Mexico City
Where American Culture Meets With A Sophisticated Latin Flavor
By Camille Bounds

Time seems to vanish when you visit exciting Mexico City. Here is a city that gives the aura of European sophistication with a Latin flavor. Combined with its historical reminders of the Age of the Aztecs, the Spanish conquerors and its later struggle and victory for independence, it mixes the past with dramatic modernization. Mexico City gives the visitor the opportunity of seeing many cultures blended into a fascinating pattern.

The oldest and the highest
Mexico City is the oldest—about 700 years old—and the highest capital on the North American continent at 7,349 feet above sea level. With a population of over 24 million, it is considered the most populated city in the world. The climate is mild and comfortable and mornings are clear and crisp.

A park to remember
Chapultepec Park is located near the city center and is regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Depending on the time of the year, it offers superb programs covering the rich history of the country and modern day activities. The park’s Anthropological Museum is also considered one of the finest in the field. Nearby is a delightful children’s petting zoo that appeals to the adult animal lovers as well as their younger counterparts. Located in the middle of Chapultepec Park is the Chapultepec Castle. It was the main castle used as an imperial residence by reigning Mexican Emperor Maximilian during the Second Mexican Empire.

History of struggle for independence
On the city’s main square, just across the cathedral famous for its many altars, stands the National Palace with the Independence Bell—originally rung by Father Hidalgo in 1910 to commence the struggle for independence against Spain. In a reenactment of the event, the bell is traditionally rung at 11 p.m. on the evening of Sept. 15th to herald the commencement of the independence celebration throughout the country.

The design of past and present
The University of Mexico City is unique in design with its mosaic murals on the exterior of the library and the Rector Building providing photography buffs the ultimate in a wonderful subject.
The University of Mexico City Sports Stadium, which was built for the Olympic Games in 1968, seats over 100,000, and proves to be a venue not to be missed.
The residential sections of the city contrast colonial homes with examples of unusual modern day architectural designs.

Be awed by the pyramids
Visit the Pyramids to Toetihuacan with the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. Climb to the top of either and view the wonders of the ancient empire of the Aztecs. Discovered at the end of the last century this unique archeological site is about 30 miles from the center of Mexico City and should be at the top of the list of places to visit.
Last year a structure believed to be an 800-year-old Aztec pyramid had been discovered in central Mexico City, and could drastically revise the early history of the ancient empire, officials announced. The structure was found inside a larger pyramid known as the Grand Temple at the site of the Aztec city of Tlatelolco.

Bargains in Alameda Park
Alameda Park, near the zocalo and Palace of Fine Arts, has been around since 1541, making it the city’s oldest park. The park has also been an Aztec market and was also the site of burnings, hangings and executions in the old days. With its walking paths, numerous fountains and a Moorish kiosk, this park is full of old style traditional charm.
It is also the place for handicrafts, curios and antiques. You are expected to gently bargain here and perhaps locate that special “find.” A flea market is open on Sundays and an array of everything from collectibles to “good junk” and just “junk” can be found. An enjoyable day of bargaining can add to your memorable times in this colorful city.

Also
Other activities to enjoy include jai alai, soccer, baseball, golf, horseracing, boxing and wrestling are available for the sports minded. Of course, there is the Ballet Folklorico and many other cultural and theatrical attractions.

Dining
Mexico City has at least 15,000 restaurants with diverse offerings from very basic simple to world-class five stars. Prices range from very expensive to very reasonable. Spanish and French food are featured in most restaurants.
The five star Au Pied de Cochon (Pigs Feet) located in the Hotel Presidente InterContinental features fine French cuisine. Very good and mid expensive. It is opened 24 hours and is always busy.
Cafe Tacuba for great Mexican food and drinks. Beautiful ambiance and mid priced.
If you get a yen for Basque food, visit Restaurante Danubio—they guarantee fine seafood and authentic Basque dishes.
For excellent margaritas and great local cuisine, Hosteria de Santo Domingo will fit the bill with great local menus and great prices.

Haciendas for Mexican traditional dining
Haciendas were the landed estates of Mexico, some with territories as big as Belgium. Before the revolution of 1910, when their lands were confiscated, the haciendas (a term which referred either to the estate or the often huge house of the owner) made up a high percentage of Mexico’s agricultural land. Each one was a rural, autonomous social unit with its own history. This revolution finished the haciendas. The enlisted troops of Pancho Villa and others roamed the country, burning and pillaging every hacienda they could find. Some have been restored and have become hotels and restaurants.
One of the most famous restaurants in Mexico City is the Hacienda de los Morales. It is described as a “16th-century oasis amid the world’s most populous city.” It is an enchanted place for special occasions. The Spanish colonial decor includes dark wood furnishings, stone columns, and domed brick ceilings, with some tables looking out to garden fountains. An excellent selection of meat, fish and seafood, as well as pastas, crepes and other selections.

Another historic hacienda is the San Angel Inn.
Around 1906, after being a monastery and a pulque (cactus alcoholic beverage) producing centre, the property was acquired by the San Angel Land Co. The main building (or ranch house) became then a famous hotel and restaurant named San Angel Inn, operated by a French woman known as Madame Roux. In 1937, the National Institute of Arts and History declared the property a Colonial Monument, and its current owner, Don Carlos Prieto, entertained music concerts and art fairs in the premises. The construction of this hacienda, where the San Angel Inn Restaurant is presently located, is dated back to the 17th century. The menu is of international taste; however, maintaining a broad selection of Mexican traditional dishes and its spicy flavors.

Where to stay
The Presidente InterContinental Hotel offers superb accommodations, impeccable service and great rates for what you receive—luxury and real value in the amenities. The hotel restaurants are excellent.
In the Zona Rosa area the 60-room Fiesta Americana Suites is in the moderate range and offers a pleasant staff and restaurant.

Getting there
Alaska/Horizon, Delta, American, and Continental offers flights to Mexico City from Los Angeles. Watch your newspapers for specials. Contact your travel agent for the most updated information on rates and schedules.
You will definitely need your passport to get back into the USA after your visit to Mexico.

Camille Bounds is the travel editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications and the Inland Empire Business Journal.