The Golden Age of Travel

It's amazing how time and experience changes one's perspectives. Remember when everyone complained about airplane food? Yuck! Another chicken dinner! I'd rather eat my shoe! But, when was the last time you were served a meal on a flight? It's been so long for me that I can't even remember (obviously, I don't fly 1st class).

Flying Aeromexico today non-stop to Mexico City was a real travel treat, even a luxury, by most standards frequent flyers experience now. First, on only one previous trip south was I lucky enough to go direct. Not stopping in New York, Atlanta, or Houston makes a long day of travel just a bit easier. Second, this morning's flight isn't even one-third full. I am enjoying the pleasure of an entire row to myself. No leg cramps on this 5 1/2 hour flight! Yes, I'm stretched out across all three seats! Finally, a full lunch was served! What a treat to sit here with chicken in front of me and a glass of complimentary wine in my hand. A shot of a tequila reposado will help me get ready for a nap before landing. Considering how much one typically pays for overcrowded flights nowadays, this trip has started out on a very positive note. To quote Zac Brown, "Ah, life is good today, life is good today!"

Flying into the city, I'm reminded of how many people live in Mexico City. In the capital area more than 20 million people call it home. From the air, it become quickly clear as one flies over the greater Mexico City area just how crowded and expansive it is. The developments seem to go on and on and on.

 

 

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Arrival in Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico City, DF. Join me for the next 10 days as I explore the well known and the less known treats to be found only in the Mexican capital.

 

 

Although I've blogged from here before, I'm most excited this trip about traveling light. All of my postings are being done from my iPad. This includes my photos too. The camera on the newest version of the iPad takes tremendous pictures with high resolution. So, instead of hauling around a bulky computer and a separate camera, I'm opting for the one stop shopping option of just my iPad in my travel bag.

 

So, let's get started! Just arrived in Mexico City after a non-stop flight from Montreal. It's only the middle of the afternoon, so with just a backpack to maneuver, I'm heading for the subway (instead of an expensive airport taxi to get me to my central downtown hotel - the Hotel Isabel.

 

The DF Metro - Modern, Convenient and Cheap

In less than 30 minutes, I get off the metro at my stop only a few short blocks from my hotel. The Isabel is where I normally stay. It's conveniently located, inexpensive, and has a certain run-down charm that appeals to travelers not tourists.

 

View from Avenida Isabel la Catolica

As you can see from the front of the hotel, most of the rooms have large windows and a balcony. Although a bit rough around the edges, for $20 a night one can have a real "beat" experience similar to that experienced by American writers, Burroughs, Kerouac, or Ginsberg.

 

Inside the Lobby of the Hotel Isabel

 

Of course, a little mood music goes well with nachos and beer. Here's a sample of Música Norteña from northern Mexico. It'll make you want to dance (or drink more beer)!

 

 

On this trip, due to the ease of posting photos and commentaries on my iPad, I will attempt to update my travel blog more than just once a day. So, check it regularly to see pictures and pithy comments from around this great city.

 

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