Queretaro

This is my last full day in Queretaro and I am enjoying some cool time in beautiful Alameda Park.  I think the park is about 4 square blocks.  It is the perfect spot to find some shade, enjoy some fresh mango (the fruit around here is so delicious) and reflect on my travels.  I’ve been in this area for 11 days and have certainly enjoyed it.  

The flower is pretty but not a leaf on the tree

A walk through the part takes you to a completely different world as the more modern Queretaro is right there.

Park of families

A distant view of the tall buildings of modern Queretaro

Artists are working on projects outside of the park

Looks of sculptures 

Tomorrow afternoon I fly to Puerto Vallarta to spend some restful time by the pool and walk the beach but today is all about my time in this lovely city.

Queretaro is a city about 2 1/2 hours north of Mexico City.  Arriving into the city was a bit of a shock as I had not realized I was visiting such a big city, tall buildings and spread out over several hills.  I am visiting my friend and Spanish teacher tomorrow and she is 11 km away.  That shock was followed by a disappointing Air BnB that I moved from the next morning after learning hot water for the shower would not be available until Mon.  I have travelled enough in Mexico to know that Monday could be 2 Mondays later, if then.

So a quick shuffle and off to my new place which was much closer to the action.  And action there was.  I understood this was a much more Mexican feel than San Miguel so was so surprised to see how Turistic it was.  There were stands all over selling everything and it was packed.  I soon learned this was normal for the week end.  Most tourists wandering the streets are Mexican and English is quite limited.

Monday morning came and it was a completely different Historic Centro.  Most stands and crowds were gone.  Then it was possible to see the beauty of this area.  It is a very easy city to walk around as the map actually makes sense.

There are 7 large parks or gardens.  They were well used on the weekend by families just strolling, enjoying their ice cream and the beautiful weather. With fewer people you could see how beautiful the squares really are with their manicured trees and lots of metal benches to rest those tired feet.

Main square

And one more square

One on the major attractions of this city is the beautiful aqueduct that carried water from the river to the town.  It is 1.28 metres and was actually used until the 1940s.  The highest arch is 25 metres and the smallest is 3 metres.  Once the water arrived into town it was directed to holding tanks by pipe.  You can still see these throughout the old town with one right across the street from my place.

The city from the viewpoint

One of the water holding tanks

Churches or as the map says Templos form a major part of the historic Centro.  At this point they are blurred together but their architecture is amazing. The domes and bell towers are beautiful against the skyline, day and night.

There are other streets with interesting buildings, beautiful buganvillas and even some actual street art right on the street.

I want a door knocker like this one!

This street had several paintings on the road

The Calendar Museum

This turned out to be my favourite eating spot - I loved the decor.  Every table is set with beautiful chargers and no 2 two tables are alike!  Visited it with friends from home and enjoyed the guacamole made at the table by Nacho.  Oh the pozole soup was excellent too. Having my last dinner there.

Just one of the plates

Pozole, a delicious soup

There are beautiful old cars here used to do tours so I did a couple since they would do them in English.  They really were informative.  One took me to the aqueduct viewpoint and followed the road by it.  The other travelled more in the Centro.  We visited the beautiful old train station and went across the almost dry river to the indigenous Centro.  There were two centros - one for the Spanish and one for the indigenous.  One way to determine which was which - the Spanish Centro has more doors and windows in the buildings than the indigenous buildings.  Why?  There was a tax on doors and windows and since the indigenous could not afford it they had fewer.

Across the river

Her train is really late!

Lile is a doll that is everywhere in Queretaro, even on crosswalks.  She is colourfully dressed and has a ribbon hair band.  I assume her costume is traditional to the area.  I resisted buying one until I found this lovely women sitting on the pavement finishing  her Lile - I couldn’t resist any longer! They’re male versions as well but didn’t learn his name.  I guess you can say they are the symbols of Queretaro, the state.

Since leaving home I have now been in 8 Mexican states, had 3 internal flights, rode the train twice and the bus 4 times. I’ve lost things twice and had them returned both times.  My Fitbit says I have had 11,000 + steps most days but true confession some are the bumpy rides.  I have seen so much and learned even more.  I knew when I started I wanted to see what a tour to this area might look like and I am excited about that prospect.  So back to practicing more Spanish for the return trip. Adios!