Saturday July 16, 2016
San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
Hot!
Meant to post his earlier but getting Internet access was a bit harder than expected here in Cabo. Anyhow, before going into the fab time I'm having in Cabo with Sandra, a post on day two at Mexico City.
Mexico City is surprisingly green and very clean. We have 3.5 days here and it is not enough! So day 2 was packed full with activities. We got up early, had our breakfast at the club lounge at the Intercontinental and then headed to the Frida Kahlo museum which is about a 15 minute cab ride from our hotel. The museum is actually the house where Frida lived with Diego Rivera. It was fascinating to see some of her earlier paintings and the studio she shared with Diego. I won't go on about her story but given her short tragic life, she did produce some of the most amazing artwork which put Mexico as an important center for art. One lesson learned though when visiting her museum – buy the tickets online first. We did not know that so had to wait in line for abotu 30 minutes before we could get in.
Waiting in the long line to buy the tickets
Stop after the museum was the Mercado de San Juan in the old town. It is one of Mexico's most famous markets where all the famous chefs go to get their ingredients. I was able to find Mexican spices (vanilla, nutmeg, chiles, mole – several different kinds) which made me very happy. The spice lady is apparently very famous and told us she is over 90 years old! We also went to the artisan market next door but did not find anything that excited us.
Mercado de San Juan - spices from the 90 year old spice lady. Stocked up on some fresh Mexican spices here.
We then strolled thru Chinatown (which is only a block long) and then headed to the old town and city square. There we saw the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes where we saw a special performance later that night and Sanborns. A famous department store in Mexico founded by California immigrants in 1903. We went into the Casa de los Azulejos, the blue tile palace, the most famous Sanborns department store and has a coffee there. The building like many in Mexico City is sinking but is a gorgeous building. Mexico City is sinking (at least the old town) because it was built on a drained lake is what I hear.
After our coffee break at Sanborns we continued walking to the National Palace which are the government buildings but is home to Diego Rivera's most famous murals. It is also home to a museum dedicated to Benito Juarez, one of the most revered President of Mexico who promoted equal rights and modernized Mexico. What was most surprising to Sandra and I was that there was no admission fee into the palace albeit tight security, so that the population of Mexico can learn about the country's history and also view the magnificent murals Diego Rivera left for his country.
Chinatown
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The walk to the Zocalo – main square, with Sanborns to your left
Having coffee at Sanborns
Zocalo
Inside the National Palace
Some of Diego Rivera's murals depicting the history of Mexico. The most famous one by the staircase was being renovated so couldn't get a good picture but it was spectacular.
There was also a gallery showcasing work from Mexico's current artists
After thoroughly enjoying the murals we headed to the oldest cantina in Maxico city called the Bar Opera. It is here where Pancho Villa shot a hole in the wall when a couple of soldiers were getting drunk and rowdy.
Bar Opera where we also listened to some live music
We then went back to the hotel to rest, and get dressed as we were going to see the famous Ballet Folklorico de Mexico at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It was a fantastic show with beautiful costumes and traditional dances and music. Sandra and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
The world's only Tiffany Glass stage "curtain" at the Palacio de Bellas Artes
After getting ripped off by a cab driver, we decided to have a drink at a local place near the hotel before turning in for the night. We had a great bottle of local Mexican wine and also got a tasting of Mezcal which still is not my favorite. The wine however was fantastic! We had an early night as we had a road trip to take the next day.