Mexico City

Miguel picked me up at the airport as he had been as kind as to offer me to stay with his family until I left for Cuba. It was so nice to walk into the arrival hall and see a friendly face waiting for me; it was so nice to see a friend I knew from before. We took a taxi back to his house, and I have to say I was overwhelmed by all the cars, people and the noise in this city.

We got to his apartment in the late evening, and I got introduced to his mother, father and brother all such lovely people. Miguel insisted on me staying in his bed, so the poor thing had to sleep on the very uncomfortable and very cold sofa. Their apartment is situated in an area of DF called El Rosario.

The whole week I was there, I watched the mum and dad get up at 5 (rather, I heard them), to make tacos to sell in the local neighbourhood. I can assure you that Tacos in Mexico is nothing like what we call Tacos in Europe, I prefer the filling at home, but the salsa Miguel’s mother makes, is definitely the best have ever tasted. As Miguel was working all week, my days were spent with the mum in the kitchen watching her make food, and sometimes being allowed to chop something for her.

Occasionally I would chat with the dad outside absorbing the rays of sun until my body had thawed, I never imagine Mexico city could be that cold, and I was not prepared at all coming from the Caribbean. Due to the cold weather and extreme change in temperature I came down with a cold for 3-4 days unfortunately, but also Miguel and the mother got sick.

Miguel’s mother makes the most delicious food ever, and my 2 favourites are Carne Mexiacana (Mexican meat), which consists of shredded beef, green, and red tomatoes, chilli, cilantro, and onion all boiled until very soft and tasty, served with little soft tortilla’s and salsa. The other favourite which the mother buys for me is Tamale’s with chocolate drink. Both are made of sweet corn (maiz) which is mostly white and not yellow in this country.

The people here are quite reserved I find. It is very different to the display of joy and dance you find in the streets of the Caribbean. People here are quiet and almost careful in their interaction with others. Maybe it was just the area, as it was quite a poor and rough area. Miguel’s family did not let me go anywhere by myself, not even in the middle of the day to the supermarket. The mum became like my chaperone even deciding what to buy at the supermarket, and how much time to spend there! Hahaha. I felt like I was 5 again, but her intentions were all good.

Mexico City and the surrounding area is so polluted, I found it hard breathing some days, especially walking around in town. Miguel and I went for a walk one night, and even though the traffic had lessened, it was still horrendous, but I am after all spoiled for fresh clean air in Norway.

At the weekend Miguel and I went into town, we went up to the Latin Tower (Torre Latina) to look at the city from above, and unfortunately there was smog everywhere. You could see the buildings closet to you, but there was no chance of seeing the surrounding mountains or the volcanoes. It is a beautiful city when you walk around in it though. So many old gorgeous buildings, that remind you of the amount of nationalities that have been here in the past. We walked around for hours admiring the architecture, but also trying to buy some books and things that I sorely needed for my trip. In the afternoon we hopped on a tour bus to see the rest of the city, and it was great; freezing but great. Freezing due o the fact we had a better view on the second floor of the bus, so as the sun went down both Miguel and I were sniffling dreaming of a hot drink and hot food.

I did not get to see much whilst I was in Mexico, party due to the fact I was sick, but also due to the fact I had my guard dogs, and that I was coming back after x-mas anyway with plenty more time to see the sights. I did however get a close look up at how a Mexican family is run, and the mother is the matriarch, who keeps the house, the food, and the kids, and nothing slips by her. The men here do very little in the house; they enjoy their time in front of the TV watching telenovelas (soaps) or football, talking to friends in the streets. Miguel’s dad goes out to sell tacos every morning, and comes back by midday to enjoy most of the rest of the day off with the expectation of being in charge to get the Chicharon (fat) for the tacos, and chopping the onions in the evening.

I loved my time with them, even though seeing his dad stark naked in the middle of the night when we were both on our way to the bathroom was a very embarrassing moment for both of us. Little was said between us the next way I can assure you ;)

I was glad to be able to go to a warmer place though and especially after the cab ride at 5 in the morning with no heating, which is something they don’t use in their houses either! I am however looking forward to coming back to see my friends here, eat some great food, and to see more of this intriguing country.

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