I had the pleasure of spending a year of my life in this Mexican capital which still stands as the largest city in the world in terms of population. It was an amazing learning experience filled with both good and bad points. Today the safety of traveling to Mexico has been debated. However if given the chance I would return without hesitation to sample the food, soak up the climate and re-experience the culture. The following are attractions I would happily make a return trip to see again.
Leon Trotsky’s House
It may sound strange but an important piece of Russian history sits in the Coyoacan district of Mexico City. Leon Trotsky was expelled from the then Soviet Union by Joseph Stalin. He spent the remaining years of his life there until one day in 1940 he was brutally murdered by a young man who gained entrance to the home by pretending to be an admirer of Trotsky’s writings. As Trotsky turned his back to find a piece to read, the young man bludgeoned him to death with an ax. Blood still remains on the floor where he fell.
The Pyramid of the Sun and Moon
These massive structures lay just outside Mexico City and are absolutely worth a visit. They both make up an area known as Teotihuacan. They are shaped to mirror the mountains that surround them. Visitors are allowed to climb to the top and witness the magnificent views. However you must be very careful. I have climbed them both and nearly fell victim to the small stone steps and smooth slippery surfaces.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Basilica to Our Lady of Guadalupe sits just outside of Mexico City. The story of the Lady of Guadalupe begins with her appearing to a man named, Juan Diego an Aztec Convert to Catholicism. She told him to build a church on the site where he was standing. The Spanish Bishop denied his request wanting proof of the Lady’s existence. When the lady appeared again she made roses grow at the feet of Juan Diego despite the fact it was winter. The rose petals and an imprint of the lady on the cloth were enough evidence and the church was ordered to be built.
The Zocalo
One of my favorite places to visit in Mexico City was the Zocalo and Historical District. Walking through the Historical Area, one will see avenue after avenue of shops selling everything from fine jewelry to chocolates. The stores are all in old style stone buildings. Passing through is like walking back in time. The Zocalo is the center of the city. It’s a giant plaza where visitors can see nearly anything. Street vendors by the thousands are available selling all manner of snacks and souvenirs. The cathedral is defiantly worth a look. Adjacent to the church is a partial ruin that was found when the city was digging for a new subway line.
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