Friday, January 2, 2009

Chilling out Chilango-style in Chapultepec Park

Mexico City may be a bustling megalopolis with 22 million plus people who work very hard with very few holidays, but when those weekends and holidays do come around Chilangos ( Mexico City dwellers ) like nothing better than finding a favourite place to chill out; and there sure are a lot of lounge locations right in the heart of the city.
One such destination on New Year's Day is Chapultepec Park and here it is de rigeur to stroll with the family, go boating on the lake, consume endless snacks, buy souvenirs, watch street performers, and generally savour the moment.
Here are the popular paddle boats:-

but as you can see there is far less paddling and much more chilling....



Check out the fluorescent colours of the snacks on offer.....

Chilli potato crisps with lime.....

Candy floss of a particularly vibrant hue...

More lurid potato snacks....

And check out the equally vibrant colours of the souvenirs on offer....


Lucha Libre ( Mexican wrestling ) masks...

There are always brightly-coloured balloons for sale in all public parks and plazas....

Safety harnesses for kids....


The festive but laid-back and relaxing atmosphere coupled with the combination of sounds, sights, and smells all make it a gourmet feast for the senses; and consequently one of my favourite places to hang out for a Sunday afternoon. Where is your city chill-out zone of choice?







10 comments:

Bob Mrotek said...

This was very nicely done, Catherine. Quite artistic. Fantastic color contrasts. Thank you :)

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

I live near a large county park that is always very busy when the weather is nice on weekends. There is golfing, walking trails, a carousel, a children's train, fishing lake and a boat launch. Lots to do, but the colors (with the minor exception of the carousel) are provided by nature: greens and browns with minor flashes of yellow and reddish browns. A different type of beauty!

Unknown said...

I love the photos!!! really appealing.

Wendy said...

I love the bright colors of these photos. Particularly after spending a gray afternoon wandering the windy streets of Gotham.

kristine said...

Wonderful, colourful photography! I like the look of those chilli chips with limes...yum!

Catherine said...

Thanks to everyone...Bob, Cecile, nadia, Wendy and Kristine for your comments...the colours here are a constant wonder and source of inspiration..

Unknown said...

wow, your photos never cease to amaze me!! they're always so colorful and vibrant!!! happy new year to you!

A Cuban In London said...

I'd heard of Chapultepec before through Mexican friends. Did not know the 'Chilango' bit. Do you happen to know the etymology of the word? I am really keen on words' origins and their journey through language.

Thanks for your kind comment. My favourite track of the album is not the Killing Opening Song, 'Ganapati', though, but the fifth tune, 'Mahima'.

Greetings from London.

Catherine said...

Hi cuban in london...will check on origin of chilango with my friends here and let you know...thanks for stopping by..

Prêt à Voyager said...

mexican wrestling masks always make me smile :)

anne