After great flight(s) on Volaris OAK to GLD to TLC for $258 round trip including all fees I arrived at my hotel The Colonial in El Centro in lovely Toluca at 12:30 AM. Had a bit of a mix up with customs which I was forced to navigate at both GLD & TLC. Not a biggy just a bit time consuming.
The Colonial is most definitely a faded Queen that architecturally fabulous but about 50 years past it's prime. The public areas with wide sweeping staircases, crystal chandeliers, cast iron railings & mosaic windows it must have been a gem in it's day.
The room it's self was adequate with a good bed, Cable TV, spacious hot water bathroom, ancient but sparkling clean wood floors. Over all a very clean with a great locat1on but a block & a half from the main plaza so a excellent buy at $29 US per night,
After a good nights sleep I showered & went exploring. After a block or so I realize I was not at sea level any more Dorthy. Light headed & a bit short of breath the 9,000' plus altitude was taking a toll. I had breakfast at a lovely linen table covered café consistently of fresh bread, fruta, Huevos Ranchero, tortillas, rice, beans, juice & café for 65 pesos feeling somewhat rejuvenated.
Decided to stick with El Centro this first day exploring. Visited the indoor Botanical Garden with mosaic windows of mythological creatures. The Belle de Artes with a most interesting collection of nudes along with the normal religious/historical heavy stuff. A wonderful womens park with a series of incredible metal sculptures both whimsical & dramatic of women. A most interesting sculpture/fountain of a ancient warrior strangling The winged Serpent as water gushed from the serpent's mouth. The Warrior is anatomical correct & it seems to be a rite of passage for young women to touch his private parts. Clean government buildings. on the main plaza unusual for the green settings at each corner of the Plaza.
The Central area has a large shopping area with Portales (arches) completely surrounding it. Retail various from Mercado stalls to high end fashion ones. Even here a non- gringo area Mickey Dees, Burger King & KFC have arrived.
After a PM nap (I am old you know) I again hit the plaza watching Mariachis, clowns, mimes & other entertainment.
Toluca is the Sausage Capitol of Mexico so I went to one of several "stuffers" sampling their wares, Delicious! Topped it off with a bowl of Chicken soup. As I wandered the streets noting the number of ice cream shops & popcorn vendors I choose a 4.5 peso bag of corn. In a Central covered walkway they hold dances with live music. That night was old folks night (my people!) where the geriatric set Mamboed, sambaed, tangoed & more to the band. probably 500 couples all having a ball.
Still a bit weary at the high altitude I was back in my bed by 10:00 for the night.
Next The Round Pyramids!

Loved your report and hope for more . . . I love Mexico and can tell you do, too.

Thanks for posting,
Sandy (in Denton)

I have had the chance to fly into Toluca and didn't do so, flew into MEX instead. I never realized Toluca could be enjoyed after landing, thanks for the report.

sounds like you had a good experience. i have never been to Toluca but enjoyed your report as I plan to visit many parts of Mexico in the future.

Thanks for sharing with us - good read!