The forgotten entry for Mexico City

Umm so this trip was in October....
It is now June 7
We leave for South East Asia June 22

So this post is more about keeping records as the story is well past it's prime. However amazing memories not the less.
So mostly pictures and subheadings methinks...

The last day we woke and had originally planned on going to the university to see huge offerendas and displays. We got to the university...

Central Library (UNAM Biblioteca Central), is the main library in the Ciudad Universitaria Campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). It holds one of the largest collections in Mexico. It is in a group of landmark buildings that make the Campus a World Heritage site.

The outside of the library building is covered with various murals, which were painted by Juan O'Gorman.

However we were sadden to find out that this year they had moved the festival displays and when we finally got to where they were the line was so long it stretched for many city blocks!!!! It would be hours before we would even get in if we waited. So instead on to plan B:
Xochimilco


Xochimilco variously translated from the Aztec's Nahuatl language as "garden of flowers" or "place where flowers grow" — is an outlying borough of Mexico City today.

It is best known for its canals, which are left from what was an extensive lake and canal system that connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico. These canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas, attract tourists and other city residents to ride on colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras”

It is kind of touristy but still really fun. Marachi bands float by and will play on your boat

...and Chimi feeling bad made sure our boat was stocked with plenty of beer too.

It was fun to relax and dance!

A quick stop off the boat at the Isla de las Munecas - The Island of the Dolls...which personally was not impressive or really something I cared for or about but ehh...

The Legend goes : It is said that a girl was found drowned in mysterious circumstances many years ago on this island and that the dolls are possessed by her spirit. Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and even opened their eyes. Some witnesses claim they had heard the dolls whispering to each other, while others who were on a boat near the island said the dolls lured them to come down to the island.

Ok Back on land and back to the Zocalo to check out more displays for the festival and some free time to explore.
¡Ay Chihuahua!

When we got back Thom decided to head into the palace to check out more murals by Diego while I walked around the square and into the church.

There was a big offerenda displaying names and pictures of deceased loved ones.

Huge constructed scuptures

This was a huge display recognizing the missing students..... (http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/crisis-mexico-disappearance-forty-three)

Celebrating the culture of the native peoples of the region

Meanwhile inside the palace:

We then met up with Javier and some people from our group at a great beer spot which had lots of good Mexican beers (not just Corona!)

Javier is a home brewer as well so this was a great pick for Thom especially!

My favorite pic:

The place had an awesome view of the Zocalo



Night shot:

Next we left the beer place for a more classy drink on the 41st floor of the Torre Latino building. These pictures do no justice

So Mexico City use to be an island...now it is a sea of lights!

The best was the bathroom and the last stall in the ladies room which I used BTW...... HA! Full moon arising!

We finally headed out to another restaurant for our final meal and while this trip was short it was jam packed. I loved Mexico City and the people I met there. Our guides Chimi and Javier were great and I can't wait to go back and explore more soon especially since it is so close! There is more than Cancun people and you should definitely check it out! Ok onto South East Asia in TWO DAYS!!!!

Viva Mexico!