Tag Archives: Jardin San Marcos

Jan22

Happy Sunday

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Happy Sunday

It’s been a good week. No crazy emails from Canadians abroad. The trip back from Culiacan was uneventful. Even the internet connection has been behaving itself.

One of my friends went back to Toronto this week so we had one last lunch together. She’s thinking of heading off to Europe. Meanwhile she sent me a photo of a Chinese New Years celebration. That brought back some memories. I haven’t seen that anywhere I’ve lived in Mexico.

I’ve been terrible about phone calls this year. I do have a long distance plan but somehow have been doing a lot more texting this year. But I did call a friend in Leavenworth and a friend in East Wenatchee this week. And it was great to hear their voices and catch up on the news although unfortunately it wasn’t all good.

Yesterday I got together with another friend from Calgary. We hadn’t seen each other in quite a while so we had a lot to catch up on. We were in the Jardin De San Marcos and somehow three hours flew by.

I’ve still been spending a lot of time writing. And at crazy hours and times. The other night at 3:30 am I found myself eating a salad and drinking coffee. I just lose track of time. Good thing I put alarms in my phone to remind me to eat!

The only routine thing I do is online church on Sundays. I haven’t decided which college course to take yet this month but I’m going to look for one with some flexible times. Thankfully Duolingo is around 24/7.

Have a great Sunday!

Feb20

It’s The Last Week

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It’s The Last Week

Spring has arrived in Aguascalientes. Temperatures are back up in the low 80s. The rain has been replaced by warm sunshine. Different flowers and trees are blossoming. And it feels strange to leave here at this time of year. I usually leave in April. But Covid threw all that out of whack so I came to Mexico earlier this year and have to leave earlier. Friends in Washington tell me they still have snow, so I’m not too anxious to head up there anytime soon.

So what am I doing this last week in Aguascalientes? Definitely spending time with friends. That’s the part I hate about leaving. All the goodbyes. But there is always next winter to look forward to. Las Flores has become home and I’ve told Raul I want my room on Begonias back again.

Yesterday I took one last walk to Las Americas. I picked up a few things at Farmicia Guadalajara and at one of my favorite bakeries, La Flor. As I made my way home down the familiar side streets, I realized just how much I love this neighborhood.

And then last night I walked around Expoplaza. I will miss the people, the music, the bars and restaurants, the street stands………there’s nothing like this up north. There was even a concert going on, complete with fireworks.

I will do my usual Sunday internet church this morning with Sage Hills in Wenatchee. This afternoon I’m meeting a friend in the Jardin de San Marcos. I will miss this park. Not only is it a beautiful park, but there’s always a lot of different things going on such as zumba and salsa in addition to all the vendors displaying their wares in stands or on the sidewalk.

I also plan on taking last walks along Carranza, Nieto and in Centro. And of course I will spend time in the park near my house. I will stroll through the tianguis on Las Laureles one last time. I will also visit my favorite restaurants for one last gordita, enchilada, chaskas, burger, jamaica, horchata and Negro Modelo. Will also find some churros.

I will need some clean clothes when I start traveling. So I will say goodbye to Fatima at the lavenderia, who always does a fabulous job with my clothes. Near the lavenderia is Paulina, my hair stylist, so that will be another goodbye.

PACKING! You think by now I’d be used to it with all the traveling I do. It’s always a hassle. It doesn’t matter how organized I try to be.

And somewhere I need to find time for writing and Duolingo.

It’s the last week and it’s going to be a busy one.

Dec19

Feliz Navidad!

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Feliz Navidad!

A year ago I was wandering around downtown Leavenworth taking photos of the brightly colored trees. I was also wearing a ski jacket and boots. It was a pleasure to take photos of the lights in Centro Aguascalientes wearing only a light sweatshirt and tennis shoes.

On my way home I walked through the Jardin de San Marcos where a Christmas market was in full swing.

My last stop was a stroll through Expoplaza where a children’s fair was happening.

Feliz Navidad!

Dec12

Christmas Is Close

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Christmas Is Close

We’re almost halfway through December and Christmas is in the air here in Aguascalientes. After all, who needs snow when sunshine and seventies prevail?

Yesterday I checked out the Christmas market at the Jardin de San Marcos. Jewelry, clothing, crafts, food and Christmas baking, pet supplies, perfumes, oils, toys and more.

I continued my walk along Carranzas and was delighted to see several horseback riders, although the traffic jam they caused along this main downtown street was something else.

When I reached Plaza Patria I was amazed at all the decorations in addition to the obligatory Coke tree. I intend to return at night when it’s all lit up.

The shrill of sirens and the honking of horns signaled the start of the parade of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Dancers, mariachi and a multitude of decorated transit buses with the Virgin prominently displayed on the windshields.

All of the above was on my walk yesterday. I wonder what awaits me on my walk today.

