I have been to many museums in my life but discovering the Museo Amparo today was a highlight in my search for finding these amazing and educational venues. With perfectly spectacular architecture (both the inside and outside of the building) incredible city vistas, and with numerous varied displays; this is one museum you truly will not want to miss.
Located in the historic center of the city of Puebla, the museum was established in 1991 by Manuel Espinoza Yglesias in honor of his late wife, Amparo Rugarcia de Espinosa. A picture of her painted by Diego Rivera hangs in the museum in her memory. While facade looks like a typical colonial neighborhood once you step inside and you will find you are partially enclosed within a three story cube of glass. But it is not until you arrive at the roof that you actually understand the spectacular design that you have been encased within and which acts as a showcase to the city of Puebla. Here, take a look…..yes….I just couldn’t leave the UNESCO HERITAGE view until the end. This perspective of Puebla must be one of the best of all the cities in the world.
Back inside…. I think I will let the words at the entrance of the museum convey what it is that they have set out to create and the impression the museum hopes to instill within the minds of its visitors.
This year marks the Amparo’s 35th Anniversary and it’s temporary exhibit commemorates the photographic history of the City of Pueblo and the artists who captured the essence of the city throughout the mid-last 1800’s until recent times. I loved seeing the city through the eyes of it’s mostly professional photographers including Mariano Tagle Calderon, Carlos Rivero and Juan Christomo Mendez.
Because of this picture we learned that if a woman was widowed she grew her hair long in honor of her deceased husband
The museum also has among its many collections paintings from well-known artists such as Rufino Tamayo, pre-Hispanic artifacts, folk art, religious art, contemporary pieces as well as a true-to-life 19th century kitchen.
The outdoor courtyards and displays are also worthy of attention as the plantings are inspirational and the paintings are thought provoking. And don’t forget to visit the rooftop cafe so you can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the most incredible views of this magnificent city.
The Museo Amparo is open Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 10 am until 6 pm. Adults cost approximately $5 while seniors over 65 and students are free. Address: 2 Sur 708, Centro, Puebla, Mexico. Website: https://museoamparo.com/
When you meet someone you don’t REALLY know if you are compatible for a long time. Although Michael and I seemed to like the same things it wasn’t until he shared with me that a dream of his was to go to Macchu Picchu that I realized just how aligned we were. That had been my dream for many years too. So the planning began in earnest and before we knew it we were on our way to Cusco, Peru.
*** Warning for some the altitude may provide a light dose of altitude sickness as the city is 11,155 ft above sea level. My suggestions is to spend a few days in Cusco first before heading to Macchu Picchu even though it is slightly lower in altitude. It is all the walking you will do that will get you if anything does so give yourself time to adjust.
Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire and the combination of Inca and Spanish Colonial architecture that can be found here is amazing.. It is also the jump off place for visiting Machu Picchu and Andes mountains that surround the city. It is a beautiful small city with multiple museums and it has the charm of an old days gone by village. Now on to Machu Picchu.
The first thing you need to know is that Machu Picchu is a very well organized destination due to the shear number of visitors per year This means that you usually must book your trip to the ancient city months in advance. In addition, when you are booking you will have to provide your passport number in order to get a ticket. Further, you will have to determine what circuit you want to be on when you visit. There are three circuits each with different routes that flow visitors through the site. Circuit 1 pretty much by-passes the city taking guests around the outside for great panoramic views of the area. Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive route which takes visitors throughout the city and to the large temples that can be found throughout the area. Circuit 3 offers the Royal buildings. When you are booking you will have to book a circuit. We chose number 2 and are glad we did because there was so much to see and very different vistas and vantage points.
Most people use day-trip type travel companies to get to Machu Picchu. Usually, there is a a van/bus trip from Cusco to Pachar where you board the train that gets you to Machu Picchu City. The train ride takes about two hours and there are two different types of train experiences…one cheap and basic and the other with dining cars with crisp white linen table clothes. Needless to say, I took the cheap version.
The train slowly climbs up through the hills and the views are spectacular. It’s a wonderful way to get a unique perspective of this part of Peru and the Andes Mountains that follow you along the way.
