So pleased that I flew to Mexico City during the day as you really get a feel for the mammoth size of the sprawling metropolis. As you fly over it keeps going and going and going and going and going…and going. I didn’t sleep that well the night before my flight as I was feeling slightly overwhelmed that I was leaving an English speaking country for a long while and getting dropped in the middle of a city with 21 million people.

But my experience so far has only been positive. Walking off the plane I briefly chatted to an older man who explained he has lived in Mexico City most of his life, but with mums voice in my head saying don’t tell everyone your story I kept it brief. We bumped into each other again at the baggage claim and he asked how long I was staying in the city, my vague reply was like ummm not sure yet, I suppose there is a lot to see but I’m travelling all the way south so will try fit as much in just over the next few days. This was the result of our chat as the bags took a long while to come through :

His name was Gaston and his wife Gloria and if I got into trouble or needed some help he gave me his number.

I kicked off the next day with a free walking tour of the Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México, the Historic Centre of Mexico City. Was a great way to get an orientation and brief look into the vast history of the city. Points that have stayed in my brain:

• The ancient Aztec city Tenochtitlan was built on a lake and had canals for roads.
• The Spanish conquest happened in 1521 and the leader destroyed many of the Aztec temples and buildings and replaced them with a cathedral and a grand palace and this became the Mexico City we know today
• Many years later in 1978, electrical workers discovered the ruins of the main temple of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan

All very interesting and exhausting it was time to try out the Gabriel’s (walking tour guide) recommended taco joint

tacos de cerdo (pork) plus a cerveza (beer) NZD$3.50 total at Taqueria Tlaquepaque

Wonky building as city is sinking approx 20-25cm per year

Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City

Continuing on by myself for the afternoon I am of course trying to look and act like a local but for some reason I stand out? and have been approached 3 times by children and their mothers to do an interview for their school project. They are so cute and nervous and of course I am more than happy to help. First girl held her paper close to her face while her mum videos and asked me about my favourite movies and later that day the second girl about my views on LGBT community, quite different topics but all in all their English was pretty good. Keep practising girls!!

Explored some markets and bought some vegetables as its been all burgers and tacos so far and really craving some homemade veges. Or hostelmade…not quite like cooking at home with little to no herbs or spices it was a fairly bland meal. It was meal prep all the same though as made enough for lunch and dinner the next day. Many a meal I’m sure will be cooked along the way so will keep you updated with some of my creations.