New Year in Colonial Mexico

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Wednesday, 1 January 2002 - Traveled from San Miguel to Patzcuaro waited for breakfast before heading out, then visited Morelia Cathedral with its mix of neoclassical and Baroque styles, explored the historic pink-stone cathedral interior, and continued on to the Ihuatzio ruins where we scrambled over a wall to roam the ancient structures and enjoy the sunset before ringing in the new year in the charming colonial town.

Mexico 2003 — On New Year's Day a hot air balloon was taking an early morning look at San Miguel. They brought the balloon very close to the church.

Mexico 2003 — Here is the group in the Jardin. It was very sunny so we are a little washed out - ready to travel to Patzcuaro.

Mexico 2003 — Unfortunately we were the only ones up early in the morning so we had to wait for a restaurant to open for breakfast. Our hotel was not going to serve until 1100. While we waited Virginia Ann had her boots polished. The shoe shine stands were numerous in the Jardin - this was the only one up early.

Mexico 2003 — This is the Morelia Cathedral. It was begun in 1600 and took 100 years to build. It is built out of pink tracchyte stone. Since it took so long it is a mixture of styles - Neo-Classical, Herreresque and Baroque.

Mexico 2003 — The various styles can be seen in the towers and entrances.

Mexico 2003 — A closeup of the entrance.

Mexico 2003 — The Cathedral alter contains a gold crown that was a gift from Phillip II of Spain.

Mexico 2003 — A view down the Cathedral aisle.

Mexico 2003 — The Cathedral organ.

Mexico 2003 — The opposite side of the Cathedral showing the beautiful tile domes.

Mexico 2003 — Ihuatzio ruins consist of two pyramids and several stone walls. The village was founded by the Purepecha and was used as an astronomical observatory and ceremonial center. The pyramids are dedicated to the gods Curicaveri and Xaratanga.

Mexico 2003 — We arrived at Ihuatzio around 1745 in the afternoon so it was pretty late. Unfortunately the gates were locked. We scrambled over the low stone fence around the site and headed to the ruins. Here Cal and Cal pose next to the pyramids.

Mexico 2003 — Cal in front of the pyramids - you can see the outer layer of stones over the inner brickwork.

Mexico 2003 — Ihuatzio up close. The ruins were a mile from a paved street - we followed a dirt road by four wheeling in our Dodge Strobe. What Hertz does not know will not hurt them - several times we thought the car would not make it to the site.

Mexico 2003 — Ihuatzio another shot.

Mexico 2003 — As we were leaving the site the sun was setting. Liz had waited by the car while the rest of us walked 100 yards to the ruin. While she was there a local Mexican walked by on his way to the village - with a machete. We scampered over the wall and got in the car - as we were driving away a park ranger drove up.... we innocently drove by lucky that we were out of the site before he arrived.

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