I've tried again and again. It just ain't happening for me. Not my thing.
RUNNING.
But I am constantly awed by those who can run. And those who love to run. Case in point: my gordo:
I know he is going to be totally embarrassed by my blog post on his weekend activities, but I can't help it. I'm proud. Proud enough that I got myself out of bed at 6am on a SUNDAY (!) to go be a personal cheer leader. You know how much I value my sleep!
Here is a random thought: why can't you people run at sunset?
Ok! I'm kidding! I can already hear the rebuttals to that comment...most of them being something like "you have no idea what you are talking about". I agree with you.
Actually, once I finished off my first cappuccino of the early morning, it wasn't so bad. I'm sure for the runners it was even better - weaving through Polanco under the clear blue skies and pretty decent temperatures. It was the first half marathon (21.5KM) organized by Emocion Deportiva - great website for all you runners looking for a challenge in and around Mexico, most important being the Mexico City Marathon coming up in a month!
Mexico City has a horrible reputation for being polluted and congested, but I really think that is an exaggeration. Since we've been spending the weekends in town, we've had really great weather. I'm sure most outdoorsy people probably would skip the idea of visiting Mexico City altogether, but they really should not discard it so quickly.
One of the coolest ways to see the city as a tourist, or to get around if you live here, is the Mejor En Bici program. It's a Bike Sharing program that allows you to pick up a bike, for free, at one station, and deposit it at another. Check out this site for a list of bike stations around the city.
Running or biking...both generally considered exercise and eco-friendly.
You really can't go wrong.
Oh, and congratulations my love ;) well done!
But it can't. And I should actually thank my lucky stars that it can't be that way, because if that were the case, I would end up looking like a churro. Hmm...that doesn't make sense considering churros are tall and skinny...but I'm sure you catch my drift, right?
Last night we ventured into our 'hood: Coyoacan or land of the coyotes, as the name suggests from the its Nahuatl origin of Coyohuacan. There are lots of websites that explain the history and culture of this area of Mexico City, but I think the best way to discover it, as is with any other place, is to go check it out yourself. However, if you don't find yourself in Mexico City at the moment, I realize that may be a tad difficult...so I'll try my best to explain the little I found out last night.
First and foremost, the best hot chocolate in the city (according to me) is from Cafe El Jarocho. I do not know what they mix in it, but for 12 pesos, you are given a little cup of heaven. I can't wait for the colder months to come already so we have even more excuses to sit around a sip on hot coco. The plus side being that you can cover up all the extra kilitos side effects with winter wear. Anyway, this famous cafe has a cult following among the inhabitants of Coyoacan, and as evidenced by their long history (1950's), they live up to their reputation for serving up some damn good java. Word to the wise though, if you are not used to strong coffee - maybe you ought to stick to their normal brew - to avoid palpitations and dizziness.
Considering how expansive the Distrito Federal is, it makes sense that the city is divided up into different delegaciones, or areas, if you will; each one a piece of the huge puzzle that is Mexico City. Like in every metropolis, each neighborhood has its own charm or feel. Coyoacan has long been known as the artsy, bohemian, intellectual part of town.
I admit I have not one iota of creativity in me, at least not in the sense of being able to draw or paint or play and instrument. I don't dress hippie cause I really don't know how. I don't tend to spend hours at cafes endlessly philosophising life. But I felt pretty at ease in Coyoacan. It has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. There are lots of cool cafes, bars, cantinas, and trendy restaurants to check out, museums to explore, and streets to get lost on. I just hope with its booming popularity and influx of chilangos over the weekend, Coyoacan makes sure to keep its charm.
Things to do around Coyoacan:
- walk around Plaza Hidalgo
- visit the Frida Kahlo museum
- definitely have coffee at Cafe El Jarocho
- check out the Leon Trotsky museum
- eat great Mexican food at Los Danzantes
- have a shot of mezcal at Oh Mayatl
- kick back and enjoy a few beers at a cantina like La Guadalupana or La Coyoacana
Enjoy! ;)
