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Falling in Love With Mexico City: A Traveler’s Journey
As someone who’s visited 52 countries (and counting), I thought I had a solid grasp of what to expect when exploring new destinations. Yet, my recent trip to Mexico City left me unexpectedly smitten.
This wasn’t my first time in Mexico. I’ve explored the beaches and Mayan pyramids of the Yucatán, wandered through Guadalajara, rode horses and donkeys throughout Jalisco, relaxed in Cabo San Lucas, and even ventured to Tijuana. But Mexico City had always been a fleeting stop — an airport layover on my way elsewhere. Until now.
I recently spent 10 days in Mexico City, and for the first time, I stepped beyond the airport to discover a city brimming with life, culture, and history. I didn’t just visit — I fell in love.
A City of Surprises
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The city has a reputation for being massive, chaotic, and, depending on who you ask, unsafe. While I can confirm its size and energy are undeniable, I was pleasantly surprised by how safe it felt. I stayed aware of my surroundings and avoided drawing too much attention to myself — no small task for someone with my fair complexion — but I never felt uneasy.
Beyond the safety, Mexico City surprised me with its cleanliness and sheer diversity of experiences. From historic landmarks…