City Center

Hello! Back today with a quick look at downtown CDMX.

The first challenge was transportation. We were at the bus stop at 10 a.m. and boarded a purple bus at around 10:40 a.m., which was supposed to head toward the city center. According to Google Maps, they run every five minutes... But it worked surprisingly well, because after an hour's drive north on the same road, it dropped us off right in the center. So, that's something to keep in mind; you just have to plan your time.

On the way to our first stop, we walked along a large street lined with one knick-knack stand after another. Some of it was completely unnecessary, but there were also things like hair accessories for Paula, a Lego set for Mar, and an umbrella for me, all very cheap, of course. The vendors just stared at us and chatted us up. Then we reached stop 1: the Ideal bakery.

And absolutely everything about this bakery is perfect. While many groceries cost at least as much as in Germany, the prices for baked goods are unbeatable! We walk into this shop, which Paula read about in a travel guide, and we're in paradise! I would have a shop like this if my stupid studies weren't in the way. Displays full of beautiful cakes for a mere €10, stacks of tarts, rolls, cinnamon rolls, buns, baguettes, quark turnovers, all kinds of pig's ears...

Here in Mexico, you buy rolls by taking a tray and using tongs to pile everything you want onto it, then having someone wrap it up. Things are practically falling off the trays around us while we each "only" buy 3-4 treats. My total cost was about €3. I'm in heaven.

They all taste pretty good, but unfortunately, the Mexicans lack a bit of French flavor. But I'm not complaining; we all nibble happily in front of the shop before heading to the main square, the Zócalo.

It's huge, and there's an indigenous market set up inside. How cool, I wish I'd brought more cash. We get lost in the endless expanse of colorful stalls, buy two fresh juices in the food tent, and in another, a necklace and a shirt for me. Yay.

Then, exhausted from exploring, we collapse to the ground in the shade at the edge of the square.

After a short break, we walk to the other side to a huge cathedral. Jone would be thrilled, with people praying everywhere, carrying holy images in processions. The church's interior is just as huge, but completely commercialized. There's a shop inside where you can buy souvenirs and cross necklaces and the like?? Capitalism seems to be reaching the (department) house of God.

Then we continue to the next square, with the cultural center and event venue Bellas Artes. It's simply hot here. For the first time, I see a few European-looking tourists; otherwise, it seems like the city is only populated by Spanish-speaking Latin Americans or something. Here, another Lydia joins us, whom I met during the first week.

After taking a short break in a nearby park to refuel and rehydrate, we head off to the next market hall, which Lydia recommended. It turns out to be very exotic; they sell all parts of all animals, so to speak. The only thing that appeals to me here is the exotic fruit.

Lydia and I share a delicious fruit salad. She's very nice, but it turns out she's studying in the Netherlands when she asks me to please transfer the 50 cents I don't have in cash.

Then the trip draws to a close; we buy metro tickets to use public transport. I think the ticket costs 15 pesos (about 0.70 cents), and a bus ride costs 6-8 pesos (about nothing). However, the way back is another challenge; two buses simply drive past without stopping, so we wait another 40 minutes. Then we head home, change quickly, and head straight to a Mexican house party—more on that later.

In summary, I'd say the center is large with long rows of houses, and it doesn't paint a clear picture for me. Maybe I was thinking a bit too European. I think other neighborhoods are more self-contained and are supposed to be much nicer. But it was definitely worth a trip, if only for the bakery. Okay, bye-bye.