Maurice in Saskatoon, Linda in Mexico City - May 2012

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Maurice:

Once Linda left with Joanne for Edmonton and onwards to Mexico, things were very quiet for Maurice. I planted a bit more garden, however, the cucumbers I planted then ended up freezing and I had to replant later. Aaron took a few days off after the long weekend and we worked on the basement suite he is building. I managed to get a complete kitchen installed with him. Marty, the fellow who lives downstairs and I had a chance to hang out a bit. I headed up to Marc's for a few days and spent time with them, then continued on to Tyler's. This time, I got to ride the zero turn lawn mower.

On June 2nd, we celebrated my Mom and Dad's 65th wedding anniversary. My brother Pierre hosted a party for them at his cabin in Cochin. There were close to 60 family members and close friends who attended the afternoon party and supper. Mom and Dad were joined by their best man, Lionel Blanchette, bridesmaid Dora Walker and their flower girl, Juliette Flagel. What an honor to be able to take pictures of that wedding party from 65 years ago. It was very special for all of our family was able to join in the celebrations.

Sunday morning, I was off to the airport and landed in DF right on time, about 8 pm and made it to the apartment about 9:30 where I was greeted by Linda, and our close friend Fran McLaren from Huatulco.

Linda:

Joanne and I arrived in Mexico City on May 21st, 20 minutes early. We caught a cab and arrived at the apartment pretty keyed up so we unpacked, visited and finally got to bed at 2AM. Next morning, we started our day with coffee and fresh fruit followed by a workout and then tanning. In the afternoon, Rosa drove us to the market which was Joanne's first experience with Mexican driving and parking. Rosa insisted we taste many of the fruits and vegetables that were being offered. We went back to the apartment loaded down with lots of good stuff. From there it was to the grocery store for items that we couldn't get at the market, we got water, charged up the phone, and then saw a travel agent regarding plans to visit Copper Canyon. Finally, but most importantly, we bought flowers for the apartment, which is a must for Linda in Mexico. Then, Linda had her nails done while Joanne went for a long walk with our roommate Terri, who oriented her to the Condesa area. We ate supper in as Linda enjoyed cooking; the fish, rice and salad were delicious!

Next morning, once again coffee and fruit, working out, tanning (before it got too hot), and then it was time for a haircut for Linda and nails for Joanne. While Joanne indulged, Linda returned to the travel agent to finalize plans for the trip to Copper Canyon. Hector, our hairdresser and friend, Joanne and I enjoyed my North American renowned taco salad. Then I sent Joanne to get her eyelids tattooed by Hector. Joanne was a real trooper and arrived back to apartment sore and a little swollen. A few Advil reduced her pain and she slept well.

Ok, enough work on beauty! After our morning routine we headed out to Chapultepec Castle which is walking distance from our apartment. We strolled leisurely through the site with Linda serving as tour guide. The views from this historical castle were terrific! We needed a little sit down to rest our backs and people watch. Then it was off again to the travel agent for the final papers. We celebrated with a coffee in a nearby cafe. Joanne enjoyed the sidewalk venue we chose. She marveled at the many restaurants so close together in one area. We strolled home in the hot weather, about 32 degrees, and prepared another stay home dinner.

We were invited out to a birthday party for Friday night, so after purchasing a birthday gift, we snacked and headed to the meeting place. After much visiting, drinking and snacking, about 40 of us piled onto a chartered bus for an evening of bar hopping. First stop was in the zocalo area where we danced, drank, visited and enjoyed the atmosphere. After a couple of hours, we were hustled back onto the bus and were taken to the Girabaldi area, which is famous for its' mariachi music. A whole room was set aside for the growing crowd of guests. We ordered food and drinks, danced and were completely entertained by the mariachi band attending us. From there we went to a "transvestite" bar!!! Here, female guests are seldom seen, but despite that, we danced, drank and visited until the show began. The impersonators were terrific! We sang along with them while they gave us their best! Then suddenly, it was 3 AM and home time. We were driven to our starting point and dropped off. All 3 of us needed a washroom so we hustled home. Joanne, Terri and I had a great time!

We were rather weary the next day so we skipped the workout and hit the roof top patio for a tan and then decided to go for a bike ride. We used our bike cards to borrow a bike and we rode down the boulevards, through one of the many large parks (complete with ponds, fountains and animals), and down the streets. I told Joanne over and over "you will never get hit by a car", so Joanne felt safe and did very well.

On Sunday we followed our routine, slathered up with sunscreen, grabbed a bike, met up with Sara and rode to Reforma, a main street in Mexico City. On Sundays they close this street so that people get out and exercise. There are all kinds of free aerobic type classes, skate board lessons, salsa dance classes and much, much more. We rode all the way down to the zocalo and parked our bikes. We walked past the ruins situated there, visited the cathedral (it was packed, the bishop and guests were present), and were overwhelmed by the crowds and the heat. So it was back on the bikes and to the "folk fair" which was set up along Reforma where we had started our bike ride. Many countries of the world had booths set up where the people could browse, purchase their ethnic goods and food. We selected our food, parked our bikes and sat eating and watching the massive crowds. By that time Reforma was once again opened for regular traffic so the crowds needed to be on the sidewalk. Joanne and I rode out of the crowds and the heat and back to the apartment.

