After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, granola and yoghurt, followed by scrambled egg and home grown veggies we met Miguel, our guide for the day.
Starting in the centre of the Square looking at the 16th cent houses that surrounded it, we were given a quick history lesson of which I have retained little! However I do remember that the statue is Vasco de Quiroga, the first bishop of this area.
Many of the old houses have been converted into shops, restaurants or hotels.
This church was built on top of the base of an old temple/pyramid. You can see how the stones forming the foundation lean outwards.
If you look at the top window of this church you can see how the thickness of the walls.
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A welcome from a white squirrel, which stood out from the rest of the grey squirrels.
There is something like 60,000 historical sites in Mexico. many of which haven't been excavated. There are large areas surrounding this site which have yet to reveal their treasures.
We noticed lots of signs carved into the stone.
There was a small market in the local town
Lots of woodcarving.
We then took the ferry to the Island of Janitzio in the middle of Lake Patzcuaro. On the highest point is a 40m statue of Jose Maria Morelos, the hero of Mexico's independence.
There is a spiral staircase going up the inside, giving visitors the opportunity to look out over the island from some viewing peepholes in the wrist of the outstretched arm.
The life of Morelo is depicted in murals on the interior walls of the statue.
I couldn't look over the top when I got there but I put the camera over the edge and took this photo which gives a good impression of the height.
The town is also famous for the butterfly fishermen who use these butterfly nets for catching the local white fish. Unfortunately the weather was too rough for the fishermen to go out in their narrow boats. You can also see a picture of the fishermen on the back of a 50 peso banknote.
I think this is a yellow warbler nestling in the bushes.
We finished back in Patzcuaro enjoying some very large margaritas!
If you look at the top window of this church you can see how the thickness of the walls.
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| This small stall was selling pork and crackling which appears to be a popular breakfast accompanied by tortillas |
 Miguel then took us to Tzintzuntzan, the ancient Tarascan capital. The site overlooks the beautiful Lake Patzcuaro and has the remains of five yacatas or temples that date back to the 13th cent. |
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A welcome from a white squirrel, which stood out from the rest of the grey squirrels.
We noticed lots of signs carved into the stone.
There was a small market in the local town
We then took the ferry to the Island of Janitzio in the middle of Lake Patzcuaro. On the highest point is a 40m statue of Jose Maria Morelos, the hero of Mexico's independence.
There is a spiral staircase going up the inside, giving visitors the opportunity to look out over the island from some viewing peepholes in the wrist of the outstretched arm.
The life of Morelo is depicted in murals on the interior walls of the statue.
I couldn't look over the top when I got there but I put the camera over the edge and took this photo which gives a good impression of the height.
The town is also famous for the butterfly fishermen who use these butterfly nets for catching the local white fish. Unfortunately the weather was too rough for the fishermen to go out in their narrow boats. You can also see a picture of the fishermen on the back of a 50 peso banknote.
I think this is a yellow warbler nestling in the bushes.
We finished back in Patzcuaro enjoying some very large margaritas!
Not so keen on the green fountain water. I would find eating pork crackling for breakfast irresistible but a very guilty pleasure. The Morelos statue seems to be very well done and well cared for.
ReplyDeleteYou got some really nice pictures. And yes, that is a rather large margarita. I would have enjoyed it very much, too. Not so much the pork! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe bells in your first market photo -- I have those! We bought them many years ago when we adopted Sarah and have them out at Christmas every year since. Fun to spot them in the market in your photo. Did you fly in to Mexico City?
ReplyDeleteI love your photos of the old temple ruins. How very interesting!
ReplyDeleteYou really saw a lot ! Nice to accompany virtually your journey !
ReplyDeleteA lot to see in a different world as Europe. There must be a lot ot treasures to be explored hidden under the grounds.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, all that way for overcast views, mind you they looked better than the ones here
ReplyDeletewhat great exploration. Enjoyed visiting with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place! Looks as if you're enjoying your visit.
ReplyDeleteI'm really envious you are in Mexico. It is a vibrant, colourful and fascinating place. Those ruins remind me of Chichen Itza which we visited some years ago. Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip. Those historical sites are amazing.
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