South of Mexico city, along the highway to Puebla, there’s a mountain range with an active volcano, Mount Popocatepetl.  For a time, my mom lived as an expat in the tiny town of San Salvador el Verdi at the base of “Popo.”  In 2007, I was able to time my trip to coincide with the festival of San Salvador.  Not only did I get the opportunity to see Popo belch, but I really enjoyed the sights, sounds, and flavors of the carnival.  I remember small children coming up to me to look at me and touch me for luck, saying softly, “Ojos asules,”  an oddly awkward, strange, and completely unexpected experience.