Many people normally would not describe a building as being particularly "special," (unless you built it!) however; there is one very special building in the cosmopolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico that is certainly worthy of the title.

Upon entering the Cabañas Cultural Institute you'll find this to be true because of the rich history of the building and also because the Institute is home to some of the most fascinating Mexican murals by the late and brilliant muralist Jose Clemente Orozco.

The building was named after its founder and financial backer Bishop Juan Ruiz de Cabañas. Something so very endearing about this wonderful treasure in Guadalajara is that it was originally built to provide a home for orphans, the poor, handicapped and the elderly.

To no surprise, it became a World Heritage site in 1997 and can be described by many as being "simply breathtaking!"

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is affectionately known by many of the elders in Guadalajara by its previous name of Hospicio Cabañas (Cabañas Orphanage). If you ask many of them, one or two may fondly recall passing by to see little children playing happily.

The construction of this special building began in the early 1800's under the supervision of architect Manuel Tulsa and its doors were opened in 1810 to the first orphans while still under construction. Unfortunately, the construction had to stop temporarily due to the War for Mexican Independence (1810-1821) and wasn't finished until around 1845.

In 1937 Jose Clemente Orozco (Jalisco native) was invited by the government to paint the chapel of the Institute which he later completed in 1939.

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is now used as a cultural promotion center and offers classes as well as tours of the awe inspiring large scale murals by Orozco including his world famous mural Man of Fire (Hombre de Fuego).

By: E. Llamas
To view more of his pieces and for more information about the Cabañas Cultural Institute please see http://www.explore-guadalajara.com/HospicioCabanas.html

Buzz... People... Buzz and People

Greater Mexico City sometimes considered the world's largest and most populated city is the most ancient metropolis of America. Founded by the Nahua Aztec or Mexican tribe as Tenochtitlán in 1325, it rapidly became the capital of a sophisticated growing empire. Mexico City is the highest (2,240 meters / 347 ft) metropolis on the North American continent and is located in the large Valley of Mexico, also called the Valley of Anáhuac. Sheltered by the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Mexico City has the best climate of the world, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.

The Mexico City population is around 28.5 million inhabitants!!! Yes, I know there are a lot of people over there... but Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico, the nerve center of the all political, financial and cultural activities and has an important relevance as the "bridge" among the United States and the Latin America.

Mexico City is also the Federal District (Distrito Federal in Spanish, and hence the abbreviation D.F. that officially follows the name of the city). The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City: both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity.

Mexico City incorporates 58 adjacent municipalities of Mexico State and 1 municipality of the state of Hidalgo, according to the most recent definition agreed upon by the federal and state governments.

Mexico City offers everything a modern, savvy traveler or family vacationer could ever want.

Mexico City D.F. is huge and that's why the number of hotels and accommodations are also high!

In Mexico D.F you can find luxurious rooms with services of every kind, boutique, suites, comforting low price rooms, budget accommodations and amazing colonial hotels in the historical zone...so, in Mexico City you will have so many options to choose the hotel that is just right for you.

This colossal city offers a great variety of cultural, commercial and tourist attractions where you and your family will be able to realize all kinds of activities as visiting museums and admiring its marvelous collections that reflect the historical and artistic evolution of the people of Mexico, from the pre-Hispanic epoch to the present day. Mexico City is a city with world class events, festivals, shopping, food and wine, and a fabulous arts scene.

Mexico City is one of the most important cultural centers in the world boasting more museums than any other city. It is also the fourth city in number of theaters after New York City, London and Toronto.

Mexico City Mexico has, recently, received significant attention for its incredible architecture. A mix of 16th, 17th and 18th century European buildings are found with contemporary day businesses near by.

History shows up everywhere in the city, for example, there are at least a dozen major working archaeological sites within the city limits!

Speaking of the past, you won't want to miss the Xochimilco floating gardens, which have been in existence for seven centuries, since the time of the Aztecs!

Such an experience awaits you in the Zocalo, the historic heart of Mexico City. The Zocalo is just one of many amazing spots in this vibrant and ever-changing city, though, dominated by its monumental Metropolitan Cathedral.

Chapultepec Park, the largest park within a city in the world, is a fantastic example. The park is in places exactly as it was centuries ago, but elsewhere in the park you will find a host of entertainments for adults, kids and the entire family. From mime troupes to magic shows, there's something for everyone.

