"What Happens in Mexico...."

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I had no idea how much I would love this historic city! I am staying in the middle of the Centro Historico, surrounded by buildings older than the United States. The building I´m staying in is over 350 years old and four blocks from the Catedral Metropolitana, which began construction in 1573 atop the ruins of the Aztec temple complex. I unintentionally attended mass, in Spanish of course, in the cathedral. The interior is even more impressive than the exterior with paintings, murals and architectural details I wished I could have photographed; cameras were not allowed. The architecture in this city is stunning with strong baroque and Renaissance influences.

Across the street from the cathedral is the Templo Mayor, believed to be the exact spot where the Aztecs saw the eagle with the snake in its beak, Mexico´s symbol. The Aztecs believed this place to be the center of the Universe. The temple began construction in 1375 with many reconstructions through the years. It is said with each reconstruction, the re-dedication required human sacrifice and reading about it was really unsettling for me so I´ll spare the details for Aunt Marilyn and Aunt Hazel´s sake, but if you just HAVE to know, Google it and you too can read how between 3,000 and 84,000 people (including children) lost their lives in 4 days in 1487 all because a temple needed to be re-dedicated! Based on this information, I can completely understand the Spaniard´s point of view so Google away Mark Bunker! You might just want to use this information in some way, shape or form for what you´re working on and we´re going to have a little chat about it when I get back to work!

I really had no idea I would love this city so much! I decided to fly down here after the Peru trip fell through because there was a direct flight from Salt Lake and I had never spent any time here before. I can´t believe how clean this city is, at least the area where I´m staying! I've read a lot of money was put in for rebeautification and it shows. I'm staying in the Hostel Amigo, voted #3 in the world in 2006 because of the many extras they offered guests, unfortunately, after they won the award they pulled most of the extras and I think I could have done better if I had researched hostels a bit more. They do get a plus, however, for location as they are right in the middle of the historic district. There´s a Starbucks close by and street food vendors I have a hard time staying away from!

The food here is incredible! A fruit guy sells bags of fresh fruit chunks which include pineapple, mango, papaya, orange and jicama for only $1 (10 pesos). I´m in the girls only dorm ($12 per night) with Melissa from Chicago who ALSO was supposed to be at Machu Picchu in Peru right now and Marjorie from the south of France who speaks neither Spanish nor English. It´s weird sometimes how life works out but I´m guessing all is meant to be...I´ll save Machu Picchu for the fall and hopefully by then can find someone to go with me.

A few Mexico City notes for future travelers... you can easily take the subway from the airport directly into the historic district. Ask any policeman (they're on every corner and are literally everywhere in the airport) and they will direct you to the bus stop (on one end of the airport) that will take you to the subway station a few blocks away. A ticket can be purchased in the subway station for the train and the entire cost for bus and subway is less than $1.

Tostados...at least that's what I think they were, though I had never seen anything quite like it. Naturally, I had to try one and I'm glad I did; it was really good. A blue corn, handmade tortilla with refried beans and assorted other toppings I couldn't really identify, but delicious nonetheless. ($1.50)

Vendors sell handicrafts on the street behind the cathedral and I'm really surprised I left the city without purchasing another pair of polished coconut earrings, but really, how many pairs of polished coconut earrings does one really need?

Until next time....

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Photos

Catedral Metropolitana
Just a portion of this massive building.

Tostados?
Street food never tasted so good!

Comments

[Wendy]

Hola Chica
Wow Debbie...you get around to some incredible places....this is the first time I have been able to access your reports....some computers do not open them for me......hope your well....Im in Puerto Viego.....Costa Rica----come and stay.....not sure how long I will be here...but at least its got good internet access......Mexico City sounds incredible...where next for the traveller Debbie....let me know.....much love wendy from Wales

[One Girl One World]

Puerto Viejo
Wendywoo!!! Watch Out For Wankers! That's my new motto you know! :) Spent some time in PV three years ago and was happy to get back to the Pacific side...loved the "laid back" atmosphere though and if you decide to hang out for awhile I can make a trip down in late September or early October. Love getting your updates but really worried about you after that last one! Try to avoid the cute fuzzy things for awhile... THAT INCLUDES MEN! (just because they're cute doesn't mean we have to pet them) Love your guts and miss you girlfriend!