Monday, September 20, 2010

Colonial life in Zacatecas

In Mexico, the old colonial towns are some of the most beautiful you will see. I recently paid a visit to Zacatecas, a town set in a soft shade of pink.


The town is proud of it's mining history thus the Mina el Eden is a must see for visitors. Opened in 1586, it only closed down a couple of decades ago, and now serves a tourist destination and museum, and a nightclub!


The rock and gem display is exquisite, but the mine not so much. While our tour guide was knowledgeable, he sounded like he repeated the same tour 5 times a day, 365 days a year, and the same lame jokes. It does however give you an insight into mining life centuries ago when miners sons became slaves to the mine owner until they could repay their debts.




On the way out you should visit the plato store if you're in the market for some beautiful and cheap local silver.


Wander through the Unesco heritage listed town and now will feel as if you are wearing rose coloured glasses. Nearly every building is built from pink limestone of different shades and thus casts a soft and romatic mood over the entire town.



Cerro de la Bufa sits on the top of a hill looking obscure and ugly, however Zacatecans love their strange 'wineskin' looking rock formation. From this hill you can visit the musem of the taking of Zacatecas and hitch a ride on the cable car to the other side of the city. When I visited local women and children had camped on the roadside selling homemade jewellery from colourful beads.



I was also lucky enough to be visiting during La Morisma, a weekend long war re-enactment of the Spanish battle between the Christians and the Moors. The thousands of people who get involved REALLY get involved. Powder guns shoot non stop as men, and children, run around in complete costumes and all. It really was a sight to behold.
I had one question- why, in this country that tries to forget everything related to the Spanish conquest, so much so they believe their history starts in 1810, would they celebrate a Spanish event? The only answer I got was because there are still so many Spanish living here... Hmm?


A favorite local haunt is Cantina 15 letras, a cute little dive bar with cheap beers and even cheaper decor. Dance along to the cliche old men on the acordian singing terrible Spanish love songs ain the corner and you've got yourself a Mexican night out!


But my highlight of the trip was following the andanzas (local version of mariachi) through the cobbled streets, dancing, singing and drinking awful mezcal in tiny ceramic pots tied around our necks! The more you tip, the longer the night goes!




Sunday, September 19, 2010

Monterrey




This fast paced American style Mexican metropolis is where I am calling home for the next 5 months.
I arrived August 1 to start studying at the acclaimed Tec de Monterrey.


http://www.itesm.edu/wps/portal?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=




First impressions- OK, so am I in MEXICO? It really doesn't have that stereotypical feel of the Colonial towns in the south of Mexico but you can still find many Mexican icons.



1. Taco stands littering every corner.




2. Crazy drivers, and even crazier taxi drivers.




3. Narcos- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-10977501



4. Cerveza, mojitos and even chilli cerveza



5. Football pride



6. A strongly Catholic society



But what sets it apart from the majority of the rest of Mexico is money. People here are generally wealthy, and the neighbouring town of San Pedro boasts the most expensive street in all of Latin America! Their malls are impressive, the cars are monstorous and their clothing smothered in brands.



Well thats at my University anyway. It is the most expensive University in all of Mexico!



But what is there to do here- Well downtown you can visit Macroplaza, the biggest plaza in the world. You can stroll the main drag Morelos, for some pretty tacky clothing and shops. Or you can visit te Barrio Antigua where you can see many cute cafes and bars and gift shops. But be careful here! Dont walk alone.



Then take yourself to the beautful and peaceful Paseo Santa Lucia which stretches all the way to Parque Fundidora- and urban park with anything you can think of.



Then for dinner head to Monterrey's most famed restaurant El Rey de Cabrita (King of Baby Goat) for the most typical dish here, baby goat.



To finish up the night there are plenty of bars in Barrio Antigua, but my favourite La Rambla is is the suburb of Valle Primavera. The litros for 65 pesos are awesome and regular karaoke nights are always fun!!

Overall, Monterrey is a safe city, but you must take precautions. Don't walk alone at night. Don't carry too much cash or electronics. And stay to the main areas, don't go to the suburbs.


I will update you when I discover more of Monterrey's hidden gems!


Viva Mexico!