And then, Mexico City offer a beautiful zone, Coyoacan. Coyoacan is an enchanting colonial neighborhood in which you can actually feel the tranquility and colonial charm of Old Mexico.

If you want to know more about the history of this marvelous nation, and not only, I suggest you to visit "The National Anthropological Museum"

México City is also a very special place for shoppers. Anything that is made in México is available here along with countless imported designer items.

Shopping in Mexico City ranges from extraordinarily varied (and frenetic) markets to swanky boutiques, department stores, and shops specializing in Mexican arts and crafts. For its numerous bazaars, squares and malls up to exclusive boutiques Mexico City offer crafts, clothes and silver jewels of every kind at exclusive prices.

Plan a visit to Polanco, especially the areas of Presidente Masaryk, Centro Santa Fe and Zona Rosa if you would like to bring home good stuff. Centro Coyoacán and Perisur, which are both located in the southern part of the city, are other very popular shopping places.

TRAVEL TIPS - Try to negotiate on the price, sometimes it gives good results :-)

What about the Mexican cuisine you will taste in this huge city?

The arrays of restaurants, of every kind, dotting the roads of Mexico City propose delicious recipes and spicy tastes! Most of the Mexicans eat meals on the street in the marketplaces, but the Mexico City restaurants range from traditional Mexican restaurants, seafood specialists, Spanish, French, Chinese, Argentinean and Italian cuisines. You will find some of the world's greatest steak houses and also some of the best tacos.

After a good tacos dinner, maybe accompanied by the typical Mariachi music, the party starts...

The Mexico City nightlife is some of the best in the entire world. You will have an almost endless choice of options. Nightlife doesn't usually get going in Mexico City until 10 pm at the earliest, and while the more sober places close at 2am, others stay open until 4 am or later. Mexico City is always alive, but at night, the vibrations pound and the parties kick into full swing.

The music scene boasts jazz clubs, loud all-night discos, Mariachi music, Flamenco, Cuban and salsa clubs, classical concerts, opera, philharmonic orchestras, romantic trios, chamber music and much much more!

TRAVEL TIPS -Check with yours and other local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your Mexico City Vacation. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out!

TRAVEL TIPS - Mexico City has a reputation for danger. The average tourist is not likely to be a victim of these crimes. The first rule of Mexico City is NEVER hail a taxi on the street. Take only sitio (stationed) cabs that operate out of stands or cabs called for by hotel or restaurant staff. Major tourist areas are generally very safe, but be on your guard against petty theft, as that threat is pervasive. Mexico City has an inexpensive, easy-to-use metro, and an equally cheap and practical bus system plying all the main routes.

The amount of fun you can have in a Mexico City Vacation is impressive!

By: Elena Piccini
Travel and information about Mexico and its destinations - Mexico vacations, Mexico hotels and all inclusive resorts with many travel ideas and deals! Check our Travel News page and discover the inside secrets of Mexico.
Elena Piccini
http://www.letsgomexico.com

Chances are, your little ones won't appreciate the Toltec influence on the Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza, nor will they delight in the architectural beauty of Merida's colonial buildings - but that does not mean the city has nothing to offer them.

First of all, though they might complain about the heat and their lack of interest in a pile of rocks, do not miss the chance to watch their faces light up when they see the Castillo at Chichen Itza in real life. Climbing the main attraction, checking out a real Mayan hut, and seeing the cenote where human sacrifices may have been made once are sure to interest most children. Some kids may find the huge machine on display by the bathrooms interesting when they learn it was used to dredge the cenote and take out the treasures found at the bottom.

And while the majority of kids may not appreciate the excellent museum and the peaceful ruins as much as you will, most kids cannot resist the cenote at another Mayan site called Dzabilchaltun. Bring some snorkel gear and let them see the little freshwater fish that live there. But please watch them and don't take children who can't swim. The cenote is shallow on one end, but very deep on the other. Be sure to bring your own towels, sunscreen and water to drink as well. There are no changing facilities or lifeguards.

