What I learned and took away from the Museum of Memory and Tolerance

Dear Family and Friends,

I wanted to share about the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, but when I tried to do so, it became much more involved than I wanted to put in the post for that day. 

I decided to share how the exhibit affected me and what I brought away from it in this separate post. Please excuse my rambling thoughts. 

When we got to the museum I was shocked at the displays about the Holocaust.  It was so well done. It started out with how the people of Germany were convinced, through propaganda, that they were better than other people who were, although born in Germany, did not have "German Blood." Over a very short period of time this led to the people of Germany allowing the government to discriminate against their Jewish neighbors. 

I, of course, already knew the outcome for the Jews. That is why I had a deep unsettled feeling in this early part of the exhibit. 

I also had a deep unsettled feeling because what I was seeing and witnessing seems so familiar with what is happening right now in our own country. Discrimination and separation.

But during these early days the citizens of Germany must not have had any idea of what was going to happen to their Jewish neighbors.  If they had, certainly they would have found a way to stop it???

I am 70 years old, born at the end of WWII. Probably 85% - 90% of the population in the U.S., who are younger than me, have little knowledge of this time. I do not know what is being taught in schools, what is being discussed in the homes about this dark time. Has enough time passed that we as humans are ripe for being lead down this dark path again?

I hear and read news everyday.  Just because I have always known something, does not necessarily make it real and true.  My whole life I have been taught things in church, school and home. I always accepted what I was taught to be the truth and how things are.

One thing I personally brought away from this exhibit was the need of a litmus test for the truth. I hear so many things every day from the media, people in power and even my friends and neighbors. What should I believe? What is real? How can I prevent myself from blindly following what might not be true? Where can it lead if I do?

I have a deep knowing that we are here on this planet, experiencing this existence, by design, from a loving creator. I do not believe that the separation of people by race, religion or political beliefs was ever intended as part of the loving creation of this planet. 

We, as humans, are obviously pliable. Look how many different religions and political systems there are. Each of these were man created to have dominion over other men. 

My litmus test for the truth is my heart. Does the information resonate with the part of me that is connected through love with my creator? We are all on this planet together. To separate ourselves only causes sadness and fear because that is not how we were created to live. Tolerance is so necessary to live as we were intended, in love and peace.  

Much love,
Nancy

Activity Filled Last Day in Mexico City.

Dear Family and Friends,

On Saturday morning Chuck and I headed over to the Alameda Park.  Many vendors were there for the weekend with booth after booth of tourist type items for sale.

Here are some examples of their wares.

Puppets

Bracelets

Copper Pots

Good Luck Rabbit Foot Key Chains  -  I haven't seen one of these for ages.  I am thinking that maybe they cannot be sold in the US anymore?

After a late breakfast, we headed to the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.  On the way, we saw this Organ Grinder. Actually he was not the only one in downtown. About every three or four blocks there would be another one dressed exactly like this man.

I know I said in my last post that I would share about our visit to the Museum of Tolerance.  But I cannot share it in this post. This museum stirred up so many feelings inside me that I will have to share it in future post.

After visiting the Museum of Tolerance we went to the Museum of Popular Art. This was a fun museum and I am happy to share a few pictures of what we saw.

Tons of fun stuff.

After the second museum, Chuck suggested that we go to the tall building, Torre Latinoamerican, that has an observation deck on top, to watch the sun set.  So off we went.

The pollution prevented us from actually seeing the sun set but I got a couple of photos of the city below to share.

The first is the main plaza of the city, known as Zocalo. 

The second picture is right below us. It is of the opera house and is known as the Palacio of Bella Artes.

This is a very beautiful building. We were privileged to attend the Ballet Folkloric show in this building on Sunday morning before heading to Puebla, Mexico.


Here is a picture I made Sunday morning of the theater at ground level.

Here are a few pictures from that performance.

Today we are off to start sightseeing in Puebla.

Love,
Nancy

Museum of Anthropology - Mexico City

Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday, we spent the whole day at the Museum of Anthropology, here in Mexico City.  We had planned to do this museum and one other, but the exhibits were so fascinating that we decided not to rush and enjoy this one museum.

We had hoped to be able to use an English audio guide. Unfortunately, they no longer provide them to visitors. Therefore, I can not give you detailed information about what we saw.

All of the exhibits are artifacts that were created by the Indigenous before any European contact.  These exhibits are incredible, especially when you think about the history we learned in school, that when Columbus discovered America, he found savages living here.  

Well, my friends, just take a look at this art.  I will start with some of my favorite pieces of pottery from the exhibit.

These were some of my favorite figures and statues.  

This is a replica of the intricate work that was in the wall of the pyramids.

This is a necklace and collar made from the lining of shells.  

This small art piece is a wolf or coyote with a man's head inside his mouth. Very detailed work that appeared to be made of mother of pearl.

This is a monkey face gargoyle. There was a trough in back to catch the water and it ran out his mouth. It is amazing to me that cultures (European and American) who had never come in contact, were making such similar items.

This is a musical instrument, like a xylophone. 

Not exactly sure what this large stone carving is.  Maybe a calendar?

I was amazed at the incredible art work.

Gold jewelry.

Having just been in China, this mask looked oriental to me.  Amazing.

This mask had been decorated with inlaid shell lining. 

Some of the exhibits were displayed outside. This first picture is a replica of a wall.  The detail carving is awesome.

Chuck looking at an exhibit that looks like it came from an Indiana Jones movie.

This head was carved before any contact with the Spaniards. Is it just me, or does it look to have African, or maybe Polynesian, features to you too? 

Another Indiana Jones moment.

We arrived at the museum about 10:00am and stayed until about 4:00pm. Except for taking a break for lunch in the museum cafe, we were busy exploring the culture of these people through their art.

If you are ever in Mexico City, this museum is a must see.  

Tomorrow I will share with you about our visit to the Museum of Tolerance. 

Love,

Nancy