Frida and Diego

You would think our first experiences of the history and culture of Mexico were the highlight -- they were so fascinating and fun -- but I think I'll remember most the murals of Diego Rivera and the visit to Frida Kahlo's house in Coyoacan. Their story, especially Frida's, is so compelling. Walking through her studio and bedroom, my imagination overtook me and I felt incredibly moved. Our exhibition at the Harry Ransom Center had educated me about her life and art, and her relationship with Rivera, along with their place in the modern art movement. The murals of Rivera -- in the National Palace, the Palace of Fine Arts, and on three floors of the Secretary of Education Building -- were just as appealing to Mark. Our walk around Coyoacan in the early morning of our last day was the appropriate end to our trip, as we learned from a young waiter. We stopped in the Centenario Cafe for breakfast and struck up a conversation with him, and he said of the other places we had visited, they were all beautiful but "Coyoacan is more like the real Mexico."