Mexico City - Part One and Acapulco

Welcome.

We arrived in Mexico City in the middle of the night - money belts secured under our tops whilst grasping all gear. Luckily Ricardo, our latin lover (just kidding, a guy from our hostel) was on his way to pick us up. The ride into town was interesting - the tactic is to beep at red lights rather than stop. Except at the red light were a crazy Mexican was standing in front of the car waving fire sticks - the doors were quickly locked.
Our hostel was in the centro historica district, just along the road from the Cathedral above. The Cathedral was amazing with a lot of gold decoration and the hugest pipe organs we have ever seen. The photo above also illustrates the ginormous Christmas decoration and Mexico flag. Whoever said everything in Mexico is tiny is a liar. You will also see a number of beetle VWs that populate this country - who also use the beeping tactic to get you into their cabs even if you are walking in the opposite direction. After waiting some time to cross the road, we soon learnt that to cross the road its best to just walk out.

All around the historic square there are the hugest Christmas decorations ever. Jane, our amateur lighting technician, was very excited!

In the street our hostel was on there was an extremely loud (i.e. megaphones) and crazy market that erupted around 10am, had a siesta between 2pm and 4pm and then they were back into it until about midnight. This market is a must to visit if you require Christmas decorations, TV antennas, your blood pressure checked, plugs and various other wares. We had to walk the gauntlet to get anywhere - we found the middle of the road the safest. Not understanding espanol makes it easier to ignore the yelling and whistling.

Went on a bus tour throughout the main areas of interest in Mexico City - was a good way of highlighting the parts worth visiting on our second stop in the city. Look forward to Mexico City - Part Two!

Next stop was Acapulco, a short 5 hour bus trip South of Mexico City - first class even (i.e. a toilet and a can of coke each). Huge beach resort adorned with a number of high rises along with a lot of Mexican, South American and gringo tourists. Many touts and pimps trying to sell us their wares. The margaritas were good at the Pirate bar (which of course we had to visit).

Had some beach time on the white sand, clear blue water beach. Got our first sunburn - another time for a good idea/bad idea - sitting out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. One of us had to guard our gear at all times - the number of people trying to sell us stuff was out of control and wearing pretty thin. Initial responses being "no gracias" soon changed to "NO, NO, NO (and you can add your own expletives)".

Took a day trip on a glass bottom boat to a nearby island - aptly named Isla de Fantasia! Had our first rum and coconut drink out of an actual coconut.

Everytime a coconut.

Ainsley went swimming - the Mexicans kept a 5 metre radius clear of the crazy gringo.

No mates.