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The state of Queretaro is one of Mexico's smallest, but there is considerable variation within its borders. Not so far from Tequisquiapan is the start of the Sierra Gorda mountains. I decided to take a bus journey through this spectacular scenery and spend a Saturday night at the town of Jalpan in the north of the state. The journey was around four hours. That isn't so much a reflection on the distance but the road is forced to make tortuous twists and turns through some very remote country. |
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A view of the Sierra Gorda en route to Jalpan |
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Jalpan at first sight is very attractive, and it's centre piece the Mission Jalpan is wonderful. The exterior carving is very impressive. Opposite, the Mission Hotel is also full of character from the outside, and as it was reasonably priced I chose to spend the night there. The rooms were nothing special, however, and it soon became clear that apart from the mission there was little more to do here. It had been well worth it just for the journey though. |
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The Mission Jalpan exterior and interior . |
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In England the end of the autumn term at school means nativity plays or carol concerts, in Mexico it is often something called a 'posada'. This literally means 'inn' and is a kind of traditional celebration with songs the follows Joseph and Mary's plight of trying to find somewhere to stay in Bethlehem. The pictures below show the final rehearsals for this event. At the end of the evening of the event itself, Santa Claus gave presents to all the children as they left. No photos of that because guess who was playing Santa Claus? |
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With little more than a week to go to Christmas and the telephone lines down, so that I could not use the internet, I went for a walk along a straight road leading out Tequis towards a little used railway line. The photos below are of some of the sights I beheld that day. |
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Sign pointing the way to school |
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The road towards the railway station |
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Cacti like these are often used for fencing. |
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Note the volcanic plug of Bernal in the background |
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Christmas time of course meant another vacation and another opportunity to travel. I went to Mexico City to stay with a friend for Christmas itself, before heading south to the magnificent state of Chiapas for some great experiences. Click here to visit the Chiapas page. |
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Me talking to myself in the mirror on Christmas Eve - Why not indeed? |
