Hot,humid and hospitable are the three main words that spring to mind to decribe this city and surrounding areas. The city holds a key point in Mexico's history and it's ultimate downfall.
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Favourite spots: |
In Veracruz itself the highlight is is a visit to the fort of Castillo de San Juan Ulua located nearby. The historic naval museum is also worth visiting as well.
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What's really great: |
The fort which is significant historically as this was the first Spanish stronghold on the Mexican mainland in their crusade to conqueur the various Indiginous people of the area, leading ultimately to the vanquishing of the Incas and Tenochtitlan in which is now Mexico City. The fort's walls appear to be made of a rock that contains various fossilised corals. These are scattered throughout the walls and are very interesting.
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Accommodations: |
There are many cheap hotels clustered in around the main zocalo. We stayed at the Hotel Mexico which was adequate. If your budget stretches to include airconditioning make sure you spend it. It is incredibly humid here.
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Restaurants: |
Restaurant Lardino serves great fish and holds pride of place in the Guiness book of Records for the longest fillet of fish stuffed with prawns.No, that is not what we had.
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Other recommendations: |
Make sure you stop off at one of the typical cafe/coffeehouse and have their Cafe con Leche. It is an experience in itself. Firstly the runner puts an an inch in your glass of thick sweet coffee syrup. When you are ready you tap your spoon on the side of the glass and the senior coffee pourer comes along and tops it up with hot milk. This sounds simple but when he is pouring it from 1 - 2 feet above you, you are waiting to see if he spill a drop! But no, wait for it, not a drop, that's skill.
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Published on Wednesday September 25th, 2002
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