February 8, 2023
I always enjoy seeing a new city to wake up. Traveling on my own, I can get up early and slip out before daybreak. As I stepped out onto Zamora street the shops were all closed and only a faint glow in the sky. I headed southeast along the quiet streets. Only a couple of runners and dog walkers were out. As I turned northeast on Avenida Michoacán, there appeared to be a bright coffee shop open, so I thought this might be a good first stop. Much to my surprise, there were bike racks outside, and I could clearly see the words Café Ciclista, or Cyclist Cafe. As I went in I was greeted by a handsome young couple who turned out to be aid bike racers who knew everything about the cycling scene in Mexico City. I could not believe the routes that these cyclists have devised, even out to the pyramids. I ordered a latte and sat admiring the giant route map on the wall.
After I great start for the morning , I stepped out again and the activity was increasing There were little delivery trucks running around, runners and cyclists. The city was coming alive. I got to Parque España (Park of Spain) where people were doing all sorts of workouts. — running, weight lifting, squats, and boxing.
Leaving Parque Expaña, I headed north to Colima, a classic older street with eclectic styles of architecture, and headed about 6 blocks east to Río de Janeiro Park, or what locals call the “David Park” for the copy of MIchelangelo’s David in the center of the park.
At the park, I looked for a nice café to stop and enjoy the parade of people, bikes and dogs go by.
After having a slow breakfast and second coffee, started to head back to my apartment.
I arrived back at my apartment and took a rest. I needed to have a boost of energy for a long tour I planned starting at noon. Though I began my public transportation by subway and bus one hour prior to the tour starting time, Google maps directed me to a completely other section of the city. If you go wrong in Mexico City, it can be really wrong. I grabbed an Uber, and was still 35 minutes from the destination. Thankfully we were able to communicate and connect a little after the start of the tour.
I found the tour guide Diego, and we headed into a modern art exhibition called Caleta, in Santa María la Ribera neighborhood. //i
Later we walked to other sights in the neighborhood including the sight of the murder of a trans prostitute, the largest library in Latin America, and a pavilion that figured in the 1884 Worlds Fair in New Orleans
With our tour over, I stopped for some tacos at a little place with two Germans who took the tour, then headed off on the subway. Due to Line 1 being shut down, it took me 1 1/2 hours to get home.
