Day132 Durango and Old West!

November 1

0 Miles

Happy Dia de los Angeles, and Dia de los Muertos!

That is, Happy Day of Angels and Day of the Dead! We were fortunate enough to be in a large city for this popular Mexican festival, which is like Halloween combined with Memorial Day, minus the military emphasis, and more upbeat and celebratory. Sort of. That's a simplistic and somewhat misleading explanation but it's the best I can do right now.

We have been enjoying our hotel, which was about $35 a night. It is right in the main downtown area, across from a plaza where there are stages, statues, and vendors all out for the holidays. 

But before exploring the festivities, we went to "Viejo Oueste," or, "Old West." Hollywood used to shoot films in and around Durango. Now there is a vacant set here that has become a tourist destination. For a little more than 3 dollars we got a ride to the place and entrance. There is a half hour show that plays out, complete with campy western music playing in the background. What was strange about this tourist trap was that it was mostly Mexican families who visited.

They said this is future me if I don't put down the bottle. 

Speedy justice.

The plot was somewhat hard to follow, but from what I can tell there were many bad guys, a couple good guys, and some good guys who became bad. But if you don't get into the plot, there was plenty of kicking and fighting, shooting to make up for that. If you are not into the violence they had floozies in brassieres and corsets running around. They weren't central to the plot, but they did provide some eye candy. And if you are not into sexy women, the Indian characters did a shirtless dance after the show, complete with lots of hip thrusting. Something for everyone! We had a great time, and all for just over 3 american dollars!

The ceremonial I Know You Want Me dance.

After the show ended we were stranded for another hour or so before the return bus arrived. In that time we walked around and spent ten pesos to dress up and take photos in the jail. It was the best money I ever spent at a tourist trap.

 We ended the day by cooking a delicious soup on the balcony of our apartment. From there we could hear the Dia del Muerto festivities in the plaza. Our timing was a little off and we missed the action. But we still have tomorrow!

One of our two balconies on the third floor.