Inspiring Women Magazine November 2023

help. You don't have to be a superhero and
go through the crisis stage all on your own.
If needed, consider seeking professional
coaching support to help you navigate the
transition between stages and reach the
adjustment phase more smoothly and effectively.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
that not many people know.
I humbly say that I can dance salsa and bachata
better than 90% of Latinas. It gives me an
incredible sense of absolute freedom and
self-expression, and it's something I'm truly
passionate about.
What's your favorite cultural tradition (past
or current)?
As my husband and I come from vastly
different traditions when it comes to
celebrating the New Year and Christmas, we
had to make a decision. Fortunately, it was a
pretty straightforward one. You see, in Latin
America, Christmas takes the cake as the big
holiday of the year. And guess what's the star
holiday in Russia? New Year's! So, we've struck
a balance: we celebrate Christmas the way my
partner's used to in Nicaragua, spicing it up
with some newly acquired Colombian customs,
thanks to our local friends. But when it comes
to New Year's, we go full-on "Russian mode."
December 31 st is THE day of the year in
Russia. You spend the whole day cooking, watch
the same old-school Soviet movies like it's a
ritual, then sit down with the entire family for a
marathon dinner that magically turns into your
January 1 st breakfast and, depending on your
culinary creativity, feeds you for the first week of
the year. You cheer with a glass of champagne
at midnight and prepare for an entire week
of official vacations. The best part? You don't
even have to use your vacation days – the
government gives you the whole week off!
Can you feel how essential New Year's Eve is for
Russians? I was definitely not ready to trade all
this fun for Catholic Christmas! Although I truly
miss that holiday spirit in the air during this time
of the year, and having to return to work on
January 2 nd doesn't make it any easier, I've done
my best to keep the festive vibes alive within
our home. We go shopping, stock up on mayo,
potatoes, cabbage, and beetroot.
Over the years, I've not only kept this tradition
alive but also taught my husband all the New
Year's recipes. Now, I celebrate my success by
lounging on the couch, watching Christmas
comedies, sipping champagne, and occasionally
giving my husband a hand in the kitchen as he
tries to master his Russian culinary skills with
salat oliv’e, eggplant rolls with eggs, spring and
vinegret salads.
What is your
guiltiest pleasure?
Well, I have to admit,
I enjoy the bones of
the meat. T-bone steak
is the best! AND I also
love to travel! Thirtynine
countries on my
list and counting!
Quite a combo, right?
Alexa, her husband and a
llama, around Bogotá 2022
16 INSPIRING WOMEN INSPIRING WOMEN 17