Jul11

Let’s Go For A Walk

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Let’s Go For A Walk

Las Flores and the surrounding neighborhoods provide for some very interesting walks. These are quite traditional Mexican barrios although I did notice this car that really stood out.On another block a children’s party was in full swing. Bouncers are extremely popular and they are set up right on the street as homes here do not have yards.This fellow was wheeling his cart near Expoplaza the other morning.Colorful murals adorn walls everywhere.And I never tire of admiring the beautiful flowers.How sad that the Jardín de San Marcos is still closed due to COVID-19.However the Templo de San Marcos Is open.I’m almost home now as I see the infamous Plaza de Torres in the distance.

Jan29

Different But Interesting

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Different But Interesting

I walk a lot here in Aguascalientes. I go in and out of shops in Centro where I engage the locals in conversation to improve my Spanish speaking skills.

I also come across other nonverbal but interesting things in this quaint city.

Have a look at this poster I saw yesterday. Beer and yoga. Quite the combination. I can’t quite get my head around it but apparently many Mexicans can.

On my morning stroll through the Jardin San Marcos I encountered this colorful character. He was leading a walking tour in the area.

Preparing for the Ferria San Marcos is underway near the Expoplaza. The entire street is being redone as well as the path that goes by the park. I snagged this photo through a hole in the fence surrounding the construction site.

When you don’t have a yard for a birthday party the street will do nicely. Very different from the parties I made for my kids back in Canada. While bouncers were rare but parties in bowling alleys, roller rinks, mini golf centers and cinemas were common.

On my walk to the tienguis I passed by the junkyard. Look at all those plastic items on their way to be recycled.

Amidst the food vendors, used clothing, tools and miscellaneous hodge-podge I found this breath of fresh air at the tienguis.

Leavenworth is a Bavarian village and Las Flores is a quaint barrio. I am blessed to be able to enjoy both.

Jan18

San Marcos

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San Marcos

On my walk to Centro, I often pass by the Templo San Marcos.I then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park. Occasionally I come across a Zumba class or encounter fencers, but this morning it was quiet by the gazebo. In the evenings there are sometimes salsa dancers or musicians.There are a number of statues throughout the park. Here are just a few.
This morning I met a man from San Luis Potosí who lives close to San Ciro where I spent two months last winter. I’ve had several interesting conversations with people in the park and find it a great opportunity to practice my Spanish. But no matter how hard I try to strike up a conversation, these two never speak to me.

It still seems strange to me that the trees are beginning to bloom although it’s the middle of winter.

On the weekends there are numerous vendors displaying their wares on the sidewalks. Of course there are always the food vendors as well. But my favorite time to come to this park is on weekdays in the morning.

Jan22

I’m Back! Guess Where????

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I’m Back! Guess Where????

We take a lot of things for granted in life. When they suddenly become unavailable we become frustrated and annoyed. While I thoroughly enjoyed my two months in San Ciro de Acosta, the precarious internet has seriously affected my writing. Sitting next to the modem in the office of the junkyard (yes, the hotel office was the junkyard office) the signal came in as fair at best. Uploading photos took forever. I was constantly getting messages that I had timed out when trying to reach a website. Google would repeatedly tell me to check my internet connection. Ugh!

But I am now back in civilization. I am in the beautiful city of Aguascalientes. I haven’t been here a week yet and I am amazed at what this city has to offer. I sincerely hope that I can cram the eleven museums and other interesting landmarks into the month I intend to stay here.

A mere 5 minute walk from where I am staying is Expoplaza, a huge mall currently still under construction. Only a few shops and restaurants are open right now, but I was delighted to find Cinemex open and I enjoyed a movie yesterday afternoon.

Directly in front of the mall is a beautiful park with an abundance of benches and tables. I have decided that when it’s time to color this outdoor venue appeals to me. The park also has an awesome playground for the kids. Just beyond the park is an area designated for roller skating.

As I continue my walk towards Centro, I come across a street that reminds me of Calle Independencia in Tlaquepaque. Lined with restaurants and shops, it is open to pedestrian traffic only. I had a delicious torta and horchata yesterday afternoon for lunch.

Minutes later I arrive at the Templo San Marcos and the Jardin San Marcos. The church was crowded and a quinceanara was taking place. When girls turn fifteen here in Mexico, it is a great cause for celebration.

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The Jardin San Marcos has fast become one of my favorite spots here in Aguascalientes. The greenery is spectacular, the music relaxing and the variety of street vendors displaying their wares is most interesting. Food, candy and toys seem to be the most popular ones.

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About five minutes past the park and I am in Centro near the Basilica. This afternoon I went to Telcel to renew my plan. Best experience ever! Ten cashiers, no lineup and cashier activated it immediately. So much easier than in Mazatlan.

I then took a ride on the Turbus to acquaint myself with the city. The tour was in Spanish and I understood almost everything the tour guide said. I added a few places to my “to visit” list. 

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After the tour, I strolled down one of the side streets and came across yet another beautiful church. Across the street from it was a mall called Parian where I sought some air-conditioned relief from the heat outside.

Tomorrow is museum day……