All About Juan

The hotel arranged for a driver to meet us at the airport. He was very courteous and professional and spoke almost no English. After about ten minutes in the car, John decided to practice his Spanish and struck up a conversation, starting with asking the driver his name. Juan Ramirez. John said he was also Juan, adding "Dos Juans!" Juan the Driver thought that was hysterical.  And they were off to the races. For the next 30 minutes the two had dueling Google Translate, ending at the hotel with "Dos Amigos! Dos Juans!" Juan the Husband was so excited he inadvertently tipped Juan the Driver 25%. (Hereafter, Juan the Husband is calling himself Juan Trigo.  Google it.)

Things got "worse."

We had dinner at the lovely San Angel Inn -- highly recommend. It was raining and we did not eat in the courtyard, but plan to next time.  Juan the Husband ordered the Chicken Mole Poblano. In less time than one can say "margarita," he had himself in a pickle. Mole sauce was everywhere and his napkin was a mess. Without saying a word, the extremely attentive staff discretely appeared from nowhere and handed him a clean napkin and removed the mole covered one. 

Juan the Husband blames the excellent margarita. 

Do not be fooled by the deceptively small glass. That is just a third of deliciousness. The remainder is in the little tin ice bucket being kept chilled.  I don't normally drink at altitude (Mexico City is around 7200 ft), but made an exception. When in France, drink wine. When in Mexico, drink tequila. 

Our hotel is in the Historal Center, just a few blocks either way to the Zócalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. 

We spent the afternoon wandering around the park.  

Lots and lots of families were out - children playing in the fountains.

Entertainers of all sorts - This clown, not nearly as scary and creepy as American clowns, was teaching dance moves to the children.

There is something so familiar with piñatas of cartoon characters. "Toy Story" had a prominent place in this pickup. There's Woody, Jessie, and the top of Buzz (to the left). Of course, there is a ubiquitous Minion. 

The staff at the San Angel Inn should not give up their day jobs and take up portrait photography. Nonetheless, we are very grateful for a rare photo of us together.