December 11: La Shu-Shu in Queretaro

It is almost always more informative and more fun to visit a new city with a native and although I rode through the town of Queretaro yesterday I was ready for a real tour.

Cesar, Lilian, and I went to visit the family's fire extinguisher factory and I got to use the internet.  After that we headed out to the historical center of Queretaro.  First we visited  the Mariposa, a 60 year old restaurant and bakery.  Then we visited the Teatro de la Republica and Museo Regional (Regional Museum).  It was amazing how many important artifacts were in this museum.  I even got to see the original Declaration of Independence of Mexico from Spain.  Another aspect of this city that astonished me was its antiquity, at least relative to the U.S.  Many of the buildings still full up with families and businesses were built in the 1600s.  The narrow, cobblestone streets converge in little plazas.  In one of these plazas, which was not so little we saw a performing mime (mima) troupe, and even got our picture taken with the wandering wise men from the East. They were a little off route but were still enjoying the journey and that's what counts, right?  In Queretaro there is a great focus on the Birth of the Christ child as the whole town seems to be reenacting the nativity.

Lilian acted as our guide.  She told us that she knew a good deal of Queretaro's history because she was the daughter of a history and travel buff.  Her dad always likes to visit a new town once in the day and once in the night to catch both cultural scenes.
  Lilian is nick-named Shu Shu because when she was a child and was told to be  quiet she thought her parents were saying 'Shu...Shu...' so she began to use the phrase when she wanted others to be quiet.  And soon this new word became her own nickname.

Shu Shu led the way through street markets selling pastries like bunuelos and the local dish, Enchiladas Queretanas (enchiladas with fried potatoes).

It was soon time to head back home for Gabriel Sr.'s birthday dinner.  I got a chance to take my Spanish comprehension skills to a new level as the families told stories.  You have to guess at what you think is said, add a few details with your own imagination, and then laugh on cue.  A delicious dinner, kindly prepared with a vegetarian in mind, filled our bellies.  What a treat to be able to share this special occasion.

When I get home I will add the pictures of this day so be sure to check back soon.

Peace(Bike),

TAD

www.peacebike.org

An 'edu-venture' around the world for peace.

"We seek to connect young people around the world to each other so that their friendships build a peaceful world for us all.

-Tad Beckwith