Next week I’m doing a yoga week near Ixtapa. When planning, I thought it was a shame to come all this way for just one week. Initially I was looking at spending a second week at a different resort in Ixtapa, but I fell victim to analysis paralysis (you know how there’s always that one negative review that makes you hesitate to pull the trigger on making a reservation). I shifted gears and instead decided to spend five days in Mexico City. I’ve been curious to see it for a long time.
i always feel a little nervous before a trip. It was pretty bad this time. I was worried about language barrier (I had heard that lot of people here don’t speak English and I didn’t feel that the community Ed Spanish class I took last fall got me far enough). And overall, just concerned about figuring stuff out on my own. I really like the crutch of organized group travel when I’m somewhere where I don’t speak the language.
So far things are working out ok. Pluses: I picked a good hotel that is central and walking distance to many sights. The staff is very friendly and helpful. AND they have a snack bar with sandwiches and so forth, that is FREE (I won’t believe it until I see the final bill though haha). From past experience I know that by the end of a long day I’m too tired to decide where to eat and not up for the experience of dining by myself. So I’ve decided not to feel bad if I just get a sandwich and retire for the evening.
Another plus is that Ubers are cheap and plentiful so it’s easy to get around!
Here’s some photos -
I arrived mid afternoon yesterday and after I got settled, opted to just find an ATM and then stroll around a little. A half block from my hotel is this nice pedestrian street closed off to cars. There were big crowds of people. Amongst the hundreds, I saw maybe three? other gringos. Quite a novel sensation. There are lots of folks who look like they’re doing the tourist thing here, but they all look Mexican.
Lots of cool historic buildings:
And what looked like a carnival with rides on the west end of downtown.
This morning I was off to see the house where Frida Kahlo was born and lived on and off throughout her life. It was interesting. Lots of quirky items like this boot which likely had a lift to compensate for one of her legs being shortened by polio.
Her work desk overlooking the courtyard and garden.
She had a “day bedroom” and “night bedroom”. The day bed was fitted with a mirror in the canopy so she could paint herself.
One section of the museum had a collection of her dresses and explained how the folkloric costumes were both a fashion statement and a disguise for the braces and corsets she had to wear because of her bad back.
Next I walked to the Coyoacan market to find a taco place that had rave reviews. It did not disappoint. I squeezed in on a counter stool and was able to watch a lady cranking out blue corn tortillas on a press.
Next, on to the Museum of Popular Art since it was nearby. Most of the art was folk art. I enjoyed this nativity grouping where for some reason, Jesus was a leopard?
And also this cute Day of the Dead tribute where the couple’s skeletons were having a cup of coffee next to their portraits.
I Ubered back to my hotel, put my feet up for half an hour and then decided I had time/energy for one more outing. I walked through Alameda Park, then after much searching found the little museum where Diego Rivera’s Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park is displayed.
It’s an interesting story. The mural was originally commissioned by a grand hotel and was in a large room that was used for receptions and parties. Over time the weight of the mural caused the land underneath to start subsiding, and the decision was made to relocate it to the hotel lobby. Then, in 1985, Mexico City had an 8.1 earthquake. The hotel was severely damaged, so much so that it would end up being torn down; but miraculously the mural only had a few cracks. Conservators went to work and relocated it to a small building nearby.
It’s quite an amazing work, with over 70 figures who are either historically significant for Mexico or personally significant to Rivera. Including himself as a niño with grownup Frida standing nearby. The museum has a display in the lobby that has cutout figures replicating some of the ones in the painting.
Ok, I’m having trouble adding this last photo, maybe I’ll try to put it in the comments.
Tomorrow, a street food tour! If my stomach is up to it. On an impulse I ate a salad tonight even though I had resolved to avoid produce. 🤣😬
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18 comments
So great to be experiencing the culture. The tacos look so good! Loving the Day of the Dead tribute. That is so cute!
I’ve wanted to visit there for a long time and it was even better than I expected.
Mexico City is great place to visit, museums, food , people are great , etc , I can teach you Spanish if you’d like , I’m Joe
Thanks but that doesn’t seem practical. 😊
For decades have done all inclusives on both Mexican coasts. Acapulco, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum. You know, a beach with a pina colada. Always felt I wasnt really seeing Mexico but just having an experience I could have on a beach anywhere in the world. So I went to Ciudad Mexico. Finally. WOW. I stayed in the Centro Historico next to the main cathedral and the Zocalo, bulit next to the main Aztec temple which the Spanish ripped down. For five days I was wide eyed by the culture, the density, the food, the friendliness, the spectacle that is true Mexico. It's kind of like visiting New York City for the first time. A bit ovefwhelming at times but truly awe inspiring.
