway stations and public spaces reveals messages addressing loneliness, pressure, and mental health. Reminders that even in the most developed cities, people carry invisible struggles.

This chapter is about contrast: tradition and modernity, energy and silence, connection and isolation. Seoul becomes more than a destination; it becomes a reflection of how societies evolve and the challenges that come with it.

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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 challenging environment.

But the day doesn’t stop there. What was supposed to be a quick visit to a shopping mall turns into hours of waiting, wandering, and adapting plans. From exploring stores to discovering small details like food spots and everyday routines, the experience becomes something completely different from what we imagined.

This chapter is about unpredictability, how travel shifts from peaceful moments to long, unexpected detours that still become part of the story.

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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 marks on the stone walls I still can't fully explain, and the exit restaurant you're better off skipping.

First documented visit. It won't be the last.

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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, and dealing with unexpected prices for everyday items.

From searching for tortillas and peppers to replacing ingredients like lime and avocado, the process became part of the experience. Even preparing something as familiar as food felt completely new.

The result wasn’t just about the dish, it was about the moment: watching a game together, talking, laughing, and creating a space that felt like home, even thousands of kilometers away.

This chapter is about connection: how food can bring people together and turn an ordinary day into something memorable.

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