A New Look

We are pleased to welcome Greyhound to Arizona, and honored to tell the world about their incomparable Highway Tours. Since they have moved their operational headquarters to Phoenix and occupy the 20 story Greyhound Towers in Phoenix' Rosenzweig Center Plaza they are a major participant in the community and economic well being and development of Arizona and the Southwest.

What is good for Greyhound is good for Arizona.

Visit "Mexico Magnifico!"

By V. K. STEPHENS President of Greyhound Tours, Inc.

It's been stated many times that Mexico, our near neighbor to the south, is a land of color, contrast, and excitement. Such descriptions are really an understatement. Border to border, Mexico offers the visitor a kaleidoscope of scenic grandeur, historical monuments, and that ever important ingredient hospitable people.

When you consider that when Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Mexico already had its own Mexican language Bible; and when Thanksgiving was observed, the restaurants were already in operation in Mexico City with printed menus, you really begin to appreciate the sophistication of Mexican culture.

The Mexican Government has taken positive steps to preserve this rich heritage by establishing certain of its cities as national monuments. Several hundred miles north of Mexico City is Guanajuato, perhaps the most spectacular of these monument cities. The city of Guanajuato was established in the early 1500's, and was one of the centers of silver mining. Huge fortunes were masked from the mines surrounding Guanajuato, and the many buildings, cathedrals, and museums all create an atmosphere of the 16th century.

Under Mexican law, no new buildings can be constructed unless they conform to rather rigid architectural guidelines. One of the showplaces in Guanajuato is the Teatra Juarez, which was constructed in the late 1800's, and is rival to the great opera houses of the world in splendor and design. Perhaps one of Mexico's loveliest churches is Valenciana it is situated here, and commands a spectacular view of the entire city. Be sure to have plenty of film on hand when you visit Guanajuato, as the opportunity for the shutterbug to indulge himself is fantastic.

Just a short drive from Guanajuato is another monument city, San Miguel de Allende. Here, too, the churches and public buildings have been carefully preserved; and as many shops, especially those specializing in gold and silver, afford many hours of pleasure. It is interesting to see the German influence in the architecture of San Miguel, and to compare the churches of Guanajuato. Because of the fact that Mexico was governed at various times by the Spanish and French, and heavily populated by Europeans; various national shrines have crept into early architecture throughout Mexico.

Halfway between Mexico City and Acapulco is the world famous city of Taxco. The city derives its name from the Mexican word, Tlacho, which was the name of a ball game played hundreds of years ago in this area. The game is compared to basketball, in that a ball was aimed at a very small hoop to score points. Residents of Taxco took the game very seriously, however, as the captain of a losing team was executed for his failure to win the game.

While virtually every city in Mexico offers the opportunity to visit beautiful churches and cathedrals, many consider Taxco to have the loveliest of all-Santa Prisca. A famous resident of Taxco, the Count de la Borda, dedicated most of his fortune to the building of this church. While the Valenciana in Guanajuato has three golden altars, and is considered spectacular by modern standards, the Santa Prisca has twelve golden altars. The mind truly boggles at such splendor. Here also, many fine shops specializing in gold and silver can be found.

Of course, a visit to Mexico cannot be complete without spending some time in Mexico City. In a way, Mexico City is difficult to describe. It's sophisticated and modern, yet charming in an old world manner. Throughout Mexico City, there is hospitality and pride in the many attractions that there are to enjoy. The National Palace and cathedrals alone are worth the visit, not to mention the Chapultepec Park; Xochimilco, the famous floating gardens; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mexico City was actually built on a lake, and there is still concern about some of the older buildings that are gradually sinking into the ground.

If you get homesick, there is no problem here, as Mexico has its freeways, McDonald's hamburgers; and would you believe, Super Pollo (chicken). In fact, the hamburgueros have practically been adopted, along with traditional tacos, tamales, enchiladas and such, as the national dish with slightly different flavor, of course.

Travel through Mexico has greatly improved in recent years thanks to modern highway systems, vastly upgraded hotels, and many charming restaurants along the way. Many motorcoach tours are offered by Greyhound to Mexico with variety of plans designed to satisfy the most discriminating of tastes. Escorts are trained by the Mexican Government and must pass rigid examinations before being allowed to represent their country. Periodically, these escorts are called back to school to bring them up to date on features throughout Mexico.

Finally, a word of warning about Mexico don't visit there without being prepared to want to return, as its charm and hospitality makes you want to return again and again to fully explore the sights and sounds of a truly remarkable country.