Top 10 of Morelia

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. As I was trying to think of how to sum up my Morelian experience, place names kept popping into my head, and with them, various memories of my trip here. I've decided to close out my blog experience with a "top 10" of things and places that have been special to me here, and for me represent this great Michoacan city. 1) El Bosque There's nothing quite like el Bosque- it's this huge park that I walked through every day to get to school. In the mornings, it is an exercise hot spot, with people running, doing aerobics, walking their dogs, and even playing volleyball (as I saw a funny group of middle aged women doing yesterday). In the afternoons, I've loved seeing kids playing futbol with their families, and have been fascinated by the people training for bull-fighting. And, the duck pond is always great too, not to mention the ever-present amorous couples. Love the Bosque. 2) Crossing the Street Even though this isn't a place, per say, it's still been a memorable part of my experience. At our orientation, our program director told us that men often have trouble crossing the street, because cars will not stop for them, but that when an attractive young woman is looking to cross, cars screech to a stop. I am here to tell you that it doesn't matter if you're old, young, fat, or skinny, cars will not stop for you. In fact, at times they even speed up and try to run you over. Crossing the street always cracks me up, because it runs so contrary to our orientation advice. 3) La Catedral What can I say? It's beautiful at night, it's got great Saturday evening fireworks, and it's just beautiful. Love it. 4) Casa de las Artesanias This place is like a museum and souvenir haven in one. Local artisans have shops upstairs, but there are amazing handicrafts on display in glass cases too. And I always enjoy looking at the very large fountain outside, and all the activity around it. 5) My Language School My language school has been incredible. It's so well-run, and so well-organized, and has great teachers. The salsa lessons and cooking classes have been pretty sweet too. 6) Panaderias I love going to the panaderia (bakery) by our school and trying something new and delicious each time. . .and avoiding the bees, who also enjoy trying out the goods. 7) Mercado de Independencia Any place where you can buy chiles, leather shoes, and live birds at one stop is a place I want to be. 8) Las Piramides So, they're not in Morelia, but the pyramids at Teohituacan are breathtaking, and such a favorite part of my trip. 9) Walking/Public Transport Morelia is so compact, you can walk pretty much anywhere, or if you want to spend the extra buck or two, take a cab. I never got over my fear of the combis, these VW minibuses that are all-the-rage, but maybe next time I visit I'll be brave and go for it. 10) El Hogar del Buen Pastor I have such a soft spot in my heart for this place. The kids are sweet, the dogs are sweet, and it's just a nice place to hang out. I've loved my time in Morelia, and if you ever go there, I hope you love it too. I've had a good time writing these entries, and if you've gotten through them, thanks for reading, and take care!