Mostly in the Centro Historico

The day began looking out over the rooftops, as usual. We didn't have enough sleep last night, so we began slowly, wandering down the streets of the neighborhood in search of coffee and sweet bread which we ate in the park. Then we came back to our room, and decided to go again into the Centro Historico. We went by metro, which is by far the fastest way during the work week, and emerged at the Zocalo, the great plaza where Cortez built his cathedral and palace on top of the Aztec city he had conquered. I'll write more about these places another day. Today we went north of the Zocalo and slowly made our way down to the Palacio Bellas Artes, where we spent several hours looking at the murals by Rivera, Orozco, Tamayo, Sigueres and others -- also material for another post. What I want to show you today are simply what I think are the best photos of the day, all taken within a few blocks of each other.

This gentleman in his crisp white linen suit was browsing the bookseller's stalls, and stopped - as we did - to listen to a trio of fantastic musicians playing blues on the street. Something about his face captivated me, and I took this portrait.

A corner of the House of Tiles, a famous 16th-century mansion that is now owned by Sanborn's. We went in for a coffee and a bite to eat, but before that, I saw this young man poring over a comic book he'd just bought at a street kiosk.

The Palacio Bellas Artes at left, and the Post Office at right -- one of the most magnificent buildings in the Centro -- after a brief shower.

Many people took refuge on the steps of the Palacio during the rain, and the light was soft and particularly beautiful.

A street scene, looking up toward the Zocalo. Click the image to see a larger view.

Comments

[Marja-Leena]

So stunning, historic and colourful, these two posts! I"m glad you are enjoying it all and I look forward to more photos and stories. I still remember the ones from last year's visit.

[Rubye Jack]

Beautiful and enlightening as to the daily reality here.
The Mexican muralists are some of my favorites, particularly Tamayo and Orozco.

[Roderick Robinson]

Just think there were guys who called themselves philosophers who went mad trying to turn base metal into gold. En passant, armed only with a camera and a critical eye a common house-fly would be proud of, you do the deed in one-fiftieth of a second. Out of the mess cometh order, I say, transfixed by your first pic. Sorry I dropped out for a few posts, I've got Tunbridge Wells on my mind.

[Andrea m.]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[hattie]

A place for the imagination. The street scene reminds me of Lima.

[Ellena]

The dove, or is it a pigeon, looks around hoping that you are not coming after her.
I like following you around on your trips here and there.