... We are lucky that this city is chosen for the Forum. The Forum is a global event that occurs every four years and that connects cities from all over the world. Monterrey is the place that has been chosen on this occasion to promote thinking and problem solving methods in order to deal with issues of global importance such as peace, education, knowledge, and ecological conservation amongst other topics. We went also to look at the Forum and I can say it is enormous and super nice, with all kinds of themes and discussion forums including nice shows and in the evening a lot of things to do, including a big firework to start the weekend and to end it. If you want to know more check: Monterrey Forum 2007
... Here we are at the beginning of the Parque de Fundidora, super big (20 square kilometres) and super nice. We had this day also nice shiny weather with some nice cold wind and we started early because this you should know, the sun is killing during the afternoon, and so before 10 o’clock you should be starting to organize and be ready. All events are free and only some of them you have to pay. We have the luck that we are near to the parks and therefore can walk to it, we take a back bag and fill it with water, sandwiches, cookies and other nice things and start our day. It’s a long walk but we have a lot of fun and do some exercise too.
The park is enormous and you can not walk in one day true it and see all facilities, believe me its giant. All parking facilities for cars are made in the river that most of the time is dry but you can imagine how big this is. Parking places for thousands of cars build in just a week and without any interruption. Of course with investigating first if not any environmental issues are endangered. Because the Forum should not be build if this is costing the heritage of the children. Anyhow they put a nice piece of work in this city, starting from the macro plaza till the new build museums and parks.
Here is the old steel factory that is changed into a big giant safe museum with a lot of attractions for young and old in it (like the Industrion in Kerkrade but a little bit bigger of course). It’s one of the super big ovens that is renovated and opened for public view. It’s also called the “Horno 3” which was the original name of the oven in the past. The “Horno 3” was one of the big super ovens in this area and with all the other facilities here in the surroundings it gave work to thousands of people and of course thousands of vendors and customers.
After closure of this giant complex the city population became almost poor because most of the people living in Monterrey were working in the steel industry. It’s a similar history as we had in Limburg when the mines were closed in the sixties. After reinvestment of other industries like the beer industry, the cement industry and of course investments of foreign companies that build their factories here in Monterrey, the city survived and is even now the second most important city in Mexico and the first and best economic growing city in Mexico. Thanks also to a lot of people that made this happen, especially the governor of Nuevo Leon and his administration. And of course all the Monterrey citizens that investing with their work into a new future not only for this city but especially for their children. And one thing is for sure people of Monterrey are proud in what they are doing.
...The themes chosen at the Forum are for example, CULTURAL DIVERSITY, because it is not a static asset, but rather a living and renewable treasure that guarantees the survival of humanity. Another theme is KNOWLEDGE, because it is the essential instrument for development and the creation of well-being. PEACE, because peace is not only the absence of war, but rather an indispensable condition for well-being and happiness. And the last theme is SUSTAINABILITY, because we need to think about the future; of living species (endangered and non-endangered) as well as the natural resources available to us right now. 
...As you can see the broadways are big and immense. It was not so crowded that day because we started early but you can imagine during the day and in the evening this is full of people.At the left site you see big hangars that are used for all kinds of festivities and the contents of it changes every week. Here is my wife and Rafael watching a big play for children and of course Rafael wants to join.
...On the other site you see one of the hangars that contained one of the themes. As you can see we enjoying the whole day and although this particular day was not to hot a lot of people stayed home. The reason I found out later was that a football game was held on that same time we were visiting this park, good information for the next time.As you can see all had a nice day and are happy, especially my wife, she likes to go to parties, museums and fairs or forums like these. I had a wonderful day because finally I realized I have my life back and even better then before. We have so many things to do, fiestas, fairs, shopping’s, parties, name it we have it. We are now happy when we have a weekend without any obligations if you know what I mean, hahaha…
... Yes the Forum is a success no matter what and we are going to have fun with it till the month of December. Then the other parties are starting, like Xmas and New Year and my birthday not to forget.2007 is already ending good, 2008 will be even better I think.
