Selfie Does Mexico City
I know living in Texas and it being January means that when my fellow Austinites are dreaming of Mexico, they are thinking of the warm beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula but me? Right now, when I’m dreaming of Mexico, I’m longing to return the captivating heart of Mexico D.F. The first time I laid on Mexico City it was a mecca of civilization for a slightly overwhelmed, suburban 17-year-old after a week at the family ranch. Mexico City has held a special place in my heart since then and I’m excited that it’s finally starting to get its due notice for its culinary, art and fashion scene, in addition to its historical and cultural importance.
As we have family living all over central Mexico, we typically only have a few days in the city and we are always given the tour by locals so we definitely hit some of the more touristy sites but family-style. Like for Papa Jose’s 60th birthday we had a big birthday party at a restaurant in Plaza Garibaldi which is where you can find all the mariachis ready to play the night away. Sadly, in the last year this area of D.F. hit the news for all the wrong reasons so like any major city, especially in such a touristy area, I would be conscientious about vigilance and doing my research – just like you should anywhere in such a large metropolitan area at night.
If you wake to a beautiful morning, the Bosque de Chapultepec would be my next stop including the Castillo de Chapultepec – a relic of colonial era-Mexico and the reign of Emperor Maximillian. To my non-history nerds: It’s a really beautiful castle on top of a hill with the most incredible views of the city from the balcony. The Lago de Chapultepec is also home to the most incredible ballet production I’ve ever seen (don’t judge me if you’re like a ballet connoisseur, please, this was epic) – Swan Lake (El Lago de los Cisnes) performed between three artificial islands in the beautiful man-made lake. And I say that knowing that I was absolutely freezing to death the whole time – completely, 100% worth it.
We’re still talking about Chapultepec here – it’s huge. And not one trip to D.F. has ever been complete without a trip to the magnificent Museo Nacional de Antropología which holds an absolutely stunning collection of indigenous art and historical artifacts. If you have any interest in the incredibly fascinating history of Mexico’s indigenous people (and, you definitely should because it’s so freaking interesting), this museum will blow you away.
After a day at the museum, you’re likely to be ready and excited for the whole splendor IRL. Teotihuacan is only 30 miles outside of Mexico City and incredibly worth the quick drive. An absolutely spectacular UNESCO world heritage site, this grand and solemn city allows you to lay eyes on the remnants of one of the world’s great civilizations. You can even see (small, well-preserved) stone with the original color work which completely blows my mind to imagine these glorious, larger-than-life pyramids dressed up in those colors. A busy tourist site, it is crowded but not overwhelming and more importantly, not to be missed.
I’m sure my native DFer friends will roll their eyes at this one but one of my favorite places in the world is the beautiful Lake Xochimilco. The lake is famous for its artificial islands, spectacular flora/fauna and its canals where you can laze away the day on a colorful trajinera while mariachi bands, toys, drinks and food float right over to you. While a lot of people are crazy for elote, my personal favorite snack in Mexico City is ‘Papitas’ which is just really fresh (if you get the good stuff!) kettle chips, Valentina salsa picante and lime juice mixed up in a small bag. (It is incredibly delicious and I have gotten many a past roommate addicted to eating kettle chips this way.) There’s nothing that can close a wonderful family trip to D.F. like the stunning colors, serene beauty and incredible novelty of spending a Sunday on a boat full of family and friends.
Resources for Mexico City:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150800-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast-Vacations.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-2019/