Part of the educational value of travel is being able to see how people live differently around the world. If you can, drive from Chichen Itza to Merida on the "free" or "libre" road, you will have a chance to drive through and stop in some small Mayan towns or pueblitos (pweh-BLEE-toes). Children will learn a lot from seeing how children their own age live and play in the Yucatan. Stop in one of the towns for an ice cream or helado (ay-LA-doh) or a Coca Cola (Yucatan drinks more Coke per capita than any other place in the world!) and take that chance to interact with the local people at the store. You will all learn something!

Once you are back in Merida, the Centennario Zoo, located near the southern edge of downtown, is a wonderland of fun activities for parents and children alike. This huge park is home to hundreds of exotic animals including giraffes, lions, bears, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos, tigers, turtles and snakes. Each animal pen has its own placard in Spanish and Maya with facts about the creature's environment, diet and lifestyle. Patrons are also welcome to meander through the zoo's huge aviary, a tropical garden filled with parrots, peacocks and other beautiful birds. You can stroll through the park on foot or catch a ride on the train that circles the perimeter.

In addition to animals, the zoo has several playgrounds, an area for rollerblading and toy vendors galore. Entrance to the park is free, but some of the activities like pony rides, bumper boats and go-carts charge a few pesos per person. You can treat yourself to traditional carnival fare like corndogs, popcorn and cotton candy, or enjoy Mexican treats like chicharrones, tacos and panuchos. And on a hot day, all those beautiful trees provide shade for the animals and for you and the kids.

Close to the Hyatt and Fiesta Americana Hotels, Salvador Alvarado Stadium and Park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a softball diamond and two soccer fields, in addition to facilities for weight lifting, boxing, aerobics, gymnastics and dance. As part of the Yucatan State Sports Institute, this 65-year-old establishments serves as both a training grounds for local athletes and a recreational center for the public.

The entrance is located on Calle 62 in the Buena Vista neighborhood and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak hours between 3 and 8 p.m. when local sports teams come to practice. While there is no official charge to use the facilities, they do ask that patrons make an occasional donation - in whatever amount possible - to put toward maintenance costs, and use of the pool is $12 pesos per visit. Month-long courses in various sports, even including salsa dancing, are offered to the public, meeting once a week for around $150 pesos.

Never underestimate the pleasure of a swimming pool to children. If your hotel has a pool, and most do, why not take a day to enjoy yourselves poolside and really concentrate on what vacations are all about: being together with family. And if your hotel does not have a pool, then spend a day at the beach in Progreso or one of the surrounding towns. Your kids can have fun picking up shells, swimming in the shallow water or maybe even renting a boogie board or waverunner. The beach at Progreso is shallow and the waves are seldom more than a foot at most. You can have fresh guacamole with chips and a cold beer right on the beach while you watch your kids play. What could be better?

After you have enjoyed these activities, there are still several tried and true methods of entertaining kids. Merida's professional baseball team, the Leones, have home games at Kukulkán Stadium and Sports Complex with ticket prices as low as $5 pesos. The Merida English Library, located on Calle 53 (in between Calles 66 and 68) hosts a story hour every Saturday at 10 a.m. Finally, when your travels have exhausted you, enjoy a low-key evening movie. The Fantasio Cinema in Hidalgo Park downtown and the Cinerex Theaters on Calle 58 near 59 have at least one movie showing in English at all times. Take a bus or taxi to the Gran Plaza and you will have up to 12 movies available to you, including a VIP room that features barca-lounger chairs and waiters providing everything from piña coladas to sushi, as well as the usual movie fare of popcorn, hotdogs and cokes. Keep in mind, however, that PG-rated movies in Merida will be dubbed in Spanish.

Remember to always bring water when you are going outside and make sure your children drink even when they are not thirsty. Dehydration can creep up on them when they are not accustomed to the heat.

Merida and the Yucatan provide you and your children a place to go that is exotic and probably vastly different than your home town, but it still has the comforts of home. If you need to help your child feel comfortable, there is a McDonalds or Burger King nearby. But when your child is feeling adventurous, there is much to explore and learn about. It is a place none of you will ever forget.

