Morelia Travel Mini Series: Tips and Thanks

I said this wasn't going to go on and on forever-

This is the last one!

Rounding out this mini series of travel blog posts, I'll leave you with-

Tips!

Because, why not, eh?

Bronze statue of thee native Mexican women at the center of a fountain. They are unified by holding up a giant woven platter of fruit. Locals have added cloth masks and scarves to the figures.

A beloved symbol of Morelia:

Bronze statue of thee Purepecha women at the center of a fountain. They are unified by holding up a giant low rimmed basket of fruits piled high. Locals have added cloth masks and scarves to the figures.

Mind the sun.

The uv index is rather high in central Mexico, even in winter. The region is designated subtropical highlands so that basically means you are closer to the sun twice over! There is generally plenty of shade, but remember to cover yourself up, wear a hat, sunglasses, etc. During non-pandemic times don't forget to put that sunscreen on yo' face!

Stay hydrated.

Morelia is about 6,400 ft / 1,950 m above sea level. At this altitude the body tends to loses moisture faster. IBS sufferers might struggle with this more than others. I, um, did. Beverages like Suerox or Electrolit can be a lifesaver. You think less often about drinking when wearing a mask so make it a point to take liquid breaks.

Wear insanely comfortable, practical shoes.

Talk to people once in a while.

I've been all about avoiding human contact because of the pandemic (and because they are people), but if you need help with something remember that Morelia is a tourist town. They have a pretty good grasp of the words 'hospitality industry.' Most folks will be polite and helpful what ever level your Spanish is at. Even the cops will hail a taxi for you. Or so I was told.

A small garden park at night light by flood lights. A wrought iron bench overlooked by a saintly statue is the focal point.

Stay alert.

Morelia is generally quit safe. To be honest, I have never felt as safe in Mexico as I felt when I was there. (and, fyi, my 'empathic, womeny feelings' are backed by facts). Hugo and I had no issues with theft or violence, but that didn't give us license to be careless idiots about town. Don't think you are completely safe because you are in a legit "pueblo magico." Remain in the historic district, unless you have actual business being elsewhere.

Check your shoes, bed, clothes, etc for spiders or other crawlies!

Protests happen.

Where there is a manifestacion of any kind, there's sure to be a passel of riot police standing by. It's best to calmly avoid these situations should they arise. Even if nothing dramatic goes down.

As it so happened, one day when Hugo and I were out exploring the city, there was a moderate gathering on a main street- maybe of front line workers? We didn't want to congregate with anyone so we didn't get to find out more. We just kept moving and as we were crossing an intersecting street, we turned our heads to look- and what to our wondering eyes should appear? A wall of black clad riot cops in full combat gear. Like well mannered urbanites, we behaved as if they were an everyday sight to see and kept right on walking.

Learn something!

Learn how to keep copper bright and shiny. Learn a simple basket weave. Learn about butterflies; chocolate; history; current events; language. When you set foot in a colonial city like Morelia, you don't have much of an excuse not to.

So I want to wrap this up with a big-

Thank you so much for humoring me in this blogging series effort.

For your comments, likes, and cups of coffee here is something I haven't shown yet- A video! It's even low-resolution video art. With the effects added, all I could export was a low quality version. The footage was shot during the Day of the Dead which was exceptionally weird in 2020. (Don't forget to turn up your audio.)

[video: Night scenes of an out door event being set up in a plaza outside of a cathedral. White helium balloon clusters are tied to folding chairs and sway in the wind. People set up the stage while others loiter around. The video contains glitchy effects and ambient audio from the location it was shot at.]

Where these tips helpful? Did you like the video? Let me know what you thought. How can I do better? Should I try another series? Drop me all the comments!

TMi