mexican adventure: Mexico City

Mexico City is an amazing city. So much to do! I think it may take at least a year to see it all. We stayed at a great hostel that Peggy, whom we met in Queretaro, recommended. It was located right near Condesa, which is a great artsy area. The Condesa area is a little on the expensive side, but since we were in the largest city in the world, we thought we could splurge. We got the chance to take the metro during rush hour. It was hilarious, because Hootie knew what was coming, because he had done it the previous day, I did not know what was coming. So, as soon as we boarded, it was like a race. Everyone ran, pushed, and pulled to get seats. Hootie knew what was coming, so he won the race and got a seat. It was great! Next time I'll know and I won't have to sit on Hootie's lap!

We visited the ruins of Teotihuacan, which is just on the outskirts of Mexico City. They are amazing. I had been to them about 10ish years ago, but they still amazed me. It's a huge Aztec city that was never destroyed when the Spaniards came because they didn't know that it existed. There are two huge pyramids there, the Sun and the Moon, and also a lot of smaller living quarters and temples. There are even remains of murals left. It's incredible. We climbed both the pyramid of the Sun and of the Moon. When we reached the top of the tallest, Pyramid of the Sun, there was a point to touch to rejuvenate yourself, and gain energy. We did it, but I'm still not sure that it worked! We made it out of Teotihuacan just in time to catch the last bus back to Mexico City.

Some of the sculptures on the Quetzocoatl temple at Teotihuacan, dating back to 200 AD (Don't quote me on that date!).

Some dried flowers at the foot of one of the temples at Teotihuacan.

Hootie standing front of some of the smaller temples.

I just love the beautiful rock colors and the tiny stone trail that the Aztecs put into the mortar.

View from the bottom of the pyramid of the Sun. Dreading our next step of climbing to the top!

Me sitting atop one of the smaller temples.

Hootie, standing tall.

A glimpse into what the city of Teotihuacan looks like these days.

We visited the Museum of Anthropology. A GIANT museum. I visited once when I was in high school, and somehow I forgot how big it was. Once again, I think I got a little "museumed out" here.

One of the sculptures in the Oaxaca part of the museum. It was the same sculpture that was on the front of my high school Spanish book. I think people call it the Aztec calendar, but in fact it's something else. But, I can't remember what!? I think I was "museumed out" at this point!

The Museum of Anthropology has some amazing architecture. This is one of the views of the windows at the museum. I love the pattern.

That evening after the Museum of Anthropology we headed out to Xochimilco. It's at the south side of Mexico City. It's a little area, that has boat transportation, and everything is built on bogs. Definitely a cute little area. I think our captain was drunk though, and I think we may have gotten a little ripped off, none-the-less it was another great adventure!

Hootie and I on the boat (Gondola-like) in Xochimilco.

One of the boats selling Elote on the river. Elote is basically corn on the cob smothered in mayo, cheese, and spices. We found out that Elote is not good for our stomachs!