As part of my job, I was in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, for the last five day. The city has a population of 8.80 million, so one can find many people on the road but not like the waves of people in Mumbai or Shanghai. I had a long haul journey of 30 hours to Mexico City from Dubai. And in this way, I was fortunate to have two Saturdays last week! The travel was uneventful, with a trouble-free passage out of the airport. I was received by the warmth of the winter that had just set in at the city. This narration is intended to be only informative to someone who may visit the city sometime in future.
I stayed at Reforma Avenue, the safest part of the city as well as the city center — a place where one can venture out even during night as there are regular police patrols at this area. Mexico City is not that safe as we wish, so one needs to be a bit careful while going outdoor. In that aspect, Reforma Avenue is an assured place. I landed on a Saturday so got a Sunday to roam around and see the place. When sought help, the hotel staff directed me to Alameda Central, and I had an entertaining walk of 20 minutes from Reforma Avenue to the Central. The hotel staff advised me not to take a taxi but walk to not miss roadside-performance by artists and other Sunday-specials.
As I walked, there were many things that caught my attention: a thoroughfare that is completely closed for the vehicular traffic in order to allow cyclists to have a carefree cycling day — children, youth, elderly, men and women cycling their way to wherever to; and a man sitting at the pathway, playing clarinet and entreating a crowd.— he is making his livelihood as the box kept by him was weighing in with coins and notes proffered by the onlookers. And there were many similar performances along the way.
As i walked along, I reached a place where the city’s main cultural centre:: The Palacio de Bellas Artes was located. Its ambiance is a panoramic place for photo-ops. Visiting this edifice is worth as it has its inside floor-walls painted with beautifully portrayed and informative murals, depicting the colonial times, besides, many other historical and contemporary artifacts and similar materials that will add value to your knowledge. It is also an Opera House. If you are in Mexico City, do not miss out this precious one.
From this edifice-junction to Alameda Central, there is a well-laid, cleanly maintained lane that had a sea of humanity flowing like a river last Sunday. It was enthralling to be a drop of that river, flowing along with the crowd, sometimes being temporarily stopped by roadside-artists like the ones who dressed up as cartoon characters and those who disguise themselves by painting their body in various colors and standing still like statutes, etc. The crowd walked into the Alameda Central like a river estuaries with a sea, so did I.
At Alameda Central, there are many Spanish-era architectural wonders: a majestic, towering cathedral named Catedral Metropoltana De la Ciudad de Mexico; a large building that is the presidential office; City Palace; and many such wonderful edifices. The Central square is a large one, like the size of around four football grounds. It is a place for military parades during occasions like National Day, etc. You can walk around and enjoy the place. This place has currency exchange centers — no need to show passport to change currency. This is the best place to buy souvenirs. If you are fortunate, you can see the dance performance by Aztec tribals. I had that fortune, and it was a visually sumptuous meal to watch their traditionally choreographed dance sequence — I have no hesitation to say that watching their dance was the best moments I had at the city. You can hang around for 4 to 5 hours as there enough to see and learn.
On my way back, I had the opportunity to relish some traditional Mexican food. When it comes to Mexican food, one that you get at roadside eateries are as good as that you get at a fine restaurant. Azul Historico is a fine restaurant to dine — it has am ambiance of a naturally-set trees inside a building. One can savor the Mexican delicacies like Tacios, Tostadas, etc. If you wish to unwind at the end of the day, visit Sona Rosa, a place where you will find many pubs, discotheques, etc. It is situated at Reforma Avenue.
Metro trains, buses and taxies are the main modes of transport. I have traveled by bus which has a dedicated corridor to ply and are clean, well maintained with two connected-cars. While hiring taxis, one has to be careful as there can be a possibility that taxi guy may waylay you. It is better to use Uber or hotel taxi or a taxi that has the complete details of the driver pasted on the side-window.
At Reforma Avenue, there is a spot called Alameda Plaza, where, on Sundays, temporary food-stalls are put up and people come in to dine and dance. It is a square where they play music and people dance to their glory. — youth and elderly alike do sequencing dance movements like a flow, and it is a moment when you feel like to go out and dance. As I was there on a Sunday, I had the chance to witness the dance and to dine at the place.
I have only good memories of Mexico City, and some of which were captured through my mobile camera. But I am unable to upload those photos and video here, hence, giving the fb-links of them below.
Nowhere Perspectives 