Sunday, January 18, 2009

Underrated Uruapan - Viva Obama!

Many travellers use Uruapan (Purepecha for "Eternal Spring") simply as a base to get out to Volcano Paricutin, dismissing the town as too ugly, too depressing or too ordinary, even for a first, let alone a second look.

True that may be first impressions, but essentially I beg to differ, and feel that Uruapan's charm lies precisely in its atmospheric authenticity, friendly feel, and total lack of tourists, plus its proximity to outstanding natural beauty.

Renowned as Mexico's avocado capital, what other town has this kind of tropical rainforest ( Eduardo Ruiz National Park), right on the doorstop, located only ten minutes walk from the zocalo?

The beauty of the wild orchids, trumpet flowers, lush foliage,waterfalls, deep pools and rushing rivers are all so accessible. On certain days it even has its own local cliff divers.

The National Park also has its own trout farm, and located at the top end is a humble little restaurant that serves an astonishing array of tasty trout dishes, including this trout cerviche, washed down by huge margaritas and tequilas ( courtesy of the friendly locals on the neighbouring table!)


Strolling the serene, shady paths, it is hard to remember a busy, bustling town is so nearby.

Back in town, architecture and interiors are characterised by intricately detailed wooden carvings and panels, including the best cafe in town, where we managed to squeeze in five meals in two days. This is also a special place because it is where we watched McCain concede and celebrated Obama being hailed as the next President Elect, amidst resounding cheers, which seems timely to mention in light of the upcoming inauguration on Tuesday.

Where were you when you heard or saw such historic news??

(Uruapan is located in the State of Michoacan about 6 hours from Mexico City.)

12 comments:

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

I think you have a talent for looking closely! Beautiful photos.

As to your question, I was with my family in our home shouting for joy!

Fly Girl said...

Just being the avacado capitol is enough to make me want to visit but the nature images lure me even more. I was at an election party with neighbors during the victory. Since I'm in Chicago, I contemplated going downtown for the rally but didn't make it because the kids needed homework help.

Giancarlo said...

the secret and beauty of some towns are sometimes hidden...
It is an essential of a traveler to find what's different, unique and appealing and you my friend, did a good job...
:)
God bless y Buena Suerte mi amiga!

A Cuban In London said...

The photos are excellent, the commentary first-class and the general feel of your post exudes 'joi de vivre'. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Catherine said...

Hi Cecile,Flygirl,Cuban and Iloilo
thanks for all the comments..what town can you recommend me to take a closer look at?? Best wishes for the inauguration today!

Unknown said...

wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous! those flowers are sublime.

Janie said...

I was at home, calling family and friends, celebrating with great hope for the future.
Wonderful photos of the tropical forest and flowers. I love the curved walkway, too.

SandyCarlson said...

I wouldn't mind a walk around there for a week or a month or a year or two!

Arija said...

A truly lovely post. The rainforest is a delight as is all that rushing water and those beautiful Orchids. Orchids in the wild have something the hot hous version just cannot match. The Daturas too look splendid in their native hbitat....and let me not get started on the food!

Louise said...

It is so hard to imagine that nature park so close to the town that is so busy. A wonderful place.

This is a perfect post for My World Tuesday which is how I found this link. Please take a moment to read the guidelines and reference the meme blog and link back to it in your post. The site even has badges to use for identification.

Thank you so much for participating. This is what My World Tuesday is about!

Arija said...

Catherine, the Angel Trumpet genus is now called Brugmansia, Being somewhat more advanced in years I still tend to call it by it's original designation.
The white Angel Trumpet is Brugmansia x candida. I can at the moment not find the coloured varieties' full names.

Catherine said...

Hi Sandy,Janie and Louise... thanks for the appreciative comments, and I promise I will look into how to link it up properly... I am very new at all this so thanks for your patience
Arija
Thanks so much for the Flower information... I knew trumpet flower wasn't the correct botanical so I definitely know where to come for the flower advice!!