Sarah WallockOn a whim, I finally decided to take up the open-ended offer from my close friend Caro to visit her in Mexico City. I am so thrilled that I did, as I had one of the most wonderful trips I have ever had. There is nothing like being with your best friend in her home country. From leaving an extremely harsh New York winter, being clueless after getting out of the Mexico City airport, arriving into warm and sunny setting, and finally feeling upset to leave (and looking up how to get a visa to move to Mexico), I felt so grateful to have such wonderful friends, guides, and experiences.
Day One
On my first day, we walked around Coyoacán and got tacos and mezcal at Corazon De Maguey. We had cricket-guacamole and I was a big fan. We also sampled a variety of mezcal drinks and after this first meal, I was beaming. The lovely open patio, blue walls and comfy chairs in Corazon De Maguey were a great setting and the food was excellent. I was already so happy to be there.
Day Two
On my second day in Mexico City, Caro’s sister, Mariana and I went running in the park by their house. Next, we went to the Soumaya in downtown Mexico City. This is Carlos Slim’s private art collection that he stores in a museum for the public to view. Afterward, Mariana took me to get ice-cream churros and we met with Caro and some other friends at a park downtown. This is when I found out my Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand was granted so we had mojitos at lunch to celebrate! To avoid driving to some of the most popular areas of the city during rush hour, we took a tourist bus. My favorite part of the tour was when we were instructed to duck under dangerously low-hanging electrical wires on each narrow turn. We got out at Palacio de Bellas Artes and Caro gave me an informative tour and showed me her favorite Diego Rivera murals. Later that night, we picked up our second round of tacos from Taco Arte.
Day Three
On my third day, we headed out to Teotihuacán and climbed up the pyramids. It was fascinating to see something I had read about in my history books come to life. In the afternoon, I met up with our friend Mauricio and he walked me around his school, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, and the San Angel neighborhood. I particularly enjoyed my time with Mauricio. It’s always fun catching up with an old friend and San Angel was a quiet and quaint area. The cobblestone streets signify its former status as a small village that was not incorporated into Mexico City. When I return to Mexico City, I will definitely make my way back to San Angel.
Day Four
On my fourth day, I went to the Museum of Anthropology and it was so breathtaking. It was nice to have some time by myself to explore. The museum was organized with Ethnography exhibits on the second floor and Archeology exhibits on the ground floor. It was one of the most well-curated museums I have ever been to. Afterward, Caro met me there and we walked across the street to Chapultepec Park, and walked up to the castle overlooking the park.
Day Five
On my last day, Caro, Mariana and I went row-boating in the pond in Chapultepec and ate an unforgettable breakfast in the Condessa at Cafe Maque. I cannot wait to return to Mexico and explore the coast, jungle, and cities. A huge thank you to Caro and her family for hosting me, helping me with my Spanish and making me feel so welcome and at home.
