This is the curtain call for the Mexican National Ballet. These dancers are the best of the best in the country. I took this picture from our seats in row 3. Click on the little box to make it full screen - it is very clear - I used my new iPhone Xs Max. All pictures and videos are free to use - no credit necessary.
The Palace of Fine Arts
and the old Olympic sign from 1968
A mural by Diego Rivera in the
National Palace
I loved this tile restaurant by the ballet
We bought ballet tickets the first day we were here. We were lucky to get the center of the third row for $50. I was never to a ballet before - I only saw it on TV. I expected a bunch of guys in tutu's and tights. I did not know quite what to expect.
The Mexican National Ballet performs mostly Mexican Folk Dances. Folk Dancing is a mandatory course in the public schools. The best of the best end up here. The musicians are fantastic - the dancers beautiful and talented. The costumes are vividly colorful. The show goes non-stop for two hours. I kept my camera away most of the time - expecting to video a couple pieces in the act after the intermission. There was no intermission.
After the piece that was the finale - they had a curtain call number that I videoed. Many of the kids in the audience were all eyes and ears - because they learn the steps and routines at school. Some of the songs reminded me of River Dance and Flamenco. We did see Flamenco dancers in Madrid two years ago.
One nice thing being in the third row - we had an excellent view - because all the people in front of us were short :-)
After the ballet we went for drink and pastry. Lulu had latte and I had hot tea. We picked 5 pastries - the entire bill was $5 plus a $1 tip. The line went out the door people waiting to eat. We waited. The service was excellent - and about 5 different wait people struck up conversations with us. Gringos stick out. :-)
After that - we walked thru the bazaars to the National Palace. Admission was free - but they kept my drivers license as hostage. when we left - they gave it back.
I was worn out - we caught an Uber car and headed home for $3.
We turned on the TV - the second version of "The Parent Trap" was on TV in Spanish. We watched and laughed. Lulu said room service was cheap - so we had supper in. Now before bed - I type this story - and will pack a little.
Monday - we have a 9 AM flight home. We have been upgraded to comfort class - but the planes are pretty full. We hope for a bump.
The ballet was full this morning.
Lulu in our seats
The lobby of the ballet
What a beautiful theatre
Some lovely ballerinas after the show.
the ballet lights
There were 4 levels of balconies
Shopping Sunday
Mass was going on when we entered this church
Mexican "Cabbage Patch" dolls
Most of the shoppers are local -
this city stretch for 40 miles
We had pastries and drinks after the ballet.
This was almost as good as a Wenzel creme puff.
At the library and book fair -
this guy was watching for crooks
Cathedral behind the book watcher
Happy Science - they used to call me that
National Cathedral
The National Palace
Murals on the National Palace
This was at one time the mint. It housed all the
gold and silver -
back when cones were real gold and silver
Inside the national palace.
This week is the Festival of the Dead
The Constitutional Chamber - 1852
This market went right up the steps
This camper was in the market are -
full of inventory.
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