Mexico City
Mexico’s sprawling capital was not what I expected. After being heavily influenced by American cinema, I was expecting a dangerous, dirty and unwelcome city that would serve as simply a stopover in our travels. Instead I found a huge city with lots to see, do and experience. Its true that the city was known to be unsafe several years ago, but the ever present sight of well armed policemen has served as a strong deterrent to crime. There are affordable restaurants, dynamic nightlife, and outstanding museums all within easy distance by subway or on foot.
Founded by the Aztecs as Tenochtitlán in 1325, Mexico City is both the oldest and the highest (7,347 ft) metropolis on the North American continent. And with nearly 22 million inhabitants, it is the most populous city in the world. It is Mexico’s cultural, political, and financial core — braving the 21st century but clinging to its deeply entrenched Aztec heritage. One of the interesting factoids about the city is that it is built on a water basin and thus is experiencing some of the same issues as Venice in Italy - sinking ground and water damage. You only have to go as far as Xochimilco to see that the city is built on uneven ground.
I encourage you to spend at least a few days in Mexico City if you decide to visit Mexico. It is here that you can get a taste of the true heart of Mexico!
