Mexico City and Tepoztlan

Mexico City is a wonderous place, full of colorful markets, great food, nice people and a powerful energy. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and certainly learned a lot about this massive city and environs. On our first full day there we went to the Bazar Del Sabado (Saturday market) near San Angel. The streets are made of cobblestones and very narrow. Most of the vendors were selling local art and I could have bought one of everything. 

In the market's center were dancers with castanets, stomping to the rhythm of the music.

The food is scrumptous, incredibly fresh and inexpensive. Elin, our guide and host  took us to great restaurants where we didn't have to worry about drinking the water or eating salads. I learned about cheladas, a local favorite, where you put the juice of a whole lime in the glass, dip the rim in course salt and pour in your beer choice - Corona for me - naturally! In some locations a Corona was 15 pesos, which is equivalent to $1.25 - if you ordered a coke, it was also 15 pesos.

 In the center of the city there is a large town square or Zocalo, surrounded by cathedrals and the National Palace. A large Mexican flag hangs from the center which is raised at 6 A.M and lowered at 6 P.M., all with a great deal of pomp and ceremony.

In 1978, while some utility work was being done, a relic was found only one block from the National Palace which lead to the discovery of pyramids buried beneath the city. Today the pyramids have been uncovered and a museum built to house the artifacts. Museo del Templo Mayor houses the findings from the former city of Tenochtitlan and its aztec pyramids. 

Maybe you've noticed the abundance of skulls in Mexico? 

I realized that I was clearly influenced as a young adolescent living there, I mean this was an epiphany! If you could see my studio space, you would understand. 

We had a great dinner, complete with a frozen concoction that contained mescal.

A trip to Tepoztlan was scheduled for the end of the week. I took pictures of the agricultural fields and a store front with caged fighting cocks for sale. 

In the fields they were harvesting heads of cabbage. It was nearing the end of the rainy season and fields were being prepared for corn planting. I did see agaves planted in rows and small herds of sheep and cows, all with a herder near by (so no one steals them).

 There were incredible markets lining the streets of the old town of Tepoztlan. I bought a mask from this gentleman, who then posed for a picture.

This arch is made from seeds.

There were so many tropical and desert plants that I did not know. This particular vine was gorgeous, might you know what it is?

We finished our last night with a fabulous dinner in a restaurant in Tepoztlan, surrounded by tropical plants and great people. How's this for a fancy sangria, it's half lemonade (freshly squeezed - of course). Cheers Mona!

 

Comments

[Elin]

Your descriptions are so lively and informative, dear Karen! Love your pictures and text! Made me relive the wonderful time we had through your eyes!

[Karen]

of which none could have happened without you. What a great hostess you are. Thank-you so much for everything Elin.

[Karen]

I have figured out the red flowers. It's actually a small tree named Erythrina glauca, a native of Malaysia. The common name or "name on the street" is Bunga Dedap and here is a link to it's meaning.

http://www.mynicegarden.com/2009/11/erythrina-glauca-red-flower-tree.html

I saw Nicotiana glauca all over Tonlantongo, that's two glauca's for Mexico.