Visit to Durago, MX

As promised, I want to share some photos and stories about my recent visit to the city of Durango, Mexico. You are correct if you say that Durango is somewhere in the U.S.. There is Durango, Colorado. The difference, other than the obvious is that most of the Western movies were filmed in Durango, Mexico.

One person stands out in the history of Durango. A man that we all know at least my name and maybe by his historical contribution to the winning of the Mexican revolution from 1910 to 1924. The revolution that created the constitution that Mexico enjoys to this day. He is one of many generals that lead the revolution and is probably one of the best known, especially by us gringos. His name was Francisco Villa. He is best known as Pancho Villa. His name is still displayed throughout the city to this day. Photos and stories are seen and read in many of the cities museums. T Shirts and hats and park statues honor his past.

Durango is probably best known today for its scorpions. Mexicans generally refer to the people of Durango as Alacran de Durango (Scorpios from Durango). There is one of the largest scorpions ever caught in one of the museums measuring eight inches long. Does anyone want to join me on a campout in the area?

Durango is located east of the Sierra Madres mountains. This is one of the worlds most rugged mountain range and sits between Mazatlan and the city of Durango. A new highway opened up last year between the two cities shortening the travel time by many hours and made the trip more enjoyable since one did not have to worry about falling off of a cliff next to the road. If my memory is correct, it took twelve years to complete with several tunnels and a large bridge that had to be built over a deep canyon. It is best taken on a bus so you can enjoy the beauty along the four and a half hour route.

Maggie and I were joined by a common friend Lexie. They shared a room while I enjoyed a separate room to myself. Our visit was timely as the city celebrated its annual cultural festival and the days leading up to Easter.The town was alive with activities and Mexican tourist. The three of us were probably close to the only non-Mexicanos in the city, unlike Mazatlan where you see as many Canadians and American as you do Mexicans.

Enough of the writing as I am tired from trying to spell each word correctly. It is now time to share some of the many photos I took during our visit.

These are some of the better photos taken along the route to Durango.

One of the many tunnels built for the highway to pass.

The bridge that was built over the canyon.

Rugged mountains that earlier pioneers found on their way to the Pacific Coast.

No, that is not a highrise office tower. It is the back side of a road sign.

The photos taken while in Durango are too numerous to share. It is best enjoyed by you visiting the city with your family and friends.

This is an example of one of many streets setup for the weeks festivals.

One of several cathedrals in town.

 Francisco Villa, aka Pancho Villa, asleep. He is one of the tour guides.

Two photos of Durango's hero.

Located in one of the many parks.

Another cathedral day and night.

 Some of the fine art displayed in the many museums around town. They are artists from around Mexico.

Maggie and Lexie

 
The sidewalk of the Stars. These are a few of the many movie stars that filmed here.

Maggie with my hero John Wayne.

The good old boys enjoying telling stories of the good old days.

He could not stay awake to tell his story.

My personal HERO

Maggie and Lexie

In the spirit of Easter which is tomorrow, let me share some of the photos taken inside two of the cathedrals that we visited,

I wish I could do justice with these photos and stories in leaving you a real sense of how much we enjoyed our visit. As I said earlier. You must visit Durango yourselves. I did little inland travel in Mexico as I passed through sailing south to Central America and Panama and I am now promising myself to now to do so. Mexico is rich with its history and its beauty of the landscapes and colonial cities. As you might expect, there is a strong influence of from Spain and the Catholic church. Much of this influence was positive but we must also know that not all was such. Read the books written by John Michener on Texas and Mexico to gain a sense of some of the history that changed Mexico throughout the centuries as well as having some influence on our own country in the past as well as today.

Next installment of the Dolce Vita chronicles is taken from Zacatecas.

Until then, be safe out there.