What am I doing?

North America » Mexico » Distrito Federal » Mexico City
April 11th 2006

Published: November 4th 2006

Edit Blog Post

Traffic

Street music

Magne M

In for landing

Going to Mexico, a big step for a Nowegian not speaking more spanish than the essential "cerveza" or "hasta luego", I have the company of my brother thankfully.
Mexico has always been a dream for me; the culture, the food, the fine beaches, the people.. and finally it has come through. I remember on the plane, as it was going in for landing in one of the worlds biggest megapolises, seeing the houses below getting closer and closer: what am I doing? I kinda paniced, it was my first big trip, and I didn't know the language.

We left Oslo freezing, and came to DF sweathing. It was so nice and warm. After a weird "push this red button if you're not a smuggler" at the customs we got to our Hotel, Hotel Isabel in the historic district. An old colonial building with big rooms with at least 4 meters from floor to roof to stretch out in. The hotel, not the highest standard around, and with some dust in the corners was still ok, it was central and it was cheap.

Decided to spend 4 days in Mexico City (DF) before going south to San Cristobal de Las

Hotel

Casas, from there to Puerto Angel for a few days on the beach, then to Oaxaca and then ending the trip with a few more days in Mexico City.

DF is in many ways a beautiful city, although we on this trip stayed mainly in the historic centre. Lots of old building, full of history and charm, perfect for a guy interessted in history and architecture like myself. First and biggest attraction in the city was the murals at the presidental palace, made by Diego Rivera. Really impressive paintings, well protected by firm and armed solidiers patrolling the gates and the halls of the building. Perhaps for more show than anything, as the president is living in another part of the palace.

Then ofcourse you have the classic Torre Latinoamericana, once the talles skyskraper in the city, made to stand earthquakes, and so it has for 50 years or so. From the top, if the weather is good and it's not to smogy, you get a nice view over the city.

From the City you also have several options for trips to Teotihuacan, the ancient pyramids just north of the city. Although most of the site has

Hotel Isabel

been damaged and then rebuilt its a really impressive site. Climbing the pyramids of the sun and the moon is a must if you're not suffering from fear of heights like myself.
It is a must-see when you are in the area, just make sure to not let the punters ruin your day with their constant "best price" offers of figures of various sorts. Some of them are really nice though, but they try to push another one to you even if you got your arms full from previous purchases.

Mexico City in a few key-words:
noisy! Theres a billion cars in the streets, and the traffic lights and signs are ignored by most. Therefore you have trafficwardens aswell. With flutes in their mouth they manage to make more noise than the honking of the horns put toghether. At the sidewalks you have stalls with people selling home-made cd's, boxing-gloves, health checks, food and snacks and toothbrushes etc, all playing incredibly noisy music.
Bewareof mosquitoes; my first night I got 62 mosquito stings.. Note to self: next time by better repellant and/or net
Poverty Big differences, from extreme poverty with people living in shacks with no electricity or water,