Morelia

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We took a bus from Uruapan to Morelia for a day of sight seeing. The buses are very nice and it was a great way for Ed and Ray to do some sight seeing without having to drive. Morelia, named after local hero Jose´ Maria Morelos was one of the first cities founded in Nuevo Espana in 1541. There are many historic buildings and over 20 churches in the historic center of the city. The city center has a unique vibe and is a wonderful place to spend a day.We spent the day walking and exploring before taking a trolley tour. There was a little excitement when Ed was checking out a motorcycle that belonged to a local motorcycle cop. A little boy had gotten his balloon string wrapped around a sign pole in front of the motorcycle. As Ed bent over to unwind the string, the motorcycle crashed to the ground and several parts broke off. You should have seen Ed! He jumped back and almost ran away...It was really funny.We were really interested in the murals in the Library. They were quite interesting. The murals depicted the political history of Mexico. The artwork was wonderful, but the subject matter

is always intrequing. We are never quite sure what they are trying to depict.

We strolled through the Mercado de Dulces, Sweets Market, we found a guy selling handmade guitars. On a whim, I bought a mandolin. I played the guitar in junior high and I thought the mandolin might be interesting. I came home and downloaded an instruction book on my kindle. I am learning how to play the basic notes and read music again. Apple Valley has an annual Blue grass festival with musicians and workshops for music students. So, who knows, I may have a new talent, or just an interesting souvenir.

We hopped on a Trolley for a guided tour of the city. It was in Spanish, so I was the only one who understood the narration. We moved too fast for me to translate to the others, but with so much to see, it was a very interesting tour and much too far to walk. We especially enjoyed seeing the Fountain of the Three Tarascan women, the Aqueduct and the Jose Morelos statue.

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Photos

Mandoline
This is the maker of the Mandoline at the Mercado de Dulces

Motorcycle
This was the motorcycle that mysteriosly fell over when Ed was standing next to it?

Narrow streets
Beautiful Architecture

Incredible mural
This mural in the library depicted the history of Mexico, from the Mayan and Aztecs warriors to modern science

Statue of Nuns
on the side of the Cathedral

Library bookshelves
The books were so old and in such perfect order, they looked as if they were also a mural

Sculture of Señor de la Sacrista
Made fromdired corn paste with a gold crown from 16th century

pipe organ
with 4600 pipes

Fuente de Las tarascas
Three Tarascan ( Perepecha) women holding a fruit basket

Statue of Jose´Maria Morelos
Sculpted in 1910-1913 by Italian artist Guiseppe Ingillieri and shipped to Mexico