Anyone remember the helicopter scene at the start of James Bond’s Spectre? We stood in that Square.
Did the sensible thing and booked a walking tour. Laura (Colombian, from Bogotá) was a great guide and began to help us start to make sense of Mexico City and Mexican history.
As per usual, this is not an educational exercise, so all facts must be checked. But the Aztecs were roaming around searching for a place to build their city. Once they saw an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake, that was it. (Look at the Mexican flag.)
And they found it eventually – on a lake. Here’s the map from 500 years ago.
The island (just above the word Tenochtitlan) is where the main square is. We are staying on dry land to the west, and Frida Kahlo’s house where we’re going tomorrow is on dry land to the south.
So guess what – Mexico City floods, and also some of it is sinking.
Anyway, Laura was great.
Most importantly, Eileen learned how to order Tacos!
Then did sightseeing
Cathedral – absolutely massive – photos don’t show it
Museum de Belles Artes
Extraordinary – and free to old age pensioners! Note all the art deco and massive murals.
