December 12th continued

Hi again,
Just got back into our room and thought we'd do one more quick update before falling into bed.

Walked back to the Zocalo and then on to the Santa Domingo Cathedral (I guess we hadn't walked enough yet today!). What luck we have!!! We arrived just in time to witness the sacrament of the Virgin Guadalupe service. A young woman (who has been selected to fill the role of the Virgin Guadalupe) stands at the front of the church in a wedding dress and there is lots of blessings from the cardinal (we think he was a cardinal) and then there is communion and then the virgin comes out of the church - much like a wedding actually, in fact we thought it was a wedding until we realized there was no groom. We didn't see the entire service but it was a real bonus to have seen any part of it. As well, the Santa Domingo Cathedral is very oppulent. The entire front of the church is totally gold and the ceilings are completely carved and painted and ornate....it is quite an attraction.

On the way to the cathedral we came across yet another Christmas tree. This one was made of metal and had round plant pot holders all the way up it. In each holder there was a potted pointsettia. It was so beautiful!! There are so many poinsettias here decorating the zocalo and the parks and all the public places in fact.....it's hard to describe.

On our way home....we stopped in the Zocalo again for a quick night cap. Lynda had hot milk and Kahlua (her new weakness) and I had a Cappucino con rom pope....which is my new weakness but I won't be able to get it once I leave here - whew!! Lynda on the other hand will be in trouble as she can get Kahlua anywhere :) Rom pope is Mexico's version of a thick egg nog with a tequila based liquor in it...added to a latte it is decadent and delicious. While walking through the zocalo en route to the place we were headed for our nightcaps....we bumped into yet another person we know....he works in our hotel. It is amazing how we can see so many familiar faces in such a big place after being here for such a short time!!

Time to hit the hay....hasta luego.
Lorrie