As I walked to school this morning, I stopped and reflected on what was happening all around me. It was there every morning, but today, I wanted to be more aware and carry the memories back to New Hampshire.
Most of the people were walking with determination - teen aged students - mothers with children - men and women on their way to work. They dressed warmly in sweaters or jackets as the morning air must seem cool to them. I was happy in my short sleeve shirt and capris.
There were workers sweeping the streets. The unemployed and retired sat on park benches reading newspapers or sitting in contemplation. The shoe shine man was busy at work with a short line of customers. I noticed that women my age were not wearing tight clothing. They wore loose blouses and skirts. Had to pause and realize that I am not one of the 45 year olds with whom I have been comparing myself.
There are stands (prestos) set up to serve breakfast tacos and fresh fruit. They do a good business so it must be customary to eat as you walk to work.
I heard the happy chattering and laughing voices of shop employees setting up for their day's work. Music was blasting from various sources. I could also hear "Presta, Presta, Presta Gaz" as the gas man began his day's drive through the streets.
I waited for bright yellow taxis and bicycles to pass at the cross streets. I greeted our tour guide/policeman, Tony, as he passed on his bicycle. There was a man peddeling a bike which had a compartment in the front with a huge chunk of ice. Chances are that he was delivering it to an ice cream maker. There are some who shave the ice and pour different flavored concentrates on it. Not knowing where the ice has been or how it was made, I stay clear of that kind of street food.
I have been impressed by the city's attempt at recycling. Trash cans are labeled for compostibles, recyclable, and other trash. You see little trash in the streets or on sidewalks.
Lovers pass hand in hand. A child goes by in his dragon costume. There will be celebrations later today and tomorrow to celebrate the first day of Spring.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Finale...... to a wonderful two weeks in Tlaquepaque.
After packing for tomorrow's departure, Jo and I took one final walk around Tlaquepaque entering galleries that we had not noticed previously. Sun was setting and the sky at the end of Independencia was a dark orange. When we reached the Jardin there were rows of chairs set up facing a stage in front of the gazebo. Not many seats were still available.....so we decided to select our seats and then determine what the entertainment for the evening might be. We were pleased when our classmate, Ellie, arrived and found one of the last chairs and moved beside us.
This was a family event. Three, perhaps four generations sat or stood together. Entertainment began with clowns performing for the youngsters. For the next ninty minutes, we were treated to folk dancers, singers, and Mariachis. These were the best of the Mariachis. The back drop for the Jardin and the program were the brightly lit churches of Tlaquepaque. Brilliantn fireworks against the dark sky added to the celebration.
About half way through the program, an attractive red headed, woman came through the audience with bottles of Tequila and poured shots of the local beverage for all who cared to indulge (at no cost). She even came around with seconds. One was enough for me. Now...if it had been Margaritas instead of straight Tequila ?? who knows?? On stage there was a competition among volunteers to see who could howl like a Mariachi....after one, two, three shots of Tequila.
Program was over at around 9:15. Everyone seemed to find their favorite food vendor and ate their evening meal - cena. The big meal is eaten mid-day so a snack is perfect.....especially in this festive setting. For 16 pesos (a little over a dollar) we had a slice of delicious mushroom pizza and a coke at a parkside presto. There was a light breeze in the air as the three of us sat at an sidewalk table and spoke of our shared experiences over the past two weeks.
This is the life...... life in Tlaquepaque on a beautiful spring evening.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment