Mexico Unveiled
When I first landed in Mexico City just over 10 years ago, I was filled with excitement, ready to see what this huge city had to offer.I had come for a job that was initially based on a one year contract. Never in my dreams, would I have thought at that time that this place would become what I now call home.
People always ask me: “What brought you to Mexico City in the first place?” and the truth is, I was looking for any opportunity to get away from the brutally cold winters of my hometown.
Now to give some background context about myself, I was born in Ottawa, the grand capital of Canada, known for being one of the coldest capitals in the world (need I say more…?). But when I was in primary school, my parents decided they, too, hated the Canadian winter and so we moved to the south of Spain, where I lived for some of my formative years.
I like to think that those years in Spain ignited what I call my “Latina soul” which made me want to learn more about the other side of the Spanish-speaking world, namely, Latin America. So after finishing University, I embarked on a journey to South America, to work for an adventure travel company, where I spent around 5 years hopping from country to country.
Exploring the Salt Flats in Bolivia
Taking in the beautiful view of the Iguazú Falls in Brazil/Argentina
But it wasn’t until many years later, back in my hometown again, that I experienced what I can only refer to as one of those famous “AHA” moments, as I found myself one day staring out of my office window, into a big, black hole of darkness (it was around 4pm on a cold winter’s day) and it was at that precise moment that I realized I could no longer do the cold winters, short days, the piling on and off of layers, and I knew it was time to leave. To follow my heart and somehow make my way back south again.
Arriving in a place like Mexico City can be a bit overwhelming if you’re used to smaller, more tranquil places. But for me, it was simply love at first sight! I immediately fell in love with the place, its people, its variety of food, its vibrance and diversity (or as some like to refer to it as chaos) and of course its weather, which is SO much more forgiving than what I had been used to.
View of the Fine Arts Palace from above
When people ask me what I love about Mexico city, I feel my answer is always multi-layered.
THE PEOPLE
One of the first things that struck me upon my arrival was how friendly, warm and welcoming the people here are. Now for a city of over 20 million, I think that’s quite impressive. It’s important to note that people in Mexico City tend to smile a lot, and over the years, I’ve most definitely learnt that smiling will open many doors for you. Almost everyone takes the time to say “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes”, whether it's getting on a bus, entering a store, or simply saying hi to your neighbour in the park (which often ends in a lively and lengthy conversation about anything!). Chilangos, as Mexico City residents proudly call themselves, are also usually willing to stop in the street to help you if you’re lost or have a question. They are very curious people by nature and tend to have a youthful spirit! So DO expect to be bombarded with personal questions if you’re willing to open up and share a little bit about yourself.
Marcela, my friendly, local market vendor
THE FOOD
Another one of my favorite things about Mexico City is the food. Oh how I love the food in Mexico City! For me, Mexico City is the soul of Mexico, because it is a huge melting pot of all the different cultures and traditions found throughout the country. Whether your into a tasty taco de cochinita pibil (from the state of Yucatán), some delicious tacos de carnitas (from the state of Michocán) or even a big fat burrito (from the northern part of the country), guaranteed that in this city you will be able to find them all. Then of course you also have a huge variety of international cuisines: Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian and Middle Eastern, to name a few. And if you’re up for a real treat, you can try out one of the many Mexican fusion restaurants, blending all of the wonderful flavours of Mexican cuisine with your favorite ethnic seasonings. But above all, what absolutely cannot be missed when in Mexico City, is a sampling of its sensational street food, as this is where you will find the most authentic of flavors when it comes to Mexican gastronomy.
Mexican-Asian inspired taco served on a blue corn tortilla
The famous Torta de Guacamayo (originating from Guanajuato): Crispy pork rinds served on a bun with spicy pico de gallo salsa, avocado and lime
Delicious mini-consuelos, a specialty only supplied at the famous Churrería El Moro, consists of a churro sandwich stuffed with your choice of ice cream
THE VIBRANCY AND DIVERSITY (AKA the CHAOS)
As for the vibrancy and diversity of the city, there is so much to appreciate. Mexico City, in my opinion, is a city that caters to everyone. No matter what you like, whether it’s history, art, culture, food, dance, music, theater, outdoor activities, etc. this city has it all!
Teatro de la Ciudad, built in 1918 and located in the historic center of Mexico City, is now a popular venue for a variety of different cultural events
For starters, Mexico City is one of the top cities in the world with the most museums (currently ranked in 10th place with 185 museums).
Frida Khalo museum, also known as the Blue House
Despite being a massive concrete jungle, it also offers a lot of green spaces both within the city and its outskirts. One of my favorite spots include Chapultepec Park, a dense green Oasis in the heart of the city, referred to by locals as the “Lung of Mexico City”.
My dog Chino (A.K.A curly hair in Mexico) enjoying himself at Chapultepec park
Xochimilco, another top spot located towards the southern edge of the city, a thriving farming district surrounded by lush canals that span over an area of aprox. 184 kilometers.
Locals selling flowers and plants on the calm canals of Xochimilco
If hiking is your thing, there are several hiking paths available just a few kilometers outside of the city, tailored to all different levels. And if you happen to visit around springtime, you will be delighted by the beautiful Jacaranda tree-lined streets in full bloom.
Spring-time in Mexico City (CDMX = Ciudad de México)
Historically, Mexico City used to be known as Tenochtitlán, the famous Aztec capital. Today, you can still find incredible remains of ancient ruins scattered all over the city, and believe it or not, even within the metro (subway) system itself! Another hugely important archaeological complex dating even further back in pre-hispanic times, is Teotihuacán, the largest ever settlement to be built in the Americas region.
Temple in Teotihuacán
If you like to exercise and be around others, on Sundays you can grab a bike or simply strap on your running shoes to join the other thousands of people strolling down the renowned Paseo de la Reforma (one of the biggest avenues in the city that runs diagonally right through its heart) where the roads are closed off to cars and all sorts of community-focused activities are offered along the way (my personal favourite being the free Zumba classes!).
Me biking with my dog Chino on a sunny Sunday morning
And of course, if you are like me and love food, you will never get bored of the diversity of restaurants, cafés, fondas (small family run restaurants) and street food stands on offer.
Pork belly taco served with charcoaled radish, jalapeños and a creamy garlic sauce
Mexico City is also host to over 300 closed markets and over 1000 mobile ones that on any given day can be found among the various neighbourhoods throughout the city. It is in these magical markets that your senses will be overloaded by all the vibrant colours, textures and sounds they offer.
Mercado de Jamaica during the Christmas season
THE WEATHER
And last but not least, I can’t express enough just how much I love this city’s weather! Its lovely subtropical highland climate, a climate that never gets excessively hot nor excessively cold. Many often say that Mexico City has one of the best climates in the world, which of course, is a matter of opinion, but coming from where I come from, I would say it’s definitely near perfect. Mexico City also has incredible sunsets, which I personally love to enjoy from the heights of my balcony and with a nice glass of wine, after spending a day out in the hustle and bustle of this amazing city.
Incredible (no filter) sunset from my apartment balcony
If interested in learning more about the charming quirks of this city, please stay tuned for my next blog post coming up soon!
