Sunday, October 31, 2021

Mexico City and Taxco Oct 28

 

Oct 28

Another wonderful, full day!

We load all of our suitcases into the back of the van and head to the National Archaeological Museum.  To get to the museum we drive down La Reforma which is a beautiful, modern boulevard.  When it was built in the early 1900’s, it was lined with beautiful private homes.  Now those have been replaced with modern office buildings.  There are several iconic monuments along the way.  At the arch commemorating the revolution there is a special exhibit of huge skulls that are painted as inspired by Frida Kahlo. 










 Serafin, our bus driver manages to pull over, let us out so we can take pictures as he drives a big loop to come back and pick us up.  The skulls are amazing with lots of little details.  One could really study them for a long time and still see new things.  We hustle back across the busy street when we see the bus coming back around. 

We have been in the historic district of the city and it is nice to see the modern part of the city.  There will be a large parade on Sunday for Dia de los Muertos.  Along the Reforma, they are selling marigolds in preparation.





When we get to the museum, we find that due to COVID, it opens at 10:00 instead of 9:00.  We have about 20 minutes to wait until it opens.  We enjoy sitting outside and enjoy the gardens.  




We’re able to get a wheel chair for MaryAnn which makes it possible for her to see much more of the museum.  We visit the parts that pertain the most to places that we will be visiting and the parts of Teotihuacan.  We were able to see representations of parts that we weren’t able to access due to COVID.  During free time, Juan and I visit the special exhibit that highlights Mexico through the years from early habitation through conquest, revolution, modern times.  A nicely currated exhibit.

















On the way out of the museum, the voladores from Papantla were performing.  Five of them start at the top of a tall pole sitting on a square that turns.  They turn in one direction wrapping the ropes around the pole.  Then they flip off the roost with the rope wrapped around their middle and a foot.  Now they descend, head first as the ropes unwind.  Would make me totally sick! 





In the van we eat turkey tortas that Serafin bought as we drive to the floating gardens of Xochimilco.  MaryAnn isn’t feeling well and decides to stay on the bus.  I stay with her while the others take the boat ride.  When MaryAnn falls asleep, I go do a little shopping and buy another top.  Everyone comes back laughing and have had a good time.  I’m informed that some of our travelers are taking on new names such as they saw on some of the boats. 








The ride to Taxco is about 3 hours.  Juan puts on the movie Coco for us to watch.  Of course I cry. 

About the time the movie is over, the scenery gets really beautiful as we go over 9000 foot passes.  The sun is setting as we approach Taxco.  We stop for pictures.




Taxco is a quaint town/city that is stacked on the side of a steep hill.  The roads are narrow, winding and steep.  I’m really glad that Serafin is driving!  Our hotel is right on the main square.  We check in and go right to dinner in the hotel.  Most of the people order Salmon.  All of the dishes are delightful. 




After dinner, I take a short walk in the park as I just can’t wait until morning.




1 comment:

  1. Those skulls are amazing!!
    Such great memories of the museum and the voladores!

    ReplyDelete