Diego Rivera Murals, Frida Kahlo's house, Xochimilco Day 3

Another wonderful breakfast and then off to visit the Governor’s palace with the murals of Diego Rivera.    The last several times that I’ve been in Mexico City, the palace was closed and I wasn’t able to see the murals.  Today, Success!!  The main murals on the stairwell are being renovated so scaffolding was present but really didn’t hide the painting.  In some ways, it was easier to follow all of the history as it could be defined by “second level of scaffolding”  We all learned more about Mexican history with the help of the murals.  We also spotted Frida in one of the crowd paintings. 

We met back up with our driver and drove to Coyocan, Frida Kahlo’s hometown that has now been swallowed up by Mexico City but retains its small town charm.  Luckily, our driver had tipped us off that we needed to buy tickets to the museum ahead of time.  That way we avoided the block long line and were able to go right in. 

The first couple of rooms were Frida’s paintings.  Then some of Diego’s paintings, photos her father had taken.  Some of the most interesting were room decorated with Frida’s things.  Her day bed with the mirror built in so she could see herself and paint while in bed, the room the Trotsky stayed in.  The sunroom was a wonderful, light, airy place to paint. 

We enjoyed lunch on the main square and enjoyed the Sunday family activity.  It was day of the clowns so there were lots of people dressed up which added even more color and fun to the zoocolo.

On to Xochimilco, a small part of the floating gardens that were being used when Cortez came.  Now, there are many nursery type places, lots of roses.  But it is mainly used as a relaxing place to celebrate family occasions.  Our boat was Victoria.  Quite a maneuvering process to get out into the main canal.  Busy with boats full of people eating, mariachi bands, marimba player, venders selling roasted corn, trinkets, rugs, etc. 

Next stop, Puebla.