Hola Mehicko! - Blogabond

Mexico City is the third largest city in the world, with a population of 25 million people. Driving out of the airport, the lights illuminated the city sprawl as far as the eye could see. The depressing grey slums stretch for miles and miles, however once you get into the city centre, the outward signs of poverty disappear and reveal a surprisingly impressive array of architecture. We were initially staying in the Zocolo by the largest cathedral in Latin America. Next to this was what we believe could well be the largest flag ever created, at least the size of a football pitch. In order to get to grips with the history of Mexico, we visited the Anthropoloigical Museum where aside from learning about the progressing Mexican culture, we saw one hell of a lot of pottery. Even in our fine physical peaks, we couldn´t face covering the distance that is Mexico City Centre by foot. Instead we took an open-top bus which visited all the major tourist attractions such as the affluent area of Polanco, the historical Paseo De La Reforma and Chapultepec Park.

Team England

On our third day in Mexico City, we moved on to Hostel Amigo where it was impossible to pass through the reception/bar area without involuntarily having tequila poured down your throat by the energetic barman. We experienced some true Mexican culture when we took a group trip to the Mexican Wrestling Stadium. It turned out to be similar to WWF- very staged, extremely camp entertainment featuring lots of beefcakes in spangly leotards and gimp masks with bikini clad women parading the stadium and..........a token midget. Of course. A favourite was ´Maximo´the only gay in the ring, whose flouncing around brought his opponent man-hulks to their knees. Our authentic Mexican night continued as we were taken to a salsa club which featured a 12 piece Mexican band. Unlike a night in Jaxx, where we will happily bop on our own, we were continually accosted by Mexican men insisting we allowed them a dance. Humorous attempts at salsa lessons began with ample hip gyrating and twirling, revealing that those Mexican men can really move.

Colly and Aly show up the Mexicans?!?

The English among us got fully involved and dominated the dance floor all night. It was on this dancefloor that something magical happened.......as the Mexicans retreated for a mass breather, only seven were left standing, one thing untiting them all......terribly over-enthusiastic dancing. Team England was born, its members being all four of the smug amigos plus Oxford boys Aly, Nick and Sebastian.

Pyramid of the Sun

Bright and early the next morning, we headed to Teotihuacan which is a 2000 year old lost Mayan City. Here we scaled the Pyramid of the Sun, the 3rd largest in the world and strolled down Calle De Los Muertes (Street of the Dead). In 650 AD it was the 6th largest city in the world, a religious and economic centre until much of the city was destroyed by a fire and for unknown reasons fell into decline. It must have been an impressive sight when the pyramids were painted their original blood red and illuminated by the sunlight.

Oaxaca Market

After a throroughly enjoyable stay in Mexico City, we moved on to Oaxaca. We were lucky to be able to visit this picturesque town as just a few months ago the state was closed to tourists, due to political unrest.

Aly in birthday wrestling mask

There had in fact been a huge protest just a few days prior to our arrival and although we saw the remains of a few barricades, it was hard to imagine this tranquil town as the scene of such events. Some local specialties include Oaxaca cheese, chocolate and tequila, which we were happy to sample mass amounts of as we perused the market. The rest of Team England joined us and thanks to the addition of Danish friends Rasmus and Joel, we now became known as Team Europe.

Carnage?

We celebrated Aly´s birthday in style and he was especially delighted when we presented him with his very own wrestling mask. That evening we discovered that juvenile behaviour such as spraying each other with shaving foam and bouncing on beds is still as enjoyable as ever. Following this fun was a Sol-fuelled night which inevitably lead to yet more attempts at salsa dancing and tom foolery on the dance floor, much to the local´s bemusement.

Drunk star gazing

written by

Murph, Tay, Colly and Erin on February 14, 2007 from Mexico, Mexico

from the travel blog: The Smug Amigos Do Central America

Send a Compliment

That's more like it. Poor behaviour and indecent quantities of falling over lotion. Sounds like Brits abroad. Did I tell you I was changing nationality to become Dutch or Norwegian or some other non-contentious nationality. Count down to 20th March make sthe most of it.

Dad G.

written by Andy gillham on February 15, 2007

Glad to see the 'girls'are back in true blogging form. Enjoy the rest of your travels.

Mummy G

written by Debe Gillham on February 15, 2007

Will Jaxx cope with the influx of salsa when the smug amigos return? Bought the marmite yesterday and even this has changed in your year away - it is now in a nifty plastic squeezy jar!!! Enjoy the rest of the gap before reality and jobs hit home!!! Love Mummy T

written by Pat taylor on February 18, 2007

comment on this...