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mexico began the fight for independence in 1810, but that was achieved only in 1821. In the end, when the nation succeeded in that goal, there was little agreement on what form of government the new nation would have. The landed classes mostly favored a continuation of the previous system with new leaders and rulers. Liberals, influenced by masonic ideas, were more interested in a republic and the new principles of liberty and enlightenment where people ruled themselves.

The eight month long First mexican Empire was created in this atmosphere. The Mexican Congress chose Agustin de Iturbide, a general of the Independence War, as the new emperor, but Iturbide did not prove shrewd, flexible, or authoritarian enough to maintain himself in this role. After being dethroned, he was exiled to Europe. When he came back in 1824, he was first greeted in applause and cheers, then arrested and imprisoned. Finally he was executed by a firing squad.

Churches, cathedrals, towers and palaces, monasteries dot the landscape of  young mexico. Indeed, the youth of this nation hides its oldest treasures which were created as the ancient Spanish customs, a result of their mixing with the Moors and Europeans, were infused into the fertile landscape of the New World.

mexican architecture is solemn, monumental, and inspiring. It competes with the beauty of the landscape and the green scenery of the the country in terms of its allure and appeal. Wherever you go, you’ll meet some samples, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Green house with white trim

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

A first glance throughout the town of Campeche shows a beautiful town rich with history and character. Traveling down the streets opens a world of marvelous colors of cool pastel-painted buildings highlighted by white trim. colonial details offer elegant flavor and tasteful architecture which mixes perfectly with the cultural style of this interesting coastal town.

Cathedral

CC photo by Rageforst courtesy of Flickr

In the 17th and 18th centuries, a wall was built to protect Campeche against pirate attacks. Evidence of the strength and will of the town can be seen in this still-standing structure. Rich historical details which perfume the town also offered it the title of a World Heritage Site in 2002 through UNESCO. Campeche is well known for taking care of its important historic structures preserving them for future generations.

Brilliant colors of homes

CC photo by Jungle_boy courtesy of Flickr

The night show at the Fort of San Jose El Alto is sure to fascinate visitors, but a walk through the beautiful cobblestones streets after the show is just as fun. Exhibits and museums awaken the senses while eateries indulge your culinary desires and bars delight visitors with drinks and entertainment. There is a comforting feel around town which seems to embrace visitors making them feel welcome and at home.

Balconies of Campeche

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

Adventures can also be enjoyed outside of town with rafting adventures, mountain biking, hiking and climbing activities. Close to Belize, Campeche is often a stop over or jump off for vacationers to and from this northern South American country. Flights to and from Belize are becoming quite popular with vacationers wanting to visit both areas while visiting this beautiful tropical haven. Trips to Campeche are sure to please and perfect for all members of the family.

Arcos de Queretaro

CC photo by 08studio courtesy of Flickr

The City of Santiago de Queretaro is located in the mexican state sharing the same name. It was founded in 1518 after several battles between local native Indians and the Spanish conquistadors. It is said the the Apostle St. James, or Santiago, appeared with a silver cross and made a call for peace between the two groups. It was later known as the “battle without weapons”.

Architecture of Queretero

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

The city is a delightful change from the typical tourist lures of mexico. Here, spring break parties are replaced with beautiful city walks and intimate craft shops. Visitors are sure to enjoy the city tour by trolley and indulgence in one of the many delicious eateries.

Architecture in the area is breathtaking with the arches and detailed colonial decor in both interior and exterior designs. The aqueducts stun visitors with seventy-four immense arches that span a length of 1280 meters and 28 meters in height.

Santiago de Queretaro: Under the Watchful Protection of St. James - Patio in a Queretaro house

CC photo by Marcopako courtesy of Flickr

Winter season can get quite busy as Santiago becomes a favorite tourist destination of Mexican visitors from around the country. Christmas vacations offer families the perfect time to enjoy time away from work and school. Santiago indulges these families in calm and subdued activities and child-friendly fun.

Plaza de Armas

CC photo by Christian y Sergio courtesy of Flickr

Santiago de Queretaro is easily accessible from Mexico City through the readily available bus lines or three-hour drive. The area is a great place in enjoy some relaxation and slow-moving recreation. Many visitors return year after year once they have a taste of this enchanting colonial city.

(CC photo by Bruno .C. courtesy of Flickr)

First domesticated nearly 8,000 years ago, the vegetable remains just as important a food source today as it was then. Aztecs revered corn as an important food source and spiritual component for life as well. Often eaten raw off the cob, boiled and grilled, the most common method for cooking was mashing up the cooked kernels into a masa that was dried, mixed with water and lye and rolled into a flat bread, the tortilla.

Corn arches

(CC photo by Docman courtesy of Flickr)

What is so intriguing about this starchy vegetable is it’s health characteristics and how well it plays with other mexican staples. For example, corn and beans make up the daily requirement of amino acid. This is the protein make up that allows our bodies to function properly. So, the simple, yet tasty, bean tostada offers a very healthy way to sustain life while satisfying the need for flavor as well.

