I planned on posting this a few days ago, as the first piece in what I hope will be an extensive travel section of my blog. That same day a deadly earthquake hit Mexico City, killing hundreds and leveling three dozen buildings. Deciding whether or not to post this wasn't easy. I worried it might seem in poor taste, self-serving or just plain ignorant. Ultimately, I decided that shying away from promoting such a wonderful city would be a mistake. The purpose of this post now is to celebrate Mexico City as it rebuilds and grows stronger. And if you can, of course, please donate here.
Iβll admit to having an insider advantage, having stayed with one of my best friends and her mother, a native of Mexico City. I knew I would love it but I didnβt know just how much. For those like me, who prefer European architecture above all else, youβre in for a treat.
Day 1: Salsa Dancing
On day one we went salsa dancing at Mama Rumba. Itβs a little touristy but you canβt pass it up!
We made sure to wear flowing salsa-appropriate dresses and long earrings to be extra festive. Mama Rumba is nothing fancy, but itβs a perfect place to go for someone who has never salsa danced before. Thereβs even a separate floor dedicated to first timers, and it comes with an ultra-patient instructor. Once youβve βmasteredβ the moves β which in my case meant sort of keeping up and not tripping β women and men form two lines facing each other, and the instructors call you to take a turn dancing with each partner. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that. It forced me to be open in ways that I just havenβt been as a perpetually skeptical, lifelong New Yorker. You have to dance with men of all ages, shapes, sizes, nationalities, and that means being comfortable dancing with someoneβs grandpa (who were, of course, the most helpful). In those fleeting moments there were no assumptions, judgments, prejudices, or language barriers. Imagine that. In our world as it is today, those moments are rare and precious.
To close, go salsa dancing in Mexico City.
P.S. β Be prepared to sweat! Itβs a workout!
Day 2 & 3: Parks/MC Lunch
I walked around the neighborhood of Condesa, starting with Parque MΓ©xico. If you so much as enjoy looking at a garden sometimes, you will love this park. They have done such a great job maintaining it, and the architecture surrounding it is highly Instagram-able. Afterwards we headed to the Polanco neighborhood to enjoy a traditional Mexico City lunch β comparable to a New York City brunch, except 4-5 hours longer. We ate and drank from 2pm to 10pm at La Unica. And in all honesty, it felt more like 30 minutes than 8 hours. We had an incredible time and the food was divine β a must go destination if youβre in town.
Get a quick snack (I suggest the coffee and pastries) at the Terraza of CafΓ© de la Gran Ciudad in the Sears building. Itβs directly across from the famously picturesque Palacio de Bellas Artes, and has stunning sweeping views of the city, rain or shine.
Walk along the Iglesia Del Convento De San Francisco and have lunch at Azul HistΓ³rico. Afterwards make your way to Centro HistΓ³rico and have drinks at the rooftop bar El BalcΓ³n del ZΓ³calo overlooking the entire historic square. The tomato salad was one of the best salads Iβve ever had β a must order.
Day 4: Teotihuacan & Views
Most assume these are Aztec ruins, but this city was actually built a thousand years before the Aztecs found it. The views are incredible, though itβs quite a hike to climb up. Wear sneakers and be ready for a workout. Pro tip: go during a weekday if you can. The weekends are extremely crowded. Sometimes they have to close off the stairs for a few minutes until enough people come down!
Next up: dinner and drinks at La Casa de Las Sirenas for incredible views of Catedral Metropolitana de la AsunciΓ³n de MarΓa.
Day 5: Castillo de Chapultepec
Allot at least two hours for this destination. The castle is at the top of a hill within a park, and getting there is a bit tricky to navigate. For example, the security gate for the castle begins about 10 minutes before you reach the top of the hill/the castle entrance. If youβre taking an Uber, have them drop you off on Paseo de la Reforma at the corner of Calle Mahatma Gandi. I learned the hard way that Ubers have a really difficult time finding the castle once youβre in the park.
More pictures to come. And next up Praha!