I wasn't going to do a blog again, this being our 25th year of coming down to this wonderful "City of Eternal Springtime." I thought things might be a bit redundant. But just being here one day of our three week stay, I realize everyday brings new things.
We arrived last night just in time for margaritas with Fred & Kat and Edna and Larry and Jan and Bill. The cocktail conversation covered Brian Williams where we had a number of different takes to female musical composers. Dinner, much to my delight, was chili relines. Natalia, the cook, knows that is my favorite and had made it specially for my arrival. Needless to say, it doesn't take very long to be transported to paradise where life just doesn't seem to be able to get much better.
Today we went to the Gardens of Mexico- an amazing place that covers 51 hectors which is close to 125 acres of gardens. It is about 30 minutes south of Cuernavaca; about 2 hours north of Acapulco - in the middle of nowhere. Four years ago there was nothing there. Now it is a cornucopia of delights.
We were greeted by a very large peacock topiary and later found his mate, the pea hen.
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| Our distinguished group in the Italian garden |
There is an Italian garden replete with marble white statures of Neptune, David, the Madonna and others.
There is a Japanese garden with flowing waterfalls, bridges, serene pathways, a tea house and a huge assortment of Koa swimming among the lili pads on the pond.
Bill taught us that if you clap your hands the Carp will come; sure enough it worked!
Then there is a sculpture garden with a wide variety of different sculptures positioned along pathways. In the middle of this space is an art gallery with a delightful assortment of art sculpture.
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| This was one of my favorite: a small figure outside with a huge shadow painted on the wall. It was titled "Shadow Box" |
The place is so extensive we took a golf cart around to get from place to place although there was a lot of walking involved as well. It was a feast for the senses as we wandered through mazes and arbors. Looking up we saw strange fruits hanging from trees or bright colored flowers.
And there we're plenty of benches and seats along the way where we could stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Next up was an orchid exhibit; the colors were gorgeous!
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| Bill and Jan |
There was even a water moat around them. Loren clapped his hands and carp appeared!
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| Edna and Larry |
Near the orchids was a building where monarch butterflies were kept. We learned there are two kinds of Monarchs: One kind migrate from Canada and live about 9 months. The ones we saw in Las Jardines de Mexico only live for two months. A guide showed us a Monarch laying eggs on a leaf, tiny little caterpillars, as well as cocoons ready to hatch.
Our next stop was the cactus garden. Looking at these pictures, just imagine that four years ago NOTHING was here. They had to bring in all these cacti- the large one weighs more than 50 tons!! (I know you think I embellish but that is what I heard!!- At any rate it was VERY heavy. I would have loved to see the cranes or whatever they did to get it here.)
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| This is the blue Agave plant where we get our tequila for our margaritas!! |
We were parched and ready for lunch by the time we ended our tour so we went to the restaurant that is part of Las Jardines. . . and what a grand place it was! It was a huge space covered over with a bamboo dome. We chose an assortment of dishes, and the plating was beautiful.
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| Tomato Tuna Salad |
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| Eggplant Parmesan |
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| Stuffed Calamari |
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| Ceviche |
We came home exhausted but enlivened and most of us went up for a short siesta. Bridge at 6:00 was followed by margaritas at 7:00. There was more lively conversation through dinner as we pondered what composers after the nineteenth century might be worthy of our attention. We also weighed in on some Oscar nominees with critiques ranging from no stars to five stars. That's what I love about this place - no one is shy about giving an opinion and the opinions are multi and varied! This was a grand first day of our 25th year, and I can't wait to see what follows! BUENOS NOCHES.
1 comment:
Great! Always love your posts. Keep them coming.
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