Belltown, Manhattan, Mexico.. where am I?

Ok, I don’t know what the trick here is.. I’ve yet to smell the slight sewage smell that’s supposed to waft through the streets, 99% of the dogs I’ve seen seem not to be starving and NONE of them have been rabid (in fact they actually have stands where you can RENT a dog to walk it around the park!), there’s healthy, lush trees (and palm trees!)
throughout the streets and parks, we’ve seen joggers, there’s no rude, machismo whistling even if you look like death warmed over (in fact, one of the only whistles I’ve gotten was when I DROPPED something to let me know!)… This can’t be one of the large latin american cities that I’ve learned to fondly cherish in my own sick twisted way?

one of the parks a couple blocks from our apt

Parque Mexico

Yes, it’s true. Mexico City reminds me of a tropical NYC, pretty and well-behaved by day, and at night, by our apt at least, less well-behaved but only in that annoying frat boy (“fresas” (strawberries) they call them here!) way. Yes, as the picture below, taken a block from our apt, can attest to. I think we are handling the “culture shock” quite well so far.

huuuge culture shock

;) In fact I doubt that 2 years will be long enough to try out all of the tasty looking restaurants and cool bars, up to even my dad’s approval standards!, in our neighborhood.. but I’m sure we’ll give it a go! There’s even a Celtic bar about a block away, just in case we were worried about getting our St Patty’s day plans squared away.

But before you become too concerned with Kim and I’s desired cultural experience, let me tell you that upon further exploration.. within just a couple more blocks, mixed in with the beautiful parks, I am finding my expected abundance of street tacos, the kind our school nurse is warning us about and I adore, other seedy restaurants, dilapidated colorful buildings, and JUST enough sketchiness to VERY carefully plan and alter your route home after dark, choose the correct bag to carry, and walk with a slightly angry step. Oh yeah, and there’s that 2nd bank account I’m creating due to the popularity of “express kidnappings” but we’ll worry mom about that later.

And, then of course, there is the Spanish, making even the most simple interactions possibly confusing for me and full of embarrassing miscommunications that I’m probably still unwaware of. And, if you thought asking questions about the menu at a restaurant in another language can be tricky, try figuring out cell phone plans or utilities bills! My new phone still doesn't work by the way...

written by

Erin on August 1, 2008 from Mexico, Mexico

from the travel blog: Erin's Road Less Traveled to Mexico City

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written by erin on December 9, 2008

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