Teotihuacan

Pyramid of the Moon

A visit to Mexico City without a side trip out to Teotihuacan is almost like a visit to Cairo without going to see the Great Pyramids at Giza. This ancient Aztec site is one of the Wonders of the World in the Americas. By a combination of subway and bus, one can get to the archaeological site in under a hour (no need to pay for a group or escorted trip to the pyramids when it's easy and safe enough to do it on your own). Plan on spending a full half day exploring the site once you get there. It's immense! If you've been to Chichén Itzá in the past few years, you know that you can no longer climb to the top of El Castillo or the great pyramid there. This is not the case at Teotihuacan. Climb the stairs of both the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the Sun. Not only do you get he very best view of the entire archaeological park, but also of the entire valley that the ancient Aztecs once called home. You'll marvel at how such colossal structures could have been build and wonder about the ceremonial practices that once took place within such a complex. A trip here will be one of your highlights of your visit to DF.

 

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People on the Street 3

Squatting just outside the Metropolitan Cathedral, this gentleman is clearly deep in thought or study. For many in Mexico, visiting the eglisia or cathedral, in this case, is a daily practice. The importance of faith to many cannot be understated. Prayer and devotion are central values practiced by the Catholic faithful in Mexico. As in this case, it does appear that older individuals are those who you most often see practicing their faith with daily visits to their local places of worship.

 

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Esquites & Elote: Street Food Treats

Esquites at The Mercado de Jamaica

On my wanderings through the unforgettable flower market in the Mercado de Jamaica, I treated myself to a cup of esquites to satisfy my hunger until lunchtime. This simple corn dish prepared with a hint of peppers and spices was perfect for taking the edge off a growling stomach (it had been a couple of hours since an early morning breakfast at Cafe El Popular). Esquites as well as elote, Mexican-style corn-on-the-cob, are common snacks found on street corners, markets, and parks. Elote seems a bit more popular. When positioned on a popsicle stick, this corn lathered in mayonnaise or crema mexicana, crumbled queso fresco, and chili pepper, is a most transportable snack. Kids and adults alike love this very available corn treat. Often cooked on small coal grills set up almost anywhere a crowd is, elote should also be part of your Mexican experience.

Elote Fresh from Casa Willy

 

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The Windows & Doors Series 2

La Risa, the Oldest Pulqueria in Mexico City

The pulqueria is a Mexican institution, but more of the past than the present. Still, today a handful of pulquerias can be found in the capital. Just off Avenida Isabel la Catolica one can find the oldest pulqueria in Mexico City, La Risa. Pulque is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented agave. Plain or flavored (curados), it seems to be regaining the popularity that it once had particularly among college students. On any typical afternoon, it may be hard to find a seat as the pulqeria is most likely jam packed with eager imbibers of the fermented agave juice.

Curados at La Hermana Hortensia

From mango to coconut or pineapple and oat sprinkled with cinnamon or celery, most tastes can be satisfied. In the mid-17th century, over 200 pulquerias could be found in the Centro. Check out one of the few remained watering spots to truly complete your Mexico City experience.

 

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Inside the World of Diego Rivera

Following my guidebook, I strolled through the cobblestone streets of San Angel on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. My goal was to reach Diego and Frida's Studio/Museum. Narrow streets and lovely colonial architecture characterize this up-scale neighborhood.

Inside Diego's Studio

One can easily imagine what life was like in the San Angel house for the artists. Many of Diego's creations are still in place just as they were when he worked here from the 1930s until his death in 1957. The whimsical paper-mâché figures are amazing and so representative of Mexican culture and art.

The Amazing World Created By Diego

The museum is free to teachers with a valid ID. However, there is a nominal charge if you want to take photographs.

 

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