Viva la Mexico!

Day 3 in Mexico D. F. and so far so good. It doesn't feel like holiday yet. Staying in the luxury of the Hampton Inn is not quite what I am used to when traveling. But the huge bed, big pillows, and quiet evenings are much appreciated. Still playing catch up on my sleep.

This city is remarkably clean given the fact that over 26 million people live here. Granted we are in the heart of the tourist area so they are making a push to clean things up.

I had my first real taco on night one; small corn tortillas with shaved chicken, some weird white cheese, onions, green salsa and lets not forget the numerous limes I squeezed on top. Delicious! Not even close to the hard tortillas with ground beef, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and Spanish gardens I am used too. Love them both, but our Mexican food is no where close to true Mexican. Day one the belly pulled through with masterful colors. By day three, and no signs of vegetables or salad in my diet, other then onions and cilantro, I had a bit of a craving for anything green and non greasy. So another great meal. This time green lettuce, brie, apples and a light cilantro dressing. I think cilantro is the official herb of Mexico. Everything tasted great, but my iron belly revolted with fury. Let your imagination do the rest.

The zocalo is in the heart of town. It is the second largest square to Moscow's Red Square. The flag in the middle is the largest flag I have ever seen, it's huge! The square is surrounded by a Cathedral from the 1500's and a wonderful National Assembly building. I don't know what I had in mind when I thought of Mexico City, but what I do know is that clean streets, few beggers, and beautifully maintained old buildings were not what I thought of.

I think a lot of dirt and run down buildings was more accurate. I am happy to be proven wrong. I was also wowed by the muralists on display at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Huge paintings by Diego Riviera, Tamayo (my favorite), and Siquieros. The murals were complimented by the wonderful marble building itself.

So good times in Mexico City, but today we are off to Cuernavaca.

Todd's old Mexican home. Excited to see where his love for all things Mexican began. Maybe once we move on from the luxury of our hotel it will feel like we are traveling again. Getting hotter as we move south, still adjusting to constant sweat, but last I heard pit circles were making a come back.

Better finish packing before Todd has a fit. He is a tad antsy right now. Time to move on!