Almost every bench had a kissing couple, I felt like we were in the set of some Mexican telenovela. The backdrop consisted of trees gently swaying, soft sun rays dancing, and a multihued gazebo sitting pretty in the middle of the block. It was a peaceful early afternoon stroll in Colonia Santa María la Ribera’s Alameda Park on day 178 of our round-the-world trip. We had been bunking in a charming guesthouse for four nights already, yet it was the only day that we set off to explore our backyard.
The park was devoid of tourists, I reckon it always is. Its attractions, a gazebo named Morisco Kiosk and nearby Museo del Instituto de Geología de la UNAM may not lure busloads of tourists to this residential hood but that certainly does not mean they’re not worth a traveler’s time. Well at least, we think they deserve attention too.
Across Morisco Kiosk we plopped on a bench and idled for a few minutes whilst our baby Luna napped in my arms. Mindlessly, we watched teensters with Bieber-inspired hairdos skate and bike to and fro. A couple of roving guards took turns looking on, evidently wary of vandals.
When Luna awoke, we lazily rose and approached the gazebo. This freestanding looker made of wrought iron, designed and built by Engineer José Ramón Ibarrola served as the Mexican Pavilion for the 1886 World’s Fair in New Orleans. It’s more beautiful up close for one could see the intricate patterns which I assume was inspired by Moorish architecture. Surely looks more Moroccan than Mayan, doesn’t it?
Occasionally, performances are held at Morisco Kiosk. That day we weren’t expecting any action (except all that kissing action around us) to be witnessed at the park, hence we didn’t stick around too long. Our tummies reminded us about that late lunch which slipped our mind anyways. On our way back to the guesthouse, we were hoping to find a street taco stall but stumbled upon Museo del Instituto de Geología de la UNAM instead.
It was near closing time yet nobody prevented us from entering. We weren’t asked to pay for admission either. The guard practically shooed us in. I was only expecting to find a few rocks and precious stones, so you could imagine my astonishment when hundreds, maybe even thousands of them unveiled before me as I moved from hall to hall. I even saw a kritosaurus skeletal figure and a meteorite (which we were allowed to touch!). How’s that for an awesome exhibit? Again, at least we think so.
Hubby and I took our time reading the labels and info sheets while Luna happily duckwalked, mopping the dusty floor with her pants as she roamed about. Aside from us there were two other visitors, a father and son, on an equally slow pace. The museum can easily burn two hours of a rock enthusiasts’ day (*cough* sis-in-law *cough*). We would have stayed that long too if not for our whining tummies.
Somewhere down the road, a couple of tasty tacos were waiting for us.
Round-The-World Trip 2012, Ola Mexico:
Photo Essay: National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Metropolitan Cathedral Of The Assumption of Mary, Ciudad De Mexico
Jade Guesthouse, Mexico City
Prospero Ano Nuevo
Feliz Navidad
Ola Mexico
the feeling is priceless when you touched something that you know came from the outer space. Touch sabay ngiti! haha!
I was able to see and touch some samples (fragments) of it from a collector back in 2010.
OMG! And where does this collector live, Dardar?
The architectural details don’t look like you’re in South America but more of someplace like Europe 🙂
True!
Buti ka pa you were able to touch a meteorite. I’ve seen them behind glass enclosures but I never had the chance to feel them with my hands.
They’re pretty lenient in that museum. Twas a really awesome experience, kuya.
ang ganda.. how i wish makapunta ko diyan.