South of the Border,

Episode 3   Dec  ’17                   

The mind is like a parachute, they say, as it works best when open! Yet, this is more of a clichéd statement, like many others. Though difficult, it’s best to break out from the mental block of hackneyed, half-baked images, especially, when visiting a country for the first time.

I had made a passing mention of this in my last blog & in my case, for sure, it has been an eye-opener!

I wasn’t too sure of what to expect, though Janu had given us enough gen, with reference to reality! Mexico  City, is as amazing, enchanting, vibrant as any  metro, in any part of the world. A little historical-cum-cultural run-up is necessary for the reader to understand or even visualize the place.

Somewhere around 1000 BC, the first of Mexico's ancient civilizations, the Olmecs, established themselves in what are now the states of Veracruz and Tabasco,  and spread throughout central and southern Mexico until their civilization mysteriously vanished around 400 BC. 

None of Mexico's pre-Columbian civilizations is more storied, than the Aztecs, who, by 1473, after subjugating neighboring tribes, ruled the largest empire Mexico had ever seen, till the Spanish conquest.

Three centuries later, the territory became the current nation following recognition in 1821 after the colony's Mexican War of Independence. The Mexican Revolution of 1910, culminated with the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution and the emergence of the country's current political system.


The nation's name derives from the Aztecs' war god, Mexitli. From the time of Hernando Cortez's conquest until 1821, Mexico was a colony of Spain. Today's capital city was built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital. When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they destroyed the city. The Mexican flag is full of national symbolism. ... The emblem-shield symbolizes the Aztec heritage. According to legend, the gods had advised the Aztecs that the place where they should establish their city was to be identified when they saw an eagle, perched on a prickly pear tree, devouring a serpent.

The culture of Mexico reflects the country's complex history and is the result of the gradual blending of native culture with Spanish culture and other immigrant cultures. The culture of an individual Mexican is influenced by their familial ties, gender, religion, location and social class, among other factors. Modern Mexicans are a unique blend of many ancient civilizations, including the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, African, French, and Spanish.  

In order to start an exploration, it’s best to reach the heart of the place. El Ángel (Angel of Independence) was built in 1910 during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence. In later years it was made into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, and it has become a focal point for both, celebration or protest. 

So, on our second week-end, we headed out to Reforma, an area that can best be described as the core of the city. We hopped off at the statue of the Angel of Independence, a monument to commemorate the centennial of the War of Independence.

I end with this preamble & will return soon with a tour of the City Centre, over the week-end. Till then, TC.
AshoKalpana  

P.S. The above info has been gathered from various sources viz the internet, Information Centres & individuals, which I gratefully acknowledge.

There's been quite some activity since the City Centre gig. There's been a Hop On/Of tour, X'mas celebrations & above all, a road trip to Puerto Vallarta, (with an overnight halt at Guadalajara) which included Whale Watching & a day-long trip to an island resort! So, lots coming your way with beautiful snaps.