I’m sitting in a cafe enjoying my last full day in Coatepec. These past two weeks have been different than my time in other cities. I have just been enjoying daily life – no spectacular tours, no grand sights, just the ordinary beauty of a town half the size of Bellingham. All aspects of the coffee industry are big here – they have the right climate for it, too! Apparently coffee provides the residents with a fairly good standard of living. I have not seen as much begging on the streets. And they enjoy lots of coffee shops! Of course, there are the usual artisan shops and great food, too! I will miss this place. The banner photo is a sight that I have marveled at – I have never seen plants growing in the utility lines, aren’t they beautiful?
When I love walk around the city at about 12:30 pm (see above). Schools are getting out for the younger kids and all the adults are there to shepherd them home. The vendors are right by the door selling afternoon snacks. The student uniforms look so professional I wonder what they want to be when they grow up. This morning there was extra support in the form of uniformed police complete with guns and helmets. Hmmm, I wonder what’s up?
Pueblos Mágicos “Tourism benefits the residents of our Magic Town, improving their quality of life”. It sounds like propaganda to me. Coatepec is proud to be the first town in Veracruz to be designated a Pueblo Mágico. This federal program has been interesting to observe, as I have traveled to a few of them (there are 121 so far). As the ad says, the goal is to encourage tourism. Cities are selected who have a rich history and personify the unique spirit of Mexico. They get funding, as I see the logo everywhere. I believe they fund a tourist office that supports many of the celebrations that happen in the city. I wonder if the ad is hoping to convince residents of the value of the program?
Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico at 18,491 feet high. 
LAWYERS 
Good looking seafood & smelled yummy! 
I paid $50 ($2.50 USD) to be serenaded. They weren’t great, but it was fun! 
Hmmm, this pace is for rent . . . 
Ok, let’s get serious about coffee! The historical center of town is littered with coffee shops – not just for drinking, they roast and package, too. Walking down the street the coffee smells are intoxicating! This is the first city I have visited where I can consistently get a rich cup of coffee. I have become used to having my americano black because the cream here is powdered (I have tried several times to get real cream, to some strange results). I get some interesting looks when I order it without sugar, but I can relish the flavor that way.
My last post had no churches. I saved them for today! This past week Coatepec vivaciously celebrated its patron saint, San Jerónimo. The churches were the center of the celebrations, so here is a glimpse of some of the festivities.
The large panels are constructed purely of plant material! 
These large panels are built in the streets on frames made of bamboo. 
A dancer who cracked a whip with a terrifying sound! 
The band could be heard all around town and sounded great!
My México Travels 
Ah! Life is not worth living without a good cuppa coffee. The pics look so vibrant with all the colors especially as we are moving in to the dark grey days of fall here in the PNW. Thanks for sharing that amazing mural of flowers/green plants in front of the church..what a gift to see that in person. Thanks for sharing! BJ
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HI Kathleen, Where to next? Given that you took special note of those rental opportunities, might you be thinking that Coatepec might be a wonderful winter retreat? Carol B
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Just got caught up on your latest posts. I especially relate to your travel days. I think they are an exercise in endurance even in the states. Sorry 90 degrees sounds good to me right now as it is raining and gray. Time for the Seahawks. Adios
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