Monday, February 21, 2011

Exhaling in Xalapa...

At this time of year before the rains, it can get a little suffocating in Mexico City, so a weekend in the hilltop city of Xalapa proves to be the perfect getaway. It is a university town best known for its fresh air and views, as well as its parks and gardens...




















Indeed it is very hard to believe that you are still in the city centre when you visit Parque de los Lagos (Park of Lakes)....




















Or the amazing nature park Parque Tecajete which is indeed a slice of subtropical rainforest....




















Veracruz is a lush, verdant state where anything grows well, and so of course it is also well known for its rich coffee spawning endless coffeeshops and cafes, as well as its rich produce in the markets....


















Culturally, Xalapa also has much to offer the visitor, and one of the undoubted highlights not just of Xalapa, but Mexico as a whole, is the beautiful Anthropological Museum. Laid out in verdant grounds, with descending marble steps, and lush garden display rooms, you can find all of the archaeological treasues of this region of Mexico, starting with the famed giant Olmec stone heads...


















The museum is awash with treasures, far too many to display in this post, but the Veracruz smiling female heads always make me smile too, as they are so infectious, and such a contrast to the rather dour expressions on the male stone heads!!


















Wandering and browsing the streets of Xalapa is also pleasureable in its own right, as there are colourful streets of colonial architecture to admire....












.

.as well as the more official sightseeing of grand public buildings such as the Palacio Municipal, the Palacio Gobierno, not to mention the bright canary yellow Cathedral and Parque Juarez which acts as the rather delightful zocalo full of gardens, balloon sellers, shoeshine stands, stalls, outdoor cafes, and more gardens still......



Xalapa is five hours away from Mexico City, easily reachable by bus or car, in the state of Veracruz. For more windows on the world this week, don't hesitate to check out My World Tuesday postings. Enjoy!

12 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a great post, as always, Catherine! Love Xalapa and all the colors and the beautiful parks! Your photos are terrific! Hope you have wonderful week! I'm looking forward to April!!

Sylvia

EG CameraGirl said...

I very much like all these lovely mosaics. The colours are so enticing! Beautiful, Catherine. I would especially enjoy the anthropological museum, I think.

Barb said...

You've given such an informative tour. I like the colorful architecture of Xalapa - and of course the lovely blooms.

Owen said...

You never fail to amaze me with how far and wide you manage to travel on a regular basis... color me green. A pleasure to see these glimpses of other worlds.

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Thank you for this great tour. I am not keen on beach resorts. I like to look behind the curtains of a country. Love the smiling faces of the ladies in waiting! The wonderful
colours of the homes show the zest for life of the Mexican people in every aspect. I love to garden, the parks must be treasure troves for keen gardeners.

Kay L. Davies said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Catherine. And the female stone heads are delightful, especially the last one.
Great post!
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Gaelyn said...

Xalapa seems very inviting with the lush green, bright colors and interesting museums to visit plus coffee and mole. I haven't been to Mexico in way too long and never did explore around Mexico City. Hmm, maybe next winter's trip.

A Cuban In London said...

Cracking post and composites. You're right those smiling women put a smile on my face today, too. :-)

Greetings from London.

Walk in New York said...

une tres belle serie, de beaux paysages et montages


Remember, Every Friday, The Challenge "Walk In The Street Photography"

Lynne with an e said...

No wonder you're in a state of shock over all the snow where I live. I'm in a similar state over all the glorious verdure and brilliant blossoms in your world! Care to swap?

Anonymous said...

It sounds and looks delightful from your interesting post. Good to know about, as we will surely get round to visiting Mexico in the future.
All the best from Santiago, Chile...

Catherine said...

Thanks for all the appreciative comments this week - I do enjoy reading them all very much...