Today we traveled to the town of Patzcuaro in the state of Michocan. It is about 1 hour from Morelia. The town is very old and on a lake. It is known for its carnitas (pork slow cooked marinated in citrus juices and spices). Our plan was to grab some carnitas for lunch then head north to see some ruins at Tzinstanzan. We would then head back to Morelia. (Essentially we were going to make a triangle.
All was going to plan (famous last words for this trip). We jumped into the car and headed without incident to Patzcuaro. We found a parking deck off one of the main squares. From there we found our first shopping experience. It was an artisan shop with items purchased directly from the artists. I was so happy! From there we got directions to the market where we could eat some carnitas. Deep inside the market (think farmers market/flea market) we find the area where they are selling their carnitas. The carnitas were sold family style with a plate of meat and a batch of yummy freshly made tortillas. We each fixed our carnitas and celebrated our successful navigation.
On our way back to the car, we past a bakery stand and I had some tres leches cake. For those of you have had the great pleasure of tasting mine, mine was tastier (it could be the rum that I add)...from here the trouble begins because while the downtown area is not very big the parking lot seemed to be hidden from our view. From one side of the square to the other we walked. Stopping on several occasions to ask for directions. Each person would direct us in a new direction. The highlight was when Lazaro asked one lady where the parking lot was and she astutely noticed he was without a car and asked are you lost? Because I notice you are looking for a parking lot but you don't appear to have a car! Again she told us about the main square with the Christmas tree. Again we walk, wondering where we could have gone wrong. For two hours we strolled the city looking for our car. When finally we see the parking lot just where we left it, across from the Christmas tree.
The good news, we found our car in good spirits, the bad news we did not get to see the ruins. Maybe next time! Although Lazaro says if he ever sees Patzcuaro again it will be too soon, I say, it is not the town's fault that we have no sense of direction. I found the town very cute and even with our car issue, I had a great time.