This past weekend we went down to the Zocalo, what is considered the heart of Mexico City. It is one of the largest city squares in the world. It has beautiful, massive buildings that absolutely have a Spanish influence in the architecture. Most of the huge buildings were erected in the 1500-1600's, from the days when Spain came to "visit" Mexico and then took over. That area dates back to Aztec times where huge pyramids and buildings stood, it was wiped out and built over by Cortes and other Spanish Conquistadors.
The Zocolo has an amazing Cathedral, I was totally moved by it's grandeur and ornate beauty.
and outside, of course the sidewalks are lined with sales people and vendors of all sorts.
We had brunch at the Hilton Hotel with a lovely balcony that overlooked the Zocalo Square. A little hummingbird came to drink from the feeder.
enjoying tea..."awww...muy exquisito..."
the Cathedral Tower
and the Bell-ringer using my telephoto lens..
awww...my sweet girl...
mom and daughter self portraits...
here is an Organ Grinder, they originate from WW2 when many Germans came over.
getting a ride from dad...
About 30 years ago, Mexican workers were attempting to put new wiring under the Cathedral when they discovered the remains of the Aztec buildings. After years of archaeological work, a few buildings have been unearthed, while not in it's entiretyy because the Spanish used many of the rocks from the Aztec buildings to build the Zocalo. This is walking through the Temple Mayor Museum. 
I couldn't resist getting a blessing from an old Aztec Shaman. It was free and I loved it. Dave and McKaylah decided to do it after me, Ava was scared. The Shaman did a long prayer, some of it I could understand, about having good health, long life, etc. She burned copal (a resin) in a bowl and passed it over you, wiped huge bunches of basil all over you, blew a conch shell horn all around you to ward off the bad spirits and sprayed blessed water over your head (which Dave promptly OCDed on it and made us run to a bano to clean us off).
There were quite a few Aztec dancers who despite the blazing sun (remember we're at 9000 feet above sea level) they danced for hours, sometimes barefoot on the hot, black stone sidewalks.
popular restaurant
cobblestone streets and beautiful buildings
a TaquerÃa with an hombre cutting el pastor for lunch
colorful hacienda
Hope you had a good weekend...
