In our early morning walks, we have whole streets to ourselves with the occasional jogger struggling by.  One fellow plays The Beegees at top volume as he pants uphill.  We pass the Jardin and the Parroquia as we walk down Calle Aldama and turn left to circle Parque Benito Juarez.  Rhythmic music blasts from the basketball courts as a large group exercises together, enthusiastic yells ringing out as they work through a dance routine.  On the other half of the courts, a basketball game is in progress.  This portion of our walk is somewhat uphill as we wind around the park, some of the most expensive and oldest homes in town on the opposite side of the street.  Orange-suited sanitation workers sweep the sidewalk and street relentlessly, scooping up small piles of leaves and twigs to leave the area pristine until they sweep again tomorrow.

The park has numerous dog-walkers and joggers.  From our sidewalk, we are above the park now and have good views of its tree-filled areas and winding paths.  A deep ravine runs through one portion.  We hear bird song, cooing pigeons, and the squawks of  a large number of white egrets that nest in a particular tree located a block above the park.  There is one small building of restrooms.  Very clean, but no toilet seats or toilet paper, and the hand washing station is a tiny room situated between the Men’s and Women’s  areas.  A small cart with a colorful umbrella stands outside.  A woman charges 6 pesos to go inside.  The fee includes a folded length of toilet paper.  She keeps the restrooms clean, and keeps a sharp eye out so that no one enters without handing over their 6 pesos.