Acapulco [antikvár]

This book is an interesting pubiication on one of the states of the Republic - Guerrero, deeply rooted in the history of our country as part of one of the viceregal provinces, being created a new state of the Republic of Mexico by decree on October 27th 1847 and bearing the name of the rebel generál Vicente Guerrero. The fundamental aim of this edition is to reproduce this region and show its vast possibilities fortourism. The centre of world attraction is Acapulco, situated on the shores of the Pacific with the legend of the South Seas, which during the viceregal period was a focal point of trade between this continent and Asia. Once the navegational route was established, prosperous trading was built up and the merchandise was transported by the fantastic ships, La Nao from China and the Galeon from the Philippines. This exchange even influenced the European markets bringing silk, ivory and spices etc. In its turn New Spain paid for these products together with government expenses in the Philippines with silver coins whose "peso" was much appreciated in Asia. A visit to Acapulco is the dream of many and there is good reason for this; its climate and waters can be enjoyed fully all the year round; a resort atmosphere has been created, having international attractions and all sorts of entertainment for the tourist. We have discovered Zihuatanejo-lztapa, two hundred kilometres to the Northeast of Acapulco, whose tourist development is already a positive attraction and is now in communication by air and road; there is a lot of fishing on these Pacific coasts and the food, especially the famous ceviche is a pleasure for all, and in addition there is the delicious tropical fruit. In Acapulco it is still possible to find remains of the viceregal period such as the Fort of San Diego. Acapulco has justly earned its fame: everything there invites one to enjoyment and the people are of the most hospitable; there are magnificent hotels of maximum confort, fine residences, hotel and tourist services at international standard; golf courses and tennis courts, all within everyone's reach. Mention must be made of its Convention Centre with its fine rooms and theatres with a seating capacity for up to 8,000 delegates. Acapulco is well communicated nationally and internationally, having a splendid airport; alsó large numbers of visitors arrive by sea and by road. A few kilometres from the city of Acapulco is Taxco, a relic of the viceregal period, the silver capital, famous for its craft work, where the tourist can find many places where he can acquire the loveliest silver ornaments, many of them real filigree, — along with other articles — all noteworthy products of the manual ability of the villages around Taxco. An authentic jewel of Mexican baroque art is the XVIII century parish church of Santa Prisca described as one of the most outstanding of its kind; writers have said the "its artifices know how to combine salomonic columns, pilasters in the form of reversed pyramids, and rococo decoration in such a way that baroque style and its different variations is portrayed and synthesized in this admirable work of art". The mine owner don Jose de la Borda was responsible for its construction after he had discovered one of the richest silver mines of the age. An important feature of Guerrero, as we have already mentioned, is its handwork. Apart from the things made in Taxco, no less important are laquers from Olinala, pottery and ceramics from Xalitla, palm hats from Tlapa, San Luis Acatlan and Tlapehuala. There is alsó pottery from San Miguel Huapa and Toliman, embroidered skirts from Amatlan, masks from Tixllaand Chilapa, decorated bread and serviettes from Ixcateopan, machetes from Ayutla and Tecpan, leather goods from Pungarabato and Tlalchapa. A visit to these towns in Guerrero must be top priority on the itinerary of any tourist coming to Mexico.