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Kimpatsu Hekigan

Jun 6, 2013, 7:44 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1361 views)

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Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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Is this the fate of Lake Chapala and Lake Pátzcuaro, too?

Mexico City’s ancient Xochimilco floating gardens are in ecological peril

FWIW,

-- K.H.

Before enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.
After enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.

dos gatos felices

Jun 7, 2013, 3:15 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1334 views)

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Re: [Kimpatsu Hekigan] Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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How sad. Just last week I had told my daughter that I want to visit the canals twice. One trip would be a weekend one where we could soak up local vibes and energy. The second trip on a quieter weekday for photo taking and serenity. How naive.

It's not about me, however. It's just more sad news for the continent and world.

esperanza

Jun 7, 2013, 6:16 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1327 views)

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Re: [dos gatos felices] Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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By all means plan your trip. We often go and have a marvelous time.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Maesonna

Jun 7, 2013, 9:41 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1308 views)

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Re: [dos gatos felices] Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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I agree, don’t shelve the idea of the trip on account of the article. What it says is true, but even in the article itself it mentions that this process has been going on for a long time. I’ve been in the area of the canals for 15 years, and what is visible to the tourist has hardly changed over that period.

The idea of tasting both a lively trip on the weekend and a quiet trip on a weekday is excellent, and I recommend it to anyone who has the time.

esperanza

Jun 7, 2013, 10:10 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1303 views)

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Re: [Maesonna] Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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There are few things more fun than going out on a trajinera (the boats that ply the Xochimilco canals) on a Sunday afternoon. It's like a combination of bumper boats, battle of the bands, and drive-in restaurants, with terrific interaction among the families and friends who are out enjoying the day. I recommend that you go to Embarcadero Nativitas to rent your boat--what fun!

You can arrange a weekday trip while you're there on Sunday. Tell them you want to go to the chinampas--the islands in the canals where organic produce is grown. You'll probably be taken through the locks to get to the other side of the canals--yet another kind of adventure.

Don't miss either trip, you'll love them both.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

dos gatos felices

Jun 7, 2013, 4:51 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1278 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Xochimilco floating gardens, dying of neglect

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Thank you all for those kind and encouraging words. I will definitely not pass up the chance to go to the canals. My daughter will soon be moving from Oaxaca to Mexico City for a new job and new opportunities in other areas of interest as well, so of course I am planning my next trip. I think it is sad for the world that such things are happening, that's all.

Esperanza, I am very interested in organic gardening, so I will definitely want to see the gardens you mentioned. Maybe we can find some good produce there to purchase.