Some call it DF (Distrito Federal). Some call it CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico), some call it Mexico City and we call it.. Fabulous!
Vibrant, full of street musicians, multiple bustling markets, green leafy parks, a plethora of museums and Oh the food!! From street food stalls with delectable tacos, to small restaurants within the markets, to upscale creative restaurants which rival the best of any world capital, Mexico City is a gastronomic hub!
We were here just 3 months ago; and now we are back to meet long time friends Lois and Chris who live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I (Peta) have been good friends with Lois for 40 years now. Their daughter and her husband and the first grandchild will be arriving too. We have a week in Mexico City, at an Airbnb, thanks to our being selected for the Live Anywhere on Airbnb program.
After a glorious week in Oaxaca City, in a charming Colonial Airbnb, we choose an ultra modern penthouse Airbnb in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City.
We are traveling as light as possible. What you see above is our luggage for the next year! We each have a small orange suitcase, a back pack and a straw bag with yoga blocks, and our yoga mats. Back to the nomadic lifestyle where minimalism rules!
A “container like” structure on the top of the 5th floor which we select for the sliding glass doors which open up the front side of the small penthouse to the glorious patio filled with plants and trees.Nothing like lying on the bed or hammock, doors completely open, creating one large indoor outdoor space, after the hustle and bustle of the markets.A bedroom al fresco ~ nothing makes me happier! It is always interesting to us how little space one actually needs, especially when the outdoor space augments the inside living area.
This is a particularly busy period for Ben at work and we are juggling work and play priorities as best we can. Here a moment to chill in our rooftop patio garden.
Plenty of space to be upside down amongst the olive tree, papaya tree and the rosemary!On the go.. strolling the neighborhood admiring the art deco architecture….We have done this together in quite a few places… Cincinnati, Chicago, Granada Nicaragua, Hoi An Viet Nam…
Many architectural gems to be found in the historic center and beyond… Mexico City is a fantastic blend of centuries old grand buildings and modern design.
In front of the Soumaya Museum, the largest private art collection in Mexico. The design of the museum features a geometrical organic arch comprised of hexagonal silver tiles.The private collection is extremely eclectic, ranging from the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris as well as many renowned European artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Chagall. But for us, the most impressive and interesting was the Mexican collection. In particular this huge colorful mosaic wall by Diego Riviera.
You might be surprised to find out that this painting is a Van Gogh. We certainly are!
And we got to meet the adorable 1 year old Sienna, (Lois and Chris’s grandchild).
Off to the Mercado San Juan, one of Mexico City’s many fabulous markets. There is some fun footage of us tasting fruits and Ben tasting insects in the YouTube video (link at end of blog).
Soursop below, figs and wild morel mushroom are in season!
The fish market section where Ben negotiates a chocolate clam tasting… (see youtube video)Looking very much like an art installation of sorts. Bodies draped over the counter ledge. Not my favorite section and we did witness the excessively graphic skinning of baby goats. Enough to make one strop eating meat!
And from our favorite vegetarian! restaurant around the corner from our AIrbnb, we had an exquisite mushroom pozole (traditional Mexican soup usually made with meat).
The artisanal market in San Angel on Saturday morning was a treat for the eyes. We do our best not to accumulate stuff but a beautifully crafted huichol beaded bracelet, is something that meets our criteria. Beautifully made, authentic, small and light.
If you enjoy the video, please do consider subscribing as we are trying to achieve 1,000 followers by the end of the year.. so if you know friends who might enjoy following our nomadic adventures, please share. As always, we thoroughly enjoy your feedback both here on our blog and on our new VLOG!
That concludes our first two one week stays, next stop CHICAGO! Stay tuned….
Sharon the earthquake we could have done without! It didn’t phase Ben very much but that is because he has lived in Los Angeles and Tokyo both of which are earthquake prone.
We were very happy with our Airbnb choice and loved coming home to that each day to chill. Opening the glass doors and having trees, plants and a patio in our bedroom was sublime.
Hi Peggy.. we have been reading about what is going on in Australia and it honestly sounds awful. We are very grateful to be able to travel right now. Not that we were planning to… we were quite happy staying in our little beach village in Zipolite! Haha.
