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Tried again this morning to catch the church bell ringer in action – got there a bit too late. Only got a few seconds of video on my small camera to share. Added some photos as I went back down the steep hill to our room @ Casa Liza. Some pictures show just how steep things are. What doesn’t show too well is what the birds (snowy egrets) drop on unsuspecting passerby – me one time, so far.
Some of the “stuff" does drop into the garden here, so is probably being put to good use :-)
Here are photos of my somewhat usual breakfast. Glass of orange juice, fresh from the trees outside. Then a plate of sliced fruit; consisting of bananas, mangoes and papaya. At times, a piece of lime to squeeze juice on the fruit. This is followed by a bowl of granola with more sliced fruit and covered with yogurt and a bit of honey to sweeten.
Of course, a cup of coffee, with some fresh bread and pina (pineapple) marmalade. All this while sitting out on the patio watching the birds, to include hummingbirds. Assorted butterflies. And the smell of orange blossoms. Reminds me of the times I traveled in Florida citrus country – too sweet.
Came into the kitchen and met Gloria who prepares the food and her friends.
Later went to restaurant to see what I see in US; teenagers texting and adults trying to eat, while talking on cell and maybe using a PDA or “crack berry” to read e-mail. Guess I am spoiled. Only have my cameras to keep me occupied :-)
Went to grocery store to search for things to munch on during this weekends trip to Mexico City to visit archeological museum and Diego Rivera murals. While there, spotted some hair care products I haven't seen for awhile; Wildroot Cream Oil and Brylcreem. Since I still have shaggy stuff on top , bought a small sample to see if I can get that Antonio Banderas slick back look!
From there, a walked past the construction of new Artesana Rosewood residences on former convent property. Conveniently, some bricks are missing so I can check out what the gang is working on.
Did notice a new restaurant for us to sample. Probably walked by the place across the road dozen times and never noticed the sign. Today, smelled grilled onions and garlic – my favorites. Stopped to meet Byron who moved to SMA a year ago and opened shop about 7 months ago.
Talked to some customers as they left and said they will be back. Better food and ambience then the “La Palapa” taco pescado (fish) place across the street.
From there, back home to Corner Room. I love all the vegetation, but note in one picture, just above the balcony door is a roost of snowy egrets...mmm, not good. Then again, we are facing directly west and see some beautiful sunsets :-)
View all photos:
Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day20Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Started the morning with a visit to the church up the near hill – Chaplo de la Santa Cruz. Site of the first church in SMA around 1542. Also met new neighbors @ Casa Liza – Scott and Motoko from Newport Beach, CA. It was their first visit to SMA, but loved it. Were referred by friends who came a few months ago.
From there, went downtown to check on some things at library gift shop. Talked with Leona, a volunteer who steered me a a controversial book – Finding Frida Kahlo. Truth or fake? Who knows, but an interesting read of a alleged find of something's available at a local antique shop. Personal items from Frida Kahlo, who was Diego Rivera’s wife. Check out Amazon write-up.
http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Frida-Kahlo-Barbara-Levine/dp/1568988303
As always, many things for me to take photos of. Although I have posted over 800, my “collection” this trip is already over 10,000. Thank goodness for digital camera and high capacity storage cards :-)
Lunch was at a new place - Café Rana run by Jason. Good food and reasonable prices. Especially notable even at 2 pm all 20 seats filed with people waiting. Too many other places have little or no business. Location does not always seem to help – go figure.
We return to B&B to freshen up and get some respite from “mucho calori” or very hot – 85F. I love it, but many others refer to take that afternoon “siesta.” This is my first chance to get photo of Lupita or Lupe. She does the laundry at Casa Liza. Unlike most of the other staff who remain visible during the day, she is in a small building with washer and dryers humming away.
This day’s next walking trek took us first due South from Casa Liza on Redreo and Bajada del Chorro to Arroyo. Next past Del Sol. Then meandering (as always) past a mix of neighborhoods, with small “bungalows” to mansions beyond my purse strings :-)
It was great to see many shops; woodworking, tinsmiths, stone sculptors among the many places you see with open doors and gates.
Needless to say, after all the walking – seems like mostly uphill – stopped again at Oliver's Burger House. As before, ordered a Hamberguesa Tajan or Texan. Since the restaurant is one level back from the street, have to pass a small hallway to get back to walk. As I again wanted to peer thru the window of gallery and studio we saw only days before – noticed, the place was bare! Too many places that rely heavily on tourist traffic are faced with the decision to close and try to work from home or move.
On the way back, pass thru Parque Jaurez, the largest of about 6 parks in the colonial area which is just over 1 square mile. We spot some “classis cars.” Two Chrysler products from the 1960-70 era. One is Se Vende – for sale – as a “clasico” :-)
We make it back up the road to Casa Liza and join Marvin and Dorinda on one of the many patios here. Just then, a band strikes up the music, so we spend a couple of hours listening to the music. A thought it might have been to celebrate a birthday at the large home just in back of this property.
