Mexico City March 2015

I know there are a few of you who are on the fence about joining us in Mexico City. Allow me to dangle a few morsels in front of you to entice you to join us there. Katie, Kathie and I are planning a wonderful trip for you that you'll hold dear forever. Here's how we hope to win your heart.

photo credit: http://theredtreehouse.com/

First of all, we'll be staying at the gorgeous Red Tree House in the beautiful Condesa neighborhood. Here is what TripAdvisor has to say about this neighborhood:  "Condesa ... is often refered to as the Soho of Mexico City. This was once part of the estate of the Countess Miravalle and hence the name Condesa, the countess.  In the early 1900s, in the era of Porfirio Diaz,  the racetrack or hipodromo flourished here.  The track is now the circular Avenida Amsterdam and within it is another circular street, Avenida Mexico.  At the center is Parque Mexico.  Close by is  Parque Espana.

Most of the residential development of Condesa followed the end of the Revolution in the 1920s and 30's and much of the optimism of this period is reflected in the many remaining examples of Art Deco and Modernist architecture.  ...

... Condesa remains a charming mix of new and old,  trendiness and traditional Mexican life.  The area fills in the evenings with cars from all over the city as people go out to the many restaurants and clubs.  The parks and tree lined streets accommodate joggers, residents out for a stroll, dogs being walked, and young lovers.  Along with the stylish shops, restaurants, and galleries are the upholsters covering sofas on the sidewalk, carpenters sawing, and the auto mechanic fixing cars at the street corner."

photo credit Sigfrid Lopez, https://www.flickr.com/photos/sigfrid/5644168167/in/photostream/

Another shot of this charming and hip neighborhood.

photo credit Joe Routon, https://www.flickr.com/photos/joerouton/

My one previous visit to Mexico City was in 2001 when John and I stayed in the Majestic Hotel on the zocalo across from the magnificent Cathedral (above). This is the largest cathedral in the western hemisphere and we walked around the perimeter at night where we saw people cooking food on braziers and sharing with each other. The cathedral is built on Aztec ruins which are being excavated and studied. After our single sleepover here we moved on to other areas and I've dreamed of returning here ever since.

photo by Linda Janse

Another shot of our neighborhood. The LA Times called it an oasis in the middle of stressed-out Mexico City; home to the artists, musicians, novelists and filmmakers who give Mexico its global identity.

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mfcarter/5658492124/

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anthonyinternational/4459027396/

 Frida's desk. Yes, we will visit Frida's Blue House.

Condesa neighborhood.

Photo credit: http://thingstodo.viator.com/mexico/markets-in-mexico-city/

Photo credit: Caroul Lou http://caroullou.com/world-food/#.U-FGlqjnzFxl 

Photo credit: David Bank https://www.flickr.com/photos/david-bank/

Belles Artes Museum

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hadleycoull/2199629973/

Photo credit: Susana Galindo https://www.flickr.com/photos/susanag1/

A boat ride on one of the famous Xochimilco canals.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City. Built in 1908 with this stunning Tiffany Stained Glass Ceiling. 

Photo credit: Agustin Victor Casasola

I love this photo of young men out nightclubbing. It was taken in 1935. Ah, black and white film! Ah, youth! 

I've left out many details of our trip on purpose. Please go here for the full itinerary. See if it fits your dreams to come with us. We would love to include you in this experience.