So far we have seen Teotihuacan, anthropological museum in Chapultepec, and Xochimilco.
We made a short drive through paseo de la reforma that ends with the Angel of Independence that is recognized by so many as a symbol of Mexico's independence. It's larger than it looks on tv and much more magnificent.
Teotihuacan was cold. It's a huge complex that housed people's dating from before the toltecs to the Aztecs, and for each civilization it was a sacred place. We wanted to climb to the top of the temple of the sun but sadly the park was closing as we arrived. The temple took the shape of a wide-based, multi-platformed pyramid with stairs that became increasingly narrow as one walks up. So narrow, that to walk back down required visitors to side-step. It hailed on us that day and was amazingly cool. It had to have been at least in the 60's and for us Texas folks who are used to 100 degree August heat it was a refreshing change. So many (myself included) have this perception of Mexico being hot year round. Ironically it gets hotter in Houston than in parts of Mexico. Teotihuacan being one of those places.
The Museum was enormous! Set in the lush greenery of Chapultepec in front of the Flying Men, amongst the cypress and pines a two story building held relics from Mexico's past. Nahua, Aztec, Maya, Toltec, Olmec, Huastec, and many other civilization's unique examples of daily life were on display. The museum alone would require an entire day to fully appreciate and read. The inner courtyard had a small pond with reed grass, fish, and turtles living in it. Towards the entrance of the courtyard was a massive totem with various symbols on it that held up a roof from which water spilled out. So much water that the air was cooled by it and it even created a stiff, misty breeze as it rushed to the grating beneath.
Xochimilco is at turns relaxing and sad. As a world heritage site, it attracts people from all over the world. It's a system of canals left behind from the prehispanic period that compares to Venice. The many islands or 'chinampas' hold stores of all sorts as well as starting off points for the gondola-like 'trajineras'. You can not only enjoy a ride on the canals, you can sunbathe, have lunch, get serenaded, have a party and just simply explore all the islands have to offer. Vendors with food will float up to your trajinera and will give you a full meal. Mariachi's are common all along the canals and depending on the size of your trajinera, you could easily seat 15 people.
All this can be done on the canal, and because of this, the ecological balance of the canals and chinampas are in danger due to pollution and at times, overcrowding.
This is but only a small morsel of what Mexico City has to offer. It makes for a wonderful, short, trip.
In sum, there's a saying in spanish that I'd like to share: México, mágico. 'Magical México.
Onward to San Luis Potosí!
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