Bosque de Chapultepec

Among my many happy adventures this week, I finally made my way to the Bosque de Chapultepec in Mexico City. I usually just wave at this enormous park on my way to the Anthropology Museum, but decided to spend a sunny day exploring the trails that wind around a scattering of lakes, museums, plazas, and food vendors. It's an amazing feeling to be in such a lush forest right in the heart of Mexico City. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the "Paseo de Quixote" located in the Southwest corner of the park. The trail begins with the statue I'm posting below and ends in a courtyard of smaller figurines depicting scenes from the book. 

Don Quixote and El Golpe

"You must consider what you are, seeking to know yourself, which is the most difficult task conceivable."


This week I finally finished Don Quixote. All 940 pages. The book could have been equally good at 340 pages, but overall I felt it was worth reading. The character and I have bonded - both of us living a life of blissful imagination. I found this little wooden figurine in the back of a local artisan store.

One of the small movie houses in town hosted a tribute to Paul Newman this week, showing a different classic film every day. While I was tempted to (re)watch "The Hustler" and "Hud" - both great movies, both showcasing the wonder that was Paul Newman - I ultimately opted for "The Sting." As some of you know, I've nicknamed one of my very best friends "El Golpe" and so went to see it in honor of him...and Paul Newman.

Las vistas

The views of San Miguel change every day - in the mornings, the city can be covered in fog, sunshine, rain, or haze. In the evenings, it is illuminated by the moonlight, fireworks, or a million candles. Each time I look out, I see something different and inspirational.

El mercado

Last week was happily spent in the archives of the Secretaría de Salubridad y Asistencia in Mexico City.  I didn't take many photos this trip - sometimes I feel like I actually see more if I don't have my camera with me - but had a lovely time.

As some of you are aware, I am fascinated with the work of a tattoo artist/muralist/graffiti artist here named Dr. Lakra. He recently completed a mural in the DF, and during one of my post-archive afternoons, I made my way over to see it. Here is one corner of the square room it encompasses:


Back in San Miguel, I was delighted to find a local market with freshly ground cumin. It's been very challenging cooking without spices, and I'm so excited that all my meals are about to taste significantly better! 

I also came across a group of women selling fresh flowers and had to buy one of the beautiful bouquets.