Thoughts about Mexico

So I have been in Mexico for just over two weeks now. I did a  run down to Puebla, Oaxoca, and all the way down to the southern coast of Mexico in a small bohemian beach town called Puerto Escondido. This town was very interesting, it had a magnetic energy and it really smelt like a beach. It pelted down with water on our first night and completely soaked the dirt. It drenched us as well but the cracking lightening and feel of the water was pretty cool. I am now back in Mexico City and have anchored here for 6 nights before I head to Central America. I am taking it slow, doing my own thing and just letting myself finally relax in my own space and in my own time.

More thoughts about the city; Mexico City is absolutely mind blowing. The energy is intense, the people are everywhere but it is somehow pretty spaced out and it works in a weird kind of way. The food is incredibly rich with flavor. The spices, tang and chili explode in your mouth like a dance and it reminds you that your in the new world. I had five tacos today and they were amazing. I should have taken a photo of them but I was too distracted with the way they looked and smelt. They were indeed captivating to say the least. I took a photo of yesterdays tacos without the sauces and onions and they still looked amazing. Seems like its pretty standard practice here to buy tacos and just eat them with one hand under the plate the other with skilled precision feeding them into your mouth. They have been my favourite food so far.

I have learned a little about the language, a little about the history of the Mexico and a have had a little exposure to the culture. I know its early days and I have so much to learn and to experience. The language is by far the biggest barrier. I need to get a handle on it and be able to communicate. In response to this I met Andre a native Spanish speaker who speaks English very well and is able to teach me Spanish quite effectively in the hostel around the corner. I had a two hour lesson with him today. I am learning slowly but surely. It will take a bit of time but one has got to be patient and let the language soak itself in my brain. I would love to do a homestay with a Mexican family and get to know the people and families really intimately. What an amazing experience that would be.


Anyways other highlights, I met an interesting young man called Daniel yesterday, British, intelligent, teacher and using his own words having a 'quarter life crises' as he puts it as he is in the midst of trying to work out what he wants out of life and what holds most value. Had a great conversation flowing over a few beers, we talked religion, politics, education and culture. He got me into the roof top bar and we had a few more there. Glad it ended there though as I did not want it to get out of hand. It was a good night, chilled but a good night. I think Daniel got pretty drunk though, he didn't loose his composure but looked a little beaten and red eyed. I am also sharing a 16 bed dorm with one of the guys that work here, his name is Leandro and he plays guitar and has taught me some Spanish. He is a very decent guy, he loves to drink and he loves women and it seems like they love him so life is good for him right now.

Also met Ben, Aussie about 40 years old, speaks pretty good Spanish and he gave me a few pointers which was good. Interesting guy with an interesting life. I have just gotten used to the streets here and how they interact with the Zocalo. I think it takes a least a week to start finding your feet anywhere. The fun part is to learn where to go where not to go, enjoy great food and culture and find familiarity in the unfamiliar.

Well signing off for now, just wanted to record instead of write creatively. Its been an interesting experience so far although I feel I have just scratched the surface of an amazing country with an magnetic culture.