robt65
Mar 6, 2012, 3:38 AM
Post #1 of 9
(4088 views)
Shortcut
|
47 Years Later . . . . . . What a Difference!
|
Can't Post | Private Reply
|
I finally had the opportunity to revisit Mexico City after a 47 year absence. What a difference! Since I had to go to the Canadian Embassy on personal business, I read many experiences by folks who "say" they have driven in Mexico City and their (for the most part) horror stories had me concerned enough, to get a lift from a doctor friend who lives there on his return from his weekend retreat in our pueblo, rather than drive myself.
Needless to say I had tried to prepare myself for the "shock" of a bigger and certainly busier Mexico . . . . . . but such a difference, I wasn't prepared for. So it was only for one night and day . . . . . it gave me a quick prep for future visits. I was happy that I had the chance to use the taxis, a couple of buses, as well as a restaurant or two and a hotel. All in all a very nice city with very pleasant experiences of the locals in and around the areas I had to go to.
Even using the bus service back to San Juan del Rio, was a breeze. The folks back NOB (are you listening Greyhound!?!?!?!?!?! ) sure could take a less or two on clean bus stations from the Northern Cross Autobus Terminal.
On a Monday morning I was fully prepared for a traffic nightmare of GRID Plus! It really wasn't any uglier than say L.A., or for that matter C.D. Queretaro. Next time I visit, I am surely going to drive myself. Heck I have been on Blvd Quintana in Queretaro at “siesta time” and the traffic wasn’t any worse or ugly. I didn’t really enjoy the driving in it, but it certainly wasn’t impossible or a “war zone”, as some people lead one to believe.
I must say, it was the locals who impressed me most. Friendly and helpful . . . . .. everyone of them. Most spoke very good English right down to the hotel doorman and desk clerks. The hotel (Hotel Parque Satelite)at $750 MX Pesos a night was a bit pricy for my taste but again, it was a very large room with a king bed that was in excellent condition.
The in-room water pressure was a real treat after not having it for a while and hot water as soon as the tap was turned on was greatly appreciated. Great towels and in room coffee service which had real coffee and not just one small cup of it . . . . but rather a packet of vacuum packed coffee grounds large enough to provide four full cups, a wakeup service that didn't let me down and a rather nice and affordable restaurant in the lobby.
The location of the hotel right off Hwy 57 at Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho 1998 (www.hotelparquesatelite.com sure was handy for a driver, and getting back on the 57 was just as easy. The hotel is located only 12 kilometers from the Canadian Embassy (about 20 minute drive (with a little preplanning, to make sure I was in a taxi and on the road before 6:15AM to avoid long commuter traffic delays as suggested by my doctor friend)). This allowed for a nice leisurely breakfast at a (believe it or not), pretty good VIPS not far from the embassy. A good double decker toasted egg, spinach, cheese, tomato, onion and bacon sandwich as well as a nice size orange juice and all for 84 Pesos, I felt was a bargain. I was comfortably full and ready for a day’s ‘work.
I will surely return, as I really do believe that DF and surrounding area has a lot more to enjoy than I was able to that day. Next time I will plan for at least a couple of weeks for a number of casual and unhurried visits to interesting places in your really hospitable city. So my hats off to Mexico City, I was surely impressed.
robt65
(This post was edited by robt65 on Mar 6, 2012, 3:43 AM)
|
Forums Index
Search Posts
Who's Online
Log In or Sign Up