I agree with all of this. I’ve done the beach thing too, and it’s fine. But I feel like I’ve learned quite a lot of culture and history in just a few days. It’s certainly not relaxing like the beach (I get a little stressed in crowded environments), but I’ll be doing that next week. Best of both worlds.
It’s crazy how they built a cathedral right on top of where the temple was, eh? Not the first time something like THAT has happened.
What a great experience. Thanks for sharing your photos.
You’re welcome. ☺️
It’s great to hear that the hotel and the city have been easy to navigate so far. You’ve fit in quite a bit already. Fingers crossed for a gentle street food day.
The tour guide assured us the food was safe - I’ve had no ill effects so far. And it was delicious!
Sounds like you have done well so far in planning and fending for yourself. I know for me this is an area I need to do better. When I was younger, I would just arrange and go. Now that I'm older, I'm a bit hesitant. Also, I want to go to more elaborate places than I did when I was younger. Enjoyed all the photos.
I feel like my planning has fallen a bit short. When I arrived I learned that the hotel offers a free walking tour, BUT it’s in the morning and I had already gotten a ticket for Frida Kahlo house the next morning and had booked a food tour for the morning after that. 🤷♀️
Today I wanted to visit the National Palace to see murals and after I walked there I learned that you can only tour with a guide and you have to show up first thing in the morning to sign up for that. 🫤 I did manage to figure out an alternative nearby that was very good though…
@smartasswoman See, this is what I fear. I just know that if I'd planned the Scotland trip, I'd have missed seeing something major because I didn't know to look for it. Lol. I'm sure I would have missed the Tattoo. I'm sure I wouldn't even have known what the Tattoo was!
I'm glad you found a suitable alternative though.
@MyNameIsKay yeah well, this is why I usually do group tours lol. It’s ok. It’s not like I have time to see everything. Maybe I’ll be back someday.
Sounds like you had an interesting trip and a great one for pictures.
I always take too many pictures. 😊
Sounds like quite an adventure. Hope things continue to go well.
Thanks! I’m counting it as a win that I haven’t yet been pickpocketed or tripped over a piece of bad pavement (which is everywhere). 😀
What a great start to your Mexican adventure
Since have seen Frida and Diego sites will yuo also visit Trotsky's house/ museum
@bignicktx that would have been very logical since it was a short walk from Frida’s house. I thought about it but was more in the mood to go see the museum of popular art.
I've been thinking about a Mexico trip... my coworker has a condo in Tulum and is always offering it super cheap but I'd be 100% on my own unless I brought friends and then I'd just be alone as the group leader lol! The group I'm going to Greece with in May is also doing a Oaxaca trip in the fall so I'm also considering that. Thanks for sharing, as always!
I’ve only done a day trip to Tulum, when I was staying further up the coast. It was beautiful but that was 30 years ago so I imagine it’s much more developed now!
Mexico City is a very interesting city.
I'm wondering how the events of Venezuela went in Mexico. I'm guessing badly.
The closest thing I’ve seen to a political display was a very large mural in support of Palestine and Gaza. But yes, I can’t imagine anyone was in support.
Mexico City sounds like fun! The folk art is adorable. I love stuff like that. The mural is very wowza.
I don't drink the tap water while in Mexico but never had issues with fresh produce. To be fair, if I had developed stomach issues, I would have blamed the spicy food first, LOL.
Have fun!!
Hugs!!
I’ve done a lot of reading up on turista. One school of thought is that water is the main issue and as long as you’re careful about that (which I have been) you’ll be fine. Others say produce should be ok in a nice restaurant but don’t buy it on the street. Others say avoid uncooked produce entirely. I really was dying for a salad though. So far so good.
Missing photo #10.
Sounds like a good start to your trip. I'm loving this pic and can see you posing with the cut-outs
@superbjversion2 Missed opportunity! I did see one other visitor doing that but seeing as I was solo….
@smartasswoman As a frequent solo traveler, I have no problem asking someone to take my picture.