Blogs from Distrito Federal, Mexico, North America - page 68

¿Where to begin? Mexico City, or el DF has about the same population as all of Canada. I had no particular idea of what to expect. There were a couple scenes of el DF in the film Y Tu Mama Tambien, which are true to form. Wide roads, mad traffic, lots and lots of people. We came here despite countless warnings about how dangerous it was, and we haven.t had any problems with theft or violence. I only mention this to assure my Mom that I.m safe, and in case other travellers are wondering if they should come here... Matt and I arrived last sunday morning after an all-night bus. It was deluxe, including The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and seats that go way back. I called my friend Marco when we got to the Terminal Norte ... read more

Three or four hours sleep. Didn´t really sleep on the plane, but it turns out our tickets were executive class. Woohoo! Although Executive on Mexicana is not quite what it is on other lines. Anyways, we landed in Mexico City with a couple hours to wander around before our flight to Acapulco. Headed out to wander the neighbourhood near the airport. Miscalculated the time change and realised our mistake just in time to hurry back to the airport. We stopped at a Taco cart just outside the airport (our first meal in Mexico and diving right in). As I watched the vendor´s knarled hands chop up the meat on the stained and cracked wood chopping board, then scoop it up in blood stained fingers into our waiting tortillas, a dark feeling of foreboding overcame me.... read more

Two solid days bus ride from Belize city, including a long overnight trip and I arrived back in Mexico city. Mexico suddenly seemed a very civilised and safe place to travel in. Probably an illusion, but my attitudes and confidence have obviously changed over the four months that I have been travelling now. My trip to Mexico City was goal orientated. The acquisition of additional kit to make my time travelling easier, and facilitate the production of many new and cool web sites, plus I felt the need to obtain new toys. At the risk of being stalked for the contents of backpack I'll list here the cool things I carry: Water filter - makes clean water safe water. Head torch - lasts 70hrs, brighter than a maglight, and is hands free. Speakers - just add ... read more

After all I've read and seen about the barbarous behaviour of the Aztec civilisation a fitting end to stay in Mexico City seemed to be a trip to the Inquisition. The Inquisition is a touring exhibit of torture devices from throughout the centuries, mostly from Europe. Some of the ways which were devised to kill, maim and disable were horrific. From simple floggings to the gruesome sophistication of the Electric Chair, it seems that the Aztecs did not have a monopoly on horrendous treatment of others. I visited the muesuem with Shane and Regina and Linda - two middle-aged American women who were travelling without their husbands... as they don't like hostels and carrying backpacks. They demonstrated again that my preconceptions about people that travel are often wrong. Drank with Boghen, Ramsey and Shane. Ramsey is ... read more

Mexico City is the biggest city in the world, and from reading the lonely planet guide it is also the most dangerous, polluted and over-populated. ut it also has some of the most fantastic sites, food and culture in the entire region. It´s hopefully worth the risk (whatever the risk actually is). This entry though is going to be about the journey. Robbie and I have travelled from La Paz (Baja Sur) to Mexico city over the past few days, without stopping for rest or using hotels. Meaning I haven´t seen a bed or shower for around 54 hours... you might ask why I´m using the Internet right now and not sorting out the essentials - because we are not able to check into a hotel or hostel until 11am - it´s currently 8.30am - we ... read more