For some reason, visiting Mexico City was the first time in quite a while where I felt like an architect traveling. I was constantly dragging Nik into this building and that building just to see the buildings. I went to several art museums and wandered down several small streets just because I could see an interior or the corner of a building that I thought might be interesting. I could easily imagine leading a group of students around this city to sketch. So many details are worth studying!! Also, several of the buildings are open to the public. Some are art galleries, but many of the largest and most ornate structures are publicly owned, like the central post office.

Bicycles parked in front of the Ángel de la Independencia on Reforma Avenue

Post Office

The courtyards of the Secretary of Public Education are lined with Diego Rivera murals on all three levels. It is the most pleasant public building I have ever been to.

The iconic eagle eating a snake that marked a critical moment in Mexico City’s settlement.

Entry Fountain – Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Per my cousin’s recommendation, I dedicated an entire day to wandering through the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (the National Museum of Anthropology). Luckily, it was only a five minute walk from our hotel so I got there as soon as the museum opened and had the place to myself while I walked through the first few galleries. Admission was free, but I did pay for the English audio tour (75 pesos/$5.50). I never like reading in museums because the lighting is always dark which gives me a headache after about thirty minutes. Unfortunately, the audio tour map was extremely hard to follow and I often found myself searching for the artifacts that went along with the description. By the second or third room, I just pressed numbers for items I knew were in the room even if I didn’t know which item it was. I wish the recording would have played continuously so that I could wander aimlessly with it in the background. But life isn’t perfect all the time!!

Courtyard

Mexico City before the Lake was completely filled in

The Aztec Calendar

On the walk home I finally took a photo of one of the many public sculptures that I adored on Reforma Avenue. The series of twenty-four bronze sculptures are by Jorge Marin. My favorites are of men in various poses with extremely long beaks. I wish I had one of these in my living room.

Equilibrista en Split Monumental by Jorge Marin

Nik + Jamie

We spent a couple afternoons wandering through the neighborhoods and parks in Coyoacan. The first time we stopped here for lunch at a great park-side restaurant with super HOT salsa, then walked to the main square to have ice cream. During our brief ten minute walk, I really liked the vibe of the neighborhood. The buildings were old and well maintained, but not stuffy. The cats hung out on balconies. The people were friendly. The streets were lined with trees. I liked it so much that I couldn’t wait to come back a couple days later.

Unfortunately on our second trip, the neighborhood didn’t seem as quaint, but it was still pleasant!!

No, we did not go to the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Diego Rivera Museum. We did drive past them, but didn’t have the urge to go in.

Park Side Restaurant

Juliet

Streets

Stoic Man between lovely old lanterns

Jardin Centenario

Turquoise

Beverage Truck

Yo Heart Mexico

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