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Mexico City Travel Guide
Once known as Tenochtitlan, an island on Lake Texcoco during the Aztec era, Mexico City has emerged as the capital and largest city of Mexico. Sitting 2,200 meters above sea level, it is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world. With an annual GDP of 390 billion USD, it is among the richest metropolises - wealthier than even some nations.
Though most images painted of Mexico City is one of reeking of pollution, traffic, and crime (not undeserved, however), the city itself is welcoming and beautiful, with a bustling street life and delightful culture. Metropolitan meets colonial here, with its lush parks, upscale neighborhoods, and high-rise buildings sharing space with archaeological sites like Centro Historico and Templo Mayor.
Metropolis Façade
Mexico City's development and prosperity have helped transform the city into one of the most vibrant urban spaces in the world. Tourists often head to the Arena Mexico, where the world-famous “lucha libre” style of wrestling can be watched. Horse racing and car racing are also at a premium at the Hipodromo de las Americas (where 20,000 people watch every day) and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
The city's markets at Centro Historico, Casa de Azulejos, and Centro Santa Fe are always busy with vendors hawking goods and traditional crafts. Gastronomic delights can be enjoyed at superb restaurants all over the metropolis, where top-rated chefs serve up Mexican delights such as tamales, burritos, and atole. However, the city is not without flaws - gang wars and drug cartels are blights on shiny its façade.
Colonial Heart
While Mexico City has thoroughly been modernized, what with its skyscrapers and complex subway systems, it still has remained grounded regarding its cultural and historical heritage. Case in point: its Centro Historico sector, which is chock-full of colonial buildings like the Catedral Metropolitano (largest and oldest in the Americas), as well as ancient Aztec ruins. Visitors can also hitch a ride on the traditional trajineras (brightly-painted barges) that ply the city's ancient canal systems.
The Spanish influence is perhaps the most evident, with an overwhelming majority of the population speaking Spanish. Many of its festivals have colonial roots, such as the Semana Santa, Posadas, Dio de la Muerto, and others.
User blogs:
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News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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