Morelia

The capital of Michoacán is Morelia,  a beautiful colonial city of about 600,000 inhabitants. 

In one central plaza there is the fountain and statue "Las Tarascas," which is a landmark of the city.  Las Tarascas are three Purépecha princesses that offer fruit to the gods. I don't really remember the whole story, but there they are. The Purépecha people have an interesting history. Compared to other indigenous groups, many more people still speak the language as their native tongue.  The people survived the conquest because when the Spaniards arrived, the Purépechas told them, "Oh, yeah, there's gold, but not here, you have to keep going." So, the Spaniards left the city of "Valladolid" and continued on to ravage other people.  

Another landmark of Morelia is el "Aqueducto," which was originally built to bring water to the city. It doesn't function any longer, but is the oldest aqueduct in Mexico that stands in its entirety. 

To me, Morelia is about the perfectly sized city because it's fairly big, but not huge, and it has a quaint, small feel while also having the options and opportunities of a city. I guess to me, when I think big city, I think skyscrapers, so Morelia feels small. However, when I think small town, I think of a town with, you know, a stop light or two, where "every store clerk says, 'no credit cards, friend, but there's an ATM at the Ben Franklin' " (Aaron Espe, "Small Town"). I've lived near skyscrapers and a Ben Franklin, and haven't felt completely happy with either. Small city is a good fit, especially one as beautiful and friendly as Morelia.