You’re bouncing around all my favorite places these days … Mexico City, Chicago, etc! My husband used to be in Mexico City at least once or twice a month as nearly all of his company’s business is there, and I loved to tag along when I could. Sadly, we have not been back since March of 2020. I think it’s time! Your Airbnb looks amazing, and I’m glad you got to see the very cool Museo Soumaya.
Hi Lex… Ahh yes, some pretty good cities here. It was our third time in Mexico City.. with our first being over ten years ago and we really enjoyed the whole experience of being there. Such a dynamic and very interesting city with so much to offer. We had hoped to go to the Modern Art Museum but that was unfortunately still closed.
The music… the food… the art! Mexico City looks like a cornucopia of wonderfulness! I’ve really enjoyed your YouTubes. It’s fun to hear your actual voices after following your blog for so long. I’m glad the earthquake didn’t do too much damage (that I could see from your pictures). I follow another blogger who was in Mexico City a few years ago and experienced a big earthquake that was quite destructive. Looking forward to your adventures in Chicago!
Hi Janis.. Ahhh Mexico City really grows on you, the more time you spend there, the more you enjoy it At least that is our experience. So glad that you have been enjoying our youtubes.. It definitely is a huge learning curve for us.
Fortunately there was no damage from the earthquake but yes others in the park that were huddled together protecting in the rain told us stories of the past earthquakes that had been destructive. This one had the epicenter quite far away in Acupulco…
The outdoor deck was wonderful and it made the interior space have the feeling of something twice as large as it was. We are both love a place that has a lot of fresh air and this was therefore perfect for us.
I don’t remember when or how it started, but now Mexico City tops the list of cities I most want to see in the world. All the accounts I’ve read about it allude to its vibrant cultural scene, amazing food, and beautiful architecture, everything I always look forward to exploring in new places. Glad you also found the Mexican capital charming! Which further assures me that I HAVE to visit it no matter how far/difficult the journey may be.
Bama Mexico City has a lot to offer… from old warm charm to modern, from small neighborhoods to the big city feel. The food is incredible and the architecture charming and dramatic. The people are also friendly and welcoming, much like every other place we have been to in Mexico.
It is quite a long journey from Asia, which we did when we first arrived here in March 2020 after Vietnam had shut its borders due to Covid and we had to find a new home base. We chose well!
Love your Air B&B. Mexico City looks exciting. I finally got back to Canada to see my family. Seems like a long two years. I subscribed to your YouTube. XO
Wow, Mexico City is a diverse and fascinating city. A city of contrasts with something for everyone. I’m surprised you manage to fit so many beautiful outfits in one suitcase. 🙂 That rooftop garden is fabulous. One day, I hope to have the funds to travel the world in Airbnbs.
I hope Ben manages to combine the work with the pleasure, activities, and video “duties.” It’s not easy working while being constantly on the go and desiring to document everything at the same time. Things will be easier now that the one-month stays kick in.
We loved our time in Mexico City and yes being able to stay at Airbnbs at no cost, is quite a thrill for us used to being on a strict budget. Historically, most of our travel we have used home exchange, using credits from our prior homes in Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. So, we really haven’t paid for accomodation when we travel for 90% of our stays over the past ten years. That is the only way we have been able to afford our nomadic lifestyle. Very grateful for another year courtesy of Airbnb just when we have very few home exchange credits left.
Yes working full time for Ben is not easy to juggle! As well, many of his work calls are at rather odd hours due to the time difference with the Philippines where the bamboo reforestation work takes place.
I have heard such fabulous things about Mexico City and your tour certainly reinforces that. I’m with you on the meat market sights. In Athens similar slicing and dicing reinforces my love for allvegetables. Now off to check out that YouTube channel!
Sue it’s our second time in Mexico City and the more time we spend there the more we enjoy and appreciate this diverse city! Of course we have only scratched the surface I’m sure as it is such a large city, but we look forward to discovering more over the years to come. It’s a stop over flight before heading to our home base on the coast, so I’m sure we will return many times.
Thanks for checking out our Youtube chanel and do share with anyone that might be interested.
Wonderful collection of photos. We’re enjoying your new Youtube channel and the videos. Continued safe travels, we’re looking forward to following the adventure.
Thanks Patti, it’s good to hear you are enjoying our Youtube channel. We are at the beginning of a huge curve of learning, so hopefully our skills will improve over time.
