When the tour of the murals was complete, we went for tapas at the Spanish Cultural Center located in the historic district just a few blocks from the National Palace. The Center is a funky, modern place with galleries, a small gift shop, and a rooftop cafe. It's easy to miss from the outside, and definitely worth a visit. After food and wine, Jay and I agreed to meet up later. I headed back to the hotel to rest and change while he returned to his apartment to do the same and also meet his girlfriend. My plans changed though, as I got closer to my hotel. Here's the email I sent to friends later that evening.
Este noche yo baila en el zocalo! Tonight I danced salsa in the main square which is across from the hotel where I am staying. When I returned from the day's outing, I heard music and saw a crowd of people. Even though I was a bit tired, I couldn't resist the live music, so I dropped off my bags and joined the group. The square is in the middle of the historic district and is surrounded by a cathedral, beautiful old buildings, and the National Palace. There was a large stage with lights and TV monitors. People of all ages were dancing salsa, merengue and cumbia. I was on the outskirts of the crowd and a man motioned me to dance. At first I said no, but then he "pouted" and asked again, so I accepted. After two songs I said "gracias", and walked around to an entranceway so I could get inside the barriers and closer to the stage. Then, another man asked me to dance. All those salsa lessons paid off!
I could end the story there with whatever image it brings to mind. But, I'll fill in some more details. First, the temperature was probably 60. Second, it was raining and had been raining all day. Many paraguas (umbrellas), ponchos, boots, sneakers, and puddles. I was not in my dance clothes or shoes, but a rain jacket and sneakers. The first man who asked me to dance was old, wearing a ripped sweater under a poncho, and missing a couple of teeth. The second was named Victor and asked me if I wanted to have a tequila or brandy. Since I can still only speak about three sentences in Spanish, I declined and stayed to listen to a few more songs. After that I went in, showered and had a slice of chocolate cake!
In all the public places there are security guards, police, and in the palace soldiers in full gear. The places are all spotless with many people working to keep garbage picked up. I think Mexico is trying to change its image. I generally feel comfortable and safe, though touring with my student and his girlfriend who are both fluent in Spanish is a huge factor.
That's it for now. I hope everyone is staying cool and having some fun.
Abrazos y besos!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_Cultural_de_Espa%C3%B1a_%28Mexico_City%29
Este noche yo baila en el zocalo! Tonight I danced salsa in the main square which is across from the hotel where I am staying. When I returned from the day's outing, I heard music and saw a crowd of people. Even though I was a bit tired, I couldn't resist the live music, so I dropped off my bags and joined the group. The square is in the middle of the historic district and is surrounded by a cathedral, beautiful old buildings, and the National Palace. There was a large stage with lights and TV monitors. People of all ages were dancing salsa, merengue and cumbia. I was on the outskirts of the crowd and a man motioned me to dance. At first I said no, but then he "pouted" and asked again, so I accepted. After two songs I said "gracias", and walked around to an entranceway so I could get inside the barriers and closer to the stage. Then, another man asked me to dance. All those salsa lessons paid off!
I could end the story there with whatever image it brings to mind. But, I'll fill in some more details. First, the temperature was probably 60. Second, it was raining and had been raining all day. Many paraguas (umbrellas), ponchos, boots, sneakers, and puddles. I was not in my dance clothes or shoes, but a rain jacket and sneakers. The first man who asked me to dance was old, wearing a ripped sweater under a poncho, and missing a couple of teeth. The second was named Victor and asked me if I wanted to have a tequila or brandy. Since I can still only speak about three sentences in Spanish, I declined and stayed to listen to a few more songs. After that I went in, showered and had a slice of chocolate cake!
In all the public places there are security guards, police, and in the palace soldiers in full gear. The places are all spotless with many people working to keep garbage picked up. I think Mexico is trying to change its image. I generally feel comfortable and safe, though touring with my student and his girlfriend who are both fluent in Spanish is a huge factor.
That's it for now. I hope everyone is staying cool and having some fun.
Abrazos y besos!
No comments:
Post a Comment