I have to admit that I felt a little fearful in visiting this large city known for it’s violence, among other things. It being the first stop on my trip also added some anxiety. For those reasons, and others, I signed up for four Air BnB “experiences” to help me explore some of the areas I wanted to see. Those tours were great and gave me a depth of experience that I would not have had on my own!
So, I am totally blown away with Mexico City! I believe I would feel comfortable living there. There is open acceptance of tourists and gays; the historic architecture is abundant and appreciated; there are lots of fresh food, healthy food, organic food; public transit works; protests were passionate and safe (in this moment), and the arts are celebrated! However, two of my favorite tour guides stated that living in Mexico is not good right now.
One of the events that I was looking forward to the most was seeing the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, who have been performing for almost 60 years at the Palacio de Bellas Artes without a break. I saw them perform when I was a kid in Guadalajara and have been a fan ever since. I had a great seat for their Sunday morning performance and it was breathtaking! Almost 100 dancers and a full mariachi band performed on the stage, on the orchestra platform, in the aisles and balconies. Don’t worry, I bought a DVD, so anyone who knows me may be subjected to a showing! To make this experience even better, I booked a tour of the historic district with Josias, one of the dancers in the Ballet (pronounce the “t”). He is so passionate about his dancing and answered my endless questions about the troupe!
The original iridescent glass curtain made by Tiffany in 1912.The Ballet Folklorico performing one of my favorite dances: Jarabe Tapatio.The Pyramid of the Moon – another excellent Air BnB Experience tour to Teotihuacán. Climbing up the Pyramid of the sun was excruciating and exhilarating!Yay! I finally found a street market! I was looking for fresh fruits and veggies, but you can buy nearly anything here!I had the most amazing tour guided by this passionate and knowledgeable archeologist, Guadalupe Zetina Gutierrez, or Lupita. She renewed my interest in mesoamerican culture – so much more to learn! Click on the photo to see her engaged action!Josias ended our tour by taking me into the Sears building to the top floor. We walked through the Pier 1 store and stepped outside to this beautiful view. We sat and drank a coffee while we talked about his experience the Ballet – a marvelous experience.Josias took me to the Secretary of Public Education building to see Diego Rivera’s murals. The walls surrounding the first floor are covered with his murals, such as this one. Wow!My awesome tour guide, Ho, pointing out the varieties of chiles and two flavors of jamaica (hibiscus). Please note that Hershey’s chocolate somehow warrants presentation with these natural products.Doesn’t this look like a great snack! Well, apparently someone thinks so. They are delicately spiced scorpions – in two sizes. I tasted the grasshoppers and found them quite delicious – especially the ones spiced with garlic.
Having retired in 2019, I attempted a year long - in two parts - adventure traveling around Mexico. However, COVID ended my trip early in April of 2020. Since then taking college classes in Spanish has kept me vaguely attached to my travels. I'm still focused on gained confidence and flow in speaking Spanish and not on becoming fluent. Though I don't believe I could leave my home, family and friends to live full time in Mexico, I am wondering if I might be able to split my time between home and Mexico. So, I am now back in Mexico working on that aim.
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10 thoughts on “Ciudad de México!”
I saw the Ballet Folklorico there when I was 18! Lupita and Josias were private tours!?Im sure you are not disappointed in your trip so far!
Becky
Not disappointed at all! All four of my tours, including Lupita, Ho, and Josiah, were arranged using Air BnB Experiences (link is in the post). Though not employed by a professional tour company, they were all Mexicans that had other jobs and were passionate about the tour content and personable in communicating the information!
Kathleen, the photos are spectacular. I love that you are sharing this on this blog. I am looking forward to reading them during the coming months. It makes my heart sing. I feel a little bit like I stepped into the world you are inhabiting as I am reading and looking at the pictures. I continue to be amazed and pleasured by watching you make this journey.
Kathleen, you are off to a great start! Enjoy. Marika just graduated and will be traveling also. She has a one-way ticket to Amsterdam. We are taking off tomorrow, and I’ll join her for the first 1.5 weeks. Take care!
My México Travels 
I saw the Ballet Folklorico there when I was 18! Lupita and Josias were private tours!?Im sure you are not disappointed in your trip so far!
Becky
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Not disappointed at all! All four of my tours, including Lupita, Ho, and Josiah, were arranged using Air BnB Experiences (link is in the post). Though not employed by a professional tour company, they were all Mexicans that had other jobs and were passionate about the tour content and personable in communicating the information!
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Yup…high school trip! Remember it well 😁
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This looks like a great start to your travels, Kathleen! I’m envious.
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Thanks Steve – you are right, this has gone better than I had anticipated! I hope you can live vicariously through me!
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I love the photos. So glad you are enjoying Mexico City.
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Kathleen, the photos are spectacular. I love that you are sharing this on this blog. I am looking forward to reading them during the coming months. It makes my heart sing. I feel a little bit like I stepped into the world you are inhabiting as I am reading and looking at the pictures. I continue to be amazed and pleasured by watching you make this journey.
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Anna, Thank you so much for your support! My intention is that you can step into my amazing journey with me.
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Kathleen, you are off to a great start! Enjoy. Marika just graduated and will be traveling also. She has a one-way ticket to Amsterdam. We are taking off tomorrow, and I’ll join her for the first 1.5 weeks. Take care!
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How exciting! What a great experience she will have – I’m so glad you get the hang out with her for the first week and a half! Enjoy!
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