We are in the peak of peak season, with multiple events, Break Week and special occasions every day. The annual Pat-Rick Day was overshadowed by the commemoration of Benito Juarez. He's the Mexican equivalent of Abraham Lincoln in freeing peasant serfs and uniting the country in the 1800's. Their greatest and most beloved leader, he has towns, streets, schools, and statues all over the country. A more contemporary celebration was Earth Day, also this week. Thousands of students competed to clean the beaches, promote clean water, and ---duh--- party!
To beat the crowds and heat you take an old bus up to the mountain village of San Sebastian. It was looted of its gold and silver mines by the Spaniards in the 1600's and then abandoned until recently. It has been officially designated a "Pueblo Magico" (Magic Town) because it has kept it's authentic identity. No new buildings, no electric signs, no junky souvenir shops, and only small local places to eat. Ancient curved bridges, narrow lanes, a typical oversize church, a town square with gazebo. Quaint and charming but you also notice how quiet and almost deserted.
Two unusual sights on San Sebastian day. First were dozens of military checkpoints and inspections. Seems there had been a shooting in the area and a manhunt under way. Guys with full gear and automatic weapons came onto the bus every mile or so. At one point all the men (gulp!) had to come out into a lineup like in the movies. You can guess who stood out in shorts and sneakers.
The other amazing thing is that the altitude of the town is ideal for all kinds of crops that won't grow closer to sea level. One back yard had roses, lettuce and carrots but also bananas, oranges, avocados, and coffee beans!
Today is the first day of spring (yay!!) but also Palm Sunday which begins the holiest week of the year in Mexico. Busloads of the new middle class unload hourly as the whole country takes holidays at the coasts. This morning the faithful took up palm fronds and followed in procession to the church. The bells will ring all week until next Sunday's Easter rising.
It's also our biggest week of the year because we'll be going home! More to say about that next time. We count down our last days with sunset strolls and smiling singers. Did you know today is also International Day of Happiness? Ours will be Wednesday....
To beat the crowds and heat you take an old bus up to the mountain village of San Sebastian. It was looted of its gold and silver mines by the Spaniards in the 1600's and then abandoned until recently. It has been officially designated a "Pueblo Magico" (Magic Town) because it has kept it's authentic identity. No new buildings, no electric signs, no junky souvenir shops, and only small local places to eat. Ancient curved bridges, narrow lanes, a typical oversize church, a town square with gazebo. Quaint and charming but you also notice how quiet and almost deserted.
Two unusual sights on San Sebastian day. First were dozens of military checkpoints and inspections. Seems there had been a shooting in the area and a manhunt under way. Guys with full gear and automatic weapons came onto the bus every mile or so. At one point all the men (gulp!) had to come out into a lineup like in the movies. You can guess who stood out in shorts and sneakers.
The other amazing thing is that the altitude of the town is ideal for all kinds of crops that won't grow closer to sea level. One back yard had roses, lettuce and carrots but also bananas, oranges, avocados, and coffee beans!
Today is the first day of spring (yay!!) but also Palm Sunday which begins the holiest week of the year in Mexico. Busloads of the new middle class unload hourly as the whole country takes holidays at the coasts. This morning the faithful took up palm fronds and followed in procession to the church. The bells will ring all week until next Sunday's Easter rising.
It's also our biggest week of the year because we'll be going home! More to say about that next time. We count down our last days with sunset strolls and smiling singers. Did you know today is also International Day of Happiness? Ours will be Wednesday....
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