The boom-boom is some distant fireworks to alert of of maybe a birth or death. Some rain starts to come down, so we head for the nice comfy beds – suenos dulce – sweet dreams :-)
View all photos:
Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day21Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
How would you like to hear the equivalent of an artillery barrage to wake you at 7 am? We did. First salvo – about 50 rounds. No war going on, only thought the neighbor was announcing his birthday. After a sporadic “booming” for the next hour, decided to go back to Chaplo Santa Cruz for Catholic mass with Father or better Fray José Guadalupe.
Once I get there see the source of fireworks was the church! One of the special saints for the parish was being celebrated. Instead of the usual 10 or so who attended, the 80 seats inside were filled with people filling the aisle ways and out the doors – which is where I ended up.
All thru the mass the barrages continued at specific times. Start of mass. Then the Gospel. Next the Consecration of water and wine, Then Communion. With the biggest 100 bombs at the end.
Most of the 200+ people were happy to be there – on a Friday yet!
I come back for breakfast and report to Carol what I saw. We then go downtown to pick up laundry and some snacks. Thinking we might go to Mexico City for weekend for tour – hopes are dashed since only 4 people sign up. The cancel with less than 6 :-(
Went for lunch @ Café Monet and talked with Bill, the owner. He wondered why Telmex had shut off his phone? I found out later the Mexican government had required all cell phones users to register data that links them to their phone. If not done by TODAY, your service is shut off. They claim this will help eliminate extortion and drug trafficking. Let’s hope so. Also met one of my Casa Liza “neighbors”, Marvin. He came because I had said how good the food was/is?
From there, back home to meet Carol who went shopping. Took more photos of the public washing site. Nobody washing at the time. With over 40 tubs available, no waiting Water comes in via the uphill spring. Most cases I see the finished laundry drying on the nearby shrubs.
As I got closer to Casa Liza noticed the snowy egrets had returned to the nests. And... Because of all the booms, decided to drop some “bombs” of their own. Note the roof of the red truck and the nearby wall!
When Carol returned, we took walk to city square garden, called the Jardin. Great people watching. Kids playing, vendors selling anything and everything. A short while later saw an elderly couple cross the street near us. Since he had a cane, suggested he sit on our bench and join us. Found out that Katherine and Jim were from Santa Fe NM. Had be coming to SMA for over 3 decades. Since Jim was too ill to come last year, thought it better to rent a room in downtown hotel rather than get a house as they had for this visit.
We had quite a chat. Found out both were in the US diplomatic corps and been to a dozen countries. The could not understand all the fuss about what was going on at the US-Mexico border with the drug oriented focus. They feel once you get farther down where we are, it is a great place to be. Even with their short stay of 8 days, said – we just have to come here and feel relaxed among the Jacaranda trees and wonderful people.
We feel the same. On way back, stopped at snack shop/wine store. Carol says that Guadalupe is our sommelier and suggests wheat wines go good with relaxing – all of them :-)
Buenos noches...
View all photos @
Today's photos http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day22Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Usual morning, go to Chaplo Santa Cruz. Chat briefly with Fray Guadalupe. Look at broken egg shell from snowy egrets. Have whatever Lorenzo the business manager is having. I just ask for huevos Lorenzo. I get something different each day, just like him.
We decided for another walk via the route of the other day – go south about 4 blocks then turn left instead of right as we had before. As you can see from the photos, we jus keep climbing the side of the mountain. The view and the homes only seem to get bigger and better.
As we come back to our level – only 6400 feet altitude rather than the million $ stratosphere, see working people homes. Cute one has Bimbo bread and soft drink sign outside. The also sell ladies lingerie – what is this? Also check out the work done by stone carvers – many great craftsmen here, Can understand why people want and do spend money on these beautiful places.
We come back to Casa Liza, wash up and head for Café Rana, where we recently met Jason the owner. Carol had pulled pork with a curry sauce. I had curried chicken on rice with purslane garnish.
From there, back to Jardin. Saw dance contest featuring Cuban music and dance styles – way too kewl. About an hour later, saw a wedding party leaving the Parrochia – or St Michael the Archangel church just across the street. Maybe I can ad a short video clip of how they have fun here.
I mist say, they know how to party. The couple who got married are staying in the colonial compound just in back of us. We had a chance to enjoy their music the other night while watching the starry sky and sipping wine.
View all photos @
Today's photos http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day23Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Our stay in SMA is coming to a an end. Only one more week until we leave. Like Doubting Tomas in today's gospel at the Templo San Francisco church, wonder if I would have believed in the faith of the Holy Week experience if I had not seen it for myself?
With such a short time left, wonder too, what else? What next?
As always, snapping away with the digital camera. Total now over 11,000 items. Mostly photos, with some video and audio captures.
As I mentioned to a friend, thought it better to share my good fortune to be here and express my observations. I am sure we all remember the adage – a picture is worth a thousand words? Then what value are a thousand pictures? So much to see and compare to what I usually observe.
