Enjoying the Attractions Around DF

Although Roberto and I were supposed to go on a much anticipated trip to the state of Hidalgo this weekend, I ended up having to look for a new place to live. So, I stayed in the DF area. But, rather than letting the precious weekend go to waste, I decided to take Roberto to two places that he had never visited: Xochimilco and Teotihuacán.

If you are stopping by the DF area, Xochimilco is one of those charming places that is like a breath of fresh air in the midst of the large city hustle and bustle. The canals are bright with the many colors of the beautiful trajineras reflecting off the water, and there is lots of merriment. From birthday parties to family picnics, there is always something exciting going on. If you ever go, please seek out the Embarcadero Nativitas. The boats at this dock are a lot newer, and the prices are also significantly cheaper. Rather than having a full course meal, Roberto and I opted to buy a kilo of fresh manila mangoes. We savored each and every one of them during our journey through the canals.

On Sunday, we went to the pyramids of Teotihuacán. The name means “place where men become gods,” and was once inhabited by 125,000 people. The Pyramid of the Sun (that’s the giant one in the distance) was completed during the 2nd century AD. It would have been coated with brightly painted stucco. Can you imagine? You certainly need a full bottle of water and lots of energy to climb to the top of this one.

The Pyramid of the Moon is the one that we are “holding” in the distance. While it is smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun, it rises just as high due to an elevation difference. In addition, it offers a fantastic view of the archaeological site and the surrounding lands.

When you climb the Pyramid of the Sun, you must be sure to touch the tiny piece of gold metal that is embedded in the center rock at the top. Then, you must raise your hands in the air. Apparently it’s supposed to give you energy. I think it is a big trick. Of course you are going to have more energy now…you’ve gotten over the worst part—climbing the largest pyramid in the middle of the day.

The excursion was lots of fun and I enjoyed the fact that I got in for free because I looked like a Mexican national. That dark hair and olive skin definitely has its advantages. ;-)

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Abrazos, Nicole