Part 2: Mexico City
My first travel “buddy” was my mom. She gets to travel for free too. After completing a six-month probation, (26years ago) I brought home the inflight magazine, unfolded the “center-fold” map and asked Mom, “Where should we go first?” We picked Mexico City.
Some Highlights of That Trip:
- The historical section around the cathedral (Plaza de la Constitucion) and the murals by Diego Rivera at the National Palace.
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe which houses a sacred relic: a cloak containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mom and I watched elderly ladies crawl on bloody knees to the entrance of the church. It was moving to see their devotion, but we never saw the cloak. I kept asking people, “Donde esta la reliquia?” Everyone just kept saying, “Aqui.” Maybe they only display it on holy days?
- Taking the bus to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Incidentally, we never did pay the fare. The driver and locals were all very surprised to see us. Apparently, they weren’t accustomed to tourists riding the bus. So, we all just stared at one another, confused.
- Climbing to the top of the ancient pyramids in the pouring rain with a group of nuns.
- Guanajuato: a charming colonial town about 5 hours outside of Mexico City. We stayed a few days near the town plaza where we witnessed a sweet courting ritual. The old people sat on benches circling the plaza- gossiping. The young people walked around the plaza- flirting. The boys walked clockwise while the girls walked counter-clockwise. Adorable!
More recently, on a layover, I visited the floating gardens of Xochimilco. It’s a floating party and a battle of the mariachi bands. But remember, every group has a chemistry, so be sure to go with a fun group. Mine was not.
I also took a trip out to see La Casa Azul: the Frida Kahlo house. It’s a drive, but SOOO worth it. There you see her studio, Diego Rivera’s studio, the bed she was confined to after her horrific accident and where she eventually died, her death mask, her clothes, her jewelry, their dishes, even her blood stained body braces. It’s a very intimate experience and extraordinarily beautiful.
Did I mention the food? Seriously, go! (someday) Mexico City has so much to offer. Next on the agenda…lucha libre! (someday)
Amazing! So glad Mexico values and keeps up their national treasures legacy, to share with the public who adores them as well!