This fall, we will continue our month-at-a-time travel adventures, on a three-month visit to Mexico. Famous for its full-bodied culture, fascinating history, and friendly population, Mexico will be our first international month-at-a-time experience. To sample a variety of Mexico’s allures, we will start in its massive capital of Mexico City, move on to colonial Guanajuato, and finish in picturesque Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacán.
In her old age, Lizzie would rather garden than travel the world.
For most of this trip, I will be traveling solo. Unfortunately, Lizzie, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is nearly 14 years old, and too frail and needy to travel. Esther has graciously agreed to stay home with her, but will meet up with me at each of our three destinations.
Daily lowering of the Mexican flag at the Zócalo, Mexico City
There is no better introduction to Mexico than dynamic Mexico City, the oldest capital in the Americas. In 1325, wandering Aztecs were inspired to build their city here, on an island in the middle of a large shallow lake. Almost seven centuries later, it has expanded to over 20 million inhabitants, becoming one of the world’s great cities.
Mexican Stock Exchange (our rental apartment is just to right of photo)
In modern downtown Mexico City, we have rented a small apartment on Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s grand boulevard. Situated near the U.S. Embassy and Mexican stock exchange, our convenient location should be an ideal base for exploring the city, its many museums, and abundant taco stands.
Colorful colonial Guanajuato (taken from El Pípila Monument)
For our second month, we will travel by bus into Mexico’s colonial heartland and step off in the lively town of Guanajuato. Built with the riches dug out of its prolific silver mines, Guanajuato blankets a steep-sided valley like a brightly colored serape. Located near the country’s geographical center, this area is also considered the cradle of Mexican independence.
On the steps of the historic Teatro Juárez, Guanajuato
We will be living in a rental apartment on one of Guanajuato’s many labyrinthine pedestrian alleys. During the month, we hope to solve the maze of Guanajuato’s streets, rock the cradle of the region’s history, and enroll in some needed Spanish language classes. Our visit to Guanajuato also coincides with the International Cervantino Festival, one of the most important artistic and cultural events in Latin America.
Colorful Launches on Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
To witness another essential Mexican event, we will spend our third month in the state of Michoacán, where Mexico holds its most lavish Day of the Dead celebrations. In addition to its festivals, Michoacán is also known for its strong indigenous Purépecha culture, high-quality handmade craft markets, and ever-present orchards of bountiful avocado trees.
Church buried in lava from 1943 eruption of Parícutin Volcano, Michoacán
While in Michoacán, we will take up residence in the bucolic lakeside town of Pátzcuaro. From there, we hope to visit nearby Purépecha villages, explore the area’s lush volcanic countryside, and get to know the city of Morelia, Michoacán’s Spanish colonial capital. By staying a month in pastoral Michoacán we hope to feel its festive vibe, while reveling in the relaxed rhythm of rural Mexico.
Violinist on Paseo de la Reforma serenading Mexico City Marathon runners
From the great metropolis of Mexico City to the colonial masterpiece of Guanajuato and Purepécha paradise of Michoacán, we expect to discover a variety of Mexico’s scenic, cultural, and historical treasures. With our laughable language skills in the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, we are happy to announce our next month-at-a-time travel adventure with an enthusiastic cry of ¡Viva México!
Weekly Saturday Night Cathedral Fireworks, Morelia, Michoacán
Blogger’s Note: I took the Mexico City photos this week, and the photos of Guanajuato and Michoacán during previous trips to Mexico.
Month at a Time Travel 
Oh my gosh, I’m so envious of your latest journey! I’ve never been to Mexico City (even when we flew to Oaxaca we were able to fly direct and avoid the crazy Mexico City airport), so I’m anxious to learn more about it… including if you’d recommend your accommodations.
I’m especially excited to “join you” for the Dia de los Muertos celebrations! We want to get back to Oaxaca for theirs in the next year or so. In the meantime, I will have to be satisfied with the relatively small one we have here.
Enjoy your travels!
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Hi Janis, Even though Mexico City is a massive sprawling city, I have found it very navigable by subway and city bus. Our Airbnb apartment is small and simple, but very conveniently located along Paseo de la Reforma, a beautiful and extremely walkable boulevard. We are within walking distance of the historic center, Chapultepec Park, great museums, and several nice neighborhoods. The only negative is that it is the rainy season, so bring your umbrella. Cheers!
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How exciting, though sorry that Lizzie is slowing down and Esther is valiant for staying with her.
Really look forward to following along on your great journey.
Our daughter works in Mexico and has been encouraging us to travel there. Maybe ……
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Hi Sue & Dave, I am getting settled in Mexico City, but missing Esther and Lizzie. Next week, Es will be visiting for two weeks, while Lizzie stays with my mom in Reno. There are many wonderful places in Mexico that are safe, inexpensive, and interesting. Give your daughter a call, and tell her you’ll be staying with her for a month.
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Looks like a wonderful trip! I look forward to reading all about it!
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Thank you, Ann! I hope to learn a lot during the next three months, and will try to post some stories that you will find interesting.
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Jororama,
Your photos are so inviting and accompanying commentaries so informative. I can feel the celebratory Mexican ambiance and am so looking forward to every post. Mucho gracias, G9
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Hi G9, I am so pleased to receive your lovely comment. It is great to hear from the blog’s #1 fan.
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It sounds like a very interesting trip Joe. Hopefully Esther will get to join you for a good portion of each of your month long stays. The Day of the Dead celebrations would be wonderful to experience. Take care, enjoy and look forward to reading your posts. Tim & Anne
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Thank you so much, Tim & Anne. I hope you guys are well. Traveling solo is challenging because I want to share with Esther all of the interesting and beautiful places I am experiencing. In a few days, she will be joining me for two weeks. We also will be together for the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato and the Day of the Dead celebrations in Michoacán. All the best, Joe
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I love Mexico. I think reading about your adventures will kick me in the — uh — attitude to go back there.
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Thanks, WD! There is a lot to love about Mexico. Now get off your “-uh-attitude” and come on down here.
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The pictures look beautiful. Such a colorful and vibrant place, I can’t wait to visit in the future.
http://www.lacasabloga.com
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Thank you, Estrella. Mexico is a wonderful country, and so close to home. Besides being colorful and vibrant, it is also friendly and interesting. I hope you have the chance to visit in the not-to-distant future.
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