We arrived shortly before sunset and made our way into town with some trepidation. The thought of navigating such a monster of a conurbation with 21 million people was rather intimidating, but it need not have been. What we discovered was our new favourite city.
We were so excited by the parks, public art and fabulous architecture that we forgot we were meant to be serious travellers and spent the next day playing tourists to the fullest extent of our budget. We took the open-topped sightseeing bus around town, ate candy floss at a funfair, rode a miniature train around the main park, and took a pedalo for a cruise on the ornamental lake. We did everything and it was fantastic.
The following day we went to some of the more serious sights: the cathedral, the Templo Mayor and the government palace. All of which were wonderful, especially the government palace which was both free and blessed with fabulous Diego Rivera frescos on the first floor. We also met the friendliest security police to date, who foud my attempts to take a photo with the timer so amusing (lots of running and manic smiling) as to unearth all their best sociable and helpful qualities.
However, the most wonderful thing about Mexico City, by far, was the tunnel of science. It was so good we went through it three times. If I lived in the city it would no doubt lengthen my commute each and every time I went to work. At the La Rasa metro station there is a longish interchange between two train lines. The walk would ordinarily take 6 minutes. Rather than long and winding tunnels with unhealthy lighting (a la Bank to Monument in London) they have a "Tunnel of Science" filled with light box displays of information, imparting all sorts of knowledge: geograpical regions and features, geology, flora and fauna, culture and anthropology, biology, and best of all - a dark tunnel illuminated with a map of the stars all over the walls and ceiling. Kizzy had to go back and fetch me out on each of our visits.
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