Veracruz: 13 Feb 2009 to 15 Feb 2009

Although Veracruz is Mexico’s important sea port link to Europe, continental America and the Caribbean, the city itself exudes a surprisingly slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere. Strolling along the Malecón; capturing the sea breeze along beach-front Boulevard M. Avila Camacho; lunching on scrumptious seafood to the sounds of marimba music at a gulf-view restaurant—life in Veracruz is simple and refreshing. A local aquarium is the city’s pride.

Important buildings such as El Palacio Municipal, the Naval Museum, the Post and Telegraph Office, and the Museum Faro Venustiano Carranza, are beautifully maintained. El Castillo de San Juan de Ulúa and the Baluarte de Santiago are formidable reminders of Veracruz’s strategic importance. For those who do not wish to venture out of town to explore archeological sites such as El Tajín and the pyramid of Los Nichos, there are always the popular arcades situated around the Zocalo (main square) with plenty of artisans offering their wares.