My Driver

My driver and a hell of a guy...

Day 1

After an early wake up, I began my exploration of the central Historic District. A beautiful, sun-filled day and my first stop was the busy Zocalo square, Constitution Plaza  where in 1813 it was signed. 
I love the old architecture, Next stop is the Dominating Zócalo square, the massive Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María) is one of the oldest and largest churches in the western hemisphere. Built atop part of the old Aztec temple precinct, construction of this massive basalt and grey sandstone structure began in 1525 and extended over 250 years. In spite of the two neoclassical towers and certain other features, the facade creates a predominantly Baroque impression with its massive twisted columns, with particular highlights being the bell-towers added in 1793 and the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity on the clock tower dating from 1813. 
Took some pics then walked over to: 

The most important site is Templo Mayor, home to remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, including the first relic discovered in 1978, a finely sculpted round disc more than three meters in diameter and weighing eight-and-a-half tons. Further excavations - including the summit platform of an earlier pyramid with well-preserved temple walls along with the skulls of sacrificial victims - indicate the temple site had been built over by the Aztecs and their predecessors 11 times. A highlight of a visit is a walkway past the precinct of the aristocratic "winged warriors" where remains of residences decorated with multi-colored reliefs have been unearthed, along with evidence of the original paintwork. The disappoint was that they did not have them uncovered. 
The museum next to it was not as impressive as it had no signs in English to let you know what you were seeing.
I headed for a Starbucks and a snack the walked to the House of Tiles and one of Mexico City's most important cultural landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is an architectural gem. Towering over the adjacent park, this massive marble building - designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences - was completed in 1934 and is so heavy that it has sunk more than four meters, despite attempts to lighten it by removing part of its huge dome.
I walked back to the hotel to hotel to check out and grab a cab to IGH hotel.

Historic Center...

My hotel is located in the center of the city---The Historic Center.  I had forgotten that I was paying for the room so when offered a less expensive room over the suite, I took the suite.
A nice enough hotel. I unpacked my bag and headed out.
The big thing I noticed was how many jewelers of gold and silver when in the town.  I did get to see where the Starbucks was from the hotel.  It began getting colder and since it was already dark I headed back to the room. So I ordered some food from the room service menu.

Hampton Inn & Suites

I got a deal for one night and this hotel in the Historic District. I had a suite with easy walk everywhere. The hotel has a beautiful stained glass ceiling.

A Hell of a Day...

Getting to the Newark airport was easy after all it was 5:30 am. I was feeling anxious all morning. The Delta lounge was nothing special.  I landed in Atlanta on time. The Delta Lounge in the airport was large, comfortable and with good food. We landed on time in Mexico City. After leaving customs,  realized I did not have my phone. I went to the Delta station and they told me they could not find the phone. I cannot tell you how frustrating I felt in the moment. I wanted to go home and start over 😜  I got to the room and check all 24 pockets on my Scottevest and found my phone!!!

My Kitty Mr. Pepper wanted to come with me.

Excellent Red Velvet Cheesecake in Business Class.

Aztec Ruins

I did the Incas, the Mayans and finally the Aztecs

Aztec Empire

Having visited the Inca's In Peru, The Mayan's in Central America and Mexico, I finally take on the Aztecs!