I am in Mexico City, only two blocks from the “Centro Histórico,” the historical center of the city and a World Heritage site. The plaza (Zócalo), which I passed last night, is the world’s second largest, after Red Square.
Yesterday, it turned out, was the Day of the Dead, (Dia de los Muertos), and last night the plaza was filled with celebrants—children and adults dressed in scary costumes, large skeleton marionettes, and various objects connoting deceased ancestors. I was too tired to wander about, but I hear the celebrations will continue today as it’s All Soul’s Day.
My first task, though, is to get a traditional Mexican breakfast, which I’ll do at the nearby El Cardenal (reviews here). Pictures will be taken.
Please do not expect substantial posts in the next few days: I’ll be busy at the workshop and sightseeing. Plus my brain still hurts.
I think you might have your wires crossed on the links, but that sure does look like a good spot for breakfast!
b&
Do you mean Tienanmen Square? Red Square isn’t actually very big.
I’m going by what Wikipedia said. I have been in Tienanmen Square, and it’s BIG, so I was a bit dubious about that statement!
I immediately thought of Tiananmen too. But according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_city_squares_by_size even that is only 3rd.
If your schedule allows it, I would definitely recommend visiting the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. That and the Zocalo (Templo Mayor, Cathedral, and the Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace) are always the highlights of my visits to Mexico City. And of course, if you have time, a visit to the nearby archaeological site of Teotihuacan is a must, it is one of the most spectacular ancient cities anywhere in the world.
Tell your hosts you don’t want to miss El Farolito y El Bajio. I know what I am saying!!!!!!! Enjoy my city, I won’t be able to attend your talk.
If you have time to hunt it down,the best food market I have ever seen is to be found quite near the Zocalo.It’s even more spectacular (albeit smaller) than “La Boqueria” in Barcelona- the variety of wild mushrooms and game was staggering- and I say this as a former restaurateur and chef who’s been around a bit.I wish I could give more help regarding the location,but it’s more than 30 years since I was there-asking around should do the trick.While I’m here,thankyou very much for the effort you put in to what has become my favourite website. Buen’ provecho!
Mexican breakfast! I’m really jealous now.
Try to eat lots of pepper and wasabi for that cold of yours, Dr. C.
Better still, get a local Chinese restaurant to cook you some of that chicken soup laden with fresh ginger, garlic and ruby port. It’ll fix you up good. And keep knocking back ginger and garlic and wasabi (if only you could get someone to make you a potion of all fresh ginger/garlic/lemon/lime/orange juice and honey – hold your nose and drink it down twice a day). Take care.
You’re recommending wasabi and Chinese food? In Mexico City?
Just a quick way to help clear out that head cold of Dr. C’s, so he can actually taste and enjoy the local cuisine. 🙂
Actually, he’ll be getting lots of capsaicin and garlic as it is. Mexicans love their (amazing variety of) chili peppers, and they’re not at all afraid of garlic.
The peppers should be plenty to get the sinuses going. He’ll be fine.
Cheers,
b&
Make sure you get some good street tacos while you’re there.
Awesome! My best friend and I are heading out on the road tonight for the 12 hour drive to Mexico City! I’ve got my copy of WEIT and we’re looking forward to the event. We can only catch Saturday though.
Day of the Dead – sounds a bit like Halloween? I’ll look it up.
If I were in Mexico City I would have tamales at least once a day… though I recommend you stay away from the tamales with iguana speciality.