So I am in Mexico City. I have adjusted to the time zone now and am having fun... my hostel is right in the centre of all the action and everyone here is really friendly. On my first day I visited two museums with friends from my room: one about Frida and Rivera and the other Trotsky. I thought this was good going considering the lady next to me on the flight ensured that I had absolutely no sleep. (Combination of her being very chatty - more than me it's true - and coughing everytime I dropped off).
Yesterday I navigated my way around the metro system then took a bus to Teotihuacan for the pyramids. Actually I did start off on the metro with two guys from my hostel but John got pick-pocketed on the first journey. They stole his wallet with his card in too and the most annoying thing is that we pretty much know who took it but it's too late now. They went to the bank to sort this out and said I should carry on to the pyramids without them. So I was left to work the system out for myself which is good as I now understand it all and it's quite easy.
After shaking off a little Mexican man who kept trying to find out where I was staying and where I was heading I arrived at the bus station then took in the sights as I headed towards Teotihuacan. There are two main pyramids of the sun and moon and I climbed both for lovely views and strong winds at the top to cool off in. Even though there were many tourists and locals selling trinkets everywhere, once at the top I had a lovely lingering moment of tranquility as I looked into the distance peacefully with the sun on my skin. It definitely makes a nice break from the city!
When I got back to the Zocalo where my hostel is there was a massive protest going on (again) about teachers' pay so I did my best to weave in and out of the crowd and make it back home. They are very passionate people and seem to protest on an almost daily basis...
So on a final note I am enjoying Mexico City but am mainly concerned about bumping into the police who can be trusted as much as the metro pick-pocketer. The two guys previously mentioned (who have not been incredibly lucky you will notice) were stopped by the police just for walking the streets in the evening. They had done nothing wrong but the police stole all their money and then let them go. I now avoid all eye contact with the police and will not be walking the streets after 9 o'clock. The only way to be safe is to get a registered taxi everywhere after dark; even if it's only 2 blocks away - oh and not a street taxi as they mug/kidnapp you. Great. I have made quite a few friends though and am following all the rules of safety (mum don't panic) and am seeing all the good things about this city too. Photos will be added later!
