Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, Mexico -- 10/15/02

Hola Mis Amigas y Amigos!!

Today we visit the last country on our tour, Mexico! The Mexico pavilion is really neat. Designed to look like an Aztec pyramid on the outside, on the inside, it looks like a village marketplace in the midst of a fiesta at night. It puts you right in the party mood, too.

On the way in, don't miss the display of artifacts from different periods of Mexican history. Also, be sure to see the new display of Oaxacan woodcarving.It's called Animales Fantasticos, The Spirits in the Wood. Mixing traditional woodcarving with fantasy themes, these pieces are lovely and interesting to see. They are good examples of the interaction of ancient cultures with the modern world and the works have become prized in the art community.

Once inside, not only is there the market place to shop in and enjoy, there is a boat ride called El Rio del Tiempo. In English, that means the River of Time. It compares to It's a Small World, with a repetitive song and animatronic dolls. It is worth a go at least once if you haven't been, but otherwise, you might want to give it a miss. Of course, the line for this is always short, so you don't have to wait!

There are two places to eat here. Inside the pyramid is the San Angel Inn- delicious, expensive, and dark. Outside is the Cantina de San Angel which has your basic Mexican take-out, but the margaritas are killer! It's also a great place to watch Illuminations from if you are lucky enough to get a seat out back.

Out side the pavilion you will find Aztec Fire dancers, Mariachi players and the most beautiful walk through garden in the World Showcase. Just to the right of the pyramid, there is a half circle path through a tropical garden awash with orchids, plumeria, and beautiful, colorful parrots!

That's it for this weel- short and sweet because I have to go into work early today. Next week, I'll wrap up the World Showcase and Epcot with a piece on the festivals and other stuff that you can experience here if you have the time. Then we will continue our tour by heading to the next park on the list- Disney MGM Studios!

Until next week- Adios!