Mexico City, Mexico (9/14/07-9/16/07)

Itinerary: Mexico City, Mexico (9/14/07-9/16/07)
9/14/07-9/16/07: Mexico City

9/14 – Josh and I nearly missed plane. Gate closes 60 min before take-off, and we were there approximately 55 minutes beforehand. The lady at the check-in counter wasn’t much help, and our prospects of boarding looked bleak, and she was looking into options of getting us in on a later flight, either late in the evening or the next afternoon, at a $100+ penalty cost! Since this trip was so short, either option would royally suck. So, she basically wasted the next 30 minutes, stressing us out, before I finally had the nerve to ask to speak to someone else – and she said fine. I asked a “more veteran-looking” lady – maybe all this is in hindsight, but the way she carried herself, body posture, facial expression, all looked more professional and intelligent. With 20 minutes left, she did a mad rush to help us, and got us clearance – all of this took no more than 5 minutes and we were on the plane. We sat in the half empty plane another 15 minutes before it took off. Thank you again, Rose @ Delta Airlines! I made a mental note not to be late again. Landed in Mexico City – took cab to our hotel in Zona Rosa. Josh and I were quite pleased with the NH hotel we stayed at - impressively stylish and modern and great service – very much worth the extra $30 we each paid (2 night flight/hotel package was $803 for two, from lastminutedeals.com). Also, when we didn't find out until after we booked the package that it was Mexico independence weekend!

We walked over to the Archeology museum, then headed to Mariachi square, had tacos for dinner. Back at hotel, then out for the night – around the streets – intended to go to Living, but ended up heading in wrong direction, walking through some nice neighborhoods, and decided to go into another club and save Living for Sat. night. Afterwards, we strolled around town some more - lots of people out about - could feel the buzz in the air, and that it was just a warm up for the follow night.

9/15 – Had breakfast at a chain diner - but great options, and selected a dish from the impressive vegetarian section. Then headed down to Coyoacan to see Frida Kahlo’s house, and the parks/markets around – everywhere people were gearing up for the Independence day festivities. We then walked west to next neighborhood – beautiful walk – cobble stone streets, checking out buildings, more markets. Back in Zona Rosa, hopped on sight seeing bus and headed to Zocalo Square, festivities were already brewing - music blaring out of huge speakers hanging from cranes. We then took a night bus tour to UpperWest region and through park, got a bit breezy and I was dozing off... took a quick dip in the hotel pool, and nap before the late night out at Living Club. Most sources had noted that no other club in Mexico City compares to Living... and I have to say I was impressed... it was like being in an old church... kinda like Limelight (now called Avalon) in NYC... decadent and beautiful, and the music was great, and the people were a lot of fun.

9/16 – Had wonderful brunch in neighborhood south of Zona Rosa, then caught metro to airport. We were late again (again 55 mins before flight) – but the guy at check-in counter knew exactly what to do and got us on the flight minutes later. Okay, this was strike two. I deserve to get kicked off the flight next time.

MEXICO CITY PHOTO LINK