Markets and Museum
Markets and Museum Mexico City, Mexico |
- First, the National Museum of Anthropology – a recommended stop to have an overview of Mexican archaeological treasures and ethnography.
- Second, the Bazaar Sabado at San Angel – mainly because I love visiting local markets.
Bazaar Sabado – San Angel My host’s place in Mixcoac is handy. I flagged along Reforma Avenue a green minibus. “Va a Bazaar Sabado”, I told the driver, and sat next to him, just so he’ll remember to stop. It’s like riding the jeepney in Phils, drivers can stop anytime, anywhere whenever they’re flagged by passengers. Where I alighted there was a big billboard that says centro cultural San Angel. Easy to know I’m in the right place. Trudging uphill, I went past a park with artists already setting up their wares. A young bloke approached me to do a survey about Mexican politics. I ended up asking him questions instead. They’re about to have presidential elections in July. After chatting, he gave me his number, “call me when you’re back again”, he said. Next, had a chat with one of the artists. It was still early at around 10:30 AM. He said I have a good ‘facilidad’ in Spanish. It’s interesting how I can have ‘conversation’ with neither party speaking each other’s language. I gathered that there are around 100 artists in San Angel selling their artworks on Saturdays. I went further uphill, and discovered there were so many more stalls ranging from jewelry, accessories, clothing, bags, leather-bound hand-made recycled notebooks, various crafts, etc. Just when I thought that was all there is to the Bazaar Sabado, I realised I haven’t even been to the real thing which is an enclosed area with a courtyard and a sign outside saying “Bazaar Sabado.” Right in the middle of the courtyard, is a buffet. I didn’t have time to enjoy one so I skipped it. Further up the hill is San Angel church. It has a nice courtyard i the middle with a fountain where kids are playing. The entrance from the other side of the markets is adorned with purple-pink bougainvilla. People hang out at the gardens in front of the church. I wanted to stay longer but it’s nearly 2PM and I still have to see the anthropology museum. I took a cab instead of taking the Metro. Cost me M$130. Los Valodores I just grabbed some street food at the park in front of the museum. I had a vegetarian ‘hamburger’ mexican style: avocado, onions, tomatoes and three types of cheeses in a bun. The Oaxacan cheese, meant to be lowfat, is stringy and tastes salty. While eating, I heard this soothing ‘flute-like’ music. I saw people looking up the sky, then I saw a large pole. Curious, I came close to the pole and saw four colorfully dressed natives hanging upside down, arms stretched, as if in a trance, with a roped tied to their waist from the top of the pole. They are revolving (swinging) around the pole. The rope unwinds getting each person closer to the ground after each revolution. Breathtaking! I later found out, they’re called Los Voladores and takes 13 rotations before they reach the ground. National Anthropology Museum I’m lost for words in describing this place! On the ground floor is a massive collection of archaeological treasures and on the second floor are ethnographic collection. Entry is M$57 and an English video guide, M$75. I had enough time to see most of the collection from around 2:30PM to 6:30PM. However, it was information overload. One thing I know now that I never knew: there are numerous pyramids all over Mexico. Cafe de Tacuba A Distrito Federal institution! My host, a friend of hers and I all met for dinner at Cafe de Tacuba. It was a delightful gastronomic experience. The place, first of all, is worth the visit: Southern Spain ceramic tile decor with colourful stained glass windows, walls decked with renaissance style paintings. Second, the food is uniquely and deliciously Mexican. I had a sope tortilla and a Mole Pueblana (vegetarian version) tortilla roll with vegies inside, and topped with dark spicy sauce. Finished off, of course, with hot chocolate – full bodied chocolate flavor without the thickness of Spanish or Italian hot chocolate. My mouth just went to heaven!
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