Hot and hazy morning in Vera Cruz… From my Maria Isabel hotel I have only 4 cuadras (blocks) to the nice and green Parque Zamora. At the far end of the Parque I saw the little white church, not mentioned in my guidebook. Coming closer I recognized the big statue in front of the church – it is John Paul II – our pope and the saint! Sunday church service was conducted inside the church with many people staing outside. They told me that it is the oldest church in Veracruz – Santo Cristo de Buen Viaje. Chist of the Happy Travelling. So for the first time I – the traveller – had a chance to visit traveller’s church…
But the solid bronze plaque from the pope’s monument was stolen. Veracruz has opinion not to be the safest city. They have nice coastal promenade – the Malecon and little main square – Zocalo with the white cathedral and elagant Palacio Municipal. Around Zocalo you will see long portales – arcades housing cafes and restaurants… Lighthouse in the nice building is not open for visits but you can take a boat tour around the harbor for 100 pesos or city tour on junk doubledecker for 40. Nice city, but be careful!
