Trip to Mexico: Day 6

 

Tuesday February 14th:

Our last full day in Mexico City! After breakfast we took Uber to Xochimilco. This lies to the south and is the oldest part of the city. Pre-Hispanic civilization settled around a large lake in this region. The Aztecs built a water transport system, the remnants of which are present today. There are colorful boats called Tijaneras that take tourists on cruises through these canals. Vendors selling food, drinks, souvenirs, jewelry as well as Mariachi Bands hop on and off the tourist boats providing services. The rentals are charged per hour basis. We enjoyed our two hour ride. There was a large local group that had rented 3 boats tied together side by side. They were a lively bunch of people of all ages, enjoying mariachi music and dancing to it. The shores of the canals have farms, flower nurseries, restaurants and homes. We stopped to look for epazote seeds in one of the nurseries. The docks where you board these tijaneras are called embarcaderos. The areas surrounding these docks have large markets selling fresh vegetables, fruit, meats, groceries, clothing, toys etc. we walked through these markets as we went looking for a bank to exchange currency. Starting early morning there were fireworks heard all over. We found out from our boatman that the locals are celebrating some kind of festival that runs for three months. Apparently throughput these three months they have fireworks. Though a bit run down, overall it was a very vibrant area. 

From Xochimilco we took another Uber to Cayoacan. This is more upscale than Xochimilco. This too is lively but has a different ambience. The tree lined streets are cobblestone covered and houses have colonial architecture with very colorful walls. Upscale cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors as well as shops selling different goods flank the streets. There is a two storey artisanal market across the central square as well as lot of street vendors selling their goods. 

There are several art galleries and museums in the area, the most popular amongst which is the Frida Kahlo Museum that displays her art and tells the story of her life. It is located within the house she shared with her husband Diego Rivera, another artist. There is different vibe here, hard to describe. Certain sadness, solemn feeling mixed with admiration for Frida’s extraordinary talent and life. 

As we were taking pictures in the gardens of the museum a tourist from Scotland came up to me and gushed” what you just did with the saree was just awesome, out of this world. If you allow me I will take your pictures there, do the flip again.” She seemed really nice. We did it for her. Indeed she knew what she was talking about. All of us were happy with the results. She took some pictures with my permission on her camera too. As she took leave she couldn’t stop gushing more. “ These are special “!

Thus the day was spent well. The night was rough again….this time the indulgence in street food got to me. 

Now on our way home. A warm adios to the people of Mexico and their beautiful land. 

Saree is a paat silk from Assam by revivalist Sampa Das. This one is white with multicolored thread work in traditional motifs on borders, body and pallu.