We finally arrived at MP City and had several hours to kill before we would take the bus up to the archaic city itself. We had a wonderful lunch at Full House (gobbling up of the most scrumptious chocolate dessert ever), visited the local church and looked through the marketplace where vendors were selling everything alpaca…blankets, clothes, trinkets, etc. I bought the softest alpaca blanket for about twenty-five dollars and every time I use it the memories of the day come flooding back to me.
Soon the time arrived for us to climb into the bus and meet our guide at the entrance to Machu Picchu herself. Stay tuned for that installment which is arriving soon!
Going to Nicaragua is a different experience. We had to leave the truck behind, pay exit fees at the Costa Rican border, walk a distance in the ” NO MAN’S LAND” which lies between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, pay $1 outside of the Nicaragua customs building, stand in line for about 20 minutes to get to see a customs official, pay another $13 (I think), have our luggage scanned and then exit the building walk about 300 meters to the Alamo Car Rental.
Driving is easy as they drive on the same side of the road as in the USA but what struck me first were two things: beautiful trees on both sides of the road created a beautiful green canopy as we drove. It was gorgeous and reminded me of the East Coast. The second thing that I found interesting is as we traveled down the main highway (NO POTHOLES!!! unlike Costa Rica) there were cows and horses tied up to the fences all a long the road. It was amazing.
It is only about a 45 minute drive from the border to San Juan Del Sur. It is an old beach town that is slowly getting discovered by tourists but retains its gritty but sweet character from years gone by. We were located at the bay but there are beautiful beaches all around the area. We arrived just as the sun was setting and what a gorgeous sunset it was. This is a real fishing town so watching the boats head out to sea and return with family waiting for them is a reminder of that “waiting history” that fishing hubs around the world have experienced for eons.
Night time is interesting here as there are beach volleyball games with families watching the kids do their thing. Horses meander along side the water and parrots squawk in the trees. The town basically rolls up the sidewalk at 8 pm as families walking hand-in-hand head back to home.
The next couple of days were a blur. We walked the town peeking in shops and enjoying the street markets. Grills were set up on the street where you could buy pollo and rice for about $2-3 bucks. I loved watching the women and men carrying their wares on their heads, the buzz of the street market, and the kindness of the people we talked to along the way. Everyone was friendly and put up with my attempts at speaking Spanish, often teaching me a word or two along the way.
We also visited the local park and church which is incredibly beautiful in its simplicity. In addition, you can’t help but view The Christ of the Mercy which is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ which rises to a height of 134m above sea level and can be seen throughout the town.
While here we took time to look at real estate that is for sale in the area. Take a look at this three-bedroom beauty which was selling for $459,000 with pristine teak woodwork and views that were amazing. One of my favorite was a small villa in a gated pool community which was selling for $140,000 with HOA’s of $400 per month
If you know me; you know I love a good mural. From the out-of-this world type of paintings to the murals that can bring tears to your eyes; San Juan del Sur has plenty of talented artists offering up their best.
I loved San Juan Del Sur and who knows I might end up there one day. But for now I leave you with the local high school band practicing on the Main Street of the town.
As my time in Queretaro ends ( I’ll be heading to Costa Rica on Sunday) I decided to post about the things I have come to love about Mexico. I am fortunate. I have been able to spend 10 weeks here so I have been able to soak up some of the culture that I would have missed had I only been here for 10 days. I have met people and have been shown various forms of kindness that have touched my life and that I will always remember. I have talked to Mexicans who have been kidnapped by ICE and sent back to Mexico after being handcuffed and detained for long periods of time. And I have spent time in ancient churches and have been exposed to antiquities that have made me truly appreciate the history and the people of Central Mexico. I am happy to say that I feel that I received the cultural experience I was hoping for and I feel extremely blessed.
COURTYARDS– I love the courtyards and plazas that grace the cities providing a meeting place for all. The trees that line these places serve an important function by keeping the populace/city cooler. We should have many more of these gathering centers in the USA.
QueretaroQueretaroEl Pueblito
THE TILES– The tile work around here is amazing and you can find it just about everywhere. It beautifies the city while at the same time glorifies the artwork of local craftspersons.
QueretaroSan MiguelJuriquilla
THE MOUNTAINS AND THE STONE WALLS– There are few things as beautiful as stone walls in which each stone has been lifted, chosen, and meticulously put in place by hands over the ages. The work that goes into these is back breaking and they are a testament to those trying to create a better life for themselves.
