Mexico, Heritage,

Walking around San Luis Potosi

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AROUND SAN LUIS POTOSI

“The most beautiful things in life are not things; they are people, places, memories, and pictures. They’re feelings and moments, smiles, and laughter.”

This post is a bit of a smorgasbord with some things I noticed from my wanderings around San Luis Potosi. There is so much to see and do.

We walked to one of the large mercados in Centro, Mercado Hildago.  I love walking around these places. They sell everything! Fruits, vegetables, meats, clothing, flowers, decorations—you name it, and they probably sell it. They also have lots of tiny restaurants there. It is very inexpensive to eat at the Mercados.

This time, we decided to try Mundo soup. It is made from stomach linings, etc. It sounds gross, but it was actually very good. The restaurant is called Menuderia Lidia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking back from Centro, we spotted a small store, Ron Huasteco Potosi. They sold all types of rum and tequila. As you can see from the photos, it appears to be a tasting room as well, but when we enquired, they said no, it wasn’t. I think something was lost in the translation. I will check it out another time and let everyone know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the newer restaurants in Centro San Luis is Fork Restaurant. Despite its opulent appearance, the prices are reasonable, and the food is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sundays, one of the main streets in San Luis is closed to traffic until 1 or 2 p.m. People walk their dogs, bicycle, walk, run, and stop for beverages along the way. It’s a great way to meet people and get together with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Also, on Sundays in Tequis Jardin, there are artwork displays in the form of paintings, jewelry, etc. At night, a group of people dance. The women are dressed up, and some of the men are wearing Zoot suits. I am not sure what form of dancing they are doing but all of them are in sync. They must go to the same dance studio.

Wikipedia

A zoot suit (occasionally spelled zuit suit[1]) is a men’s suit with high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers, and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders. It is most notable for its use as a cultural symbol among the Hepcat and Pachuco subcultures. Originating among African Americans it would later become popular with Mexican, Filipino, Italian, and Japanese Americans in the 1940s.

There is quite a history to these suits. If you want to know more, just go to Wikipedia. Very interesting.

https://youtu.be/AXdELifka6w?feature=shared

 

For more than two weeks, a carnival of sorts was held at the Jardin Tequis. We are unsure what the occasion was or if this is a regular event, but the kids were having fun.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Uy4JyPBZhq8?feature=shared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another walk to the Mercado Republica, we ate again at a small restaurant inside the Mercado. The restaurant is called Gorditas Lupita.  Lupita’s son Luis was our waiter, and he suggested one of the meat gorditas. It was delicious. We definitely need to go there again. Looking at the picture closely, you will see how tiny her stall is. She barely has room to move. If I understood Luis correctly, she has been cooking in that spot for 23 years. You can order her delicious gorditas at 443-330-2096. They are also on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico has elected its first female president. It will be interesting to watch what happens in the next few years. Elections are held on a Sunday. A fun fact. Mexico does not allow the sale of alcohol on the previous day, Saturday nor election day. Here are photos of the alcohol section in Costco roped off. We were there on the Saturday.

 

 

 

While walking through the park, we noticed a bandstand erected, and live music was blaring from it. We discovered later that the man singing (a little offkey) was one of the candidates for president (mayor). Then he steps down and works the crowd.  Now, that is a different and more entertaining way of campaigning.

https://youtu.be/SiLT76j7e4M?feature=shared

 

 

 

There is a group of people who get together and perform every few months or so. They are not professionals, but they are certainly enthusiastic. We love seeing their performances even if, at times, they are a little offkey. For 150 pesos (12.00 CAD), it was well worth it.

 

https://youtu.be/jPqjVtUxIpM?feature=shared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a huge store in San Luis Potosi that I have been wanting to see. We did manage to go one day with some friends. This place has two floors, and they sell… well, I am not sure what you would call it. I will let the pictures tell the story.

 

 

Finally, if you ever need a hookah pipe, just go to your local grocery store.

 

San Luis Potosi Part 3

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“A photograph is the pause button of life.” Anonymous

One thing, among many others, that we love about Mexico is the enthusiasm that the people show for life.

Our landlord gave us tickets for a soccer game. My husband and I are not sports fans, but we thought watching a game in person might be more interesting. On the night of the game, we headed to the stadium. There were a lot of military and police present, and the military took part in the opening ceremony.

I must apologize for the poor videos. I was so excited that I did not take the care necessary.

Unfurling of the flange by the army.

Watch the guy in the white hat.

 

We enjoyed it immensely, which I think partly was due to the spectators’ enthusiasm. I loved watching the “fake falls” from some of the players. It was very entertaining. One player fell, and when no one came to help, he jumped up and started playing again. Too funny. In the first hour, the weather was perfect, but in the second hour, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up.

Would we go again? Absolutely, but in warmer weather.

Our next experience with the enthusiasm of the people was at a Beatles Tribute concert. I haven’t had that much fun in ages. The audience, mainly Mexican and many of whom I am sure did not speak English, sang all the songs in English. I think they knew more lyrics than I did.

I went with a few friends on my birthday to one of our favourite restaurants. There was some military ceremony happening at the square outside of the restaurant. I preferred to think that it was happening because of my birthday!!

The other video is at our Spanish English group. I was sung Happy Birthday in Spanish. He has a beautiful voice.

San Luis Potosi Part Two

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“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”  Paula Bendfelt

Yes, travel does fill your life with stories, and Mexico has provided me with so many. Here are a few more.

