Mexico City

Mexico City seems to inspire passionate debate from residents and tourists alike. I’d heard traveled, trustworthy people say everything from “it’s the sexiest, most exuberant place I’ve ever been” to “the cops will steal your wallet”. I got to visit for a few days in May and I definitely landed on the positive side of the debate. It was my first non-European travel experience and I was a sucker for the old-world charm of the funky little retail stores, the crazy blend of architectural styles, the color and vibrance of the physical spaces, the amazing street life day and night, the sheer scope and energy of the place. I was surprised at how few people spoke any English, and how little Spanish I’d remembered from school. The people – when they are not driving their cars like madmen – are what make the place so alive and welcoming, and not being able to engage them in substantial conversation was the biggest downside to the trip. I’m definitely returning to el D.F. after I brush up on my Spanish a bit, and I can’t wait to explore more.

Go with plenty of time to spend exploring and visiting all the museums!

Dia de Los Muertos

You have to be very careful while visiting Mexico City. Be sure you take a taxi from the airport and don’t walk outside and just hop along in the first one you see, because you might be kidnapped Seriously, it’s not joke. It’s like any big city you visit… you simply have to watch your surroundings.

Have fun!

You’ll have a great time in this big city with friendly people!

I was robbed by police just outside the Hotel Camino Real. I was drinking a Coca Cola and wearing a spiffy outfit, and a high-ranking officer grabbed it away, sniffed it, and said there was rum in it. He called four of his buddies, some of them following me in a car, and actually escorted me to the back of the hotel, claiming I had to pay 100CDN or be arrested- bullshit, of course. They began to arrest me, but I bribed them with 250 pesos, since that was all I had. I’d recommend travelling with friends at all times, particularly one who is fluent in Spanish- I speak Spanish quite well and they still were messing with me, even though I’m Canadian.

I only spent a day in D.F. which is definitely not long enough!

i went to mexico city for a connection to guadalajara mexico. i didn’t visit anywhere in mexico city but i flew over it and was in the airport for 5 hours there :P its very pretty : )

...my favorite place in the world :)

I went to the DF for the first time frankly expecting the worst…. smog, crime, traffic, thieves in taxis. I found instead a thriving, teeming, cheerful, colorful, and diverse ancient metropolis with the cheapest, and probably most efficient subway system I’ve ever used. I felt as safe as I do in New York (which is plenty safe), and was embarrassed for being so paranoid.

Some of my favorite moments included: fantastic museums, wonderful galleries, art, and shopping; Strolling the parks and old quarters admiring pyramid blocks repurposed into 17th century seminaries; Stumbling upon a goth-industrial club night (called The Bat Cave Club) on the top floor of a computer school in the charming, but quiet after dark, Centro Historico, featuring a fun but weird mix of really gothic music and slightly incongruous 80s pop. Mexican goth kids dancing to Siouxsie and the Banshees and slamming down $1 Indio beers. Being the only gringos on the dance floor at a norteno (Mexican country) bar in the Zona Rosa featuring the loudest banda you ever heard.

I can only say that I was rather underwhelmed by the much-vaunted nightlife district of Condesa… sort of stylish, sure, but rather yuppie for my taste. The Zona Rosa, too, was a little garish, and sort of tacky, but as a San Franciscan I was delighted to see such a prominent (by Latin American standards, at least) LGBT community acting out.

Go! Don’t be afraid! It’s a wonderful city.