The plan for yesterday was to go to the famous Isla Janitzio in Lake Patzcuaro. And that's what we ended up doing. And, we had some company!
Fellow RV traveler and blogger Wandering Mike was in the area, and we sent him a note saying we would stop by the Villa Patzcuaro Hotel and RV Park to see if he wanted to come to the island with us. So we took the collectivo taxi bus for the hour long ride into Patzcuaro. We walked over to the RV Park, and sure enough there was Mike, ready to go with us to the island!
Tickets for the return trip to the island were 45 pesos ($3.42) each. We had about a 20 minute wait because the boats only leave when they are full. Most weekends, you won't have to wait very long.
On the boat, on the way to Isla Janitzio
There was entertainment on the half hour boat ride.
On the island, heading uphill every step of the way towards the statue. Ruth on the far left, Mike on the far right.
You then pay 6 pesos (45 cents) to climb the stairs in the statue, up to the lookout in the statue's wrist.
Looking back towards the city of Patzcuaro
Looking north towards where Sherman is parked at the top end of the lake.
Looking back at the island.
Walking back to our bus stop to catch the collectivo to Quiroga, Mike offers to buy us a beer. Never one to say no to such an offer, and feeling a little thirsty from all of our walking anyhow, we accept. We find a little spot that is advertising birria, but we tell the waitress we don't want any food, just a beer. That's fine, and she brings us our drinks. But after a few minutes, she also brings us a shot of mezcal! She is sitting at the table next to us with her friends and family, and we are the only other customers. After all, it's only 4:00pm or so. Soon, we are chatting back and forth with Lucera, and we learn that she has spent a lot of time in Texas and her English is quite good. After a bit, she asks if we have ever tried iguana, mentioning that it is a bit of a specialty in this area. We didn't really plan on food just yet, but we agreed that she should bring us one order and we would split it between us.
Next thing you know, we have three bowls of shrimp and iguana soup in front of us, with more mezcal, and more beers...of course with the accompanying tortillas and sauces and tostados...we were having an unplanned feast!
Ruth, Mike, and Kevin eating shrimp and iguana soup! (Stole this pic from Mikes blog...thanks Mike!)
Iguana legs...tastes like chicken!
Actually, it did kind of have the consistency of chicken, but a slightly different flavor. If you've ever had frogs legs, you'll kind of know what I mean.
Emely, Lucera, Alma, Mari, and Norma at their restaurant Birrieria Caracuaro, located across from the Pemex, where the buses stop to go to Quiroga.
Ruth noticed that this restaurant next door has some pretty interesting food too!
A lot of photos again today...we gotta stop having all this fun! Had a great day with Mike, and we're actually going to move Sherman today into the RV park in town this morning. Only for one night, and then we'll head to the nearby city of Uruapan for a couple of days.
You can check out Mike's blog at http://abueloloco.blogspot.com/ for more pictures of our day!
Sounds like a real fun day with Mike and on the island. Gotta love the flexibility of stopping for a beer, a few shots of mezcal and sampling something different, a great impromptu feast.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so now that I know it takes like chicken(sort of) I will not have to try it:)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you could eat Iguana. But then I don't, won't, can't, eat frogs so I doubt I'd try Iguana.
ReplyDeleteBut if you find some good Taco el pastor let me know. That's my fav!
Safe travels.
I think it would be fun to try iguana. Sounds like a great time was had by all. :)
ReplyDeletePlease, tone it down a bit.
ReplyDeleteOur activities director said today is ice cream and announcements day. Big deal. Not exactly the same as eating iguana.
Iguana? Didn't know it was edible. The photos of the statue and from the statue are awesome. Glad you three had a great time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking me along. It was a great time. Tomorrow I am going to get one of those vertical roasted chickens for sure....and just maybe a wee bit more Mezcal while I watch it roast a tad longer.
ReplyDeleteWe tried Alligator and I liked it, but Iguana .hmmmmmmm does it taste like chicken ? I draw the line at frog legs.. all I can think is slimeeeeech ;-) Derek
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I was wondering when I saw your blog for yesterday if you could go up that statue. Now I know...
ReplyDeleteIguana? I might try it if I get the opportunity!
Mike and Dee
gonerving.blogspot.com
I don't know about Iguana....can I eat it with my eyes closed???
ReplyDelete