Las mariposas monarcas

One of the main winter hibernation sites for monarch butterflies is just a short day trip from Morelia heading into the mountains towards Mexico City. I  decided to do a day tour from Morelia as going on my own would entail getting out to the bus terminal, getting a bus to Zitacuaro and then a small mini-bus (called a cambie)  to the closest town and then walking up the mountain to the butterfly area. My tour group consisted of 4 other Canadians, a guy from Germany, a doctor from Europe currently working in San Franciso with his friend from Mexico City and 8 people from the Mexico City area. The guide spoken both English and Spanish and, alternating  between each,  was very knowledgeable about more than butterflies....Mexican history, the passing scenery etc.

 

The day had started out chilly, around 12,  and cloudy, but the guide, Carlos, had assured us that there was supposed to be a short time of sun in mid afternoon. Since it was a Mexican long weekend called a 'puente' the parking lots were very full and the roads up to the area we were heading was packed with people....mostly from Mexico. Apparently it's a very popular day outing. 

As  we head up the hill to the 'El Rosario' sanctuary we began to see butterflies along the side of the path. many were fluttering to keep warm and many had already lost the battle and were strewn alongside the path. We had been told the hike might be difficult but due to the recent chilly weather the butterflies had moved down to warmer areas closer to us. Reaching the main viewing area took only about 15 min. It was still cloudy but you could see huge black organic masses hanging from the fir trees. These were butterflies clumped together for warmth!. There werr only a few moving about as it was still overcast. Gradually the sun came out and  the monarchs began to move and fly about....few in number and then more and more.

There were so many they were flying in and out of the jammed pathways and would often land on a warm body. In fact, it was hard not to step on them. Here's a picture of one of the women in our group trying to take a picture.

We had the best part of the day as it began to get cloudy and rain a bit. We went back down the mountain to the tourist shopping area for a warm meal....cheese quesidillas followed by chicken cooked in mole sauce. Ymmm.  Here's a picture of our friendly cook.

Back in a real metropolis

Ok, I've done it. I've managed to get out of Los Reyes and am now living and teaching in Morelia, the state capital of Michoacan. It's a beautiful city....and it has movie theaters, sidewalk cafes, bookstores (both new and used) plus it's still close to the countryside. I started at Baden Powell Institute last week after finishing in Los Reyes Jan. 22. Last month was very busy as I had to come here 2x: once for an interview at the school and to look for a place to live and then another Saturday only trip to actually find a place to live. Morelia is about 700, 000 and is about 4.5 - 5 hours by bus from where I was before.

Here are a few more typical pictures of the historico centro area of the city where I am living and teaching. More about the school and the great accomodations  I lucked into in a later post.

Adios!!

The Big Procession

 

This picture was taken the actual feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe at procession approached the seedwork designs on the street ( calle Guadalupe Victoria of course). It's very much a religious procession grouped by local parish with multiple images and floats of La Senora. Many are dressed in traditional local costume whether in the parade or just watching. 

There were many floats with young girls dressed in green robes as Our Lady, many young boys in traditional costumes with mustaches painted on their faces and many girls in colorful costumes carrying baskets of fruit.