Lorena wanted an early morning for picture taking so we were up and out at dawn. There were no people because it was Sunday so Lorena was in snap heaven.
In the big main square (think Times Square) they were blocking roads and erecting barricades. We looked at signs and realized that there had been a Chinese New Years parade last evening. We then remember the fireworks we heard while in bed last night. We felt foolish for having missed it but then tried to rationalize that we had seen two good parades all ready. (note to self – always check out local happenings) .
The confusion continued. We assumed that the set up was more about Chinese New Years but it was a bike race with children and families. There were recumbent bikes, motorized wheelchairs and tons of fun.
Lorena started to panic that we only have five days left and we need to make sure we get to all the things we wanted to do. We went back to the apartment and re-grouped by making a list. We struck out again and walked and walked.
At a flea market this woman talked and talked to me- we gestured and smiled at each other. I kept saying “english” but it didn’t matter to her. The people we have met have been so kind.
We went to the old train station. Paul Theroux wrote about arriving here and being charmed.
We went to the Silk exchange where they were having a photo shoot with a quartet.
We explored El Carmen more. So far this neighborhood is my favorite. Small winding streets with tons of graffiti. By this time the crowds were thick with families and tourists. We saw women and girls in the traditional garb. We assume that it must have something to do with church.
Then we realized the police were out blocking streets and helicopters were overhead. (Could it be the apocalypse?) And then we saw the real bike race. One amazing sight were the cars chasing the race with replacement bikes on their hoods. We retreated our sweet apartment for siesta.
K & L's Travel Blog 