Off to the Zocalo!!!

April 17, 2013

After school today, our group hopped on the metro and traveled to the Zocalo!  The Zocalo is the main square in the heart of Mexico City and also happens to be one of the largest city squares in the world.  For those of you who don't know anything about it, here is some general information if you're interested!.."Few places hold within so much meaning for Mexican culture like the Zocalo of Mexico City, a monumental public space surrounded by some of the most emblematic urban landmarks in the city, which together constitute one of the largest and most important public plazas in the world. The Zocalo’s background dates back to pre-Hispanic times; since then, in the place occupied by this plaza today, there existed an open space which was part of the ceremonial center of the Aztec empire’s capital, Tenochtitlán.  Apart from being the seat of the political, economical and religious powers in Mexico, as well as a space where the indigenous and viceroyal past come together with more than 4 centuries of history, it’s also a rallying point in which the people of Mexico come together to celebrate parties or participate in manifestations. It’s the place in which Mexicans take part in history; in pre-Hispanic times with the rites and religious Aztec ceremonies; in the Viceroyship with the proclamations of Kings and Viceroys and in the time of Independence with the celebrations of Independence Day, the welcoming of governors, protests or cultural events. Mexico City’s Zocalo is the heart of a culture and every beat a day in its history."

When we arrived in the Zocalo I was completely amazed at the beautiful architecture, the massive Mexican flag centered in the Zocalo, and the thousands upon thousands of people just hanging out, talking, and dancing.  Dr. Gordon, Suzzie, and I went off together and toured the city.  Dr. G has been to Mexico over 30 times so he knows all the places you must see while you are here so it was awesome to kind of have your own personal tour guide.  Dr. G was filled with so much information and fun facts, he also knew all the best places to go, so thankful for him!  We went all over the place.  Our first stop was at Palacio Nacional (The National Palace).  The murals that Diego Rivera painted are unbelievable to see in person.  Pictures just won't do this justice.  He painted these between 1929 and 1952.  These colorful murals show Mexican history from prehispanic times to the workers' movement of the 1930s.  It was really cool to see the great and ever changing history of this land displayed into gorgeous art. 

Next, we walked over to Catedral Metropolitana (The Metropolitan Cathedral).  This is one of the most gorgeous cathedrals I have sever seen.  The detailed and in depth art and architecture is unreal.  Even if you're not a religious person, this is a must see!  Then, Dr. G knew of this awesome restaurant that overlooks all of the Zocalo so we casually strolled to the top to capture a great photo opportunity.  You should see the beautiful, colored tiles covering the staircases.  Next, we went over to another hotel/restaurant where Dr. G's says there are tiny, private balconies that overlook the Zocalo equipped with a small table and two chairs; perfect for a romantic and surreal date night.  I have an obsession with stained glass and if you do too then this is one of the places you must see.  The ceiling of this building is a mixture of beautiful blues, purples, reds, oranges, and creams.  While walking through the busy streets, we also stumbled across Cristóbal Colón's (Christopher Columbus) house!

We continued our tour by visiting The House of Tiles.  A once beautiful house which is now a beautiful place to have lunch.  As we began to come close to ending our tour we stumbled upon some awesome street performers.  We had the chance to see a beautiful gypsy, a magician that I actually believe had to be gifted because there is no way the stuff he was doing could be tricks!, and awesome Indian dancing and singing.  We finished our tour by arriving at Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Fine Arts Palace).  All throughout this amazing city, there are thousands of things to see and do.  In the evening, they perform their flag ceremony and from what I heard it's a must see so I'm planning on coming back again!

After we arrived back to our house, we decide food was a must!  Long story short, we got very lost for a very long time and ended up at the mall.  HAHA  Seriously should be a scene from Legally Blonde or something..4 lost American girls looking for a specific restaurant end up at the mall..very irritating but also comical.  So we didn't find our restaurant so our only option was the food court or TGIF's because after our long journey I needed some cerveza...how pathetic..I'm ashamed to admit we actually ate TGIF's in Mexico..no more American food for this girl from here on out.

Adios for now!