Amealco
THE STREET VENDORS-Never have I seen such hard-working people. Day and night they are out peddling their wares. Here, I have never found them to be pushy… only kind as they do everything they can to provide for their families. I cannot imagine trying to earn a living this way but somehow they do and almost always with a smile on their faces.
JuriquillaJuriquillaQueretaro-Plaza de ArmusBernalQueretaroOn My Street
THE DRINKS– Okay a confession. I have discovered I like a good smokey mezcal and on a hot day. It beats a beer any day.
THE MURALS– I did a whole blog on the murals because they are vibrant, so imaginative and they are an excellent way to showcase the talents and beliefs of the local people. Here are a few more to enjoy.
San MiguelTown of El PueblitoTown Of El PueblitoTown of El Pueblito
THE DRESSES– Here is Mexico the Quinceañera is a really big deal. It is held to mark a girl’s 15th birthday which signifies her entry into womanhood and the responsibilities that she inherits as a result. The dresses are fabulous. In addition, the major department stores rents these dresses or prom dresses which I thought was a wonderful way to allow those with less money to attend these events looking absolutely stunning.
THE FOUNTAINS– They are everywhere and each is different with various meanings or honoring local history.
QueretaroQueretaro
THE DOORS– Anyone who really knows me knows that I LOVE doors and have taken pictures of them during all of my travels. Mexico’s doors are by far some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and the decorated doors come in all kinds of designs. In San Miguel you are not allowed to replace a historic door without permission and I can understand why. Many of these doors are hundreds of years old and have come to represent the city’s fascinating past.
RELIGIOUS WORKS OF ART– I find religious artwork fascinating because besides the feelings that viewing them invoke; the paintings often depict the lives of everyday normal people.
PIANOS ON THE STREETS– I find this aspect of city life to be the most charming. So many people just plop down and play, usually just one song, and then get up and leave. From chopsticks to piano players who sound concert hall worthy; listening to someone who has the guts to perform in front of strangers is a delightful way to pass some time. I also love just listening to various street musicians doing what they do best.
QueretaroSan MiguelQueretaro
DAY OF THE DEAD– So everyone tells me I have to come back to witness for myself the Day of the Dead celebrations and I probably will. In the meantime there are all sorts of reminders of this beloved holiday of the Mexican people.
THE CHURCHES– While not a traditional religious person; I have spent my fair share of time sitting in the churches listening to the bells, choirs and priests. I feel at peace when in these churches taking in all the art and beautiful sounds of people as they come to pray. Something about the churches in Mexico are special. While I can’t quite put my finger on what makes them stand out all I know is that they do….you’ll just have to take my word on it.
Templo de Santo Domingo- 1697 Templo de Santo Domingo Santa Iglesia CathedralVILLAS DEL MESON
THE FOOD– The food here is great. Besides the “traditional” Mexican food that we know and love there are fantastic fusions and ancient food items like Huitlacoche which I talked about previously.
Roasted Corn SoupVarious Breakfast BreadsFried Bananas With Passion Fruit Ice CreamCorn dripping in lime, slathered in mayo and rolled in cheeseChili NagoyaHuitlacocheArroz Con LecheShrimp, Mango, Avocado, Coconut FusionTraditional Food
TRADITIONAL FOLK ART– Most folk art here is choke full of vibrant colors often depicting dreams or wishes of the artists. The embroidery is unbelievable and the rugs are reminiscent of ancient patterns used throughout the country. Browse the artisan markets or just buy off the street corner. Either way you will come home with treasures that will remind you of this colorful area,
HISTORY– While I only made it to one temple, Queretaro, has the most of any state in Mexico. They are everywhere. Because of this, the archeological treasures are immense and museums throughout the country are filled with the treasures of this area.
Since living here I have come to believe that this area is the cultural Mecca of Mexico. And while I understand the desire to frolic on the beach; I now know that there is so much more to Mexico than sand, sea and surf. Central Mexico is a place that will spark your imagination and will instill a sense of appreciation for the past. It is definitely a part of the country that must be seen to be appreciated. Getting here is easy just hop a flight for Queretaro. I guarantee you will not regret it.
You Should Be A Traveling Fool2.com 