From Aztec Power to Modern Art: A Day of Delights in Mexico City!

 

Breakfast Chilaquilas

Guide at Templo Mayor

Thinking of Guillermo

Our Room at Casa Polanco

What better way to kick off a day in Mexico City than with a true breakfast of champions? I started my morning with a hearty plate of Chilaquiles, the quintessential Mexican morning meal. Cathy, ever the adventurous eater, went for something a bit more unusual but equally delicious: a sweet Chia Pudding! It was a delightful surprise for the taste buds.

With our appetites satisfied, we decided to dedicate the day to soaking in some culture, starting with a journey back in time at the Templo Mayor. Located right in the heart of the city, this archaeological site is a powerful reminder of Mexico's rich history. We learned that the Templo Mayor was the religious and political "center of the universe" for the Aztec Empire's capital, Tenochtitlan. This massive, dual-shrine pyramid honored Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain, symbolizing the vital balance between conquest and sustenance. It was fascinating to discover that the structure was built in seven distinct layers, with each new ruler adding a larger shell over the previous one. A truly humbling thought when you realize that after the Spanish conquest in 1521, this incredible temple was razed, its very stones used to build the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, only to be dramatically rediscovered by utility workers in 1978!

After our historical immersion, we fast-forwarded to contemporary art and design at the Museo Franz Mayer. We were treated to two fantastic exhibitions. The first, "Fashion today! Contemporary Latin American and Latinx design," was a vibrant and fun exploration of modern style. Then, we dove into the captivating world of Japanese Manga, a surprisingly engaging experience.

As the sun began to set, we met up with Michael and Tamara for drinks before heading to dinner. For our evening meal, we returned to a true favorite: Malix. This intimate restaurant, with its distinct Mid-Eastern vibe, consistently delivers. Small, quiet, and serving truly excellent food, Malix is a place I highly recommend for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Mexico City. The chef worked at Noma! Which is currently doing a 4 month pop-up in Silverlake. Small world.

What a day it was – a perfect blend of ancient history, modern art, and incredible culinary delights!