(CC photo by Panetulipani courtesy of Flickr)

A serving of corn offers 25% of your daily vitamin B intake and 20% of dietary fiber. Niacin can also contribute to health, but only when lime is added to corn. The by-product of ash releases the mineral into the human body for absorption. Food made from corn is a wonderful way to get even the pickiest child to not only eat, but eat healthy. It’s nutritional make up affords a perfect energy pick-up and the taste accompanies any Mexican fare perfectly.

(CC photo by Prometeo Lucero {aka Prom} courtesy of Flickr)

Corn comes in a myriad of colors with varying benefits based on the hues. Blue corn, for example, offers a sweet tortilla and even affords a lower glycemic index rating. The colored varieties also offer higher levels of antioxidants.

What’s the best way to taste mexico’s best corn? Visit any market place in Mexico during shopping adventures and you are bound to find stalls with corn tortillas being freshly made. Either with toppings or by themselves, corn tortillas are the perfect way to indulge in the historically valuable and ever popular staple of Mexican culture. A healthy and affordable alternative to some other street food, tortillas are the perfect snack during your Mexican travels.

The Chinampas, or floating gardens, of mexico are both amazingly stunning and rich in history made possible by the gorgeous water Hyacinth. Not only has this flower become the symbol for the canals of ancient Mexico, but has even given way to Aztec tales still alive today.

Up close (CC photo by Rescue Dog courtesy of Flickr)

The hyacinths grow layer over layer creating a floating floor the is said to hold cows and even horses.  In the least, the beds of hyacinth leaves are strong enough to hold water birds that feed on fish and insects in the area. One area on the Lerma River, becomes the starting place for a devastating trip taken by the hyacinth. The plant travels to Lake Champa and empties the Santiago River. The floating beauties then meet an undignified demise as they plummet over the Juanacatlan Waterfall.

Majestic purple (CC photo by Rescue Dog courtesy of Flickr)

The beauty of the hyacinth balances with a horribly sad mexican tale that tells of a father and daughter. The Aztec father was a chief who studied ways to overthrow the Zapotec Indians of the area. He made a deal with his daughter who was to marry the Zapotec leader only to later betray her new husband. Instead, the bride fell in love with her Zapotec husband which greatly angered her father. The Aztec chief sent warriors to behead his daughter and throw her in the river. While her body was recovered to receive proper burial, the hyacinth are said to be the beautiful locks of the maidens hair spreading over the river.

Hyacinth face (CC photo by Aussie Gail courtesy of Flickr)

While many species of plant life struggles to survive amidst modern population sprawl, the water hyacinth is a fighter that often overruns rivers in Mexico. In some areas, two species of weevil and a species of moth are being evaluated as biological deterrents for hyacinth explosions. Needless to say, it shouldn’t be difficult to find grand patches of this beautiful flower along the river ways at Mexico City’s Xochimilco. They are definitely a photographer’s muse and are sure to delight visitors to Mexico.

Castillo at night (CC photo by Garp B courtesy of Flickr)

Veracruz, the busiest port for North American and European trade until fifty years ago, has long held a place in the heart of pirate tails. While garish in nature, the history of bloodshed both terrifies and intrigues visitors. Stunning during the day, the fortress takes on a very different look and feel in the evening.

San Juan haunts (CC photo by Sergio Lubezky courtesy of Flickr)

Spanish invaders first found four Totonic priests leaving offerings to the Aztec God Tezcatlipoca’s alter at the site. This may have offered some supernatural feel to the Spaniards who, through religious beliefs, may have thought these pagan rituals a bit scary and unnatural.

Much of the haunted happenings can easily be contributed to the eerie characteristics of the old fortress. Completion dates for the castle seem to hover from 1701 to 1779. This gives way to a strong and immensely historic fort with too much character and bloodshed to avoid a ghost story or two.

Arches at San Juan (CC photo by Ese Oso courtesy of Flickr)

The likes of Sir Francis Drake and his uncle, John Hawkins, both attacked the fortress as pirates looking to steal the riches en route to Spain. While defeated, the two returned back to England as swashbuckling heroes whose stories would live on for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to pirates, the fortress has withstood attacks by the American, British, French and Dutch forces still stands as a monument of its strength. Many stories tell of prisoners being held, not only behind the three foot falls, but anchored to them. During certain times of the day, the tide would rise bringing water up to the waist in height. It is safe to report feelings of unease and fear are predominant around the buildings, especially in the cells, or so report uneasy visitors.

Waterfront (CC photo by Loco Ver courtesy of Flickr)

The grounds can be visited Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Tours are available in Spanish for a small fee and the fort is easily assessable through a bridge from Veracruz or by taxi or car. It is a must see when in the Veracruz area and definitely an intriguing and highly captivating way to spend a few hours. Children with wild imaginations are sure to enjoy the tales of old within the fortress walls and parents too can indulge in a trip back into days of old.