Mexico is eight times the size of the UK and has a population of over 111 million.
In 1521, Spain conquered and colonized the territory from its base in México-Tenochtitlan, which was administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This territory would eventually become Mexico as the colony independence was recognised in 1821.
Nothing really can prepare you for turning up at a country that is as explosive and passionate as Mexico.
Our first taste of Mexico City, through our taxi windows, gave us a snip of what was in store for us for the next 4 weeks. Flashing police lights seemingly going off at each street corner. Crazy, out of control traffic squeezing it's way through tiny streets that were built well before the motor vehicle ruled. These narrow streets are then penned in by lovely antique balcony fronted buildings that butt right up to the streets edge. Everything that's great about old looking stuff just sat there on show for all to see right almongst a city of utter organised traffic chaos.
Mexico City (central district) is home to roughly 24 million people. The worlds biggest city, only 2nd to Tokoyo at a staggering 27 million. Mexico argue though that their city population is more constant as most if not all of Mexico city types live and work within the city district, i.e the total numbers in the city never really drop where in Tokoyo many head for the hills at night and at weekends.
If you chose not to go by road around the city you can opt for the metro. Not necessarily the easiler option as Mexico city's metro is the third active metro system in the world. Only NY & Tokoyo again beating the Mexicans to the top spot of people-overload.
Somehow though places like this definately enhance any traveller´s road trip. The drama, the unknown, the cultural differences, the language barriers, the cuisine - oh the cuisine.
So after some very dodgey Spanish dialogue we make it across the city from Benito Juarez airport to Reinga our base for the next few days. Impressed would be an understatement as we stood out front of Hostel Centro Historico. Was this really a hostel or a small boutique hotel? Wonderful and magnificent, after nearly 11 months of travel we find by far the most grandest hostel yet. This place had parquet floors throughout, vaulted high ceilings that would blend effortlessly into any French chateau. Our room, big enough to partake in a quick game of squash, had huge floor to ceiling French doors that opened out onto a balcony where we spent the night dinning on street vendor tortillas, nachos and salsa with a side of the tastiest jalapenos ever. Oh and a chilled bottle of Corona with a slice of lime, a mere 49p!
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