I hear that there is a big snow storm that is about to blanket much of the Northeast. Well, who needs a snowstorm when Mexico City’s Zócalo is a short metro ride away from you? And you can forget the gloves and hats at home.
This evening I emerged from the crowded and hot metro to discover a winter wonderland of sorts that blanketed the Zócalo. The Zócalo was lit up with lights of poinsettias, stars and the nacimiento (nativity scene) on the surrounding buildings. The choices of winter activities were abundant.
I had my choice of ice skating surrounded with bleachers filled with spectators or riding snowmobiles in a small ring of fake snow. Beside the long line for snowmobiles was a line for sledding. And by sledding I mean dragging an inner tube up a short flight of stairs and sliding down a short incline – less than half a minute. For the less active, there was a tent lined with tables that would eventually hold tens of little snowmen made by molds. Groups of parents and their children huddled around the less than foot and half mold to stuff it with melting snow to make the small snowman before the next family reused the mold. So much for unique hand made snowman. And perhaps my favorite, there was a tent full of kids having a snowball fight.
What better way to make a pint size snowman then with a mold.
I decided to leave the winter activities to those for whom the snow was a novelty and walked down Calle Madero which had been converted into a pedestrian street. I was taken back to memories of Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Groups of holiday makers crowded around statues. Among others, there was the man completely painted in silver, the ancient Aztec and my favorite, a pretty well done Michael Jackson look alike.
With a week from Christmas, Mexico City is ready, with or without the snow and cold.
No comments:
Post a Comment