Did you know that this capital city is sinking at a rate of 3 inches a year? It has already sunk over 30 feet so far. The city was built over a lake centuries ago. Being 1 of the most populous cities of the world, increase in water consumption has led to major reduction in the city’s ground-water. The dry lake underneath has made this city sink. The Méxican Government has been pumping lots of money to preserve historic structures by injecting concrete into the foundation to increase their height. (http://www.wisegeek.com/is-mexico-city-really-sinking.htm) To add to this observable fact, the city has an active volcano as well as seismically active ground. It makes one wonder if the Mayan Apocalypse dated 23/Dec/2012 can ring true for México City. So believers of Mayan calendar – you don’t want to miss visiting this charming city before the predicted Catastrophe. There is so much of history, art and culture to see and experience.
We visited México for our 2009 year end vacations and spent 4 days in México City. This was our Phase 1 of our 3 phase trip. We really had to plan our Phase 1 well as we had to cram in as many things as possible.
México City was first the capital of the Aztec Empire. The story goes that Aztecs were originally nomads from Aslan (northern México). According to legend the Aztecs saw a vision from God who said that they have to go in search of the Promised Land, which they would recognize when they saw an eagle sitting on a Cactus with a snake in its mouth. Thus came into existence - México Tenoctitlan. (http://www.aztec-history.com/)
We travelled around México City by metro, buses, taxis and in our able guide – Islas’s car. There are beautiful monuments and ancient buildings through out the city having interesting anecdotes and historic significance. The main attraction is Centro Histrico, a historic square with many beautiful old buildings, which are well kept like the National Palace and 16th century cathedrals. Unfortunately during the Spanish conquest, most of the Aztecan buildings were demolished. So if one excavates in and around Centro Histrico, they are bound to find Aztecan ruins (they have excavated a part of Aztecan main temple – but it isn’t much). We visited the only surviving evidence of the Aztec empire – Xochimilco, a bunch of artificial islands built over swamps by the ancient Aztecs – a true engineering marvel.
We also visited the ancient city of Teotihuacan, just outside the city. This HUGE archeological site is known for the Pyramid of the Sun (3rd largest pyramid in the world) and Pyramid of the moon, large residential complexes, the Avenue of the Dead, and well-preserved murals. Dated back to 2BC, this ancient city’s ethnicity is still unclear. Since the site is dated much before Aztec era and this region is not part of the known Mayan empire, scholars have suggested possible rulers being Nahua, Totonac or Otomi. (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414)
We got to experience the rich Méxican art and culture. The city is adorned with many artistic installations and sculptures. A wonderful way to not only beautify the city but also encourage upcoming artists and show-off established ones. We got to see a game of Lucha Libre (original & more athletic version of American WWE), listen to the famous Mariachis (Méxican musical ensemble), catch a glimpse of local dance performances (Native Indian/ Spanish), and admire Diego Rivera paintings. We drove around the beautiful University, Olympic stadium, Azteca Football stadium (2nd largest in the world) and San Angel (a quaint art & craft street market).
We could also make a quick visit to the Museum of Anthropology – the 2nd largest museum in the world (after London’s British Museum) to check out the Aztec and Toltec section. This is an outstanding museum where people can easily spend 2 days minimum at least. We unfortunately had only 2 hrs to spare here. (http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/muna/mna_ing/main.html)
We could also make a quick visit to the Museum of Anthropology – the 2nd largest museum in the world (after London’s British Museum) to check out the Aztec and Toltec section. This is an outstanding museum where people can easily spend 2 days minimum at least. We unfortunately had only 2 hrs to spare here. (http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/muna/mna_ing/main.html)
Since we were in the city around Christmas, the streets were filled with locals partying every evening and we joined the celebrations with full gusto. We caught sight of the largest artificial Christmas tree in the world in full splendor - with charming Christmas lights adorning it. Méxicans love their food and drinks – its crux of all partying. So we tried a variety of them: Tamalés, tacos, tostadas, horchatas, jamicas, atolés, etc - the list is goes on. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_food#Mexico)
We liked this city mainly because of our guide, Islas Juréz, who ensured we experienced the pulse of the city and its culture. He is a highly knowledgeable, hard working, passionate Méxican and a thorough professional. He is the official guide for JW Marriot but then takes on private tours as well. He has a very comfortable Nissan which he uses for his guided tours. We would highly recommend Islas to anyone visiting this charming city.
We had landed in this city with a preconceived opinion of it being tourist unfriendly and extremely dangerous. But we left the city with quite a contrasting opinion. It made us feel that we should revisit this place.
We liked this city mainly because of our guide, Islas Juréz, who ensured we experienced the pulse of the city and its culture. He is a highly knowledgeable, hard working, passionate Méxican and a thorough professional. He is the official guide for JW Marriot but then takes on private tours as well. He has a very comfortable Nissan which he uses for his guided tours. We would highly recommend Islas to anyone visiting this charming city.
We had landed in this city with a preconceived opinion of it being tourist unfriendly and extremely dangerous. But we left the city with quite a contrasting opinion. It made us feel that we should revisit this place.
Here is a link to our album:
Here is a link to a post summarizing our entire trip:
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