I started the day with photos at Casa Liza. The staff getting ready for the day preparing our breakfast. Martin (Martine) the gardener, brought his cute baby. Next it was to the area were guest registration takes place and I get to try for better internet connection to this laptop. Next to the place I “work on this travel blog” are some photos. One of course is of Liza Kisber, owner of Casa Liza. With her is Doc Severinson, band leader of Johnny Carson show fame. Until recently, he was playing horn at local restaurant. In his 80s, this must be the place of fountain of youth. Speaking of which is a photo of Johnny Depp and Liza’s son, Roger. Johnny and Antonio Banderas stayed @ Case Liza when making a movie – Once Upon A Time In Mexico.
Next are photos of the indoor dining area with some “eclectic” furniture by local artist Pedro Fridenberg. From there, Carol and I left for downtown area. Again, we meander about watching people and taking in what me some things that pass away too fast.
In the evening, there is a free concert of Christian music and a play about life of Jesus from a Latin America view. Although I didn’t understand much of the words, did know what message they were trying to share.
From there, back “home” around 8:30 and download and review photos and distance traveled via GPS – 5.1 miles today. Not bad considering the overall altitude 6500 feet and steep inclines of streets at times. Tomorrow – another day of adventure.
View all photos @
Today's photos http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day24Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Well another day to search out some “good adventures.” Carol tried to make friends with the 2 parrots here in the Casa Liza garden. One would hold her finger. The other thought it more like – looks like chicken – I mean parrot food to me!
From there, met Kathy at the YARN shop. Nice chat and saw this is an outlet for Carol during our next visit. Although I have snapped many photos – Carol has read 8 books. Nice way to spend leisure time.
From there, on to the Jardin – city center park. We get to meet Ollie and friends. We sat near them a week ago on visit to the El Pegaso restaurant. I needed to get more details on the others. My mind is not as sharp as 94 year old Ollie! We met his son, Russell and Norman also at the restaurant. A new person was Ellie who is in SMA on a house swap. Also has been to San Diego area where Ollie and Russell also have homes. A coincidence for them. A bigger one was when Ollie heard I had been @ Ford Motor. Ollie said he helped design the chassis on the 4 door T’Bird of the late 50’s. We talk more and find he lived in the Dearborn Hills neighborhood I am now in – WOW. Neither remembered the exact street since it was 1947 when they left.
They asked us to join the for a beer since it was lunch time. For us, we had only finished breakfast less then an our before so told them – later :-)
The next stop – the artesans market to see what trinkets we might bring back. Although our second visit there, no clear items than said – take me home!
Since we were already headed in a eastern direction, took out the map and found a church “up in the hills” I heard about. Templo San Jose de le Montagna. After huffing and puffing for 45 minutes found it. Wonderful spot to view the whole city – again. From there, the option, climb up another 400 or so feet in altitude or head down? No decision required on my part. The stairway we found was narrow and s-t-e-e-p. Think scary steep.
It was a fun walk down observing the sights as we descended. Since time now around 3:30 pm stop for food @ El Pegaso and meet our wait staff friends there. Always nice and call us by our names – yes good names Mariano and Carol.
From there, started return trip home to relax. While almost there, stopped to talk to a lady who was sweeping up the broken beer bottles in the street from the night before. Add one more friend to the list – Evelyn from Texas. She has been coming here for 25 years. Within minutes, the rains start, so she invites us in the wait it out and show us her adobe built house. Like many other places nearby – authentic 17th century. Chat was fun and left after the rain.
Later rains came when it got dark around 8 pm. I stood by our balcony and listened to the thunder in the distance. As that stopped, could hear the crickets chirping. To think, many more months before we get that sound in Michigan.
View all photos @
Today's photos http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day25Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
That Lucky Old Sun - Play Louis Armstrong
Up in the mornin',
Out on the job,
I work like the devil for my pay.
I know that lucky old sun, has nothin' to do,
But roll around heaven all day.
I fuss with my woman, and toil with my kids,
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray.
I know that lucky old sun, has nothin' to do,
But roll around heaven all day.
Dear Lord above, don't you see I'm cry'in?
I got tears all in my eyes.
Why don't you send down that cloud with the silver lining,
Lift me up to Paradise (lift me up to paradise).
Show me that river, why don't you take me across,
Wash all my troubles away,
I know that lucky old sun, he's got nothing to do,
But just roll around heaven all day
Dear Lord above, can't you know I'm cry'in?
Tears all in my eyes),
Send down that cloud with the silver lining,
Lift me to Paradise (lift me up to paradise).
Yes sun, He got nothing but roll around heaven all day,
I say he just-a roll around heaven all day
I’ve been listening to this 2008 album by Brain Wilson of the Beach Boys fame most mornings. Makes me think, am I the lucky one? This song I find out out was first sung by Frankie Lane in 1949. Since then many others who wonder the same thing. Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, even Kenny Chesney.
Brian though, took the one song and made it into a theme that tells the story of his life – ups and downs, just like the streets of SMA. If interested, story @
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-09-01-brian-wilson_N.htm
For me, the story goes on like the rest of us. Up in the morning and.... Hope the photos tell my story.
View all photos @
Today's photos http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day26Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
