Hello everyone....well I´m finally here!! Many people were curious about my choice for Mexico City (DF) for the start of my trip. There are three reasons 1) It´s the sight of one of my childhood heros great acomplishments. Bob Beaman in the 1968 Olympic games broke the world record in long jump, not by inches but by feet. People discounted it because of the altitude, claiming it was made easier in Mexico City...it only took about 22 years to surpass that mark. I wanted to take a similar leap, but of education, experience and enjoyment....a purgeing of bad habits and stale thoughts. 2) I attempted to make it down here for Nov. 1st Mexicos "Day of the Dead" ceremony where relatives mourn, remember and celebrate the lives of those who have past away. I think three relatives of mine would have liked to have made this adventure with me....and maybe they are. David, Danny and Tyler are in my thoughts as I travel.."The Fab Four" if you will. Together we will see what this world is all about and enjoy the people and places along the way. 3) It made a logical starting point.
What ever negative thing anyone ever told you about Mexico City is incorrect. It may be a little dusty because of urban renewal projects, but the people and sites are magnificent. I´m sure there is crime in a city of 20 million, but I met with only hospitality. When heading to the Plaza De Mexico ( The largest Bull fighting Ring in the World) I was fumbling around w/ my map when a gentleman on a motorcycle asked if he could help. When it became appearant that neither of us could understand one another, he pointed to hop on. 3/4 of a mile later we were where we needed to be. When I reached into my pocket to offer him some pesos he waved me off and zoomed on his way. Typical I came to find out!
The fight itself was interesting! Every particapant was dressed in vivid colored costumes. It appears that I was there on the night that the Cobe Bryant of Bull fighting was present, unfortunately he went two for 22 that night. The way It was described to me is that the Matadore must make one clean final blow to the bovine in order to win prizes and collect his winners money. None of the three matadores accomplished that task. Six bulls went off to the butch with the pride that they were not defeated in the ring...I pray that in Horn Heaven that means something.
The pyramids were amazing as well. These ruins out side DF date back 1500 years. The temple of the sun is the 3rd largest pyramid in the world next to two in Ciaro. Myself and two friends made our way to the top...not an easy undertakeing after a good Irish evening out.
My favorite location thus far is the Magnificent Spanish colonial town of Guanajunto in central Mexico, a "Must See" if ever your in the country. The Calles and allys ramble though the city, take a wrong turn and your in an even more spectacular plaza then you intended to be. I encountered a wee bit of a romance in the ciudad that added to the charm of the town. The city center consists of The Juarez Theater and the Jardine Union were most nights you´ll find many university students socializeing. A few also dress in period clothes and play instuments for the crowd. Then they meander though the streets w/ the audience singing and following.
I´m currently in Accapolco 11/25 and have been here for three days taking in the sun and surrounding area. My first night I treated myself to the world famous Cliff Divers. From the height of 100 feet they propelled themselves though the Mexican night bravely timing their dives to meet the incoming tide.Mistime your effort and "Kasplat" Mexican pancake!
The economics of this trip is frightning...$35 to $40 a day includeing accomadations.Accapolco is on the high end side $2-$4 beers where as else where was $.90 - $1.50/ beer. My hotel rooms have fluctuated from $15 to $9 / noche. I´m off to Puerto Escondito the sight of the World Surf Campionships held in Nov.....I´m hopeing they are this weekend. Everyone enjoy your thanksgiving.....I´m going to try to find turkey....Senora thats a chicken not a turkey....No No Mexican Turkey....whatever.
