ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਿਤ: 22.11.2017
After an exhausting but totally interesting Mayabmun that Michelle, Ana and I finished off with a really nice girls evening, it was time again: pack the backpack and get a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport. From Mérida, my first flight went to Mexico City, where I met up with Kathi and flew with her to Morelia and from there we continued by bus to Uruapan. We had sooo much to talk about that we barely noticed the flight and bus ride, and when we arrived at our Airbnb with Licha and Fran in the evening, we just went out quickly for dinner at Taqueria Infierno, where we treated ourselves to some super delicious (and unhealthy) Mexican food, including Frijoles Charros (spicy bean soup), tacos and Diablos (two tortillas filled with cheese and meat). After that, we were both so tired that we had to postpone the bottle of wine that we actually wanted to drink together to celebrate the day.
Our Airbnb was awesome: a great attic room in a great winding brick house and we hadn't even seen the best part until the next morning: the garden.
We only wanted to take a quick look at it before breakfast because Fran seemed so proud of it, and suddenly we were actually in paradise again. A lovingly planted huge garden with palm trees, cacti and many other great exotic plants, right on a beautiful river and in the midst of various viewpoints, seating areas and terraces overlooking the river and nature. We could have easily spent the whole day there, but the Michoacan National Park was on the agenda.
After breakfast, we headed there directly and were able to enjoy the wonderfully fresh air among various trees, palms and plants along the river for a few hours before plunging into the hustle and bustle of the city center in the late afternoon.
Uruapan is a very small town, but the atmosphere is great! Even a few days before the Día de los Muertos, there was a festive atmosphere: the Zocalo was buzzing, the most beautiful altars were set up and the houses were decorated with marigolds.
In the evening, our hunger led us to the Mercado de Antojitos (market with all kinds of traditional Mexican delicacies). With its eager market women and unbeatably delicious food, the Mercado de Antojitos definitely became one of our favorite spots in Uruapan.
When we were finally done feasting and were almost on our way home, we accidentally stumbled upon a procession from the surrounding villages at the beginning of the festivities surrounding the Día de los Muertos and of course stayed a little longer.
...before taking some coffee, more good food at the market, hot chocolate and taking in the atmosphere of the city and the festivities. Throughout the day, there were various processions, a concert, Pan de Muertos tastings from various bakeries, and much more.
Time flew by and we could have easily stayed longer, but we were invited to dinner by our hosts. At first we were a bit skeptical and feared a very formal atmosphere, but these concerns were completely unfounded. Licha and Fran are such admirable people with a great life project, and we spent a great and inspiring last evening in Uruapan with an aperitif of olives, homemade crackers and a turmeric-tequila cocktail, during dinner, and afterwards with fresh fruit from the garden, chocolate from various countries and two bottles of expensive wine.
Finally, here are a few snapshots from the streets of Uruapan: