Chapultepec - The First Outing

Today we made our first real outing. Originally, we wanted to go to the city center, but unfortunately there was a strike and the new route would have been too dangerous for conspicuous non-Mexicans like us. Too bad, but instead, we're heading to Chapultepec, a huge park. The strange names of the mountains, neighborhoods, landmarks, etc. are actually in Nahuatl, an ancient Mesoamerican language that is unfortunately gradually dying out today.

We take about 45 minutes on the public bus, one ride costs one Euro. It's not the metro yet, but I don't feel I need to be as cautious with my belongings here as I do in a Berlin subway or something. We travel on a sort of elevated highway and get great views of the chaotic city below us.

Upon arriving at the park, some want to go to the zoo, but of course, we boycott that. In hindsight, it's a bit unfortunate because it seems that only injured animals live there that couldn't survive on their own.

Well, instead, we go with a smaller group of about 20 people to visit the castle. It's a cool contrast between the 500-year-old building and the skyscrapers behind it.

A bit about the history of Mexico is told, the entire city was once a huge lake surrounding the center of the Aztecs!! Only when the Europeans arrived did they completely drain the lake over 50 years. Because of this, the city sinks every year by 3 centimeters. Furthermore, Mexico was established as an independent country in 1821.

We then walk a bit through the lush green park (I really feel I'm experiencing a little city overload already) and afterwards go to eat tacos and such. This neighborhood is pretty, behind tall gates one can catch glimpses of real city villas and a lot of green.

Among the friendly group, some people stand out today again: Emilia and Jule (Germany), Sofia (Sweden), Arbia (Montreal!), Nathan (Paris!) and Clemens (Germany). Then Mar and I get some donuts for 60 cents and then take an Uber back home, because public transport takes 2 hours to get to us at this time. Tonight, we're going out to party for the first time, yay! And I want to explore another neighborhood over the weekend, maybe even alone, but we'll see if I'm brave enough to do that. Bye :)