UNAM - The University of Mexico

Today' travels took me to the southern part of the city to visit the University of Mexico. Wow, what a huge campus with thousands of students moving about (I imagine there were just as many in classes). I strolled around the campus for close to two hours (most of the time lost). But, it was worth i!

Mural on the Faculty of Medicine

I was very impressed with the amount of green space available for students to hang out, play soccer, or even study. Over 325,000 students call UNAM home. The key building, muraled on all four side is the university's Rectory. Set among walk ways and grassy areas, this building commands everyone to notice it.

The Rectory

As if this wasn't enough, the muralist Siqueiros, created a politically inspired three-dimensional mural in its shadow.

Section of the Siqueiros Mural

However, the main reason for today's travels was to hopefully get a glimpse of the Rivera mosaic mural on the Olympic Stadium. Although I couldn't get inside the stadium complex, the mural is so prominent on the entrance to the stadium that I was more than pleased to see it from my only available perspective (from outside the front gates).

The 1968 Olympic Stadium

For any fan of Rivera's work, this is a real gem. It's not central in any tour of Mexico City, but if you don't mind a long metro ride and some solid walking, the journey is well worth the effort. I now have yet another favorite Rivera mural in the city. It was also of interest to see where Tommy Smith and John Carlos protested for Black Power after winning olympic medals in track and field.

 

Closeup of Rivera's Olympic Stadium Mural

 

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The Hidden Murals of Mexico City

The Mercado Abelardo Rodríguez is not only a great spot for lunch, but to also houses some wonderful murals rarely seen by visitors to the capital.

Entrance to Mercado Abelardo Rodríguez

Although the market is just a few blocks off the main plaza, it's obscure enough to only get the neighborhood trade. In the 1930s, under the guidance of Diego Rivera, up and coming artists were commissioned to create murals at the entrances and in the stairways of the mercado. Today, few locals even seem to notice them since they are such an intricate part of the daily surroundings and appear to be nothing special.

Circa1935 Mural Inside the Mercado

Themes common to the struggle of the working man is juxtaposed with images of the wealthy and powerful. Clearly, Rivera's influences can be seen in both the painting techniques as well as in the content of the murals.

Mural depicting the Struggle of the Working Classes

On the second floor of the market, in what is neighborhood's community center, is a three-dimensional mural sculpted out of cement and plaster by Japanese artist Isama Naguchi (rumored to have been one of Frida Kahlo's lovers).

Section of Naguchi Sculpture

 

 

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Street Food Worth The Wait

Walking about the city today around lunchtime, I was wondering what I should have to eat. Well, my answer came to me when I saw a long line of people waiting for hauraches. An even larger number of people were sitting on a nearby wall eating them. Rule #1 regarding street food: if the stand is busy, it's probably a good, safe choice. Rule #2: if it looks good, eat there!

As you can see from the photos, a haurache is an oblong shaped, 2-layered corn tortilla with refried beans between the layers. I ordered one with steak that was also topped with a cilantro infused salsa verde, fresh onions, and queso fresco.

For just $2US, I'll be more than stuffed until sometime this evening. ¡Buen provecho!

 

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Money & Banking

There is no scarcity of banks in Mexico. In addition, there are numerous money exchanges particularly in tourist areas (avoid if possible). One gets the best exchange rates at banks. Still, it pays to shop around! As I had to do some banking this morning, I first checked out the bank that I normally use. Unfortunately for them, a competitor down the street was offering a better rate. The peso is relatively strong against the dollar right now. In the past year I have seen rates vary between 14.5 to 11.5 pesos against the US dollar. Right now we're on the lower end of this scale. Nonetheless, I was able to exchange this morning at 12.00. Not too bad! Keep in mind even at this rate buying power is great for us in Mexico. For the security of carrying traveler's checks, the exchange rate is usually about 10% lower. It's all a matter if what you're comfortable with. As I have a safe in my room, I don't mind bringing cash when I'm not moving around too much. I never walk around town with more than I'm willing to loose. One hundred pesos ($8US) fell out of my pocket as I was going into my hotel this afternoon. A man behind me came after me to let me know I had lost it and return it. Cool, huh!

My Next Outfit For A Family Wedding

 

 

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A Visit To The Market

Whether it's the city or a small town, one of the truly unique experiences in Mexico is a visit to the local market. In Mexico City, there are any number of markets to choose from, large to small, general to specialized. Stomping about the Alameda neighborhood this morning, I stumbled upon a relatively small market near the larger Mercado San Juan.

A Real Seafood Lover's Delight

The selection of fish and seafood was truly amazing. Why wouldn't one come here daily to buy fresh fish, fruit and vegetables?

How About A Lobster Tonight, Gringo?

Of course, no market would be complete without a little butchering going on. Cabrito (young goat) is one of my favorite taco ingredients when I can find it. Or, you can take a whole one home for a backyard barbeque.

Oh mama, get the BBQ going. We're having something special tonight!

Of course, for the less adventurous, there is much more offered such as a tremendous selection of fresh fruits and veggies.

One sees row after row of fresh fruit just like this in every market.

Or, as an appetizer, we could begin with a selection of sausages (some of these happen to be from Spain).

Chorizo and much, much more!

All in all, one can spend hours walking around any of the local markets. In this one, I was also treated to some cheese and wine samples. Mexico is really a very civilized place!

 

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