Mexico City...What A Surprise!

Thanks to a tip from my friend Ray, I tacked on a couple of days in Mexico City with my Cuba adventure. It would also give me a chance to see Mexico City Frank, a friend I met during my 2011 Africa travels in Tanzania. 

Arrived at MEX at 7:45am, got through immigration and baggage check. Baggage machine guy asked me how many cigars and sent me to the bag inspection lady. She couldn't figure out my backpack and I wasn't about to help her so she let me through without hardly checking it. Hopped in a taxi, came upon mad traffic and one hour later arrived at the Zocalo Central Hotel and met up with Frank shortly after at the Cathedral doors across the way!

In 2011, while in Tanzania, Frank showed me how to let unwanted bugs outside vs killing them. Now, in 2015, he's convinced me to eat bugs at Restaurante Chon! We had some type of worm, grasshoppers and some nutty tasting tiny bugs. It was definitely different and I'm not sure anyone else would have been able to convince me to some bugs for a full on meal! After our filling bug lunch, we went to the History Museum where Frank went full on historian on me- it was pretty cool! The day day ended with bacon and cheese tacos in a thunder and rain storm and I was never so ready for bed as I've been up since 1:30am!

 Day two started with a wake up from the Pride Parade crew. Yours truly did a stroll around the main square to take some photos then ventured out to a place called Castillo de Chapultepec. It was easily the most stunning castle I had ever seen and I've seen my share while traveling through Europe. The crown moldings, the architecture, stained glass windows, gardens and decor just oozed romance. After that taking that in, I walked into the Four Seasons hotel which was right outside the park to ask for information and directions. It's a travel habit of mine: any hotels is a resource for taxi and info along the way! Information and directions led me to a scrumptious meal at Contramar, a place my friend Ray had highly recommended and it did not disappoint. The hotel, which I'm not even staying at, even called in to make sure they would have a seat for me by the time I got there. Cerveche, octopus and shrimp tacos, limonada and a guava cheesecake to it off!  The pride parade brought out thousands of people out on the streets and cars were a bit bonkers! It made getting through 11+ miles of walking today a bit tricky to navigate but a success as only one car almost ran me over. Almost being two inches ... phew!

Apparently, I chose some weekend to be in Mexico City. Between various protests and the Pride Parade, never have I seen so many police officers in full armour with shields and all. We are talking hundreds and hundreds! Speaking of Pride, I will forever remember that while I was on this adventure, back home, history was made. The Surpreme Court Of The United States said yes to gay marriage in all 50 states! Obamacare is not going anywhere as well! As much critism as our President gets from the public, I have nothing but admiration for the man. Let's be honest, he had the toughest of messes to clean up from the prior eight years! I am beyond proud that we have a leader who can not only command a stage when he speaks and speaks intelligently but whose humility and passion for the people shines through each and every time.

I must admit, I was a bit nervous about making a visit to Mexico City because of the wrap they get in the eyes of the U.S. media but I figured if I can take on Medillin (Colombia), I can take on Mexico City and I'm glad I did. What a surprise this city turned out to be! Culture, food, endless history and the most romantic of castles. I'm sold! I've bottled up so much positive energy from Cuba and Mexico City that I'm hoping it'll last me awhile! Until next time friends!