You have painted such an enticing picture of Mexico City; and that Airbnb…what a find! I’ve only spent a few hours in Mexico City during a long flight layover. Just another place to add to my long list. I know I’d love the markets and for sure would have bought one of those lovely bracelets. Congrats on the Youtube channel. I will check it out.
Thanks Caroline, we took advantage of the flight layovers in Mexico City, which is en route to our home base in Zipolite on the coast, to spend time there. Our second stay was as interesting and enjoyable as the first. So much more still to see and discover. The markets are fabulous and the food everywhere is fantastic. From the streets, to markets, to beautiful restaurants.
Thanks re the Youtube channel, we look forward to reading your feedback there. Hoping our skills will improve over time!
I’ve been wanting to understand more about Mexico City, and here you are with amazing photos and text. One of my CA friends has been flying to Mexico City to see a new grandson. She doesn’t seem to know how to describe the city where her daughter and SIL now live. You, on the other hand, explain the variety of it well. The earthquake I could do without. Even after living with them for 20 years in the Bay area, they still unsettle me.
Pam, we loved Mexico City and feel as though we have just scratched the surface. This is our second time there this year, each stay for a week, and we look forward to more.
Yup earthquakes are very unsettling. We continued to feel after shocks over the next few days, and our apartment was on the fifth floor. Not my favorite… I felt a bit off balance until the after shakes stopped.
So lovely to hear your year-long adventure is off to a great start in Mexico City. It really did look like you packed minimal with just those two oranges suitcases and backpacks. Beautiful alfresco AirBnB and it looks so homey. The art looks amazing – and like you I didn’t realise that was a Van Gogh painting until you mentioned it. Of you certainly captured Ben very well negotiating for a chocolate clam tasting. Got to check out your YouTube channel and already excited to see what life is on the road like for the two of you. Thank you for sharing with us, Peta and Ben.
Thanks Mabel for stopping by to read us and to leave your comments. We look forward to hearing your feedback on the YouTube channel, as we are still neophytes at this process.
The art museum was wonderful and we only saw a few floors of it, it was such a large collection and such a varied collection.
The first time we went to that market, there was a guy who was creating raw fish dishes.. it was so memorable as one of our best bites in Mexico City that of course we returned. But unfortunately the stall was closed. We were as you can see able to find another fish monger to provide us with the said chocolate clams and other interesting seafood.
“It is always interesting to us how little space one actually needs…” Yes! I SO AGREE! Enjoy Mexico City. It’s one of my favorite places in the world and I’m so happy I’ve been able to return to it multiple times in my life. There’s so much to do and see and take in…plus I love that the city’s vibrancy mixes so well with a restful feeling in neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa.
It was our second time in Mexico City and we loved it both times. Well actually, we visited Mexico City about fifteen years ago en route to a bamboo conference in Puebla, but had not been back since. Yes, you say it well… so much to do and see and take in! We have just scratched the surface of it for sure and look forward to more.
The best part was for us, as always in Mexico, the people! We also really enjoyed the music, the food, the art, the parks…
I didn’t realize Mexico City can have such modern architecture, this is the beauty of traveling, finding the hidden gems🙂 Following you along, on YouTube too!
Thanks Christie for your comments and for following along on YouTube as well. Yes, absolutely there are so many gems to be had in Mexico City and we know we are just at the beginning. Travel always provides the best experiences and hands on education.
Look forward to reading your comments on YouTube as well.
Beautiful pictures, I want to be there! You found an amazing AirB&B, and got the complete experience, even an earthquake. Very auspicious start!
Sharon the earthquake we could have done without! It didn’t phase Ben very much but that is because he has lived in Los Angeles and Tokyo both of which are earthquake prone.
We were very happy with our Airbnb choice and loved coming home to that each day to chill. Opening the glass doors and having trees, plants and a patio in our bedroom was sublime.
Peta
How lucky you are to be able to travel. Thanks for the tour.
Hi Peggy.. we have been reading about what is going on in Australia and it honestly sounds awful. We are very grateful to be able to travel right now. Not that we were planning to… we were quite happy staying in our little beach village in Zipolite! Haha.
Peta
We can’t travel much, but we aren’t having cases. Canberra had six cases today. We’ll see how it all plays out.