By: Ellen Fields and Jim Fields
Ellen and Jim Fields are expatriates who write Yucatan Living http://www.yucatanliving.com, a lifestyle website about living, working and traveling in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

1) La Quebrada Cliff Divers

A visit to Acapulco is incomplete if you do not make the time to visit the famed La Quebrada Cliff Divers. This is a group of professional sky divers who put on daily shows for the public. In each of these shows, they will dive 45 metres from the cliffs into the sea. Their stunts will literally take your breath away. Night shows are also held, and are even more fascinating to behold. The divers bring torches with them as they make their dives and look like bright lights streaking into the dark sea.

2) Nightlife on La Costera

Acapulco's nightlife is known the world over and any visitor looking to let down their hair and enjoy themselves must make it a point to visit La Costero. This is a street in Acapulco with a variety of pubs and clubs that will allow you to hop from club to club without having to travel long distances. Three clubs frequently visited by foreigners include Disco Beach, which features a dance floor directly adjacent to the Condesa beach, Barbarroja, a club in the shape of a pirate ship, as well as Andromedas, which features a real mermaid in a tank by the wall! (The mermaid is actually a scuba diver, but it is still a pretty cool sight to behold!)

3) Coyuca Lagoon

Coyuca Lagoon is a breathtaking fresh water lagoon and is a gorgeous sight for the eyes to behold. Surrounded by palm trees and a variety of flora and fauna, framed by blue shallow waters, and teeming with wildlife, Coyuca Lagoon is the stuff that stories are made of. A variety of lagoon tours are offered. Visitors can enjoy a cruise along the Lagoon before hopping off and enjoying the food at the local beachfront restaurant. Or, you can simply find an empty hammock and de-stress. Either way, Coyuca Lagoon is a must-see for visitors.

4) Acapulco Botanical Garden

Acapulco Botanical Gardens is a beautiful piece of greenery located in the picturesque Southern Sierra Madre Mountains. Visitors will find themselves entranced by its two creeks, its tropical weather and its mind-boggling range of flora and fauna. The animals also feature prominently among the Garden's many attractions. Have fun trying to spot the iguanas, lizards, snakes, possums and racoons as you trek through the Garden.

5) Fort of San Diego

The Fort of San Diego is Acapulco's most revered historical monument. The Fort attracts a steady stream of visitors who are not only interested in seeing its unique star shape design, but who want to visit the Acapulco History Museum, which is housed within the Fort. The museum features several collections which portray Acapulco's general history and the role of the Fort in Acapulco's past. The Fort also has beautiful gardens and provide countless phototaking opportunities.

By: Orson Johnson
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Holiday accommodation in Acapulco & Holiday apartments Mexico

You are laying in a hammock, watching one of the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen. Softly,it swings as your toes dig into the soft warm sand and you reach for your favorite drink. It is hard to tell where the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea start and the shimmering sky ends.

Iguanas sun themselves on the pavement and mangroves grow on either side of the road. Familiar scenes like this one above happen every day on Mexico's Peninsula. From Cancun to the Belize border.

But where is Costa Maya and why is it so special? Costa Maya is a 57-mile long stripe of the Caribbean Mexican coastline that is unspoiled, relatively convenient, eco-friendly, culture inspiring and full of profitable excitement. The beautiful beaches are what sets Costa Maya over other areas. The barrier reef, the Chinchorro Reef is one of the best diving and snorkeling in the Western Hemisphere. With most divers every day choosing Cozumel, Cancun, or Belize...you can enjoy 20 miles of unexplored reefs and shipwrecks to yourself.

Costa Maya has one draw back with their beaches, being to close to the barrier reef. The water is shallow, there is little surf, and the existence of sea grass makes the water look darker. You have to have someone rake up the sea grass daily if you want a clean beach.

This is the first Western Caribbean port designed exclusively for the cruise industry, but their stop at the port only allows its clients one day at the port. You can drive from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen but it is a long and expensive drive in a private car. Tourism has caused the area around the pier to be just one shop after another and three cruise ship can dock at the pier at the same time.

With acres of unspoiled coastal land, vast natural resources and rich historic and cultural influences Costa Maya offers tourists a view into the Mayan History. Costa Maya is the largest concentration of Mayan archaeological sites and existing Mayan population.

By: Kathi E Jacobs
http://www.kathijacobs.mtravel.com
I am a certified TRAVEL AGENT and also the Vice President of an oilfield instrumentation company. I love to restore artifacts, paint, cruise and antique cars.