Thursday - The group went to Tlatelolco (also known as "La Plaza de Tres Culturas"), where a government massacre of student and civilian protesters took place on October 2, 1968, just 10 days before the '68 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Though only 30-40 deaths were reported, the death toll estimate ranges from 400-1000 total casualties. Students were protesting their dissatisfaction with the PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) and advocating their desire for a democracy, which would not be achieved until the year 2000. After having watched a film about the massacre, the visit to Tlatelolco was rather emotional and left us feeling a little somber. The Mexican sacred ground is also known as The Plaza of Three Cultures because it composes three eras of Mexican history: a precolombian marketplace, a cathedral that was constructed during the Spanish conquest, and the modern platform where the protests and massacre took place. |
Inside the cathedral at Tlatelolco |
Friday - Travis' birthday! Went to the school around midday to find a chocolate cake with coffee frosting that Julia made. It was soo awesome, I can't even begin to describe. After class I walked around with Doctora a bit, stopped at La Bombilla (my favorite torta place) before heading to the metro. We were trying to go see the murals at Bellas Artes since we failed the first time, but unfortunately failed AGAIN. So to make ourselves feel like we didn't waste the afternoon, we stopped at El Moro, an extremely well-known churrería that's open 24/7. Kinda overpriced, but churros are always worth it. As you can see, Friday revolved a lot around food... A big chunk of the group went to un barrio chino after and then to un sindicato to see another mural, but I was so exhausted that I decided to head home instead. The 15-block trek just didn't sound appealing in the scorching heat... not to see one mural. Apparently I missed out. Later that night I met some peeps for pizza before heading to Mama Rumba, a RIDICULOUS salsa place. We looked super gringo there because we don't know how to dance salsa, but it was so much fun. I kinda want to take salsa lessons... I headed back to my apartment around midnight because I was literally about to collapse. It was a good day.
Today we went to Xochimilco, a sort of market on water. That's the best way I can think of to explain it. Although we got ripped off, we still had a pretty good time, snapping pictures like locos. The ride there and back was extremely long, taking almost 2 full legs on different metro trains. I'm still glad we went though because there is literally nothing like it in the U.S. We're getting together to watch another movie tonight. A good way to end a lengthy, busy day!
 |
The best pineapple juice I have ever tasted |
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me." - John 14:1
