Mexico City - part 1

Mexico City, almost half the population of Canada and amazing.  Despite the crowds and the traffic, there is something about Mexico City that wins you over.  Being here for the Day of the Dead makes it even more amazing.

For this post let me focus a bit on city sights and activities although there is no escaping the Day of the Dead - but then why would you want to! We are lucky to be staying in the historic centre. That means a walk along Ave Juarez to see the sights.

Inside Belle de Artes

Post office

Everyone participates

We enjoyed dinner in the Zocalo the first night and were awed by what was happening below and around us in the square. 

Cooking class was an absolute hit.  I’ve done many cooking classes in my tours but this was probably the best ever.  The young woman was so personal and engaged everyone in the process while still managing to take fantastic videos and pictures which she shared.  We chopped, stirred, danced and finally ate our way through 3 delicious tacos and salsas.

Frida Kahlo is an iconic figure from Mexico.  In past we have visited her Casa Azul to see her art and learn her history.  A month ago the family opened a new private museum and so we visited that museum instead.  Beautifully set up and with a guide we toured the museum - while interesting it has very little of her actual art.  In the end that was a disappointment for some.

Coyoacán is a lovely neighborhood and is where Frida was born.  We had a stop there and time to see a few sights, visit the market and enjoy some treats before the next stop.

Frida and Diego

Xochimilco (I have finally learned how to say it) is always colorful and fun.  Travelling down the canals on our private “trajinera” we saw the beautiful green houses along the way.  Our group was much quieter than others we passed - it is definitely a party event!!  After our meal we enjoyed the mariachis.

Did you know all poinsettias come from Mexico?  The greenhouses on these floating harvest grow them.