Museo Francisco Cossio

The museum opened in 1970. This museum has had many lives. It has been a school, hotel, and cottage. It used to have orchards, a tennis court, a lake, a swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

The exhibitions change on a regular basis, and there are musical performances, so you need to check their website regularly. The museum also has courses and workshops.

 

Cost of entry:

Tuesday – free

General public 30 pesos

Inapam 15 pesos

Child 15 pesos

Teacher 15 pesos

Hours of operation:

Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm

Sunday 10 am to 2 pm

This museum is well worth the visit.

 

 

Sherlocks Coffee House and Rock Pub

Walking into this very eclectic restaurant is like walking into the past, during the Sherlock Holmes period.  It certainly doesn’t seem like a “rock pub.” I felt as if I was in England. The coffee and food were very good, and the staff was friendly and helpful.

The rock pub part is a live band from 9 pm to 1 am on weekends. Sunday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm is a soft rock band.

You can find this unique restaurant at Arista #926, Colonia Tequis. Phone 444 100 6607.

 

There is also an outdoor area.

 

The rock pub part is a live band from 9 pm to 1 am on weekends. On Sunday mornings, from 10 am to 12 pm, there is a soft rock band.

You can find this unique restaurant at Arista #926, Colonia Tequis. Phone 444 100 6607.

You won’t be sorry to visit this restaurant. Watch carefully, and you might spot the ghost of Sherlock Holmes!

Christmas has arrived in San Luis Potosi.

San Luis Potosi pulled out all the stops to decorate el Centro, including a skating rink. The temperatures have dropped, but not enough to keep ice frozen. I can only assume that there is something underneath to keep it frozen. Watching the people having a great time, even if they couldn’t skate, was fun.  As you can see, most skaters clung to the sides and made their way around. They did not let that stop them. Obviously, you can wear whatever you want. Even a onesy.

The decorations are breathtaking. Pictures do not do it justice. The tall Christmas tree is apparently a bit shorter than the previous year. That tree was put in Tangamanga Park.

Notice the entrance to Hell. Apparently the man is a politician. This display is inside the Government building.

We had the good fortune to be shown a bit more inside the Government Palace. I would love to work in a place that has that much history.

CAFÉ CORTAO

We were told about this restaurant by our friends Jim and Karen. Mark and Paulette from The Two Travelers in Mexico (check out their vlog https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+two+travelers+in+mexico) mentioned it as well. We were in the area the other day and decided to try it.

We were greeted by the effervescent owner, Alfredo Arroyo Carranza. I do not know how he keeps up his bubbly personality six days a week. At first glance, the restaurant looked small, but he proudly told us that he started with three tables and now has 80. We were asked to wait, it didn’t take long. As we were taken to our table in one of the back rooms, we were amazed at the size of the place. He told us he had won 3 international awards. On Saturdays, there are around 600 people wanting to eat there, so of course, there is a waiting list.

Once we were seated, he asked if we had eaten here before and when we said no, he asked if we liked mushrooms, to which we answered yes. He made a suggestion as to what he thought we would like. He stated that nothing on the menu was spicy. We are always up for a new experience, so we let him choose our meal. We were not disappointed.

Seeing the majority of tables were full, we were expecting to have a bit of a wait for our meal. Another pleasant surprise: it came quickly.

Check out his YouTube interview. It is in Spanish, but you can see his personality and energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UsreRZl7kk

 

From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy and be safe.

 

 

 

San Luis Potosi. Getting settled

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“Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make, so travel often and live life with open eyes and heart.”

Hola from San Luis Potosi. It has been a while since my last post. We have been busy getting settled into our new home but did take time out to explore. We were fortunate to have met Jim and Karen, who spent an inordinate amount of time showing us places to grocery shop, furniture shop and much more. They have certainly made getting settled a whole lot easier. We have never lived in a city, so having stores such as Costco, Super Walmart, Sears, etc. is a real bonus.

San Luis Potosi is a very walkable city with excellent weather, warm during the day and cool at night. For us, it is perfect!

We have a beautiful park near us, Tequisquiapan Park. It is a lovely place to grab something to eat from food carts or take out from the many restaurants around the park and enjoy the park and, of course, people-watching.

On Sunday evenings, people come to dance or watch. There are people who I think belong to a dance group that entertains anyone watching. They are dressed up, and the men are in what is described as “zoot” suits. You must get there early to get a seat or bring your own. In the video below, you will see an older woman who shows you are never too old to enjoy dancing.

On September 16, we went to watch the Independence Day parade. It was an excellent show of Mexican pride and patriotism.

 

Our friends took us to Tangamanga Park. It is huge, being over 1,000 acres. It is the second-largest park in Mexico. It was an old airport and was turned into a park in 1985. In the park, you can BBQ, walk, run, visit the museum, sports fields, outdoor shows and two lakes, to name a few things you can enjoy in this park. You would need at least two days to see everything in the park.

On Sundays, they have herds of sheep that roam the park and eat the grass. Great for the sheep, park and, environment.

I realize this is a video-heavy blog, but sometimes pictures do not do the description justice. There is so much to do in and around San Luis Potosi, and it will take a while to see everything. We are beginning to meet people, Mexican and “gringos”. The only downfall is the altitude. It is playing havoc on my asthma, but I am determined to find a way to make it more bearable.

Until next time.