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Three last days in Mexico... back in CDMX (Sept. 30th- Oct. 3rd)

 

Returning to Mexico City via a quick and easy flight from Puerto Escondido (a 1 hour taxi ride from Mazunte) was a breeze...and a great relief to return to 6,000 feet and MUCH dryer and cooler air! Freedom from my 4 showers a day! I visited a Yoga center, a couple parks and the historical center...most especially, the beautiful cathedral. While it cannot compete with the astoundingly gorgeous cathedrals I saw in Rome, it is still quite impressive. 

I feel the usual bittersweet sensation I always do when I know that I am about to depart my beloved Mexico... but it's time! Still, it was a nice last few days in CDMX.


The Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Mexico City and the whole of the Americas. It's on the main Plaza de la Constitución (also referred to as the Zócalo).










Wandering the streets downtown, I passed by a whole series of shops selling these quinceanera dresses. This is a VERY significant turning point in a Mexican girl's life: turning 15, and becoming a true woman. Hence, a MASSIVE and joyous "fiesta" results! I personally have always thought this was one of the most outrageously fantastic traditions of Mexico... (Although one young 14 year old once told me, "I refuse to wear one for MY quinceanera-- I don't WANT to look like a giant, fluffy birthday cake!" She had a point, to be sure!) 



This exquisite, hanging emblem commemorates something related to the indigenous peoples of this area. In the background: the Metropolitan Cathedral. 


Lovely fountain in a charming little park, not far from my Airbnb. 


As I made my way to the metro station, I was unnerved as I passed by hundreds upon hundreds of police officers in riot gear.  It is a little hard to see in this photo, since I took it from across the street. The reason for so many police filling the streets in the downtown area was to prevent possible riots. I found out later that this particular day--Oct. 2nd--was the 55th anniversary of an incident in which hundreds of Mexican students were massacred (1968--they were apparently protesting a dictatorial government). Every year, people gather for a peaceful march in remembrance...but as often happens with huge crowds, the gathering sometimes turns violent. Such a shame, but there you have it. Fortunately, by the time the march began, I was far away, safely back in my Airbnb. 



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