You’re bouncing around all my favorite places these days … Mexico City, Chicago, etc! My husband used to be in Mexico City at least once or twice a month as nearly all of his company’s business is there, and I loved to tag along when I could. Sadly, we have not been back since March of 2020. I think it’s time! Your Airbnb looks amazing, and I’m glad you got to see the very cool Museo Soumaya.
Hi Lex… Ahh yes, some pretty good cities here. It was our third time in Mexico City.. with our first being over ten years ago and we really enjoyed the whole experience of being there. Such a dynamic and very interesting city with so much to offer. We had hoped to go to the Modern Art Museum but that was unfortunately still closed.
Peta
The music… the food… the art! Mexico City looks like a cornucopia of wonderfulness! I’ve really enjoyed your YouTubes. It’s fun to hear your actual voices after following your blog for so long. I’m glad the earthquake didn’t do too much damage (that I could see from your pictures). I follow another blogger who was in Mexico City a few years ago and experienced a big earthquake that was quite destructive. Looking forward to your adventures in Chicago!
Hi Janis.. Ahhh Mexico City really grows on you, the more time you spend there, the more you enjoy it At least that is our experience. So glad that you have been enjoying our youtubes.. It definitely is a huge learning curve for us.
Fortunately there was no damage from the earthquake but yes others in the park that were huddled together protecting in the rain told us stories of the past earthquakes that had been destructive. This one had the epicenter quite far away in Acupulco…
Thanks for reading and leaving us your feedback
Peta
Your new Airbnb home looks like a great place to base yourselves. I love that outdoor deck.
The outdoor deck was wonderful and it made the interior space have the feeling of something twice as large as it was. We are both love a place that has a lot of fresh air and this was therefore perfect for us.
Peta
I don’t remember when or how it started, but now Mexico City tops the list of cities I most want to see in the world. All the accounts I’ve read about it allude to its vibrant cultural scene, amazing food, and beautiful architecture, everything I always look forward to exploring in new places. Glad you also found the Mexican capital charming! Which further assures me that I HAVE to visit it no matter how far/difficult the journey may be.
Bama Mexico City has a lot to offer… from old warm charm to modern, from small neighborhoods to the big city feel. The food is incredible and the architecture charming and dramatic. The people are also friendly and welcoming, much like every other place we have been to in Mexico.
It is quite a long journey from Asia, which we did when we first arrived here in March 2020 after Vietnam had shut its borders due to Covid and we had to find a new home base. We chose well!
Peta
Thanks for another visit to beautiful Mexico City. It is great to see you and Lois together again.
A big hug for you both!
So nice to read you Charles. It was very fun to meet Lois in Mexico City and have a sweet lil reunion and explore together.
xoxo
Love your Air B&B. Mexico City looks exciting. I finally got back to Canada to see my family. Seems like a long two years. I subscribed to your YouTube. XO
Ahhh that Airbnb was so great to come home to each day after exploring the city. Nothing like having a bedroom in the open air!
How great that you got back to Canada to see the fam. Wonderful Enjoy.
Thanks for subscribing to our youtube channel, Darlene.
Peta
Wow, Mexico City is a diverse and fascinating city. A city of contrasts with something for everyone. I’m surprised you manage to fit so many beautiful outfits in one suitcase. 🙂 That rooftop garden is fabulous. One day, I hope to have the funds to travel the world in Airbnbs.
I hope Ben manages to combine the work with the pleasure, activities, and video “duties.” It’s not easy working while being constantly on the go and desiring to document everything at the same time. Things will be easier now that the one-month stays kick in.
We loved our time in Mexico City and yes being able to stay at Airbnbs at no cost, is quite a thrill for us used to being on a strict budget. Historically, most of our travel we have used home exchange, using credits from our prior homes in Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. So, we really haven’t paid for accomodation when we travel for 90% of our stays over the past ten years. That is the only way we have been able to afford our nomadic lifestyle. Very grateful for another year courtesy of Airbnb just when we have very few home exchange credits left.
Yes working full time for Ben is not easy to juggle! As well, many of his work calls are at rather odd hours due to the time difference with the Philippines where the bamboo reforestation work takes place.
