Our last day in Puebla, which to me was sad since this city is amazingly beautiful, began with a visit to the fortes that served as the battleground for the Battle of Puebla. Although we did not walk through or visit, I did want to mention how beautiful Fort Loreto was. In case some of you don't know where that is, it is the large fortress we walked by on our way to the anthropology museum, also where the Museum of Non-Intervention is located.
We began our visit with a wonderful explanation by Martha on the origins of the Battle of Puebla, which was between the Kingdom of France, under Napoleon III, and the Mexican army, under General Ignacio Zaragosa and President Benito Juarez. Please forgive me if I leave some of Martha's specific information out, since I was asked by her to translate while she spoke. Also, sorry for not knowing all the words, it is a learning process :)
Martha proceeded to bring out a $500 pesos bill. On the front side of the bill, you can see a portrait of the heroic Gen. Zaragosa and a depiction of his forces' triumphant defeat of the French military, which if you know your history, was a powerful force in the world. The other side of the bill shows an angel statue and the cathedral in Puebla. This is a mention to the name "la cuidad de los angeles (city of angels)." This name comes from the belief by many that the towers of the cathedrals were so magnificent and large that angels were the ones that constructed them.
Another interesting fact to Martha's story was the use of cakes as a pretext to war in Mexico. Yes, bakers called on the French to intervene militarily in Mexico because the Mexican government refused to pay for the many cakes that were made (true story). However, history ultimately found out that Napoleon III and his cousin Maximilliano had ambitions to make Mexico a monarchy all along. That is when President Juarez and his troops began a campaign that eventually drove the French out of Mexico, beginning in Puebla, on May 5, 1862, with their first victory over the French armies.
After Martha's wonderful story about the Battle of Puebla, we went in to visit the anthropology museum, with its many depictions of early life in the area, to the modern-day Puebla.
Our day went a little short, due to the elections, but overall very informative and fun!
We now begin our last week here in this wonderful country and I hope everyone has gained as much as I have. We are truly blessed to have had this great opportunity to learn not just a language, but a people, a culture, and a history that has enriched our lives and left countless memories that will live on for many years. Continue to appreciate our time here and God bless!!!
Simon Rodriguez Jr.
Steven Keepes
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