Back to the Future
Friday, November 23rd, 2007Day: 17
Our visit to Mexico City has been dominated by ruins, museums and stories of the great ancient past. Today on our last day we are out to discover the new, hip and trend setting Mexico City. Staying in the historic centre is great for being at the centre of the tourist sites. At night its mostly quiet save for a few happening pedestrian streets and some new live music venues in restored colonial buildings.
First during the day we checked out the Polanco neighbourhood. A beautiful area with 1930’s California style architecture. I really felt like we could be in L.A. at times. Gucci, Cartier, Channel, etc. They were all here along the palm lined streets with BMW’s, Hummers and Jaguars parked out front. Needless to say we couldn’t afford anything and if you know either one of us its far from being our scene. What a great contrast from the rest of the city, Polanco is beyond 1st world.
Late afternoon we moved on to another neighbourhood which sounded more like our thing. Condessa is a fairly trendy bohemian area with tree filled esplanades, side walk cafes and great bars. The whole area has a youthful, laid back vibe. The area is mainly young upper middle class Mexicans. Although I’m not sure I would exactly say the area is gentrified. There has always been a strong arts scene here and it’s quite evident there still is.
We find a side walk cafe and order a cafe americano and an espresso cortado. We people watched and just chilled out on the shady sidewalk. This was the life, I could see myself easily living here. Becoming a travel writer, debating politics and talking travel over my cafe americano. Right, so back to reality. As the sunset we walked across the street to a happening seafood restaurant/bar. Sort of like a tapas place. Great food, good contemporary Mexican music and numerous cerveza Leon. A brilliant end to our last day in Mexico City.
In the morning we catch a bus south to Oaxaca, its time to move on but I could easily spend much more time here. Sure I’ve never seen pollution like this or such a packed metro or such a huge police presence. For all its negatives this is a fabulous city and it is much more livable than I ever thought it would be. I can’t wait to return someday.
Michael Coroneos