An
independent day today in that we took a taxi to the Museum of
Anthropology and from there walked to the nearby Castille de
Chapultepec.
At
the museum, we learnt a lot more about the historic sites we visited
yesterday. We learnt that Tlatelolco was founded in 1388 AD. At that
time, the area, which is now densely populated suburbia, was a group
of sandy islets. We also learnt that Teotihuacan where the pyramids
are located collapsed in about 750 AD.
The
museum was very well done in that there were plenty of English panels
telling us the story. All one can really say about the history of
Mexico is that it is far more complex than one could ever imagine.
We
weren't as well informed at the castle in that there were no English
translations but it is very well located at the highest point in
Mexico City although the views of the city around were not
particularly inspiring. We did get offered the services of an English
speaking guide but we declined. We didn't want to spend too much time
there. The lady in the ticket booth asked us in English if we were
over 60. Because we were, we got in for free!
Our only excitement of the day was when we went to the Touriste Taxi rank to get a taxi back to the hotel. The Touriste taxis are supposedly the safe ones. We found ourselves being harangued by a number of taxi drivers, not all of which were Touriste taxis, eager to get our business. We chose the one with the best looking car which was indeed a Touriste taxi.
Last
day tomorrow before heading back to LA for one night on Monday before
heading to Japan on Tuesday. Because we lose a day, we get to Japan
on Thursday.
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