Taxco and Xochicalco Oct 29

 

Oct 29

We arranged breakfast last night with the hotel restaurant. When we got down to the restaurant, the table was set for us.  It’s always nice to be expected.  The plates were beautiful and delicious. 

  After breakfast we planned to visit the church and then have some free time.  A service was going on so we had to wait to enter.  Juan gave us information on what we would see when we went in.  I’m so impressed that he remembers who is where in the church.  It’s one thing to see a saint and say who it is.  But it is a whole other thing to say, when you go in, on the right you will see …..He hasn’t been here for about 3 years and remembers.  Incredible!  The church has lots of gold leaf and was built in a mere 8 years starting in 1751.   It has suffered some earthquake damage.  The square is very small because of the lack of space on the side of the mountain.  There is a large display of different varieties of marigolds that make the design of a catrina.  One can see it by going up the little bridge they have built for viewing.  Last night, Laura and I went out to talk and sit in the park.  Gradually, we were the only ones left in the park.  Other than the heavy police presence that gradually joined us.  When the pick-ups with machine guns came, we thought it was probably time to retire to our rooms.  We did ask one of the policemen if they were expecting trouble.  He said, that they were just there to protect the flowers. 

After entering the church and having some quiet time to soak in the magnificence, Juan and I walked up the hill to a spot with a good view of the church and the park.  I then continued to do some silver shopping.  Some holiday shopping complete. 

Next stop is the site of Xochicalco.  This was a main trading center at the time of Teotihuacan.  It is a beautiful site on the top of a mountain.  MaryAnn and Liz decided to hang out at the ticket area as there is quite a bit of walking and climbing at the site.  Just as we were about to leave one area of the ruins, one of the guards called over to us and said that one of the people in our group had fallen and that twe need to attend to her.  Laura and I figured it was MaryAnn and rushed back.  When we got there, she was sitting comfortably in a chair and reported that she was fine.  Quite a relief to all of us!  Laura went back and joined the group while I enjoyed sitting in a pleasant place with good conversation with Maryann and Liz. 

While the group was touring the site, Serafin went into town and bought things for sandwiches and fruit for a picnic.  That was perfect as it was tasty and saved time.  On the drive to Puebla, we watched a movie that Elle had brought MaxMax.  It was quite entertaining.  The scenery was also beautiful. 

Our hotel in Puebla is right off the square and across from the cathedral.  There is a teraza with a great view of the cathedral and a great place for happy hour.  We have all come to enjoy having that time to relax together.  Then we go around the corner for dinner.  Most of us have Chiles Noples which is typical of the region.  It is stuffed chiles with a white sauce over it and pomegranate seeds sprinkled over the top.  Several groups of small children came by dressed up in costumes carrying little plastic jack-o-lanterns.  We took their pictures and gave them a few pesos.

Right as we were finishing dinner, a police car came by leading hundreds of motorcycles revving their engines.  Most of the cyclist were wearing masks.  It was quite fun and festive!