By Monday I realized that there were so many more things that we needed to see and do in Mexico City and so little time. It was off to Balderas Market for shopping. Anything produced in Mexico can be purchased at this permanent market which is open 7 days a week. Joanne found items to be too expensive and not really to her liking so it was off to another market at Pino Suarez where we had greater success. For supper, I created chicken mole for 4 and we enjoyed a visit with Terri and Sara before watching a movie and calling home to Canada.

Temple Mayor was our first stop the next day. When the Spanish conquered the local indigenous people, they destroyed this great pyramid and used the stones to erect a massive and grand Cathedral. 7 different dynasties contributed during the centuries to Temple Mayor's construction, and many artifacts are housed in the museum next to the ruins. Because of the crowds that gather here daily, there are many vendors who sell their wares on 8X8 tarps laid out on the ground. However, while we were there, a policeman was spotted, and because these vendors do not have a vending licence, they quickly gathered up their wares and disappeared. When the coast had cleared, a short while later, they were back in business.

From shopping we went to the Latino Americana building, the tallest building in the Centro. We had a birds' eye view of the city from the 37th floor while we enjoyed our afternoon treat. By then our legs were giving out so we headed for home.

Ok, last day to explore. We took the south route on the turibus and traveled by San Angel, Unam, and more. We jumped off at Coyocan and enjoyed their famous ice cream treats while visiting with some local girls and practicing our Spanish. We visited yet another ornate church and toured the area. We caught the bus back home and were caught up in horrific traffic. Joanne was amazed that traffic moved at all. Vehicles blocked intersections, changed lanes, cut others off and basically did what they wanted to the tune of honking horns which no one acknowledged. We noticed at one intersection that there were 14 different lanes of traffic leading to and from that spot. For our last dinner we ate at the Greek Restaurant next door. We had Spanopakopita and Calamari, yum!

7:30AM Thursday morning, we ended our bonding time with big hugs and Joanne left for the airport and home. That gave me a few down days to catch up on chores, rest, and visit with Alex and Stephanie, our Colorado friends who live in the apartment above us. On Saturday evening, our friend Fran Mclaren arrived in DF to spend the week with us. (Fran taught at the American School for 2 years before finally retiring permanently and purchasing a lovely home in Huatulco.) Sunday morning, we biked on Reforma once again to the Zocalo and then met with friends for brunch. We spent the day visiting and preparing for our flight to Chihuahua at 6AM the next morning. Maurice arrived at the apartment at 9:30PM, just enough time to change clothes, repack a bit, rest a little and order a cab for 4AM.........and off to Chihuahua and a train ride through Copper Canyon!

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Photos

Alfred and Irene Blanchette
Alfred, born July 3rd, 1917, Irene born December 14th, 1923. Married on June 10th, 1947

The Orginal Wedding Party
Best man, Lionel Blanchette, Maid of Honor Dora Walker, and the Flower girl Juliette Flagel

Family Picture
Mom and Dad, Gisele, Rose Marie, then Maurice followed by Annette, Colette and Beatrice and youngest Pierre

4 Generations
Alfred and Irene Blanchette, Maurice Blanchette, Tyler Blanchette and Bennett Blanchette

Over 60 People Attended
We gathered at Pierre and Rob's cabin at Cochin on Sunday afternoon for a delightful meal and lots of visiting.

Dolling up in Mexico
Ines gives Joanne the Royal foot treatment.

Chapultapec Castle
This is the side courtyard of the castle. (walking distance from our apartment) This garden is manicured by several grounds keepers.

Monument of Heroes
Joanne is in front of 4 of the 6 columns dedicated to the heroes of Mexico.

Party Night
Our friend, Jennifer, celebrated her birthday and invited us to help her celebrate. We went bar hopping with her and several of her friends.

Coffee on the Street
We enjoyed an almost daily coffee at a street cafe. there are many cafes, all of them with tables on the sidewalk. It was fun to relax and people watch just like the locals.

In front of the Belles Arts Centre
On Sunday we borrowed bikes with our bike cards and rode down to the zocalo. Here we stopped to view the outdoor sculptures.

Near the Zocalo
We are on a walking street just outside the zocalo, centre of the city. Many people are there and we had to ride slowly to avoid accidents.

The World Trade Centre
We hopped the "turibus" to get a bigger picture of our part of Mexico City. Here is the World Trade Building. This building was meant to be a fancy hotel. When they ran out of money the government bought it and made it the trade centre.

The Bullfighting Ring
Once again, this shot from the turibus. In the bull fight season, this is where the most important contests are held.

Comments

[Mallory Hamre]

Really enjoyed your blog!!!

[Annette and Lionel]

Memories
Hi! Reading your blog brought back many great memories!