Plaza Santo Domingo

Plaza Santo Domingo

 

Just two blocks north of the cathedral and the Zocalo is one of my favorite squares in Mexico City - Plaza Santo Domingo. In addition to simply being a picturesque spot for sitting and watching people, this square is the spot to go to if you need anything printed from First Communion and wedding invitations to business cards. Further, the square is surrounded by historical buildings from the 16th century Iglesia de Santo Domingo, the Secretaría de Educación Pública (loaded with great Diego Rivera murals), and the Palacio de la Inquisición which served as the headquarters for the Holy Inquisition in Mexico in the 1700s.

Historical Drawing of the Plaza

 

 

 

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Ice Cream, Ice Cream, Who Wants Some Ice Cream?

San Jacinto Plaza

One of the wonderful things about visitings the parks and plazas is the rich array of things to eat. Who doesn't love ice cream? This vendor is selling a variety of flavors, all handmade. Vanilla and lime are familiar enough flavors, but queso (cheese) or Angel's Kiss. Be adventurous, get a scoop of two different ones you've never tried before. I'm a sucker for anything mango! But, tuna (not what you think) is also a killer flavor. More on that one later.

 

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A Long History of World Class Religious Art In DF

On my visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I ventured up the 100m to the top of the hill to see the oldest structure in this very large complex. To my pleasure, the old chapel didn't disappoint! The Capilla del Cerrito (Hill Chapel) is on the spot where Juan Diego had his vision of the Virgin Mary in 1531. Inside, I was treated to these wonderfully carved wood and guilt statues of the saints. In a small niche in the chapel, St. Jose, St. Joaquin, and Sta. Ana watch over their flock.

 

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Chopped!

Whether for your home or your business, any size chopping board can be found at this stall in the Mercado Merced. No matter what taco joint you pass in the city, you'll see all of them using these exact chopping boards/blocks to prepare the taco filling. Over time, as with any well used and seasoned utensil, these blocks become concave in shape due to nearly non-stop daily chopping of everything from beef to sausages to selected innards like tripe. Yum!

 

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Hey McDonalds, Come And Get Us!

 

Everyday images to the local shopper are often extraordinary experiences for the traveler. One of my favorite activities is to walk around the markets in Mexico. It's all so different from what we experience at home. Although the smells can be strong (not necessarily unpleasant), I particularly enjoy seeing the variety of meats and seafood available on a daily basis. This small market off Lopez Street and just steps from the larger Mercado San Juan, would be just the place I'd go on daily to get whatever I might need for dinner that evening. By US standards, fresh food is inexpensive and the variety is tremendous.

 

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