Story by Dot Bell  Photography by Bill Bell

Part Two - Best Bets

Mexico has a reputation for violence, crime, robbery, traffic, corrupt police and pollution. The truth be told, all of the above are true. Indeed like any mega city, Mexico is a place to be cautious and prudent; be aware of your surroundings at all times. So why visit if it that bad?

Quite simply Mexico City offers some of the best events and activities that the world offers. You just can't get the experience anywhere else.

Best Bets - Events and Places

1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Day December 12- - Patron Saint of the Americas, the Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated in front of the Basilica of Guadalupe where the cloth image of the Lady is stored under glass. Pilgrims from throughout Mexico have walked, driven, rode bikes, or crawled to this sacred spot. Many carry their churches pictures of Our Lady, strapped to their back to make this long journey and give homage.

The 12 of December is the culmination of the celebrations. Dancers and singers in native costume perform for the love of their Lady, their country and town. There are no tip jars and no-one is performing for tourists. This is the real thing and an experience to behold. More Our Lady of Guadalupe Day Photographs click here

2. Pyramids of Teotihuacán - Located just outside the City core lies one of the world's most important ancient Cities.  Teotihuacán means "Place of those who have the road of Gods", and is now a UNESCO World site.  Strolling down the Avenue of the dead, exploring the museum, climbing to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun or Moon is an all day event and one that will remain a forever experience.

Spiritual celebrations are held every year on the Spring Equinox. More Teotihuacan Photographs Click Here

3. National Museum of Anthropology - Considered the best in the world, Mexico's Museum of Anthropology is not to be missed. One could walk all day through the vast exhibits and not see 1/4 of the relics and treasures. Exhibits include and Introduction to Anthropology and Mesoamerica as well as various regional cultures. This is a great place for visitors of all ages and is wheelchair accessible.

4. Central Zocalo - The heart of Mexico City is the main plaza or zocalo. The major Cathedral flanks one side of the square; with the ruins of the Templo Mayor to the side. Templo Mayor was a group of pyramids that were dedicated to ancient gods (Tlaloc, Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca). The Cathedral was built The Palacio Nacional occupies another side of the square and Diego Rivera' famous murals depicting the history of Mexico can be viewed here from the stairways and patios. Another side of the Zocalo houses City Hall buildings. The grand Hotel occupies the last side of the square and provides the perfect aerial view of activities below. In one afternoon at the Zocalo, once can visit the Cathedral, explore some outstanding ancient ruins, and view the art work of Mexico's most renowned muralist.

The best day to be there is September 15, Eve of Independence Day when festivities are centered here.

 5. Chapultepec Park - Every great city has a great city Park. An afternoon strolling through the gardens in Chapultepec Park is a must. It has wide pedestrian routes that lead from Museums and monuments, to the Lake and Zoo. At the top of the Hill is Chapultepec Castle. Street vendors sell colorful balloons, trinkets and snack to the many families that stroll the parkways.

More photographs of Mexico City  Click Here

---

Restaurant Review

By the Kitchen Goddess - Linda Binns

 

Soley's Thursday Breakfast

Everyone's intentions on Thursday morning is to get up early, have a nice hearty breakfast, and go to tinguis (market). We walk for blocks and blocks in the heat and crowds, searching for the perfect flan pan, plastic bowl, or obscure chili pepper that the latest fad recipe calls for.  In the rush of Thursday morn,  breakfast usually consists of a cold croissant, a piece of fruit or yoghurt.  Not anymore, because Soley's Restaurant on the La Peñita Plaza is open at 9:00 a.m. On Thursdays only  for a hearty, well prepared breakfast.

Soley's is one of the more pleasant spots to sit and people watch while sipping your choice of freshly brewed, organic Nayarit coffee.  Daniel, the owner, has the coffee roasted to his specific directions.  The blend is robust and an eye opener.  The way coffee should be.  You can order an espresso, cappuccino, Americana mocha, or latte.  The coffee arrives in a French press pot at your table and serves 4 cups of the best brew in town.

We had our choice of breakfast burritos, omelets, quesadilla, and sandwiches.  Daniel is very accommodating.   The day we were there he was serving  crepes but they weren't on the menu.  Always ask what else is going on in the kitchen.  There are always surprises like the crepes.

I had a bacon and onion omelette, fried potatoes, a mixed green salad, and garlic toast.  My omelet was perfection - slightly brown on the outside, soft and creamy inside with bacon, sautéed onions, and a little cheese.  The fried potatoes were better than Stan's and I thought he made the best fried spuds. They're crisp, brown, with onion and pepper bits and perfect seasoning.  A mixed green salad for breakfast may seem odd, but you know it works when you eat at Soley's.  It's dressed very lightly with a touch of oil and vinegar.  Because it's so light and the lettuce is top quality it is a tasty addition to breakfast.  What can I say about garlic bread that hasn't been said before.  I'm not sure I ever met a garlic bread slice that I didn't like.  At Soley's it's lightly buttered with just a hint of garlic and then toasted.  Everything at Soley's is done to perfection.  Daniel and his wife Miriam and staff run one of the loveliest and best tasting restaurants in town or in the area. Whatever you do don't pass on the salsa made by Miriam.  It was neither too hot, too spicy, or too chunky.  Very tasty and perfect for any egg dish.   

There are twinkling, white lights strung around the restaurant, white tablecloths, and matching covered chairs.  In the evening there is candlelight, and music drifts along on the warm night air from Frank, Pavarotti, Dean, or Sammy . If you sit at the tables on the cobblestones outside you can listen to the tropical birds who call the upstairs balcony home. If I didn't have the warm, tropical breeze  caressing my skin and the birds calls I'd think I was in San Francisco dining al fresco.  I was so surprised when Daniel told me that at one time he owned a restaurant in San Francisco and Reno.   After talking I discovered that his restaurant in San Francisco had been one of my favorites for many years.  Later when we moved to Fallon, Nevada we'd drive to Reno for Italian food and it was Daniel's Reno restaurant!  Guess I've been a Daniel cooking groupie for a long time.  It truly is a small world. 

The evening menu changes but a sampling of dishes follow:  several pasta dishes, meatballs, manicotti, lasagna.  Chicken is prepared in several ways and there are usually 1-2 beef, fish, and pork dishes. Most dishes are Italian in preparation and by far my favorite is  pasta and meatballs.  The sauce isn't overwhelming, spiced well, and tastes fresh.  The meatballs are large, light, and meaty spiced with garlic and cheese.   

Soley's Restaurant

On the plaza in La Peñita

9:00 a.m on Thursdays for breakfast

6:00 p.m. Everyday but Tuesdays closed

Reservations:  Not required

Parking:        Around the plaza and on the Avenida