Xalapa

I am in Xalapa, the capitol of the state of Veracruz, where I arrived yesterday about noon. Xalapa, called the garden city as it is lush with vegetation, lies in the hills about 60 miles West of the city of Veracruz.

It's elevation of about 3,500 feet ensures a more temperate climate, generally about 15 degrees cooler than Merida or Veracruz, and gets plenty of rain to keep things green.



The picture above is of a lake on the edge of the Centro district which receives storm water runoff for the city and is circled by walking paths, which was well used by joggers, walkers, and young children on bicycles when I visited.

The shot to the right is from the Middle of the extensive park located next to the state government building. The park has been constructed on a number of different elevations connected by a number of stairways and contains number of very large trees and various sculptures. The pink building is a public building which serves a number of functions and in which last evening there was a free concert

The City, with a population of about 600,000, has been built on the hillsides so one gets lots of exercise touring the place.