Juarez Park

Saturday was a beautiful day and we spent it exploring Xalapa. Firstly, we went to Juarez Park. It’s the kind of park that when you sit there, stuff happens to you. Firstly, we sat admiring the views of the lovely mountains. We were soon visited by a roving musician. They seem to be an everyday part of Mexican life. If you are a couple in a park or restaurant, they’ll serenade you. He was sweet and had a lovely voice so we let him carry on (and gave him a nice tip). What a nice way to start the day. The museums opened at 10, so we visited the art museum and the city museum. We then went back to the park which was by now getting quite busy. We sat on a bench in the sun and I sketched and David read. Why isn’t life always like this? I think Mexico is good for me. Back in Japan on a Saturday morning, I am slaving over my laptop. We had a few visitors from people selling sweets, balloons or handing out leaflets. A couple of girls did aerobics to loud music on the stage – they were advertising an event next weekend. A lady in a white coat with a stethoscope around her neck approached

“Doc”: “ what a nice young couple and so obviously in love! I’m a doctor from XXXX hospital - do you know what your blood pressure is?

David: “I’ve just had mine measured, thanks. I take medication for it as it’s a little high.

“Doc” Ah! Xalapa life will lower your blood pressure! It’s the lifestyle. Let me check it again to be sure.

David: “no thanks”

“Doc”: “What about you senorita?” (Ha! Love it! Still a senorita at the age of 40!)

Me: “no thanks, mine’s normal – I had it checked recently too”

“Doc”: “well, what about a second opinion”

Me: “no, gracias”

Doc: “well what about making a donation to the hospital?” (Ah, so this is what it’s all about!)

Me: “Can you give me the name and the address of the hospital and I will make a donation there

Doc: You can just give the money to me

David: That’s OK. Thank you. Bye.

Nice try. I’m sure the hospital doesn’t collect money that way….