Part 2 Mexico City

Have you ever found yourself heading off to a new place, not really knowing what lays ahead? Give it a go, dealing with the unknown breaks comfortable thought patterns. This happened in Mexico City.

Our La Casa shoot was thoroughly planned, mapped out and booked for the middle of the trip in Tequila Town, can’t wait to share these photos. However, the rest of the trip, on either side of this, was a little unknown.

Maybe it was the excitement of going somewhere different, a completely new culture, that I forgot to buy the Lonely Planet Guide and a handy Spanish language booklet.

Tip 1, in Mexico they only speak Spanish, no English, my Spanish is non existent and even on the last day I still didn't know the difference between entry and exit for shops. Brush up on some Spanish, it will help you get around and at least order a taco, some guacamole and a margarita or two.

Not really having a plan, other than exploring and fun being on top of the list, meant there were so many surprising highlights. The first, on every Sunday the city closes the roads from 6am to 2pm to all motor vehicle traffic. A green light for the masses to get off their seats (or couch) and enjoy running, roller blading, skating, walking and bike running without cars interfering. Wide open and flat roads, weaving through the heart of the city.

The city is open for all to enjoy, we hired bikes from the city bikes website. The best $8 ever spent for 5 hours of fun. Riding through stunning neighbours of Roma and Condesa, two local and authentic Mexico City suburbs, lined with greenery and city parks, that look like inspired smaller versions of Central Park.

You'll need a minimum of 5 days for Mexico City, arrive for a weekend and enjoy a Sunday bike riding..

Oozing out of the Central Mall are art exhibitions and galleries, beckoning you to come in, if only time allowed I would have been lost for a few days in these galleries.

There is a sunken Cathedral that felt close to heaven, every corner has a new offering of an exhibition.

The real Mexican tacos are found at the store with the longest queue, it moves fast so stay inline. Buy at least two add the fresh guacamole, carrots and jalapenos, lettuce, grab a coke to help wash it down, yum. It’s the best experience being in and amongst the locals.

Walk a little further down the street to the churros stand on corner. Warm churros filled with choices of vanilla, chocolate and caramel. It is possible to overdose because of the smell, we managed to restrain and shared 1 between 4 people.

Mexico City has ruins, artist arcades, museums and exhibitions for a small fee you can enter with a mask. Book ahead if you want to see Frida Kahlo’s home, it books out easily and is closed on a Monday.

We stayed at Casa Pepe, a youth hostel that offers private rooms and dorms. A social place with a rooftop bar and active WhatsApp group which communicates daily the morning activity, each day there is rooftop yoga at 7.45 am. Followed by a city guided tour walk at 10.30.

The other highlights are the anthropology museum however you need a full day to be able get through it all. This trip didn't have the time to make that happen.

This time of year the mornings and evenings are cool, the heat of the day rises around 4 to 5 pm, from the black cobble stones, Gelati is a relief from the heat and a nice bench seat to watch the locals of Mexico City world pass by.

Mexico City has a lively club scene, rooftop house parties with a DJ and city lights. Even though Mexico City seems to have a bad reputation for some reason through the press I found it safe, clean with lots to offer, to get through the sights and to enjoy some of the settings, 5 days is a minimum needed so you don't feel rushed.

Yep I would return again get to know the locals, what they do in their spare time, what they eat, understand more of their culture, things that we don't stumble across in the heart of a city.

What a delight, so happy the world is opening up and we were able to hang with a tribe of young nomad girls and guys, who are doing travel their own way.

Quitting fulltime jobs, going solo, exploring the world, on their terms so refreshing to see the variety of choices now available to people, thanks to technology.

Special thanks to Campaign Director, Keyur, (aka travel buddy), who mapped and planned it all. I would have been lost at touch down, when I couldn’t find my hotel pick up ride, who was standing under the KFC sign at the Mexico City arrivals hall.

Between bookings.com, WhatsApp, Google Maps, TripIt and confirmation emails, get yourselves mobile App smart and you’ll breeze through navigations and skip long queues in the new travel world, just like a pro.

Until next time.

Emma xx

PS I still took a papercopy of every booking email and ticket just in case.

Sitting - Anytime for fresh gelati and local people watching

Connecting - Bike gangs who ride together get to know each other

Eating - Find the longest queue for the best taco's

NewsletterEmma PuttickApril 17, 2022blog, newsletter, islandComment