Mexico City - way better than its reputation

I'm absolutely blown away by Mexico City! Although huge and incredibly crowded (almost 9 million inhabitants), furthermore loud, congested and air polluted, it exceeds my expectations by far. It took me a bit longer than usual to figure out the vibes of the city, but \n\nI'm definitely having a blast!

Before I arrived, I was a bit worried because of all the warnings I received in terms of safety issues, crime and violence. However, I must say I don't feel unsafe at all, and so far I've neither been robbed nor tricked. In fact, all the people I interacted with were most friendly and, despite the language barrier, very considerate. Until now, I have not seen a single bug, let alone spiders or cockroaches. Instead, I'm staying at a wonderful apartment with one of the sweetest hosts I've ever met. Thanks to Lorena it feels more like being home than having booked an accomodation with a stranger.

At the main entrance of the apartment building there is a security guard who always opens the door for me and wishes me a pleasant day. I've been strolling around exploring different neighborhoods in best weather (I actually got sunburned on my first day). I've started a Spanish language course which I really enjoy even though the irregular verbs are killing me, and I've gone on my first tour to Teotihuacán, an ancient Mesoamerican city consisting of various pyramides and ruins dating back to 100 BC. This tour was quite an experience and not really what I had expected. Following the advice of my Lonely Planet, I did not venture to visit the archeological site by myself. Teotihuacán is located about 50km northeast of Mexico City and the guidebook warned of armed robberies on local busses that's why tourists travelling on their own should join a guided tourist tour, which I did.

I left the house at 8am and returned at around 7pm, however, we only spent only 2 hours (!) at the ruins. The rest of the time we were taken to different places where the owners would accomodate us and explain some aspects of the local culture and where we were then expected to buy some of the products on sale. Unfortunately, it was kind of a promotional trip, but I've learned my lesson. And I got to try gusanos de maguey, a popular alcoholic beverage (= Mezcal) containing a worm ;-)

The language school is located in a neighborhood which used to be an old horse racing venue. The streets still outline the oval shape of the former racetrack and there have been planted numerous trees which make you forget that you are actually in a megacity.

I have strolled around some more neighborhoods, and the city doesn't stop amazing me. It's incredible how many people keep pushing into already overcrowded subway cars, sometimes very violently. When riding the subway I'm always grateful for my height because I get to look over the crowd. Fortunately there are also cars reserved for women and children only.

(Young) Mexican couples have a very distinct way of displaying their intimacy in public, which has startled me now and then. They don't seem to care about what others might think of them kissing, hugging and touching each other passionately. However, I was very delighted to spot a few Mexican gay couples (not tourists!) holding hands in public. It is a truly diverse place.

Coyoacán is especially beautiful. It has its own historic center because it had remained independent from Mexico City for a very long time before finally being incorporated in 1857. It's a residential area with a distinct bohemian atmosphere. And it is the first place where the rats were visible on the streets and in the parks ;-)