Puebla by night and the Indian dress

From the 5th of May battle memorial at the Lake Concordia the government recently started a beautiful sound and light show over the lake (http://www.todopuebla.com/eventos/nochedeleyendasenellagodelaconcordia). The show we saw was about the 'China Poblana', the traditional dress of the region. The legend says the dress comes from a slave of Indian origin that was sold to a Mexican and insisted on making her own traditional Indian dresses, which went on to influence the design and colours of the Pueblan dresses. It was a beautiful show.

The show with Puebla lit by night in the backdrop.

 

Emma and Santiago chillin' at the Puebla light and sound show.

 

 

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The apple town

It's full name is Zacatlan de las manzanas ... Although I would say it's also zacatlan of relojes/clocks (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relojes_Centenario) and winners of voz México (uk equivalent would be the voice).

We were lucky to see this 'Pueblo magico' (there are a total of 8 or 9, a new tourism incentive that was started 2 years ago) at its best during the apple festivities (www.lagranferiadelamanzana.com). There were lots of apples and the highlight: an apple queen, that is elected/selected to promote and help the town's cultural activities. The apples were very tasty!

They had their own Mariachi singer and voz Mexico winner Oscar Cruz, perform during their celebrations. Beautiful voice :). Another proof that 45 year old mariachi singers are very much still in fashion in Mexico!

 

 

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On the road to Puebla

Leaving Mexico City to the beautiful town of Puebla, an easy and comfortable 3h journey away on Estrella Roja/ADO buses. We are picked up from the Puebla station by the wonderful Isabel from the tourism office (see her explain a bit about Puebla in the video) and taken to the beautiful central Hotel San Leonardo (http://www.hotelsanleonardo.com). Isabel prepared a complete fully packed schedule for us that we loved: Cholula, Atlisco, evening light show, Zacatlan, Chignahuapan. The famous Mexican victory over the French invasion on the 5th of May battle of 1862 took place in Puebla - they have a beautiful memorial and museum dedicated to it.

 

A song that must accompany any visit to Puebla - to be listened at least 3 times : before, during and after the visit.

Bus selfie - we are serious pathfinders but we are also tourists and cheesy.

 

 

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Tim and Malu's Valle

We spent a beautiful weekend of sunshine, beautiful views, delicious food (freshly picked chanterelles and home made pasta), mezcal, tennis (with Roger Federer's cap), and markets as we stayed in Tim and Malu's magnificent house in Valle de Bravo, a common weekend destination to get away from the big city's pollution and stress.

After a good tennis game, Tim and Malu against Memo and me, Tim relaxes his muscles in the beautiful pool and sends Balliol a short message:

 

Pictures of the beautiful garden and a nice afternoon with friends: Juan Carlos (professional sailor) and Cindy, the soon to be Oxonian ;).

 

 

 

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Ballet Folklorico closer up

Thanks to Tim and Malu's close relationship with Viviana, the current director of the Ballet folklorico and the daughter of the founder Amalia we had the chance to peer behind the scenes of the company. We were allowed to attend one of their classes and rehearsals. It was very difficult for me to resist the urge to join in and dance away with them, although I did succumb at times and do some of the movements in one corner during the class.

The company has 2 troupes, one that stays in Mexico and the other one tours around the world - they will be coming to London in the next year or so - make sure you don't miss them! Each troupe is made up of about 40 dancers aged from 19 to 40. They practice 4 days a week when in Mexico and perform every Wednesday and Sunday. In most cases the company takes the dancers that are already formed by their local regional dance schools, therefore they each come with different sets of strengths and areas of expertise. Here are some extracts from the rehearsals.

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Mariachi in Tenampa

Mariachi singers and 'seranatas' are still an important part of Mexicans' lives. We went to the traditional plaza Garibaldi and the main Mariachi cantina called the Tenampa, which is beautifully decorated with vibrant colours and murals with lyrics of famous mariachi songs (http://www.salontenampa.com/index.php/en/). Emma sipped her first authentic and delicious Mexican tequila. To my disbelief, numerous Mexicans have confirmed that it is still common for lovers to sing mariachis at the balcony of their beloved. Although, in theory this sounds romantic in practice it seems a little less so: the lovers often do this when they are drunk with their friends at 4am and wake up the whole street.

 

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Dinner with Javier Tello - Balliol alum

A lovely dinner in Rosetta (https://www.facebook.com/pages/ROSETTA/312027142012) with a fascinating man who has been a management consultant, foreign office civil servant and is currently a TV journalist/current affairs debater (I believe the list is not exhaustive). He now runs a current affairs programme with a fellow Oxonian, which has been a success since it's debut 4 years ago, check it out - http://noticieros.televisa.com/foro-tv-es-la-hora-de-opinar/

Sorry for the mystical and noisy quality of the video.

 

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Mexican dancing is AMAZING

A beautiful evening at the Bellas artes (http://www.bellasartes.gob.mx). An amazing building with complete Art Deco interior design (I had the impression of being in the Great Gatsby set)

 

 

The dancing was colourful, fun, diverse with beautiful costumes and music. I especially liked the revolutionary women with their stern faces and guns. The dance of the deers that included some impressive jumps and movements. The jarabe tapatio was also very impressive. I could clearly see the Spanish influence in many dances with similar head gear and footwork as Sevillan dances. I look forward to the rehearsal tomorrow and to other dance shows :).

http://www.balletamalia.com

 

 

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Another encounter with an Oxonian in Mexico!

Sitting at the restaurant of the anthropological museum (http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/index.html) at a typical Mexican time (3pm) Emma bumps into a fellow Oxonian and work colleague. She knew he was in Mexico but it was total coincidence he was at the museum too. In this video Fred kindly shares some nice thoughts on Oxford and Balliol.

 

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Balliol meets Grupo Expansion

The Vice President of the main publishing house in Mexico talks about the UK and Oxford in front of all the magazines covered by the group. http://grupoexpansion.mx

 

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Viva el museo antropológico

Maybe with the same head gear I would look as cool as him. The museum is huge and beautiful showing both old and modern cultural richness of Mexico. 

http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/index.html

Juan and Oxford

A dear Mexican friend of Martin tells about his time in Oxford. He now juggles two impressive and different careers: community banker and professional actor (dual professions seems to be in his blood as his father was both a professional bull fighter and chemical scientist!).

 

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Llegada a casa de Martin

After very long journey we finally arrive to Martin's beautiful house filled with amazing art sculptures from Béjar. We are welcomed by a fellow Oxonian Juan, Chavo and the delicious lasagna prepared by Susanna and Perfecta, and Susanna's very sweet son Alex who kissed us all good night before going to bed. An excellent first evening in Mexico. 

On my way to Mexico - part 1

What happens when a mother and daughter take a 4h bus ride at 5am in the morning.