La Ciudad de Mexico

WHAT DO I DO?

Sounds like a deep question, but it's pretty straightforward. Thanks for asking. Well last Tuesday, after a day full of sunshine, it started to rain con fuerza and even hailed a bit. I would say the weather here is how I am when I am asked if I want enchiladas or tacos. Very tough decisions.

We went to the house of Diego (friend from church) on Wednesday to make pancakes and oatmeal. It was quite ironic that he and I were cooking in the kitchen for the ladies, but I guess you gotta mix it up every once in a while (pun).

It wasn't a crazy week, but the weekend was a different animal.

On Friday, we left for el D.F., or Mexico City. I woke up 10 min before we were supposed to meet, so I forgot to bring money and turn off my insect repellant wall plug-in (what a waste).

Here's a somewhat chronological photo tour of this weekend:

1) Teotihuacan

 A group of concheros (remember them?) in front of the ruins of Teotihaucan.

 The Mexican flag interests me, so I try to get it in as many of my pics as possible. Pyramid of the Sun (Piramide del Sol) in the background.

 

These are seven of my closest friends on the top of the Piramide del Sol, with the Piramide de la Luna in the background.

 

 View of the Piramide del Sol from the Piramide de la Luna. Piramide del Sol is bigger than de la Luna. It has the same base size as that of the pyramids in Egypt (only half as tall, though).

2) Palacio de Belles Artes/ Torre Latinoamericano

After Teotihuacan, where Ben and I bought eagle-sound makers for only 20 pesos, the group traveled to the heart of Mexico City (sounds like the start of a movie where someone gets kidnapped or something). 

 Here is the front of the Palacio de Belles artes, where we critiqued (ya I’m pretty artsy these days) some murals by Diego Rivera. Really talented man but included too much

We went to the top of this. Built in 1956, it has withstood many large earthquakes.

Here is the view from the top! Welcome to beautiful Mexico City, Mexico. Sorry for the sarcasm, I’m just not a huge fan of big cities, smog, car horns, and the such.

3) Museos

Here is what they call a “Chacmool”. These guys fascinate me. See that bowl he's holding? That's where the Aztecs would put the hearts of the sacrificed humans. A real life Davey Jones.

Me and my pal, Scotty. Speaking of, Wildlife Wednesdays has been changed to Lobo Lunes. 

4) Chapultepec 

We went to the Castle of Chapultepec. Well-done arquitecture but better views. Biggest park in Mexico, the Americas, or the world. I can’t quite remember.

Not quite the size of Lake Michigan, but a lake nevertheless.

Here are some Mayan ruins, my friend and me. Photo props to mi mama, Melissa.

Ben’s ready for some Juego de Pelota, a sport kinda like soccer. The winners were also sacrificed to the gods. 

5) Plaza de Tres Culturas/Tlatelolco

Here is the church of Tlatelolco, or Plaza de Tres Culturas. It has ancient ruins, a colonial church, and a modern apartment building. In 1968, more than 300 students (officials say 20 or 30) were assassinated during a riot. The government of Mexico does not recognize that this event actually happened. Sad story that still brings anger to many Mexicans.

6) Xochimilco

On Monday, our last day, we took a boat around the floating gardens of Xochimilco to celebrate Besty’s birthday and to buy cool things for loved ones (be excited, Jonny). 

Not a spelling bee, okay? Speaking of animals, take a gander at my right bicep, where you will find a henna tattoo of a dolphin. Miss you Donna. Nice photobomb, Laura!

 

8) Basilica de Some Saint

Last stop, I promise. Supposedly the second most visited Basilica in the world after that of Saint Peter. Since Mexico City was built over a lake, you can see it sinking. Also the real (or is it?) image of the Virgin Mary. 

 

Conclusion (Finally)

Well that’s it. You’re welcome for so many pics. Overall, it was a fun and very busy trip. As I said, I’m not a big fan of big cities, so I missed Queretaro. Enjoyed my time, but great to be back!