The drive to Pátzcuaro started the adventure! Road closures, traffic diversions, and Google maps sending me into town on practical cart paths. Cobble stone alleys with axel-breaker speed bumps (topes). I am sure that at least 2 of the “streets” Google sent me on were one way, and not the way I was going! 😂
The middle of town, where my hotel was located, was a complete zoo of cars, horses, tour busses, motorcycles, and scooters. There was a HUGE market going on around the cathedral, and people were everywhere.
The hotel let me park RIGHT in front! The property was a hacienda with a central garden. Below is the view from my room.
I went out to check out the craziness and the markets around the cathedral and on other streets. I had a corunda and atole from a street vendor for lunch. (A corunda is like a tamale, but different shape; atole is a hot drink made from corn)
I found the main square, Plaza Vasco de Quiroga. Another lovely plaza with Christmas lights and figures, lots of families, vendors, and restaurants. I found a Lebanese restaurant to have dinner at! I had Moussaka and Nero d’Avolo. So delicious, and unexpected.
While I was eating there was a lighted car parade, caroling and the tree lighting. The holiday events in Morelia and Pátzcuaro have reminded me of the joy, love, and wonder of Christmas, which I have forgotten over the years. 🌲❤️
The second day was a HUGE series of adventures! Isla Janitzio is on Lake Pátzcuaro and is a huge attraction. There is a 40 meter high monument to José Morelos, a hero of Mexican independence. I chose to use public transit to get to the pier – a first for me in Mexico. The collectivos or “combis” are shared vans that have distinct routes. And if you haven’t grown up with them they are nearly incomprehensible. I nearly gave up, but was helped by a kind woman, and rode my first collectivo.
I was reminded on the climb from the docks to the monument that Lake Pátzcuaro is at 2140m/7020ft! Climbing to the monument and then up inside it into the raised hand was far more challenging than it first appeared! The lake is known for an endemic silverside fish that is a local delicacy. So, of course, that had to be dinner.
A really great place to visit. This road trip is going in unexpected and wonderful ways! Next stop Uruapan and a volcano.
Sounds and looks great!