Trading Places
Anyone who reads this blog knows I’ve become a bit obsessed with Mexico. So, when the opportunity arose to have a beautiful two-bedroom home overlooking Pátzcuaro, I jumped at the chance.
Thanks to Home Exchange, I met (virtually) a retired international teaching couple who were interested in trading homes and cars for three weeks. This is my first “reciprocal” and simultaneous exchange, and I could not have asked for a better experience.
My first experience with Home Exchange brought me to Pátzcuaro last May, a town I had previously not heard of. Though I was here for just three days that time, I knew I would return. In fact, Pátzcuaro is the only place I have returned to in my five trips to Mexico.
Día de la Independencia
It just so happened that Mexican Independence Day was celebrated during my first week here. The town is decorated in red, green and white, the colors of the Mexican flag.
A parade was held in the morning. Schools marched along the route while spectators threw confetti on the heads of the marchers. Hours later, the route turned into a parade of horses, cowboys, and cowgirls, and the confetti sprinkling continued.
The highlight for me was seeing the Folkloric Dance Company from Pátzcuaro perform in the main plaza that evening. They performed the traditional “danza dos los viejitos” (dance of the old men) and many others. They were spectacular. (See a video here.)
In the galleries below, click on the image to see the entire gallery.
Folkloric Dance of Pátzcuaro (click to view gallery)
Independence Day Parade (click to view gallery)
Besides the Independence Day Celebrations, I’ve spent the first week walking all over town, climbing to scenic viewpoints, seeing a Cuban band at a small club, exploring art shows, wandering through markets, and just relaxing in my spacious home at the top of a very steep hill.
Stay tuned for more posts that will include adventures with a special guest who didn’t need any convincing to visit me in Mexico. As long as she catches her flight, I’ll be meeting Vicky Ann at the airport Tuesday night.
More Scenes from Pátzcuaro (click to view gallery)
Note: My blog has a new look due to the previous version suffering a “fatal error.” Thanks to my friend Eric Kim for recovering all of my content (not a simple task). Once that was done, I set to work rebuilding the site with a new theme which will hopefully run more smoothly. It has been a learning curve but my time in Pátzcuaro has been a great opportunity to work on it.
September 18, 2023 @ 06:28
Whoooo Hooooo! Another adventure!!! It looks amazing! Thank you, Tim. Looking forward to hearing about all the shenanigans once Vicky Ann arrives.
September 19, 2023 @ 15:09
After successfully taking the train to Boston on her own, she’s on her way to Houston now. Hoping she makes the connection.
September 18, 2023 @ 07:00
Nice post. Love hearing about the local culture & seeing the beautiful photos & video of talented dancers!
In nxt. post , can you an add direct link to your location w/ Town info., I would like to learn more about the area.
Safe travels Vicki Ann.. you got this Girl!!!
September 19, 2023 @ 15:09
Will do! Good idea for a future post.
September 18, 2023 @ 15:14
If if weren’t for you, Tim, I’d never “travel” anywhere! Thanks for the colorful account!
September 18, 2023 @ 15:15
(sorry for the duplication!)
September 19, 2023 @ 15:10
No problem! Thanks for coming along.
September 18, 2023 @ 15:14
If it weren’t for you, Tim, I’d never “travel” anywhere! Thanks for the colorful account!
September 19, 2023 @ 18:43
Love your pics and all of the added galleries ~ you are amazing! Give my love to Vicky Ann ~ and tell her to behave herself!
September 25, 2023 @ 11:43
So far she is!
A Million Miles Away | The Alternate Route
September 25, 2023 @ 11:39
[…] miles away in the mountains of Michoacan. The stunning scenery from the terrace of our beautiful Home Exchange house – whether it’s the morning clouds slowly dissipating to reveal the mountains or the […]