Monday, June 27, 2011

Bosque de Chapultepec: Part I

Hola amigos! The adventures continue...

So I have to write about Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) in parts because it is a huge park and we didn't go to all the areas you can visit. It will probably take at least two more trips to see everything. It is the largest city park in Latin America measuring about 270 in total acres. There are three lakes, a zoo, several fountains, many museums including the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, a couple of monuments and a castle. The name Chapultepec means "at the grasshopper hill."

On our first trip we saw the Monumento a los Ninos Heroes and the Castillo de Chapultepec. We also visited the Museo de Arte Moderno but didn't see much of it because by that point Miss Olivia had reached her limit. I tried to squeeze too much in one day and quickly learned my lesson in doing so.

The Monumento a los Ninos Heroes

This monument honors the six army cadets "boy heros" who died defending the castle in 1847 against U.S. troops.

Justin and Olivia

Polaroid of Monumento a los Ninos Heroes


We went on a Sunday and it was crazy busy. I think Sunday is the most popular day to go to the park.
We weaved our way towards the castle. On Sundays it is free. My guidebook failed to mention that it's free for national residents only so I had to pay $51 pesos boo. Students and children were free too. The castle is located on top of a hill. Olivia tuckered out pretty quickly, really even before then. Justin and I took turns carrying her, fun.

First entering the castle grounds

Here's a fancy chandelier entering the castle

A mural by Juan O'Gorman (I think)


Another mural on the ceiling by Angel Flores, "Boy Fallen"


A really neat clock


Crucifix


Nice marble work

Close up



Casta paintings that show racial mixing

The Independence alterpiece by Juan O'Gorman


Mural by Juan O'Gorman



Mural by Juan O' Gorman on the other side of the same room


Close up


One of the gardens outside

View of the park and Lake Chapultepec


More of the garden with castle in background


Famous view from the castle of Monumento a los Ninos Heroes and Reforma



Polaroid


Justin with reflection of checkered floor in glasses


Nice little fountain


Like I said earlier, we did make it to the Museo de Arte Moderno but didn't stay long and didn't see hardly any of it. I can always go back. Here's a photo of me and Olivia. It's free on Sunday to everyone.


Next blog: Going to the market and Plaza San Jacinto

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