2014 Latin America Adventure: Day 2-3, Mexico City (in two days)

The historical and colonial adminstration centre of Mexico is a good starting point for a tour of the city. It features the Plaza Mayor ( Zocalo ), a typical Spanish Colonial city center setup with the Cathedral and the Government Offices surrounding a large puhlic square.

The City Cathederal at the northern side of the Zocalo

Families waiting for the christening of their new borns.

The well guarded entrance of the City Goverment by the Zocalo

"Mexico City center is a busy place" is probably an understatement, it's chokkas ! But never feel unsafe....people are very friendly, too many law enforcement types....and cacophony of loud speakers.

It is the main shopping center for the nation, one can see people busy packing big bags with goods, probably someone buying their supplies for their shops at home afar.

The retail system is still very backward, I bought a 2 peso electric connector, it took 3 steps.

(1) issuing a printed invoice with my name on it on a computer...then give me a small piece of paper with my order

(2) I then queue up to pay at the cashier, presenting them with my small piece of paper, who then issue me with a computer printer receipt.

(3) standby at the goods collection desk, waiting for my name to be called, fortunately, they did not call by the invoice number, I would have no way of differentiating the number in Spanish. A good 5 minutes wait.

The process took a good 15 minutes for my 2 peso ( A$0.15 ).

But the smaller electronic shops work the modern way....pay and go.

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After two days of walking around Mexico City...fancy a kerb side hair cut?!

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They are well armored and armed to the teeth. I dare not taking pictures of those with machines guns...... and they are aplenty, most of them giggling to each other, busy on their mobile phones, or having their shoes shined.

Ain't these telling something?

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An Aztecs Ruin right in the middle of central Mexico City....but this is only just a taste of the others ones to come down the journey.

This one was built, rebuilt and extended 7 times over a 200 year period, resulting in a 7 layered pyramid structure, until destroyed by the Spanish in 1521.

The layers are otherwise hidden, had it not been destroyed, characterised by the steep stone steps.

Native street hawkers and witch doctors....any comers wanting to ward off some bad "spirits" are satisfied.....working or not is another story!

Zocalo Square in Central Mexico City...and its magnificient Mayan exhibitions...remember that little calender that got the whole World in a bind at end of 2012...well there is the explanation as well. Not that I understand Spanish....

and a very powerful street soprano

And my lunch, a street stall for some burritos,

And finally, my well chilled fresh fruit for brekky. Ran into this little "fruiteria" that sells freshly prepared fruit and various vegetarian freshies. So I made any "appointment", and they did not surprise.....even with cereal and nuts sprinkled. And the serving was huge....kept me full for the whole morning.