Peta
I have heard such fabulous things about Mexico City and your tour certainly reinforces that. I’m with you on the meat market sights. In Athens similar slicing and dicing reinforces my love for allvegetables. Now off to check out that YouTube channel!
Sue it’s our second time in Mexico City and the more time we spend there the more we enjoy and appreciate this diverse city! Of course we have only scratched the surface I’m sure as it is such a large city, but we look forward to discovering more over the years to come. It’s a stop over flight before heading to our home base on the coast, so I’m sure we will return many times.
Thanks for checking out our Youtube chanel and do share with anyone that might be interested.
Peta
Wonderful collection of photos. We’re enjoying your new Youtube channel and the videos. Continued safe travels, we’re looking forward to following the adventure.
Thanks Patti, it’s good to hear you are enjoying our Youtube channel. We are at the beginning of a huge curve of learning, so hopefully our skills will improve over time.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Peta
You have painted such an enticing picture of Mexico City; and that Airbnb…what a find! I’ve only spent a few hours in Mexico City during a long flight layover. Just another place to add to my long list. I know I’d love the markets and for sure would have bought one of those lovely bracelets. Congrats on the Youtube channel. I will check it out.
Thanks Caroline, we took advantage of the flight layovers in Mexico City, which is en route to our home base in Zipolite on the coast, to spend time there. Our second stay was as interesting and enjoyable as the first. So much more still to see and discover. The markets are fabulous and the food everywhere is fantastic. From the streets, to markets, to beautiful restaurants.
Thanks re the Youtube channel, we look forward to reading your feedback there. Hoping our skills will improve over time!
Petag
I’ve been wanting to understand more about Mexico City, and here you are with amazing photos and text. One of my CA friends has been flying to Mexico City to see a new grandson. She doesn’t seem to know how to describe the city where her daughter and SIL now live. You, on the other hand, explain the variety of it well. The earthquake I could do without. Even after living with them for 20 years in the Bay area, they still unsettle me.
Pam, we loved Mexico City and feel as though we have just scratched the surface. This is our second time there this year, each stay for a week, and we look forward to more.
Yup earthquakes are very unsettling. We continued to feel after shocks over the next few days, and our apartment was on the fifth floor. Not my favorite… I felt a bit off balance until the after shakes stopped.
Peta
So lovely to hear your year-long adventure is off to a great start in Mexico City. It really did look like you packed minimal with just those two oranges suitcases and backpacks. Beautiful alfresco AirBnB and it looks so homey. The art looks amazing – and like you I didn’t realise that was a Van Gogh painting until you mentioned it. Of you certainly captured Ben very well negotiating for a chocolate clam tasting. Got to check out your YouTube channel and already excited to see what life is on the road like for the two of you. Thank you for sharing with us, Peta and Ben.
Thanks Mabel for stopping by to read us and to leave your comments. We look forward to hearing your feedback on the YouTube channel, as we are still neophytes at this process.
The art museum was wonderful and we only saw a few floors of it, it was such a large collection and such a varied collection.
The first time we went to that market, there was a guy who was creating raw fish dishes.. it was so memorable as one of our best bites in Mexico City that of course we returned. But unfortunately the stall was closed. We were as you can see able to find another fish monger to provide us with the said chocolate clams and other interesting seafood.
Peta
“It is always interesting to us how little space one actually needs…” Yes! I SO AGREE! Enjoy Mexico City. It’s one of my favorite places in the world and I’m so happy I’ve been able to return to it multiple times in my life. There’s so much to do and see and take in…plus I love that the city’s vibrancy mixes so well with a restful feeling in neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa.
It was our second time in Mexico City and we loved it both times. Well actually, we visited Mexico City about fifteen years ago en route to a bamboo conference in Puebla, but had not been back since. Yes, you say it well… so much to do and see and take in! We have just scratched the surface of it for sure and look forward to more.
The best part was for us, as always in Mexico, the people! We also really enjoyed the music, the food, the art, the parks…
Peta
I didn’t realize Mexico City can have such modern architecture, this is the beauty of traveling, finding the hidden gems🙂 Following you along, on YouTube too!
Thanks Christie for your comments and for following along on YouTube as well. Yes, absolutely there are so many gems to be had in Mexico City and we know we are just at the beginning. Travel always provides the best experiences and hands on education.
Look forward to reading your comments on YouTube as well.
Peta